The Price

Chapter 1

"Overdue.  Overdue.  Final notice.  Overdue.  Fuck my life…" Elliana groaned, slamming her forehead down on the rickety wooden table she currently sat at. 

Piles upon piles of bills lay before her and she had no idea what to do about any of it.  If only she could find a decent paying job instead of the 9-5 crappy one she had.  No benefits.  Shitty insurance.  Minimum wage at 40 hours a week, paid bi-weekly, SUCKED.

"I'm so screwed.  How the fuck am I supposed to get ahead and now rent is breathing down my neck again…" Grabbing her cell phone, which was a flip since she couldn't afford any of the newer models, Elliana made a call to the only person who would hear her out.  Her best friend – Kairi. "Kai, I'm in trouble…I don't think I'm gonna be able to make our coffee date tomorrow unless you buy…" Again.

Kairi drummed her freshly manicured fingernails on the faux marble counter of her kitchen, staring at the cupboard as she contemplated her friend.  This was becoming a regular occurrence, her buying coffee.  She knew Elliana worked hard, damn hard, but that job was a very quick trip to nowhere and here Ellie was – NOWHERE. "I'll buy." She ran her tongue along her bottom teeth as she considered the idea slowly rolling around her brain. "I have something I want to talk to you about anyway.  Nothing bad." She then added quickly, just in case her friend got the wrong idea. "Just something that might be able to help you out of your predicament." It wasn't like finding jobs was easy, not when there were so many other people ready and willing to step into one's position, even if it was for peanuts.  City life was like living in a shark tank at times. "Usual time?"

"At this point, I will take any advice you have to offer.  I'm sinking faster than the fucking Titanic here." Elliana admitted, chewing her bottom lip thoughtfully. 

Kairi lived in a posh condo on the better side of Las Vegas and she always wondered how her friend managed to make it work.  They had the same type of job, but for some reason, Kairi made far more than Elliana and it was…a little unnerving, to say the least.  Maybe she was a tad jealous of her friend too.

Kairi had her ways, not that she advertised them.  She already knew she would wind up judged for how she got her extra bank, but the City of Sin was ridiculously expensive, and a girl had to live.  Bills got paid, she had food, and then… then she had money in her bank account.  She worked her 9-5 at the same company as Elliana and then there was her totally legal, yet perhaps socially stigmatized, side business.

"Okay good." Kairi's tone softened, though she was careful to keep the pity from her out of it. "Do you need some cash until payday, Ellie?" She offered, knowing this biweekly pay bit wasn't helping pay the bills NOW.

Frowning, Elliana already owed Kairi money from a previous amount she had borrowed, which was almost paid off.  She really didn't want to add more stress and debt in her life. "No, that's all right.  I'll be fine until payday." Flat lie.  Sometimes, Elliana wished she could swallow her pride and accept the help when offered, but she had to stand on her own two feet.  Whatever idea Kairi had would help her, hopefully. "Same time tomorrow.  I gotta go, though.  Gotta be up bright and early for another fun-filled day at the shithole."

"Ugh…"

Kairi rolled her eyes, glancing at the clock and sighed, knowing she needed to be heading to bed too.  She imagined their higher-ups thought they were posh or something, coming in nicely dressed.  If those miserable, Scrooge-like bastards knew that upper-class thrift shops were a thing.  That's where she got all her work attire; there was no way, side gig or not, she could afford some of these business clothes at their original floor prices.

"Why must you say such terrible things to me?" She whined, hearing Elliana echoing it. "Love you girl, see you tomorrow."

She made a mental note to take a few extra bills, just in case Elliana changed her mind about needing a float.  Hopefully, after tomorrow, Elliana would have a new option to break this cycle of poverty.  That or Kairi would be without her best friend.

"Night, sweetie."

Elliana hung up and tossed her phone to the side on the couch, scrubbing a hand down her face.  She really didn't want to go to work tomorrow, but the bills had to be paid somehow.  Coffee would be during their lunch breaks, which was an hour, surprisingly enough.  Their offices were only a block away from each other, so it was easy to meet up during that time.  After a quick shower, Elliana crawled into bed and pushed all the overdue bills out of her mind, for the time being, really needing to get a good night's sleep for a change.  She had NO idea what tomorrow would bring or the idea Kairi had for her.

Kairi knew why they got such a ‘generous' lunch break.  It was about the ONLY perk this job had.  The pay sucked and, in this city, was NOT a living wage.  Most of their coworkers had roommates or second jobs.  When interviewing new hires, the recruiter would emphasize ‘perks', such as an hour-long break.  Not paid either.  If one didn't clock off for their break, they wound up getting it subtracted from their check.  There was NO overtime at this place.  Sometimes, Kairi wondered why they didn't take their butts to a proper casino and get a job at one of those joints.  They were good looking women; they'd get decent tips if they could waitress or something.

Hell, maybe she'd get her license to work the tables.

~!~

Seven AM came way too fast for Elliana's liking.  She sighed, looking up at the building and felt dread form in the pit of her stomach.  How could this law firm get away with treating their employees so horribly?  She was an administrative assistant that made minimum wage when she should've been making WAY more than that.  Nine dollars an hour for an administrative assistant…shaking her head, she headed inside with great reluctance to start her day.  Hopefully, it would fly by and she'd be on her coffee date with Kairi before long.

"Big man is on the floor today, so please fix your hair." Her boss, Colby Lopez, who was an underling himself, said by way of greeting, his dark eyes raking over Elliana's attire.

Why did the woman never wear clothing that fit her form better?  He snorted, hiding his disdain.  She'd be such a looker if she'd take better care of herself.  Then again, if she took better care of herself, she'd probably be working somewhere else and he rather liked having these idiots doing what needed to be done at the pay rate they seemed to accept.  Made his own yearly raises a bit… bigger.  Colby doubted the ‘Boss' would even look twice at anything, however, he made very rare appearances and acted like he cared about what was going on.  Colby would LOVE to own this place since he ran it anyway.  Why shouldn't he have ALL the perks?  He was paid handsomely to make sure everything ran smoothly and nothing troublesome ever made it to the big man's desk.  As if the man was ever actually at a desk, but still… he curbed his inner thoughts, realizing some of those darker musings might've shown on his face.  Flashing Elliana what was meant to be a charming smile, his brown eyes turned warm, though it was all a front.

Her black hair was pulled back in a neat, tight bun with just a few hair wisps sticking out that were barely noticeable.  Her face had makeup on it, foundation, black liner, and gloss since appearance was important in a law firm.  Her outfit was simple black dress pants and a short-sleeved buttoned up blouse that was tucked in neatly, not accentuating any part of her body.  It was also black.  There was no point in wearing color when her world was dark and, honestly, black was her favorite color.  It looked the most flattering on her since she was a thick woman and not a Barbie doll like the other women that worked here.  Still, Elliana simply nodded, not showing how much disdain she felt towards Colby Lopez, her manager, and stood up from her desk to start ‘fixing' her hair to the best of her ability.

"Is this acceptable, sir?" She asked not even a minute later, having sprayed the top of her hair down with water to make the little wisps of hair stick to the rest of her hair for the moment.

Was that really the best this woman could do?  Colby simply nodded, waving a hand dismissively at her as he adjusted the collar of his undershirt.  He was already dressed to the nines in a form-fitting, tailored business suit that accented his fit body quite nicely.  Suits like these were expensive as hell, but with the raises he got, he could afford the best, unlike some people.  He eyed Elliana thoughtfully, she wasn't his normal type of woman.  Colby preferred them with a little less… padding, but her curves were pretty damn good when she showed them off properly.  Which was… maybe once a season.  He figured those days were laundry days or something because Elliana did not dress to show off the few assets she had.

"Don't slack today." He warned, bouncing on the heels of his glossy black wingtip dress shoes, before adjusting his tie and headed out to make sure everyone was doing what they were supposed to be.  If by chance, the owner decided to do more than a cursory look, which he highly doubted because the man was an oblivious idiot, Colby wanted to show that he had this.

Rolling her eyes, after Colby turned his back fully to her, Elliana immediately sat back down to get back to work.  She was one of the few people in the law firm that NEVER slacked.  Not once.  There were women that would use the Internet to check their Facebooks and social media accounts, but not her.  Elliana didn't even have a Facebook because she didn't believe in social media and all the hype around it.  Maybe that was due to the fact she didn't grow up surrounded by technology as these younger people did.  She was in her 30's and struggled financially because of the lame owner of this company, which wasn't her fault.  Biting back a scowl, she began letting her fingers fly over the keys of the keyboard and her eyes on the screen, answering the phone when it rang since it was part of her job.  Elliana made sure to keep her voice perfectly pleasant and professional.

Jonathan Good hated coming here.  To be honest, he hated owning a law firm and, most of the time, he still couldn't understand how HE, of all people, had managed to become the owner of a place like this.  Oh right… he had attended college at the behest of his Uncle, who had raised him and pulled him from obscurity, graduated and passed the bar, and then did his ‘time' as a lawyer before winding up promoted through to a position he probably didn't deserve.  Now he owned the law firm, but no longer actively practiced.  Jon had senior partners, junior lawyers, and then the staff… the lawyers handled their business through their own in-house hierarchy and his staff was handled by Colby Lopez, who seemed to be doing fantastic in his managerial position.  Well, that was what the expense reports told Jon anyway.  About the only time he got involved was when a high-profile case required his signature somewhere.  Sighing, he slid the sunglasses up on top of his head from his ice blue eyes, letting his gaze sweep the floor.

"Sir, sir, I understand your frustration, I really do, but…" Elliana trailed off as the man on the other line began screaming at the top of his lungs at her about nobody ‘understanding' how he was feeling.  His case had been thrown out on a bogus ‘technicality' and he was threatening to sue the firm now. "Sir, if you could…" Not realizing who was walking down the hallway toward her, Elliana finally couldn't take any more grief or being screamed at. "SIR!" That shut up the angry man temporarily. "When you've calmed down and want to talk about this rationally, I will direct you to my superior, but until then, I have too much work to do to deal with being screamed at.  Good day." She promptly hung up the phone and popped two aspirin for her pounding headache.

A second later, her bottle of water was being waved in her face.  Jon watched, whoever this woman was, took it without thinking, swallowed down her pills, and then looked up at him.  He felt slightly amused, seeing her own realization that she had just screamed at someone with an audience around, wondering idly if that was usual.  He parked his backside on the edge of her desk, glancing at the paperwork neatly organized.  She was one of Colby's lackeys apparently.

"Where's Lopez?" He asked, trying and failing to keep the boredom from his tone.

Jon had been here long enough to see that everything was functioning, the people were dressed appropriately and seemed relatively pleased with their jobs.  He was ready to acknowledge his middle man and bail.  She was a minimalist, pleasant enough to look at, and that smile was very professional.  Just the right hint of warmth to make it almost real.  He stood up, already dismissing her.

Shit, Elliana thought as she shut her eyes because she knew EXACTLY who this was.  She hadn't yelled at the man on the phone, just spoke sternly to him…right?  Maybe not. "Mr. Lopez is seeing to other issues, Mr. Good." That made him stop and, slowly, he turned around to face her with those electric blues piercing a hole through her.  Or so it felt like. "I apologize you had to see that, sir." What else was she supposed to say to the head honcho of this law firm? "Would you like me to call him up here for you?" She was Colby's administrative assistant – lackey – and only answered to him.  This, however, was Jonathan Good, the owner, and Elliana refused to show him the slightest disrespect. "Or is there something I can do for you?"

Jon's eyes roamed her again, briefly scanning her from the tips of her shoes and then back up until his barely concealed bored gaze met hers. "No.  There isn't." He replied in a quiet, flat tone and turned, continuing down the hallway.  He didn't need Lopez to conduct a walkthrough of the workplace.  Even if he was hardly ever here, he still knew what he was doing. "That'll be all, Miss." His tone was polite, firm, and indifferent. 

He was already looking around, moving away from her.  Everything seemed in order, so he was going to slip away and leave it to his absentee manager.   No doubt Lopez had his finger on another part of this beast's pulse.  Colby Lopez was ambitious and took his career seriously, which was what made him great to run things for Jon.  However, Jon had boredom issues and other things he would definitely rather be doing than come in here and pretend he cared, which was why Colby Lopez was in the current position he had at the law firm, to begin with.

Chapter 2

"Mr. Good." Colby had gone to retrieve a coffee, figuring he needed the extra jolt today. His eyes dart to Elliana and then back to his own boss. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting…" Fuck his life.

"Mmm." He pursed his lips, shrugging one broad shoulder. "I've already covered this floor, you can start preparing the books and I'll just take your little assistant with me on the rest of the review." Wicked amusement flashed in his otherwise flat eyes at the look that flickered over Colby's face.

Elliana was so glad she hadn't taken a drink of her water, which she was getting ready to do, because it would've sprayed all over the place. "E-Excuse me?" She stammered out, staring up at Jonathan Good with wide emerald eyes, also glad she hadn't been holding paperwork. 

It too would've been all over the floor.  Granted, Elliana knew everything about this floor due to the fact she was the lead Administrative Assistant.  Again, the pay blew for everything she did with her job and this rich mother fucker was the reason for her horrible pay.  Her eyes went to Colby, who did not look pleased with this news and it showed in his dark chocolate eyes that were hard and somewhat cold.

"Sir?"

Colby actually wished she hadn't done that, shown deference to him in front of the actual owner.  Admittedly, he was pleased with it; it showed she was loyal to him and she should be, he had been very good to her.  Obviously.  She was well-fed, dressed mostly decent… this job seemed to suit her and being his assistant worked for her, but Jon was not someone to blatantly do that too.

"Attention back here, darlin'." Jon's fingers snapped, gathering her attention and his nostrils flared as he studied her thoughtfully. "Lopez can man the phones while he pulls up the reports."

"I've got it, Elliana." There went his balls, his pride, and his fist clenched at his side before he relaxed it, smoothing out his face. "Mr. Good tours the rest of the floor and usually expects a progress report on our current cases." All of which she'd know about since she filed a lot of paperwork.

If she screwed this up, he would fire her.

What the hell was going on?  What was happening?  Colby did NOT look happy at all and Mr. Good looked ready to blow his stack from the way those nostrils flared. "All right, sir." Colby demanded to be called that, which was why she kept referring to him by the pet name. 

Mr. Lopez and especially Colby did NOT fly with her boss.  This was her boss's boss though, the head honcho and he was currently staring a hole right through her, making Elliana very uncomfortable.  Progress reports…she knew all about them and could inform Mr. Good on everything he needed to know to the best of her ability.  Hopefully. I'm so dead, she thought, when those electric blues continued studying her.

"Just let me grab – um – my folder and we'll be on our way…"

Colby promptly handed it to her and the look on his face warned her NOT to screw this up.  That just made Elliana swallow past the razor knives lodged in her throat, or so that's what it felt like before being whisked off by Mr. Good.  He had a long stride, not even bothering to slow down for her shorter legs as he listened to the woman begin to fill him in on where the firm stood on specific cases.  Most of them, he barely remembered, he had other things he preferred to focus his attention on. It occurred to him, if his board ever got it in their heads that they were tired of his absenteeism, they could probably force him to resign as CEO, owner, with a hefty severance and Colby Lopez could step up.  However, they all seemed content in their roles and his company was flourishing; he doubted they wanted to rock the boat.

"What's your surname?" He interrupted her droning, sparing a glance down at her as they rounded the hall corner.  Jon didn't know her well enough to call her by her first name and even he was aware that referring to her as ‘it' or ‘woman' or ‘darlin'' wouldn't fly long.

It took Elliana a moment for her brain to compute what he was asking her. "Long, sir.  Elliana Long." She answered with a slight hesitation in her voice and felt her heart leap in her throat when Mr. Good stepped up to her. 

She stood at a petite 5'5 and he was at LEAST 6 feet tall.  More than that, but she couldn't put her finger on the actual height.  One thing was certain, Mr. Good was a lot taller than Colby Lopez, who stood barely at 6 feet even.  This man did NOT know what personal space was about either, she noticed, though Elliana kept her thoughts to herself and kept a small smile on her face the entire time.

He was 6'4 and had the physique to go with his height.  For a long time, he had been healthy enough but not necessarily toned.  He had taken some downtime and changed all that.  Beneath his uncomfortably posh clothing, he was chiseled and in the best shape of his life.  She was almost an entire foot shorter than him and he inwardly sighed before slowing his stride to match hers.  He was probably working those legs of hers out, forcing her match his pace.

"Do you like your job, Ms. Long?" She hadn't indicated Miss or Mrs.  So…and no ring on her finger, he had noted that.  He was making polite conversation and assumed she did since she was here. "Where are we on the DeWitt case?" He then asked, not bothering to wait for an answer about her happiness levels with her job.  Jon would make his assumptions his answers and, honestly, if she didn't like it here, he doubted she'd be working here. 

There were obviously other places a woman could work in this city.

The DeWitt case was about the only one he actually paid attention too and that was mainly due to the fact that the sleaze bag -they were prosecuting him, not defending him- had attacked and tried to sexually assault a minor.  Given where Jon had come from, which was not Vegas, and his background prior to his Uncle stepping in, he had a hard spot for pedophiles.  He'd be damned if one got off on a technicality, on his watch, with his firm.

Elliana didn't bother answering his mediocre question about liking the job or not.  Honestly, she wanted to tell him where he could shove this job, but she needed it too much for survival.  However, she wasn't a kiss-ass and never would be, only doing what was instructed of her, within reason, and her job to the best of her ability.  That was all she really cared about while working at the law firm.  It made her wonder how Jonathan Good slept at night, knowing he was paying his employees minimum wage while other law firms throughout the city started their administrative assistants at far more.

"The trial is set for next week and Mr. Lopez has been overseeing it personally, as instructed.  They are giving us a 95% chance of walking away with a victory." She stopped when he did and swallowed hard at the intensity in his eyes. "T-That's what Mr. Lopez told me and it's in the notes here too…" She continued in a quieter voice and didn't dare avert her gaze from Mr. Good.  He did NOT look thrilled with the 95% ratio, but there was always a small chance any scumbag could walk free.  It all depended on the judge and jury.

Now, in any other situation, Jon would have taken the 95% as a guaranteed win, but for something like this… no. "And he didn't offer a plea bargain, did he?" He asked quietly, knowing Colby wasn't the one handling the case exactly.  That was a lawyer's job, but Colby was the one who would instruct whether or not to make that call if a plea bargain were to be offered.  And if he had, it would have been against Jon's wishes because Jon did not negotiate with murderers, pedophiles or rapists, especially when it involved children. 

Ninety-five percent…he snorted, he wanted this 100% in the bag.

Tossing Colby under the proverbial bus wouldn't be the smart thing to do, but there was NO WAY in HELL Elliana would lie to the head honcho either. "According to this, he did offer a plea bargain…" She actually jumped back when Mr. Good let out a loud growl that echoed down the hall.  If her eyes were any bigger, they would've no doubt fell out of her skull. "T-That's why it's a 95% chance because his sentence will be a lot lighter if the plea bargain is accepted…" Another loud growl made her eyes avert to the floor because there was blue FIRE spitting out of Mr. Good's by now. 

Great – she was so fired for this.

"You might want to make yourself scarce, Ms. Long.  This review is over, and I need to have words with Lopez."

Jon was not amused.  Jon was not all right.  Jon was royally ticked off.  Colby knew his policy, they didn't plea bargain with people like DeWitt.  EVER.  Maybe this was why he had grown to hate being a lawyer and really didn't overly care how his firm was run, outside of his one basic rule, because he hadn't liked the politics of it.  His Uncle, while a decent man, had taken wins how he could get them.  Wins looked good, attracted good clients, but Jon had cared about how he got those wins.  He had become disillusioned rather quickly and disillusionment had turned to indifference as time went on.

"Go grab a coffee or something." He muttered, already walking by her, heading back the way they had come.

All Elliana could do was stand there and watch him walk away, looking like a regular fish out of water.  What the hell had she just done?  Why did she tell him that?!  Again, he was the owner and had asked her a direct question she couldn't lie about.  Hell, Jonathan probably would've checked over the notes and paperwork, so she would've been caught in a lie and fired.  Throwing Colby under the bus…she cringed and looked at her watch, seeing it was lunchtime anyway.  Good, it was the perfect time to escape and go meet with Kairi for their coffee date as she scurried her backside to her desk, grabbed her purse and hightailed it out of there.  Colby was already in his office and she could HEAR Jonathan Good screaming at the man from behind closed doors on her way out.

Colby was cringing in his chair as Jon, who had his palms flat against his desk, bent over and bellowed in his face.  What the hell had Elliana been thinking, spilling the beans about the plea bargain?!  What did it matter how they got the win so long as they won?!

~!~

Kairi was all smiles when she spotted Elliana coming, though the smile faltered somewhat as she took in her friend.  Elliana looked… she wasn't sure how to describe it.  Concerned, a bit frazzled and harried and she bit her bottom lip.  She had left the office before the blow-up with Mr. Good and Mr. Lopez took place, so she had no idea what was going on.

"Is everything okay?" She asked cautiously, wondering what could have gotten Elliana looking like this. 

Granted, the job was lousy due to the lack of proper pay and benefits, but…. It was still early in the day, right?  Well, not right, really.  Then again, Elliana was probably behind on every bill again, she had every right to look stressed out.  Hopefully, Kairi could offer a way out of that never-ending poverty cycle.

"No, no nothing is okay.  I'm so screwed.  I'm fucked three ways from Sunday, Kai."

Elliana plopped down in the chair in front of her friend and slammed her forehead against the table, groaning.  She had just put the proverbial knife in her coffin and there was no turning back or making things right.  When Kairi asked what happened, Elliana launched into the incredibly weird and surreal morning she'd had.

"I fucked up.  I threw Lopez under the bus and I didn't mean to, but I wasn't about to lie to Mr. Good either.  No fucking way.  He would've read the plea bargain in the paperwork and would've fired me on the spot.  But now I might be fired anyway because of Lopez…" Unless Mr. Good protected her job, which Elliana highly doubted would happen.

Kairi only understood about a third of that, her eyes widening with each word that tumbled from Elliana's lips. "Okay, wait, hold on." She made a time-out gesture with her hands, nodding when the waiter asked if they wanted their ‘usual'.  They came here at least once a week and had been for over a year; they were regulars. "You met Jonathan Good?  The owner?  For real?" She recoiled at the look she was flashed and mentally slapped herself. "Okay, right, wrong question.  How… how did you throw Lopez under a bus?  I don't understand, what happened?" She listened patiently as Elliana recounted what had happened, beginning to pale.  Everyone knew Good's policy when it came to anything involving children and Lopez had screwed up. "Um… how do you know he won't fire Lopez instead?  Maybe you're overthinking this?" She suggested meekly, wondering if Lopez would manage to cling to his job, but she just couldn't see it.

"Because I couldn't get that lucky.  Believe me when I tell you Lopez is a snake in the grass and a slimy bastard.  He'll do whatever Mr. Good wants just to keep his job.  You should've heard Mr. Good screaming at him on my way out the door." Elliana shuddered at the memory, making a mental note NOT to get on Mr. Good's bad side.  EVER.  The man was frightening when he was angry. "He's going to tell Lopez what I did.  I only did my job though and I wasn't about to lie to the OWNER of the law firm!  The man responsible for paying me in the first place.  Not happening." She took a long sip of coffee and shut her eyes, taking a deep, shaky breath. "Change of subject, please.  What idea were you hinting at last night?"

Kairi couldn't understand Jonathan Good.

The man paid them peanuts, almost literally, but had this moral stick up his backside when it came to kids.  It made no sense; it was a stupid oxymoron and she wondered if the man was just an idiot, who had fumbled his way to the top of the food chain.  Probably, that was usually how it worked out.  Idiots getting to the top by climbing on the backs of the true workers; the true wheels of the business – people like her and Elliana.  Life wasn't fair and that was a fact.

"Well…"

The only downside to this, if Elliana decided to give it a go, was the fact the woman didn't have Internet.  That was a bit of a requirement or at least access to Wi-Fi for the phone, but Ellie also had a flip.  It was time she upgraded to a damn android or iPhone.  Well, one issue at a time.

"You know we get paid practically nothing… and yet, I got nice clothes, hair done, bills always paid and money to spare." She wasn't bragging. "Um, I have a little side hustle, which is why I'm doing better, even though we work the same job." She took a deep breath. "Have you ever heard of WhatsYourPrice.com?" Kairi was not surprised when Elliana simply shook her head. "Well…" She took another deep breath before launching into an explanation.

Chapter 3

Elliana listened intently, no judgment at all on her face, just sheer curiosity.  Basically, in a nutshell, she would need the Internet and put herself on this site for bidders to take her out on a date…of sorts.  It was an escort service, only the rules were laid out beforehand and absolutely no sex had to happen.  When Kairi admitted how much this ‘side hustle' raked in on a weekly basis, Elliana's eyes nearly fell out of her head and her jaw dropped to the table, possibly even the floor.

"You're shitting me.  Please tell me you're shitting me right now." This was insane…and sounded perfect all at the same time. "What happens if nobody is interested though?"

"Then you don't get money."

Technically, it was an escort service in theory, but the way the website and wording were set up, it was all legal and there was no sex involved nor to be expected.  That was left at the discretion of the people and nothing sexual, like promising sex for money, was to be done on the website.  That was where they covered their backsides to make it a legitimate, LEGAL business.

"Look, you make a profile, upload a picture of at least your body, and lay out what you're expecting and what you're willing to do.  I got a few regulars now; they're mostly older guys, who just want to go out with a good-looking woman from time to time, and… why not get paid for it?  They treat me well and I'm not sleeping with any of them.  You can use my Internet and my laptop."

Chewing her bottom lip, Elliana contemplated the offer and had to admit, it sounded almost too good to be true.  Uploading a picture of her body, however, was troublesome because Elliana didn't think of herself as beautiful or desirable.  Hell, she couldn't even remember the last time she went on a date or had sex since she was a bit of a recluse.  Would that matter being part of a legal escort service?

"What do you mean a picture of your body?  Like a pose or…can you wear clothes for the picture, or do they want to see what you have underneath?"

"Wear something nice that shows off your figure; it doesn't have to be sexy or slutty, just nice.  I'm telling you, anything overly sexual gets flagged and the website administration monitors all communication that is done through their e-mail system.  It's for their protection and yours.  They can't ask you for nudes, not on the site anyway, and anyone who harasses you off the site, you can report them.  You're just letting a man pay you cash for the pleasure of your company.  You'd be surprised at how many of these guys are actually decent and lonely, or just don't have time for traditional shit." Kairi smiled when their coffees were set down before them, reaching for hers. "Think about it, okay?"

Would it really work for her though?  Kairi was ten times more beautiful than Elliana and it was obvious she enjoyed doing this side hustle business.  Elliana didn't know if she was cut out or if she could even be someone's pleasurable company.

"I will.  I promise and I'll let you know by tonight if I decide I want to do it."

They would have to meet up on their days off, which was the weekend, to get her profile set up and everything.  Christ…was she actually considering doing this?!  Taking a sip of her coffee, Elliana's phone suddenly rang, and it was the office – Colby Lopez – demanding her to come back immediately.  Her lunch was being cut short today. "I'm on my way, sir." She smiled apologetically at a confused Kairi and stood up, sucking in a shaky breath. "Lopez wants me back.  Says he needs to talk to me about something." They both knew what that ‘something' was. "I'll call you tonight with my final answer on this.  Thanks again for telling me about it." They hugged and she took off out the door, going as fast as her pumps would allow.

Kairi hoped, as she watched Elliana rushing off like her backside was on fire and, figuratively it was, she didn't view this as pimping herself out for sex.  She knew how that went; it had been one of her own initial hang-ups.  Sighing, she leaned back in her chair and drained her cup.

Colby Lopez was such a dick.

~!~

A colossal dick.  Jon had left not too long ago, and Colby had just barely managed to calm himself down before Elliana got there.  He smiled grimly at her, gesturing towards his office and watched as her shoulders hunched defensively, resignation dripping from her every pore as she walked inside.  He followed, closing the door behind him.

"Have a seat." He ordered, rolling up his shirtsleeves.  Colby had just BARELY hung onto his job and it had involved so much ass kissing, his lips were now chapped.

Elliana knew what was coming.  She could practically TASTE it and held her hand up before Colby could get a single word out. "I'm fired, right?  That's why you called me in here." She didn't bother making that a question or asking, finally looking up into those cold, calculated dark eyes of Lopez.

"Without severance pay.  Your termination is based on insubordination to your superior and you have exactly a half hour to clean out your desk and leave the building."

"Insubordination how, exactly?  All I did was answer the OWNER of this company's question.  I don't see that as insubordination at all.  In fact, I think you're just angry because you didn't tell the OWNER, your BOSS I might add, what was going on with that case." Elliana figured since she was fired, she could finally stand up to this colossal dick once and for all and stood up from her chair, squaring her shoulders. "Here's a real reason to fire me – ready?  You're a fucking dickhead, who doesn't care about anyone except himself and you are a sorry excuse for a manager and human being.  THERE.  THAT'S grounds for termination, Mr. Lopez."

"Oh, you mean you voluntarily quit, is that what you're saying, Ms. Long?" Colby's eyes grew wicked as he stared down at her, more amused than anything, planting his palms on the desk, so he towered over her.  He wasn't letting this pudgy, midget woman try to intimidate him; it just wasn't happening. "So not only do you want no severance, but you want to ruin your shot for any unemployment you may have?  And just so you're informed, if you try using this place as a reference for any future employment, I doubt they'll appreciate the information I provide them." He was a bastard and admitted it.

She had nearly cost him his very cushy job.

Smiling sweetly back at him, Elliana folded her arms in front of her chest, wondering briefly if Mr. Good had put him up to this. "No, I'm not quitting anything.  You just said my termination is based on insubordination to my superior.  For the record, you are NOT my superior, you are just my lowlife manager and you don't own any part of this company.  That's Mr. Good.  And you also just said I get no severance, so, therefore, you HAVE already fired me.  And you did say to clean my desk out, so again, that sounds a lot like you're firing me as well.  So, if you want me out of here, you're firing me.  And if you try to put that on any paperwork, I WILL sue this company for wrongful termination when all I did was my job, COLBY.  I don't care how high and mighty you think you are, but you are NOT going to bully and push me around.  Until you actually fire me, I'm still an employee here, so either let me get back to work or let me go clean my desk out.  The choice is yours, SIR.  So, am I fired, or do I get back to work?  Because I don't quit." Ever.

"Go pack your shit and get out, not like you'll collect much on unemployment." Colby snorted, waving his fingers at her dismissively. "I'll be glad to see you gone; you were just barely decent at your job."

That was probably why he had never bothered giving her a raise.  Minimal work got minimal recognition.  It never occurred to him that he was firing perhaps the best assistant he ever had; he was too pissed for that, for her running mouth to the wrong people.  Namely Jonathan Good and that just made Colby's blood boil all over again because he had been ordered to ‘fix this' and do it the ‘right way'.  Jesus, this broad was costing him.

"I'll be sure to notify unemployment as well on how I was fired and sent off.  Very unprofessional, Mr. Lopez.  You better watch your step, or you will be the next one fired.  Mr. Good wouldn't take kindly to hearing how you go about firing people, I'm sure.  Just food for thought since you like keeping things from your boss and all.  Good day."

Bowing her head mockingly, Elliana walked out of his office and shut the door behind her before going to her desk to start packing up.  That offer from Kairi was a no-brainer now since she was unemployed and on the verge of being evicted.  As soon as she was outside and on her way to her car, Elliana finally let the tears slide down her cheeks she'd been holding back while texting Kairi, asking if she could start this process tonight.  The reason was obvious, and she didn't even have to voice it aloud or tell Kairi herself. 

The woman already knew what happened.

Colby made sure to let security know that Elliana Long had been fired and was no longer allowed on the premises, not that he was overly concerned she'd come back.  She was sassy and ballsy, but he had seen the hint of despair in her eyes before she had about-faced and walked out.  He put her out of mind and got back to work; he had a mess to unravel thanks to that no longer employed bitch.

Since Kairi was still, or about to be anyway, on the clock, she shot back a quick reply letting Elliana know what time she'd be home and reminded her friend to dress nice.  She'd take the picture and then added that she'd also pick up something for them to have for dinner.  Some wine would be added to that because she had a feeling Elliana would need it.

Something nice.  What the hell was she supposed to wear exactly?  Sighing, Elliana sifted through her clothes and came across a black lace dress that went to mid-thigh with a tan underlay.  It was sleeveless and elegant enough to warrant being on a date, she supposed.  Where had she worn this dress before though?  Was it on a date?  She couldn't remember and figured since it was black, it would do. 

After a shower and shave, she slipped the dress on before doing her makeup, going just a little heavier on the black liner than normal.  She twisted her hair and pulled it back in some sort of style, letting a few tendrils frame her unblemished face.  Kairi was going to get a kick out of what she said to Colby, but that would be AFTER they started her profile on this website.  Slipping her black pumps on that had a peep toe, Elliana glanced in the mirror one final time before heading out to her friend's condo across town, shouldering her purse on the way to her car.

Kairi was still in work attire when Elliana showed up and, from the way her friend looked, Kairi was guessing the other woman had spent quite a bit of time on how she looked.  It definitely paid off because Elliana was a knock-out.  She was naturally gorgeous, but when she accented her features and emphasized her curves, men and even some women, tended to look twice.

"Hey." She smiled tiredly, holding up a bottle of wine that she had already opened.  Kairi had gotten as far as shedding her heels, her stocking covered feet making no noise as she led the way into her condo. "Lopez seemed extra bitchy after you left." Snorting, she headed for the kitchen, resuming filling the two glasses.  Their favorite takeout was sitting nice and neat on the counter, still steaming hot and unopened. "If only that rat bastard could see you now, he'd shit a brick."

"There's a reason for that.  He fired me in a very unprofessional way, and I left him with some choice words." When Kairi asked what exactly was said, Elliana reiterated the meeting with Lopez and wasn't surprised to see her friend laughing her backside off. "He actually tried spinning it to where I quit, and I called his ass out on it.  He didn't like that too much and I know he didn't think I had it in me to fight back.  I've been pushed too far with that shitty job and I'm ready for something different.  I've got nothing left to lose and if this doesn't work out, I'll be evicted." Pouring herself a much-needed glass of wine, Elliana took a long gulp of it and sat down at the nearby table, rubbing her temples with her fingers. "Is this get-up satisfactory?  It's the only ‘nice' thing I own…"

"It's you, and that's what counts here." Kairi reminded, after giving her friend another critical once-over. "This isn't about sex, this is about selling your company, not your body.  Most of these guys want a nice conversation with a gorgeous woman and lucky them, you're both beautiful and, when you want to be, a great conversationalist." She sat down at the table as well, reaching out to pull her laptop to rest between them, her own glass of wine resting to the side on a coaster. "Granted, there are those guys just looking for a piece, but you'll weed them out quick.  And never meet anyone for a date at night, not until you get to know them anyway and always somewhere public."

"Okay…"

Another swig of wine went down the hatch while Kairi fired her laptop up, stifling yawns.  She wouldn't stay too long since her friend still had a job.  They would try to get this done lickety-split and then she could get lost, so Kairi could get some rest.

"So, do you show your face or just your body?" Why wasn't she surprised when Kairi said it didn't matter? "Let's just do my body, then.  From the neck down.  If the guy likes my body, then surely he'll like my face?" That made Kairi laugh and Elliana blushed, not thinking of herself as drop-dead gorgeous unlike her friend helping her. "Okay, just tell me when you wanna take the shot.  And then I'll write out my profile."

"Out on the balcony, the city skyline will look nice." Kairi suggested, figuring the natural light emphasizing Elliana's curvy body would also be a real attraction to the men who were likely to look.  She began laughing when Elliana awkwardly posed, shaking her head. "Remember being a teen and doing selfies, and all those stupid poses?  Just like that, only no duck lips." She teased, snapping a few pictures before stopping. "Relax Ellie, just lean back and relax.  Think of your perfect vacation." She needed the brain to chill out, so the body would do the same. "White sand, sexy cabana boys, umbrellas in cute little drinks… Wait, that's my perfect vacation."

Elliana giggled softly, shaking her head and envisioned her perfect vacation, or maybe just a perfect day.  Lounging around in her pajamas with a fireplace going, a cup of hot java between her hands while watching the sunrise over the horizon outside of her huge bay window.  Maybe by an ocean, maybe not.  Honestly, she loved Vegas and the Red Rocks, so she pictured being there and her body began to react naturally to the photos that Kairi snapped.  When she opened her eyes and Kairi showed her a few of them, Elliana actually blinked and couldn't believe it was her.  They were all her.

"Wow.  You're a really good photographer, you know that, Kai?"

"Any woman with an Instagram is a good photographer." Kairi laughed, her humor a little self-deprecating, but that was how she was. "You know we got to learn which angles and all that, make ourselves look better than we are." After getting Elliana's seal of approval, she led the way back inside. "Let's eat while you go over your profile."

She stifled another yawn and set the camera down.  Once Elliana had set up her account, they could just upload from the memory card.  Kairi set out the white takeout boxes and plopped down, propping her chin in her palm as she pushed the laptop to her friend with her free hand.

"All right, you ready for this?"

Honestly, at this point, it wasn't like Ellie had anything left to lose.

Chapter 4

"Honestly?  I have no idea, but this may be my only shot at getting ahead in life for a change.  And I know you wouldn't steer me wrong and I trust you.  Besides," Elliana looked around the beautiful condo her friend had, tears filling her eyes. "I want this.  I want stability and security in my life.  I want to be confident and free just like you.  If that means I have to sell myself, my company, in order to gain what you have, or something close to it, so be it.  I'm willing to do just about anything at this point.  Now, what should I put for my profile?"

"Well, not that you're selling yourself."

Kairi had never been hung up on that.  She was selling the privilege of her company and, honestly, this whole thing made sense to her.  The dating pool and game were so pathetic, she had given up on it.  Apparently, so had a lot of people, and paying for time and just simple conversation was an alternative people were willing to commit too.  Some people were just lonely; some people just needed a date for some event they were nervous or afraid to go alone to.  Sometimes, knowing one was going to date someone after their money just made a lot of men more comfortable because they already knew where they stood.  It was both complicated and beautiful in its simplicity.

"Mine lists my hobbies, what I like to do in my downtime, and what I'm offering, which is the pleasure of my company minus sex.  I'm upfront about what I'm willing to offer," Which was absolutely nothing besides going out somewhere public; she didn't do ‘personal' favors or anything like that. "And it's working for me.  Just be honest."

"Okay."

Nodding, Elliana took over the laptop and thought about what she wanted her profile to say, deciding honesty was the best policy.  Just not…all the way.  The men she went on dates with, or who paid for her company, didn't need to know just how bad off she was financially.  Within a half hour, she had a damn near perfect profile set up, which included her love for taking walks and taking a drive out to Red Rock Canyon at night to stare up at the stars.  It sounded somewhat corny, but it was who she was, along with reading and a few other things.

"Looking for a gentleman, who wants the pleasure of my company with no expectations, just a clean, fun-filled evening without sexual activity involved of any kind." She read aloud, watching Kairi nod her head in acceptance. "Sound good?  Or too corny?"

"Well, the no sex part is a given, no soliciting for sexual favors on the website, remember?" Kairi reminded teasingly, though she was also nodding. "It's good, it's honest and real." Her experience had been with older men, men from money, and regular guys who were tired of playing the swipe right game.  The spam on dating sites and navigating to find romance in a city that was literally referred to as the City of Sin, Vegas was ghastly for normalcy in regards to relationships. "Once they approve it, it'll get posted and, within a day or so, you'll get some hits.  Now the only method of contact is through the e-mail you set up, but you'll get text alerts when you have a new e-mail.  Oh… Jesus, I'm getting ahead of myself here," Kairi was eating and talking at the same time now. "The only way you'll be talking to anyone through e-mail is if you and a bidder agree on the bidding price.  Then whoever he is will have to pay the unlock conversation fee," Which was one of the ways the website made money, apparently. "And then it goes from there.  You ready to do click submit and do this?"

"Ready as I'll ever be."

Elliana understood for the most part how this worked, even with Kairi's rambling.  To summarize, whoever bid on her would have to pay an unlock fee in order to speak with her AFTER the bidding price was agreed on.  Then the date would be set up and they would go from there and would talk if they wanted.  Elliana had unlimited mobile data on her phone since she didn't have Internet at her place at the moment, so at least she wouldn't miss out on any text alerts.

"Here goes nothing…" A second later, she clicked the submit button and shut her eyes, knowing there was no turning back. 

Now, the waiting game began.

Considering there was nothing against the website's policy in the profile, Kairi didn't see a problem in it being accepted. "Tomorrow morning, it'll probably be up."

She pulled her laptop back towards her while Elliana sat there, obviously still on the fence about this entire thing.  It worked, for some people anyway, and she was hoping it would at least help Elliana in some fast cast.  Sometimes, the amounts were low and crappy and not worth the time, others… well… she had learned what kind of man was worth investing her time in.  Elliana would too; the learning curve wasn't so bad, and her friend was as intelligent as she was gorgeous.

"You all right, Ellie?" Kairi asked quietly, watching those eyes slowly open.

"Far from it.  But I'll be all right." Elliana assured her friend, not wanting Kairi to worry anymore about her.  She was such a burden in this friendship, or that's what it felt like anyway. "I'm gonna go and let you get some rest.  You look bushed, Kai." She placed a hand on Kairi's shoulder and squeezed gently with a smile that didn't quite reach her emerald eyes. "I'll call you tomorrow after you're off work." Kairi nodded, letting out a fierce yawn and Elliana made her exit, heading back to her crappy studio apartment, hoping someone in Vegas reached out to her. 

She needed to make some cash fast.

Because she had known that there was no way Elliana would take any more money from her, Kairi had been sneaky.  She had used the rest of her lunch break to go down to the bank and then the local courier.

"Ms. Long?" Said courier was there to greet Elliana when she trudged to her apartment. "Package." He held out a clipboard with one hand, a pen attached and reached into his knapsack for the small parcel. "Thank you, ma'am." He took back the clipboard and gave her the parcel.

Neatly wrapped in tissue paper was a couple of hundred dollars.  Figuring Elliana would lose her job and money was needed NOW, Kairi wasn't above being upper handed and sneaky to help her friend.  Until she got some money coming in, Kairi was hoping this would help her friend stay afloat.

There was no name on the package, but Elliana had a feeling she knew who the money was from.  And it made her cry because Kairi had her back since day one.  They had only been friends for a couple of years and had met a week after she moved to the City of Sin.  Sighing heavily, Elliana set her phone on the nightstand and made sure it was plugged in, put the money in her purse securely and laid down to get some rest.  Today had been hellacious and she could only hope tomorrow would bring something new, exciting and better.

"Thanks, Kai." She whispered just as she drifted off to sleep, not bothering to change her clothing from sheer exhaustion.

Elliana's profile was approved within hours and live soon thereafter.

~!~

Of all the asinine things Jon had ever done, this was right on up there in his top three.  He kept himself busy enough, even with his habit of ignoring his business most of the time.  Maybe that would have to change, at least long enough for the DeWitt case to get through court.  He'd take a clean loss over a tainted win any day.  Snorting, Jon pushed that out of mind.  He should have fired Colby Lopez on the spot, but he hadn't.  Mostly because, for a good many years, Colby had done a great job of running things, so Jon didn't have too, which was how he preferred it.  It was his name on everything, but he didn't have to be there to keep the ship afloat all the time.

Working out.  Bicycling.  Mountain climbing.  All that was great, and he had a semi-okay social life.  Given his dislike of people in general and his social status as eccentric billionaire though, Bruce Wayne he was not, he was doing all right.  Except, even eccentric rich men got bored with the superficial dating scene and lonely.  It was lonelier still when he realized that the majority of women, when they found out who he was, were only interested in his name, money and so-called ‘success'.

It had been a joke his best, and probably only real, friend had made.  Try a dating site, one of those ‘Sugar Daddy' sites.  At least then he'd know what he was getting into and those women were honest about their intentions.  They were indeed after some money, but they were upfront about it.  Jon could respect that.  He had done his research and weeded out the places that were likely to lead to trouble both personal life wise and legally, and finally settled on this one.

WhatsYourPrice.com

"Here we go…" He muttered, reaching for his morning glass of orange juice tempered with just a hint of Vodka. 

Jon was out of his mind, but honestly, what did he have to lose?

Profile after profile was thrown in Jon's direction on the screen while he sipped his orange juice and Vodka.  Countless beautiful women looking to sell their company in exchange for dough.  It was Vegas and not out of the ordinary at all.  The sketchy profiles didn't show a picture, so they were quickly bypassed.  No, if a man was going to choose a profile on this site, he wanted to see what he was getting into first and foremost and the same went for women looking to bid on men.  It went both ways.

Jon quickly remembered why he hated large, artificial cities.  He loved Vegas, no doubt about it, but it wasn't the actual city itself so much as the natural scenery around it.  The mountains and valleys, the Red Rocks.  Jon hated fictitiousness and saw a lot of plastic surgery, plumped lips, fake blondes… ugh.  He was about to give up when he clicked onto the next profile.

An eyebrow rose. "Another drink first." Just to fortify himself.

Once back on his comfortable leather couch, another Screwdriver -breakfast of champions- before him, Jon proceeded to take in the few pictures.  They were all from the neck down, which seemed smart, but that body.  Jon was a man who liked a good, thick woman.  Not fat, not obese, but ‘thick', curves in all the right places, not someone who was going to be easily broken if things progressed to the bedroom.  And this woman had curves that made him subconsciously lick his lips.  She wasn't dressed like a whore or a Vegas showgirl; she was in nice enough attire.  It hugged her in all the right places, and she was likely shorter than him, but that was just par for the course.

"Too good to be true…" He muttered, scrolling down to read the profile.

Short, sweet and to the point.  There had to be a catch.  There were a few bids, nothing overly major and he hesitated.  The mouse pointer hovered over the bid button as he thought about it.  Was he really going to do this?  Pay a woman just to take her out?  Was he that desperate for company, for companionship?  Well, yes, he was tired of playing the guessing game, the fake drivel.  Jon wanted something where he knew where they stood right off the bat and this was… well, it met all those requirements.

Without a second thought, he placed his bid.

~!~

"Are you five-finger fucking me right now?"

Elliana gaped at the text message alert she just received.  Five men had bid on her already, but the last one had surpassed them all.  There was only a minute left for the bidding war, and she could not believe how much money the last person put down.  Was she even worth that amount?  Elliana watched the clock dwindle down to nothing until the highest bidder won, which was no surprise to her.  She recalled Kairi saying something about after the bid was done, the man would contact her to set up a time and place to meet, which also required him to pay a fee.  She immediately texted Kairi to let her know what was going on with trembling fingers. 

Maybe this wasn't a bad idea after all.

Kairi snuck a quick peek at her cell.  She was curious and had kept it on, but muted.  She figured, if anyone bid, Elliana would accept.  She gathered her friend had accepted the bid and was now waiting on the suitor to pay the fee to open a conversation.  Smirking, she tucked away her cell, more than impressed by the amount this bidder had plunked.  All walks, all types.

So maybe Jon had overbid, but he hadn't wanted to have to continuously watch the clock.  He had placed an excessively high bid and gone to workout.  Imagine his surprise when he returned an hour later to find out he had won the bidding and the woman had accepted his bid.  A towel draped around his neck, he dropped down to study the pop-up.  He was being congratulated and reminded that he now would have to pay a fee to send her a message.

"Well shit." He hadn't expected to get this far, maybe.  He paid it.  Now, what to say… "Damn."

Elliana swallowed hard when she received the first message from the winner and felt butterflies the size of Texas erupt in her stomach.

Hello there. Was the first message and she found it simplistic. 

Maybe that was good.  Maybe that was bad.  Elliana didn't know and there was only one way to find out. Hi. Again – simple but effective. 

She had no idea what else to say and continued cleaning her place, waiting for the next message to come through. 

Good thing her phone was fully charged.

What the hell… Jon was fairly new to this, maybe she wasn't.  Her membership status was less than a day, but maybe she had done this on another site.  Sighing, he stared at the keyboard for longer than he would've liked before deciding to cut to the chase.

I'm new to this and I'm terrible with small talk.  Are you free this Friday for an early dinner? There, that was good, right?  What was that from back when, in the early days of the Internet… ASL?  Age, sex and location?  He snorted humorlessly.

“Talk about cutting to the chase.”

Elliana was smiling, however, while reading the question, and she could tell the man was articulate.  He wasn't using a bunch of symbols or shortened letters to make a word.  She HATED that.  He wanted to meet up Friday, so did that mean she wouldn't get paid until Friday, which was three days away?

"Damn, I was hoping sooner than that…" Oh well, she would take what she could get at this point and the bid he provided was more than worth the wait. I'm new to this as well, honestly.  I'm not very good with small talk either.  Friday works for me; what time were you thinking? Elliana sent back after a few minutes of contemplating how she wanted to word her response and chewed her thumbnail nervously, waiting again. 

Waiting sucked.

Chapter 5

Wow she had responded fast.

Jon had picked Friday because that was usually the start of everyone’s days off from work.  Granted, there were people who had weekdays off, but the vast majority did the Monday through Friday routine.  He figured that had been a safe assumption.

Five.  Early enough, neutral setting, and we can see how this goes. She’d be getting paid regardless, but he figured in still daylight, public place would put them both at ease.  Men were usually the ‘bad guys’, but he had overseen enough cases where a woman was absolutely insane. I noted you like visiting Red Rock Canyon.  Just for stargazing or do you climb? Jon detested social media and ‘text speak’, pointblank refusing to use it.  He was pleased that this woman wasn’t doing it, that was a definite deal breaker otherwise.

Who in their right mind would climb Red Rock Canyon?  This man was out of his mind to do something that dangerous!  That was if he did.  Maybe he was just asking to see if she was out of her mind and nuts.  That made Elliana laugh for some odd reason and it felt foreign to her since she hadn’t naturally laughed in what seemed like forever.  With Kairi, it wasn’t forced so much as just…there.  They were friends, but she hadn’t laughed with another individual in forever.

Stargazing, and five sounds perfect.  Where would you like to meet, or would you prefer to pick me up?  I will leave the arrangements to you. She sent back and then texted Kairi to let her know she had a ‘date’ on Friday evening.

I’ll make reservations at a bistro on 12^th, off of the main strip.

So no on the rock climbing.  Jon quickly snatched up his cell and made the reservations before sending her the confirmation, where and when.  Then he realized he didn’t know her name, just her profile one and frowned.  Did he want to tell her who he was?  No… not just yet.

My name is JD. What’s yours? That was true enough, though he hadn’t been called JD in years.

Holy crow that was fast and Kairi sent a thumbs up before shutting off her cell.  She’d call Elliana after work and bug her for the details.

There was no way she wanted to give her real name, not until she met this man and decided if he was a creep or not.  She had to be careful on these types of sites and remembered Kairi telling her she’d used an alias at first.  The bistro off the main strip on the 12^th was a very fancy place, so Elliana would have to borrow something from Kairi to look presentable.

My name is Ellia.  I look forward to meeting you in person, JD, and I will see you at Friday at five at the bistro.

Ellia was actually a high school nickname she had been branded with by a few of her friends back in Texas.  It wasn’t TOO far off from the truth, but not very many people had the name Elliana.  She felt safe using Ellia, however.

Ellia was an unusual name and Jon got the impression it was a nickname.  Given that he had given her his own, hated, nickname instead of what he preferred to be called by, he wasn’t about to cast stones.  He figured they’d play it safe at first and go from there.  Feeling rather accomplished, Jon shut his laptop down and pushed himself upright, heading for the kitchen for his after-work out protein.  That hadn’t been as bad as he thought it would be.  Now was actually meeting the woman and remembering to take cash because, he doubted, she’d take debit.  Snorting at his own fool self, Jon just shook his head.  Paying for a date… it sounded stupid and yet, here he was.

~!~

Before she knew it, Friday had rolled around in the blink of an eye.  Elliana was a ball of nerves the entire day and had borrowed a dress from Kairi to wear.  Kairi wasn’t a fan of black, so everything she had was colored.  The black she DID have were not first ‘date’ appropriate, at least in Elliana’s eyes.  The dress she chose was a deep emerald that matched her eyes, according to Kairi, and accentuated her curves.  It was an A-line, knee-length dress that had a V-neckline and capped sleeves.  It was formal enough for the bistro she would be having this ‘date’ in.  She absolutely refused to wear spaghetti straps or go sleeveless for this outing.  Her hair was French braided over her shoulder and her makeup was smoky eyes with a hint of emerald eye shadow, mascara, and a peach gloss that made her lips shimmer in the sunlight. 

Kairi also added a black onyx necklace with matching bracelet and medium silver hooped earrings.  Her shoes were two-inch heels that strapped around her ankles and showed off her freshly pedicured toenails.  They were French style with white tips because that looked the most elegant and Elliana needed to look her absolute best.  By the time 4:30 rolled around, it was time to head out and Elliana didn’t recognize herself, not believing the transformation she’d taken, with Kairi’s help.

“Thanks for calling off work to help me with this, Kai.  I really owe you…”

“Not a problem, it wasn’t exactly like I wanted to be there anyway.” Kairi laughed, dressed way down today.  

Calling in had been great; Lopez had been a beast all week since firing Elliana and trying to sort out the mess he had created for himself.  One reaped what one sowed and she hoped karma bit him square in the nuts, and the owner, Jonathan Good.  They were both scum in her book.

“You want a Xanax or something for nerves?  I got half a tab left.” She had issues sleeping for a while and been prescribed them a while ago.  Once her schedule had finally adjusted, she hadn’t needed them anymore.

“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea.  I tried that shit before, and it knocked me on my ass.  I’ll be all right, just gotta get over the jitters.  Thanks anyway, though.”

If Elliana didn’t leave now, she would be late and that definitely wouldn’t be a very good first impression.  Whoever this man was might want to take her out again in the future.  First impressions, no matter the circumstances, were very important.  The girls bid each other farewell as Elliana headed out with purse in hand, a small black one to hang over her shoulder.  A few minutes later, she was on her way to the bistro on the posher side of the city in her old, but reliable beater car.

Jon was waiting inside, just off to the side.  He had arrived early, wondering if he would know Ellia based on just her body since she hadn’t sent him anything of her face.  Going off those profile pictures of the neck down, Jon hadn’t sent her any pictures either, just described himself as tall and somewhat muscular.  It was vague and honest.  They had agreed to meet here, in this spot, at 5:30 and, at exactly 5:30 on the dot, a woman in a gorgeous dress with a figure that made his mouth go dry walked in.  He couldn’t catch much other than the barest glimpse of her profile and then she turned.  It took Jon several long moments of simply staring at her before something began locking in place in his mind.  He knew her, sort of.

“Ms. Long?” That was her name. “Ellia?” That came out with a hint of doubt.  There was NO way.

“Oh fuck.”

Elliana immediately covered her mouth with her hand with wide eyes, not believing who was standing before her.  Mr. Good – JONATHAN GOOD – was the bidder for HER?!  This had to be some kind of cosmic joke!  Elliana felt her cheeks redden in both embarrassment and annoyance, knowing she couldn’t just back out of this.  He had bid on her and won, so she had to suck it up and do this ‘date’ with this…heartless man.

“JD, I presume?” She rearranged her face into a phony smile and walked over to him, needing to see this through to the end, no matter what. “And yeah, that’s my last name.  Good memory.”

“Jon, call me Jon.”

Well didn’t the Universe have a terrific, horrible sense of humor?  Jon’s alert blue eyes narrowed in on that smile, it was as fake as both their nicknames and he inwardly sighed.  In for a penny, in for a pound, and since he had already bid and owed her that, he was going to see this through.

“Elliana…” He held out his arm, elbow crook towards her and raised one eyebrow.  

Their first, and only-time meeting, prior to this, hadn’t been good, not for her he imagined.  He had blown his top after finding out what Lopez had done.  No, he wasn’t thinking about that and there would be no talking about work tonight.  Though… his eyes appreciatively swept over that dress and the way it accented her body; she had definitely not dressed like this at work.

Now her smile was a little more genuine, though her guard was still up.  This man didn’t care about anyone or anything besides himself and his riches.  Of course he could afford that huge sum of money he’d used to bid on her.  She would gladly take his money and use it to survive without a second thought, especially after all the hardships she endured at his company.

“Jon.” No work would be discussed tonight because she no longer had a job at his company and didn’t know if it was directly his or Colby’s fault.  Either way, she would use this man for every dime and penny he was willing to give for her ‘company’. “Forgive me if I seem a little nervous.” Nothing a little wine couldn’t fix – some liquid courage as it were.

“I would be too.” Jon followed the hostess to their reserved corner table that afforded a smidgeon of privacy, but was still within view of other people. “I am nervous.” He admitted, pulling out a chair for her, after gently untangling her arm from his. “I don’t do dating this way.” However, there was a first time for everything. “I figured,” He now seated himself, placing his hands in his lap as small, rather extravagant looking menus were placed before them. “That it would be more honest than conventional means.” And so far, that was working out oddly for him.

“You look very uncomfortable, I will say that much.” Elliana could read people fairly well and, even though Jonathan Good looked incredible in a suit, it didn’t…fit him.  This place wasn’t him either. “And I can respect the more honest route of things.” He was a man with a lot of money, who owned one of the top law firms in Las Vegas.  Too bad he treated his employees like garbage and didn’t pay them what they were worth. “I don’t know about you, but I need something a little stronger than water right about now.” She glanced at the menu and tried not to let her eyes widen too much at the overpriced entrees and food.  She returned a gentle smile, seeing him getting more comfortable and felt marginally better about this situation, tapping her chin with her finger. “I think I’ll take a glass of blackberry Merlot.” Elliana had spotted it on the menu, and it sounded delicious, so she figured she’d give it a shot.

“Any appetizers?”

Elliana and Jon met each other’s eyes before they shook their heads simultaneously, both too nervous to eat until they had some alcohol in their system at least. “If I’m too blunt or I say something wrong, feel free to tell me, JD.” She winked at him, remembering his penname and sipped her water.

“Please, just Jon.” He corrected with a half-grimace, half-sheepish smile.  “JD is something kids used to call me back in school and… given the nature of things online, I figured using a nickname would be better than… you know, advertising who I am.”

Obviously, Elliana understood because she had done the same exact thing.  The fakeness was out of her smile and her body was relaxing, his grin hitched up a notch again.  This wasn’t as bad as he had feared, though the realist reminded him the night was still pretty young.

“So, back to rock climbing Red Rock,” He chuckled when she gave him a look before realization flashed across her beautiful face. “When I asked if you climbed, you said just stargazing.  Are you open to rock climbing?”

“I’m a bit of a recluse and I’ve never done it, but…I’m open to new challenges, Jon.” Elliana made sure to add his name at the end of that statement with a cheeky smile. “Gotta try something once to see if you like it mentality.”

Elliana could tell Jon was HUGE into rock-climbing and again had to wonder if he had a death wish.  The Red Rocks were no joke.  They were STEEP and one false move would end a life in an instant.

“I like going out there at night because it’s quiet, desolate and the stars are absolutely incredible.  It’s even better with a full moon.” Astronomy was a secret love of hers.

“That is true.”

Jon didn’t get out much that way at night, not anymore.  He had done it a time or two, but the temptation to scale those beautiful walls in the moonlight had led to some interesting scrapes and scars.  Figuring he’d just resist temptation by not going at night.  Maybe, if this date such as it was, worked out, they’d give it a go.  The stargazing, not the climbing.  That was not something one did with a novice.

“You’re a recluse?  I have a hard time believing that.” He reached for his whiskey neat the moment the drinks arrived, nodding his thanks to the server. “It takes balls to put yourself out there on that site.” That or she knew her worth and had absolutely no problem in charging for it.

“Believe me, I am.  And I had serious reservations about the site, but…my friend convinced me to try it out since she does it.”

Elliana refused to go into further detail than that because she wanted to enjoy herself tonight.  Jonathan Good was a very handsome man; too bad he didn’t have a handsome heart to go with the sex on a stick looks.  She took a long sip of her wine and savored it, nodding her approval.

“Wow, that is really good.  So, why is a man of your caliber on a site like that anyway?  Besides the whole honesty thing?  You can have any woman you want on the planet, I’m sure.”

Chapter 6

“Yeah, that’s the problem, Elliana.” Jon replied honestly, not being arrogant, just admitting to facts that they both already knew. “The problem with being able to have any woman I want is that most of them seem to want me for one thing only.  My power.  Well, and my money, but those seem to go hand in hand, so I count them together.” He shrugged one massive shoulder and reclined in his seat, studying her thoughtfully. “I’m tired of playing games and wading through the ‘get to know you’, only to find out someone I think is genuinely interested in me is interested in my wallet.  I figured this is more honest.  I already know you’re interested in my money, so that’s out of the way and we can go from there.”

“It’s not a crime to be interested in financial stability, but I’m sure there’s more to you than your checkbook too.  I will be frank with you, I’m not interested in your power so much as your money and that’s my personal business on why.” Her tone made it clear it wasn’t up for discussion. “This is about you and what you want from me.  As long as it’s within reason, I shouldn’t see a problem with doing whatever you want.  I mean, you ARE interested in my body since I didn’t show my face in those pictures.” How was THAT for a healthy dose of honesty? “Or did you just pick me out randomly to see how this little experiment would go?”

See, this was refreshing, brutally honest and that was something Jon could respect.  He hated playing games, having to try reading between lines.  Jon wanted upfront honesty, even if was brutal.  He wasn’t interested in WHY she wanted his money; she had wanted money from anyone willing to pay, and here he was.  Second part had him shaking his head.

“I’m not sure what you normally experience, but I’m not out for sex.  That I can do without paying for it.  I did pick you out based out on your body and then reading your profile added a bonus.  What I want from you is company for now and we’ll just see how things go.” He drained his drink and began browsing the menu. “Besides my money, what are you hoping for out of this?”

Boy, that was a tough question to answer because, up until this point, Elliana only cared about money to survive.  She didn’t have a job anymore, thanks to the man sitting across from her and Colby Lopez. “I don’t really know.  Honestly, I only did this because I need money quickly and my friend directed me to the site to gain it the fastest way.  I guess maybe some companionship, someone to talk to besides my friend since I know she’s probably sick of my bitching and complaining about everything.” That got a small chuckle out of him as well as her. “Maybe someone to hang out with, someone who shares my interests and doesn’t judge me.” There were A LOT of judgmental people in this world, after all. “Sorry, that was a hard question to answer.” Another swig of wine down the hatch.

“But you had a good answer.” Jon pointed out, nudging her menu at her. “I doubt either of us are going to judge.” Not when they both were doing something society, as a whole, would not understand and definitely judge. “Well, here’s hoping we both find what we’re looking for, Ellia.” He liked the way the shortened version of her name rolled off his tongue, though… Jon had to wonder why she needed money quickly.  Elliana had made it clear she wasn’t talking about that.  He dismissed it since it was none of his business. “Get anything you want.”

God help her if she picked the lowest priced thing on the menu.  When she did exactly that, even though she knew this man was loaded, Jon promptly ordered for her and Elliana could only stare up at the waitress with crimson cheeks.  A steak with lobster and a side of crab.

“You do realize I’m never going to be able to eat all of that, right?” Just the shit eaten grin on his face made her roll her eyes in exasperation. “Fine – fine, but I’m still eating my salad, Jonathan.”

It was her turn to smirk at his narrowed electric blues.  Elliana had to admit, he had possibly the most beautiful eyes on a man she’d ever seen.  There was an intensity about them that spread warmth throughout her entire body for some reason.

“You can eat your salad, along with some proper food.”

Salad was what his food ate, therefore he also ate salad in a roundabout way.  There was no way she was going to take his money for a date, but then order herself the cheapest, most unappetizing thing on the menu.  That just seemed idiotic to him.

“And of course, dessert.” His eyes sparkled wickedly as his tone dropped an octave or two.  Elliana gave him a look and he straightened up, trying to stop his lips from curving into a grin, but it was hard. “There is always room for chocolate mousse and cheesecake.” Most of the time, he ate properly because he liked his body being healthy, but… he did have a sweet tooth.

Why did she feel a shiver rush down her spine as soon as the word ‘dessert’ popped out of his mouth? “Man after my own heart with the cheesecake.  That’s my favorite.  Just nothing with coconut.”

She made a face, absolutely despising anything to do with that particular flavor.  Elliana never expected she would actually enjoy herself on this ‘date’, especially with her former boss.  How could a man be this charming and yet treat his employees like trash?  It made no sense to her and Elliana felt a form of whiplash, if she was honest.

“You are different than what I thought you’d be.  You’re quite the charmer, Jon.  I hope you’re enjoying tonight as much as I am.” Especially with how much he’d paid for it.

“I guess you’ll find out the next time you put yourself up for bid.” He teased, though honestly, he was enjoying himself so far. “You’re not what I expected either.” He admitted slowly, not about to inform her of his original opinion of her.

Attractive enough, but entirely forgettable and here she was, proving him wrong on the forgettable part.  It was odd given how easily he had dismissed her from their first meeting.  She had shown deference to Colby for a bit and then tossed him under the bus.  Well, that wasn’t fair, she had answered a question honestly and he couldn’t fault her for that.  He bet Lopez hadn’t been nice for a bit; the man had been caught, but… it happened and here they all were, still kicking and thriving.

“I can come across as a dick and… I believe the word other people use is self-absorbed.” He said dryly, the corner of his mouth hitching up into a sardonic half-smile.

“I’ll be honest, since that’s what you want, I thought the same thing when I first met you…on Monday.”

That had been the first time they crossed paths since Colby had been the one to hire her 3 years ago.  Had it really been that long since she’d taken the crappy paying job?  Yes, yes it had.  Maybe being fired was a blessing in disguise.

“I’m pleased to see I was wrong in that assumption.” Even if he was putting on an act for her benefit, he was a perfect gentleman and she enjoyed his company. “What did you expect I would be like, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“You as in you or the person I bid on?  Because those are two different things.” Jon wasn’t surprised at all when she considered it and said both. “Well, upon meeting you Monday, I honestly didn’t think much of you at all.” His eyes swept over her flatly, remembering that day. “You seemed adequate for your role and you were wearing secondhand business attire, practical but plain.  And I loved your legs.” That he DID remember and smiled.  She was going to either find his honesty refreshing or appalling; it always went one way or the other and he was never able to tell how a woman would take it. “As for what I expected, based on your profile and that person who I did not know at the time, I don’t know… I’m honestly not sure what I was expecting, but so far, you are more than I could have hoped for.”

Nothing fake about her, she was so far showing she was honest, and…. He was a jerk.  He was her boss, and that made him inwardly snort because he was paying twice over.  There were no hard feelings because he was being honest, which is what she wanted, and it was very refreshing to hear.

“You loved my legs?  That’s…interesting, I guess.”

What man looked at legs and not boobs or ass first?  Jonathan Good was on another level all his own.  And if she would’ve known the truth of the situation when it came to the law firm, things might have gone even better for this ‘date’.  As it was, she didn’t and had it in her head he was a scumbag boss, but a charming gentleman outside of the office.  Maybe the man was bipolar.

“At least there’s something about me you like, so that’s a plus in my book.”

“Now that I’m not being a boorish prick, there’s quite a bit I like about you, Elliana.”

Jon could admit when he was being a dick and he knew he had his issues.  He was putting on his best face first, but he was known in his very small social circle as eccentric and ‘moody’.  Whatever that meant.  He wasn’t about to ruin a first date by springing all that on her.

“Men don’t usually say legs, do they?  I bet it’s your breasts.” His eyes skimmed those ample curves, her dress was highlighting without giving anything away.  He rather enjoyed it. “Those are quite nice as well, but I’m a leg man.” And then he tended to check out asses after, but she was sitting on hers, so… he was now rolling up his shirtsleeves, feeling more at ease with the shirt undone a bit and not choking every inch of him.  Jon hated dressing formally. “If you do accept another date, something less formal sound good?”

Another date?  He wanted to pay for another date with her?  Elliana didn’t know how to feel about that, but that warmth inside of her began to intensify slightly and a soft smile graced her face.

“Please, yes.  I’m not a formal person and never have been.” She was way out of her league and depth here with a man like Jonathan Good. “And yes, it’s usually the boobs and ass men look at first, especially on a woman like me.” A thick woman, she wanted to say, but kept that to herself. “I think you would be a lot more comfortable in your skin if we did something a lot less formal.  This is nice, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think this is either of our scene.  I do appreciate the effort though.” Reaching over, she took a chance to squeeze his hand gently.

Jon had not been expecting her to touch him, not when she had been so stiff and fake with her smiles at the beginning of their date.  Hell, they hadn’t, in reality, even been here that long, but it seemed like minutes since they had sat down.  He knew it was a bit longer than that, of course, but… he shook his head, clearing away his thoughts because they didn’t make sense even to him.

“What do you like to do outdoors, besides stargaze and walk?  Hiking?  Biking?”

He had flipped his palm up, catching her hand in his and returned the squeeze.  They hadn’t even reached dinner yet and he was mentally planning a second date.  It didn’t even faze him that he was going to pay her for it.  It just seemed to clear a hurdle actually, he would never second-guess the money thing with her.

“Biking, no, but I have gone on a few hikes.  Nothing major though and not for a long distance.  I told you, Jon, I’m a recluse.” Elliana reminded him with a sheepish smile, looking down at their hands clasped together and couldn’t believe the jolt of electricity rushing up her arm just from a simple touch.  At least that was what it felt like to her. “You’re an outdoorsy person, I’m guessing.” With her free hand, she drained her glass of wine and Jon proceeded to refill her glass with his own, neither pulling away from the hand holding. “Maybe you could get me out of my reclusive ways…”

“I’m not… well, yeah, I am.  I lived in a shithole city, and Vegas has its perks and sights, but it’s the outskirts and countries surrounding the city that keep me here.” Now the law firm he didn’t overly care about, but that was neither here nor there. “There’s so much out here, I mean everything looks brown or red, but there’s the desert.  When it’s sundown or sunset, it looks like painted fire sweeping across the sand.” He was rambling, but that happened when he got to talking about something that genuinely interested him. “Or up north, towards the mountains, where there’s green and even snow.”

Jon had a cabin up that way, not that he went there very often, and he could not believe he was thinking about that right now.  He took a good long look at Elliana, realizing SHE was the reason why.  He was envisioning her walking the path to the waterfall with the mountains looming overhead.  Pulling his hand away, the waiter arrived and beginning to set down their dinner.  Perfect timing.

The way he spoke about the desert and mountains, nature in general, made his electric blues sparkle.  Jon was genuinely happy when it came to nature, yet cold with everything else, including his company and employees.  This man truly had a split personality, it seemed.

“I love Red Rock Canyon.  It’s the main reason I decided to move here from Texas.” This looked delicious, everything was cooked to perfection and, at these prices, it damn sure better be.  Hell, Elliana was expecting a block of gold or something of that sort to come with the meal. “Mmm…” She purred at the first taste of lobster dipped in butter, dabbing her mouth with her napkin and nodded her approval. “Okay, I’m glad you ordered this for me.  I concede, this is delicious.”

Chapter 7

“Damn right it is, darlin’.” Jon growled out the pet name without even thinking about it. 

It just fell naturally from his lips as he was relaxed, eyeballing his own plate of deliciousness.  This place was not to his usual taste.  Jon liked lowkey places, grungy at times, and he usually was able to blend in decently enough.  But… given his reputation and job, he still had come to places like this bistro, so he made sure to come to ones that served great drinks and delicious food.  Otherwise, he wasn’t wasting his money or more importantly, his time there.

“Texas huh?  Texas is beautiful, but flat.” He had gone there a few times on business trips. “What part of Texas are you from?”

“Corpus Christi.  Born and bred, but you’re right, it’s flat and boring.  Even though it’s by the ocean, nothing beats the beautiful Red Rocks or Vegas in general.  I came here when I was 10 on a family vacation and vowed, one day, I would live here.  It was my goal and I made it a reality almost 4 years ago.”

However, the job part of it hadn’t panned out, it still didn’t make her regret moving here for a second.  Vegas had a little bit of everything for everyone – a true beautiful tourist attraction.  Elliana took another bite of lobster and then tried her medium-rare filet mignon, which melted in her mouth.  It’d been forever since she had a meal quite this decadent and she wanted to savor every bite of it.

“I like the ocean.”

It was ever changing and mysterious.  Sometimes warm and inviting, but beneath those beautiful waves lay treachery, kind of like life.  Jon fell silent, focusing on savoring his meal.  When he was younger, he would wolf down food like it was going out of style, or more appropriately, like someone was going to take it from him.  It had taken years of security to get to this point, eating at a slow, leisurely pace and allowing himself to enjoy.  She was doing the same and, from the appreciative noises that she occasionally made, he was guessing that salad wasn’t half as good as that filet.

Screw the salad, she didn’t bother touching it and went right after the gourmet meal in front of her. “The ocean is nice and everything, but hurricanes are a bitch to get through.” Corpus Christi had been socked with a few of them over the years, along with tropical storms, since it was near the ocean.  She managed to eat at least half of everything and finally called it quits, surrendering by setting her utensils down on the plate. “I think I’m going to explode.  And not in a fun way.” She chortled, taking a sip of her wine while Jon continued eating. 

There would be no room for dessert, not for her anyway.

Jon had skipped a few of his ‘mini-meals’ today.  Something he usually ate after workouts to help repair and maintain muscles and all that, due to being mildly anxious and nervous about this paid date thing.  Now, his appetite was back and he was enjoying the meal.

“Do they still do take-home containers?” He asked curiously, then wondered if a place like this would even think about…those.  He hadn’t done that in years.  They hadn’t even been here for more than an hour; he studied her thoughtfully, wondering if she’d be up for a walk along the Strip.

“I would think so.  No matter how fancy the place, they can’t expect people of the normal size,” She paused, shooting him a direct smirk to let him know she was referring to him NOT being the normal size. “To eat all of this food.” She giggled softly when he muttered ‘good point’ and continued eating, simply gazing at him, studying him. “You know, the night is young still and I have nothing else going on, so if you wanted to do something else, we can.” That got his attention away from his plate and she blushed, averting her eyes from him. “I just want to make sure you get your money’s worth, Jon.”

That left a funky taste in his mouth and it hadn’t been him to say it.  Jon wrinkled his nose, staring at her thoughtfully. “Don’t worry about the money’s worth.” He said firmly, viewing it as a convenience fee or something, just another charge to make his life go smoothly and not that he was essentially buying her time.  If he did that, he might start viewing her as an employee or that she OWED him time and he knew damn well he’d get arrogant and dickish.

“Okay.”

After dinner was finished, no dessert since neither had room or desire for it, Jon paid the bill and Elliana pulled her phone out to see several text messages from Kairi, asking how everything was going.  She responded to her friend quickly while waiting for Jon since there was a bit of a line and assured Kairi she would get more details tomorrow.  The date wasn’t over yet.  Unless Jon didn’t want to do anything else, which was a huge possibility.  That line she said about getting his money’s worth was a stupid thing to say.  Jon had been quiet ever since and Elliana was kicking herself in the backside for saying something like that.  Sighing, she slipped her phone back in her purse just as Jon walked up to her.

“Everything squared away?”

“Yes.”

He knew it was stupid to feel bothered by the money’s worth line, but there it was.  Jon had to remind himself this was not a conventional date; he had paid for her time, or he would pay for it, when they concluded this business arrangement because that’s what it, in theory, was.  But he also wanted her to be enjoying herself and now he was having doubts.  Jon was not used to doubting himself.

“Do you still want to go for a walk or are you ready to call it a night?” He asked, a hint of resignation in his tone as they stepped out into the still sunny street.  His jacket was draped over his arm because there was no way he was putting that back on.

Elliana answered him by taking his hand again, this time lacing their fingers together and smiled up at him genuinely. “We can go for a walk.  I’m not ready to call it a night yet and like I said, the night is young still.” She didn’t like the resignation in his tone, but there was nothing she could do about it. “Do you want to drop your jacket off in your car, so you don’t have to carry it around with you?” She gestured to it, knowing that couldn’t be comfortable, especially when it was damn near 90 degrees outside at the moment.  The heels on her feet didn’t bother her since she was used to wearing pumps all the time until recently.

“Motorcycle.” He corrected, nodding at his baby parked slanted in one of the VIP spaces.  

Leading the way, Jon unlocked the side saddle bag and stuffed the jacket in there carelessly.  It was an expensive, custom fit jacket and he had absolutely no fucks to give.  It was hot and wretched and why were they necessary?  Formal wear was designed to be torture.

“Hold on.” He finished unbuttoning the remaining buttons on his shirt and peeled it off, muscles rippling in the early evening sun as he stuffed that in there as well.  Rifling until he had pulled out a black beater, it matched his slacks and wasn’t as confining. “There.”

No, watching this man undress with the glistening sun rippling off his delicious body was torturous and wretched.  Elliana couldn’t pull her eyes away from him and felt her mouth water, snaking her tongue out to wet her suddenly dry lips.  Luckily, Jon hadn’t seen her do it or that would’ve been an awkward exchange.  What she wouldn’t give to have one night with this man, having a feeling he would be mind-blowing in bed.  Then again, looks could be deceiving and…no, absolutely not.  A sex on a stick man like this, completely edible…there was no way in hell he was bad in bed.

“You look more comfortable in your skin now.” She observed, congratulating herself for keeping her voice steady and soft, not reaching for his hand again.  Maybe Jon wasn’t the hand-holding type and she didn’t want to push the issue with him.

“I feel more comfortable in my skin.” Jon admitted with a boyish grin, falling into a slow, comfortable gait alongside of her as they headed leisurely towards the Strip. “Suits were never my thing… the first time I got stuffed into one, it fit too tight and split right down my ass.”

His Uncle had nearly died laughing and he had nearly died from embarrassment.  The only silver lining from that incident had been learning about quality tailoring and that had NEVER happened again.  Jon also now wore boxer briefs, just in case.  He glanced down at Elliana, eyes sweeping down to take in those curvy legs, and he could see the muscle definition there, wondering briefly how they’d feel wrapped around his waist.

A man like this should’ve had a Barbie doll on his arm, not a thick woman like her, but here they were, waltzing down the Strip with her giggling at his story. “Oh man, I can ONLY imagine what the tailor thought watching those pants split.  You’re not a suit guy.  So why do you wear them?  I mean, you look great in them and everything, but watching you just now peel that shirt off and replace it with a simple beater…the relief on your face couldn’t be missed.” He was the owner of a multi-million, possibly billion-dollar, organization, so if the man wanted to wear jeans or something more comfortable, he should do what he wanted.

“Probably because my Uncle instilled it in me.” Jon had never really thought about it because wearing suits had just become an annoying inconvenience of his life. “He always said it shows respect to the people around you to dress for the occasion.” Which, Jon realized in one of his rare moments of self-scrutiny, he didn’t overly care about, or was indifferent to.  Was there a difference?  He supposed he didn’t show respect, period. “It just became a habit.” Jon was honest and shrugged his massive shoulders. “I’m a selfish man, I guess I don’t really care about…” He trailed off because they both knew the end of the sentence: others and how they perceived him.

“You don’t care what others think about you.” Or other people, period, for that matter, she added in thought, looking around the lights and realized who exactly she was spending time with.  Burning a bridge with him wasn’t an option because he had money and she needed it to survive in this godforsaken world. “I’m the same way, you know.  I don’t really care what others think about me.  I was hesitant to do this website thing at first, but the more I thought about it, the more I was like ‘look, I need some financial assistance right now and if this is the only way to do it, so be it’.  Sometimes, you do what you gotta do to survive in this world and you can’t worry about what others think of you.  Fuck them if they don’t like it is what I say.”

There it was again, she needed money.  Jon wanted to ask, but then again, she had made it pretty clear earlier that her finances were not up for discussion.  At least not him asking, she would volunteer information on her own time, he supposed.  Hell, maybe she was living beyond her means.  She worked at a prestigious law firm, her pay was pretty damn cushy, but that dress and those painted nails probably didn’t come cheap.

“Agreed.” He chuckled, shoving her financial state, and potential inability to live within her means, out of mind and flashed her a grin. “Even though I’ve lived here for years now, this still blows my mind.” Even with it being daylight out, the Strip was still lit up and he stopped just to admire it.

It never got old.

“Sure beats the ocean.” Nothing would ever be able to take Vegas’s beauty or compete with it.  The City of Lights, the City of Sin, whatever one wanted to call it, was absolutely mesmerizing and enchanting. “How long have you lived here, Jon?” She asked, blinking at his response and let out a low whistle. “Wow, and here I thought I lived here a long time.  I got nothing on you, good sir.” She bowed playfully at him and laughed, thankful she had French braided her hair back because having it anywhere on her neck, in this heat, would’ve been a killer. “What’s your favorite part of the Strip?”

“It never gets dark.” He answered without hesitation. “It wasn’t anything unusual for parts of where I grew up to be without light, so when I first moved here, seeing it was always lit up… it was just something that struck me odd, I guess.” The power bill must have sucked. “And then second, I like to watch the tourists.” Now his grin grew a bit wicked. “Sometimes, they remind me of those bullshit reality TV shows, you know?” He hated reality television, but on occasion, he had been forced into pretending to watch it.  The over dramatics were insane. “How about you, Ellia?” He reached down to take her hand, testing the waters.

“The lights are incredible, and I agree with you on the never getting dark part, but I also love the Red Rocks.  Red Rock Canyon is absolutely spectacular both in the day and night.  There’s never a bad time to go out there to admire them.  I can honestly say I haven’t really seen much of Vegas since moving here, so I’m sure there’s something else I’d love if I had a chance to experience or see it.” Elliana explained, squeezing his hand to let him know what he did was perfectly fine and welcomed. “There are some very strange people that live here too though.  I’ve ran into a few drag queens and that was a very interesting run-in.” A few times she had left the office super late because of Lopez and the drag queens only came out to play at night.

“Oh man, there’s a casino off the far end of the Strip, and the majority of the dancers there are nothing but drag queens.” Jon began laughing, shaking his head.  He had nothing against them; people were people to him. “My buddy got married, so for his stag party, we took him there, and then there were the guys who were transitioning and, if you’re not careful, they look just like any other plastic Barbie woman in this town.” His buddy had not been amused with the Polaroid’s the next day, but that’d teach him to accept free drinks from strangers. “If you agree to a second date, I think we should go to the east side of Lake Tahoe, visit Bonsai Rock.” She seemed to appreciate the nature side of Vegas, which was a win in his book. “Or, there’s a ghost town a county or so over, if you like exploring that kind of thing.”

Chapter 8

“A second date, eh?  I made that great of an impression on you?” Elliana teased, leaning against him and laced their fingers together while they continued walking. “I’d love to go on a second date with you, Jon.  And I’ve heard of Bonsai Rock, but I’ve never been up there before.” Getting paid to explore all of Vegas with a handsome billionaire?  Where the hell had this job been her entire life?! “We can go to the ghost town too, if you want, but I’m not really into that sort of thing.  Are you?”

“Well, you’re a little pricey,” Jon could tease right back and snickered at her elegantly arched eyebrow when she tipped her head back up at him. “But so far, worth it.” The money thing from earlier, getting his money’s worth, the tension was gone and the joke came out warmly. “Yeah, I am, I like exploring things, and it’s not really haunted if that’s what you’re worried about.  Do you believe in ghosts, darlin’?” Now he was really teasing her. “Or just not into digging around in places that are abandoned?”

“Hey, I’M not the one who made that ridiculously high bid, good sir.  YOU did.” Elliana reminded him with a grin of her own, her emerald eyes sparkling in the slowly fading sunlight as the sun began its descent on the horizon. “And yeah, I believe in ghosts.  That could be fun to check out with you.” Something different for a change besides the boring dinner and movie date, which she’d been on a few times. “Which one do you want to do first?  The lake or the ghost house?”

“Lake, the ghost town can come if there’s a third date.” Jon did not believe in ghosts, none of that supernatural crap.  Life was terrifying enough on its own without adding supernatural terror on top of it. “And you want to know why I made that ridiculously high bid, Ellia?” She was going to learn regardless if she wanted to know or not. “I spent like an hour browsing profiles and yours was the only one that jumped out at me as real, so if I was going to bid, I was going to bid to win.  I don’t play to lose, remember that, darlin’.”

“There’s nothing fake about me at all.  Even my nails are real.” She wiggled her fingers up at him, understanding what he was saying. “You seem like the type that doesn’t like losing very often, if ever.  And I’m glad it was you and not someone else that bid on me and won.”

Elliana stopped them from walking to look up at Jon, into his eyes and didn’t see an ounce of malice or coldness in them.  All she saw was warmth and kindness with a hint of mischief mixed in.  Nothing dangerous or cynical.  He meant every word he said.

“And you can have as many dates with me as you want.” As long as he kept that money rolling in and her financially stable.

From Jon’s understanding, she had the option to turn down bids, so… his ostentatious bid hadn’t been against other men, not really.  He hadn’t even considered another man outbidding him.  What he had been thinking was that she would see that hefty number and pick him just because he had put up a substantial amount.

“Mmm, you say that now, wait until I’m buying up all your free time.  You may regret that.” He was only half teasing since he knew she worked a solid 40 hours a week, obviously.  Jon then tried to remember if there were any rules against fraternizing at the firm; he was pretty sure there wasn’t and even so, he was the owner, so he’d just change them.

“I doubt it, but only time will tell.”

They walked around the Strip for what seemed like hours just talking and getting to know each other.  Nothing about the firm was brought up between them.  It was strictly about themselves, their likes and dislikes, where they came from and their backgrounds.  Even though Jon had grown up poor, he had made a life for himself, thanks to his Uncle, and it was inspiring to hear how someone had come from nothing to achieving everything.  To having all the money in the world to do whatever he wanted, including spending it on WhatsYourPrice.com.  By the time they arrived back at the bistro, it was nearly midnight and Elliana couldn’t stop yawning to save her life.  Jon was insistent on walking her back to her beater car, which looked like it’d seen better days and, truthfully, it had.

“Thanks for a lovely evening, Jon.  I really did have a great time with you.”

“I’m glad.”

Jon studied her car, it looked like it needed some TLC both on the outside and probably the inside.  He pulled his wallet out from his back pocket, unfolding it and procured a pre-counted wad of hundreds, neatly wrapped with a silver money clip.  He passed it over to her without an ounce of shame or awkwardness.  This had been more than worth it.

“I’ll pay the same amount for tomorrow.” What possessed him to say it was beyond him, but he had, and the surprise in her emerald green eyes made him smile wryly. “Double it, without the bidding and website.” This had honestly been the most relaxed and, even though they hadn’t done anything other than eat and talk, it had also been the most fun he’d had in a while. “Say yes, Elliana.” She still hadn’t slipped that money into her clutch, though he hadn’t missed the way her fingers tightened on it. “Please.” Nobody would ever accuse Jon was being shy, not saying what was on his mind or what he wanted.

This was wrong on so many levels.  It had to be, right?  He was her former employer and had treated her like a queen.  Now he wanted to pay her even more money to spend time with him, for her ‘company’.  No wonder Kairi did this on the side, especially if she made this kind of money this quickly.  Why did she feel bad for taking Jon’s money though?  Reaching up with her free hand, Elliana caressed his bearded face, which was neatly trimmed and kept up, and nodded with a soft smile.

“All right, I’m all yours tomorrow, Jon.  And…I know the agreement was nothing sexual or expected, but…you can kiss me, if you want to.”

“Maybe after a second or third date, darlin’.” He rumbled huskily, though Jon did take her soft hand and bring it palm forward to his mouth, brushing his lips against skin before reluctantly letting go.  Jon might’ve been paying for her company, but he was also a gentlemen. “Not that I’m not tempted.”

Just in case she got the wrong impression or something, he was definitely tempted, but at the same time… he didn’t want to spoil what had been the very definition of ‘perfect first date’.  If he would have known he could actually BUY this, he would’ve done it a while ago.  Elliana shivered at the feeling of his lips against her hand, not believing how warm and soft they were against her skin.

“All right, what time do you want to meet up tomorrow for our second date?” She asked, feeling him reluctantly release her hand and chewed her bottom lip at the mischief sparkling in his electric blues.  He informed her she would be picked up by him and gave him her address, with a little hesitation.  Elliana didn’t want him to see where she lived, but she supposed it couldn’t be helped since he wanted to pick her up this time. “Since we’re going up to Lake Tahoe, should I pack an overnight bag or are we coming back tomorrow night sometime?”

“We’ll be back tomorrow.” Jon informed her, knowing better than to push much considering, after only one date, he now knew where she lived.  

He had given her his card, with his personal cell on it, in case she was comfortable enough to contact him directly that way.  If not, he would suffer the WhatsYourPrice.com e-mail system, if that meant she felt more secure.  Actually, he could see how that was a smart thing for a woman doing this routine; it provided a timeline of events and conversations in case a date went wrong.  He had no intention of going inside her home, but they were only taking one vehicle and it made no sense to spend all that gas money using two cars, or paying an expensive parking fee, if one of them left their car in a lot somewhere.

“Is that all right?”

Honestly, the WhatsYourPrice.com email system wasn’t the best and she did know Jon, to an extent.  They had spent a lot of time together tonight and got to know each other and she was looking forward to doing it all over again tomorrow. “Sounds good to me.” She leaned up, taking a chance, and brushed her lips gently against his cheek, squeezing his hand. “Text me and let me know what time you want to pick me up.” She figured it would be in the morning since Lake Tahoe was at least 2 hours away from the city. “Good night, Jon.” Walking away from him with the wad of cash in hand, Elliana slid behind the wheel and went to start her vehicle…only to find it completely dead. “No…no…no…no please…”

What the hell was she going to do now?

And there he was, her knight in dress pants and a beater, standing with his arms folded as he stared down at her car, watching her roll down her window to look at him helplessly. “You need a new car.” He stated the obvious, this thing just visually was a piece of shit. “Get out.” He rapped the roof of the car before opening the door and gestured her out. “Come on. I’ll have it towed.” And possibly sent to the junkyard to be made into a nice, neat scrap of squared metal. “Ellia,” Jon crouched by her seat when she didn’t move, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on her knee. “I’ll give you a ride home and, if you have a mechanic… I can have it towed there.” He wasn’t promising it would ever leave the shop, but he’d have it towed there.  If she had needed money before, and apparently quick from the things she had said, he imagined she was royally screwed right now. “I can pay for tomorrow in advance.” He offered quietly, having a feeling she wouldn’t accept it, but… the offer was on the table.

This did beg the question, however, why was she driving such a piece of shit car when she worked for him?  His firm made a lot of money, more money than he knew what to do with, so he imagined she made good money.  Unless she had sentimental reasons or something to hold onto this thing, maybe it had been her first car.

“Elliana?”

“No…no I need this car…”

Elliana shook her head, wishing the night hadn’t ended like this and leaned her head back against the seat, dropping her hands from the wheel.  She slowly looked at Jon and blinked, a few tears sliding down her cheeks.  There was no way to hold them back.  After everything she’d been through in the past couple days, this was just icing on her shit-filled cake and Elliana had reached her breaking point.

“Shit.  Sorry.” She mumbled, not wanting him to see her cry or to show him any kind of weakness, but her car breaking down was the absolute last thing she needed. “Y-You don’t have to do anything, this isn’t your problem, Jon…” He had paid for his time with her and she would have to use some of the money to get this hunk of scrap metal fixed. “I don’t have a mechanic either…”

“Well, I know one and he’s damn good and fair.” Jon pulled away from her and stood up, whipping out his cell.  He began pacing the pavement as he waited impatiently. “Bro, you are too young to be in bed now.”

Not his problem, as if he would leave her stranded and without a vehicle!  Now, a small part of him thought her being without a vehicle wasn’t a bad thing because then he could gallantly offer to be her driver for a few days while her car was repaired, or scrapped, but he wasn’t about to push it right now.  Her night had gone from great to crap in seconds.

“Fuck you, Good, I was catching the game.  What’d you want?”

“I need a tow,” Jon rattled off the address of the parking lot they were in. “And which rental car services are you affiliated with?”

“You wreck your bike?”

“No, it’s for my friend.  Her car won’t start, and she needs a car.”

“Ah… okay.  I’ll be there in…30 minutes and I’ll arrange for a car for her for now.  Not to be a greedy bastard, but who am I billing?”

“Me.”

“Got it.”

Jon hung up and turned back to Elliana, stooping to pull her out of the car and sighed at the tears on her cheeks.  He used his thumbs to gently wipe them away, frowning. “Darlin’, it can be fixed, all right?  I’ve got a friend coming with a tow and he’s going to arrange a rental for you.”

She felt like she had whiplash when it came to this man and couldn’t believe how generous he was being.  He was saving her and not leaving her stranded, even after he paid for her company. “I don’t know what to say.” She murmured, leaning against his hands on her face and couldn’t pull away from his gaze. “Thank you, Jon.” Suddenly, she reached up and hugged him tightly around the neck, trembling slightly from what just happened with her car as well as enjoying being this close to him. “Thank you so much for helping me with this.” Tomorrow was on the house.  He wasn’t paying her after everything he was doing for her tonight and saving her backside.

“What kind of man would I be if I left a gorgeous woman such as yourself stranded at night in Las Vegas?” Jon asked, completely oblivious to the fact that he was presenting contradictory sides of himself to her.  He didn’t know about her personal situation, or how she viewed him and his firm, so he had no clue he was coming across as potentially two-faced. “Besides, this car is falling apart, I can see that just from looking at it.” He had tinkered with cars when he was younger, mostly because he had been contemplating a life of car theft, but… thankfully, he had his Uncle to intervene. “It definitely needs some TLC.”

“I know…it’s all I can afford right now, though…”

Pulling back, Elliana saw the questions burning in his eyes and could feel the question burning on her tongue.  She wanted to ask him how he could be so nice and chivalrous to her, but treat everybody at his law firm like dog turds.  It made NO sense to her.

“Hopefully, your mechanic can work some magic on it and fix it or…something.” Scrapping it had crossed her mind a time or two, but then she would have to rely on public transportation and that wasn’t an option. “Goddamn, I’m such a mess…”

“No, you’re not.”

Sure, there were tracks on her cheeks from her tears, but whatever makeup she was using was good quality because it hadn’t smeared at all.  Women and their cosmetics, that was an industry he should’ve been in; he’d never run out of work or clients.  He shut her door and leaned sideways on the car, simply staring down at her in the light of the streetlamps surrounding the parking lot.  Jon already planned on ensuring this thing couldn’t be ‘fixed’ and wondered how she’d feel about a new car.  Something fuel-efficient, economical…boring, which would probably make it easier to accept.

“On the bright side, you get to spend more time in my oh-so-great company.” He teased, the side of his mouth quirking.

“I guess there’s a silver lining with everything.”

She cracked a smile, unable to hold it back because having Jon here made her feel better.  Why couldn’t she have met him without the whole being paid for her company?  Why was she even thinking this way?  He was corrupting her mind and thought process – this man was very dangerous, and Elliana had to be cautious around him when it came to feelings.  Feelings like love, for instance, only complicated things and she couldn’t deal with any more complications in her life.  So, she would continue to date on the website, get out of the financial slump she was in and if Jon wanted to go along for the ride, with his money, that was on him, not her.

“So, are you a night owl or am I keeping you up past your bedtime?”

“I’m nocturnal, darlin’, you’re not keeping me up.” Which was a damn shame, his mind added, though it wasn’t necessarily his mind thinking that, but the ‘other’ brain every man possessed, himself included. “What about you?  Shouldn’t you be getting ready for bed?  You have a date with some handsome, wealthy devil tomorrow.  He might be annoyed if you’re cranky.” Now he was just being an ass and smirked when she rolled her eyes. “Don’t be mad, Ellia, but I’m going to kiss you.” He informed her, giving her a warning right before bending down and capturing her lips with his.

Chapter 9

Now this was the last thing she expected to happen, but Elliana definitely wasn’t complaining.  Not at all.  This man knew how to kiss and didn’t have much hair to grab onto, so she cupped the back of his head instead, pressing her body closer to his as the kiss deepened slightly.  Jon had contradicted himself by saying he wouldn’t kiss her until the second or third date, but now here he was, devouring her mouth with his.  Elliana trembled against him and opened her mouth to grant him access when his tongue swiped against her lips, both fully tasting each other for the first time.  He tasted so good and intoxicated her, especially when his arms encircled her waist to mold their bodies together as one practically.  The way he held her in his arms sent her heart racing faster than it already was with the kiss.  It’d been so long, too long, since a man had thoroughly kissed her to where her toes curled, and her breath was stolen away.

Honestly, Jon hadn’t had any intention of kissing Elliana, not so soon.  She wasn’t a hooker or an escort, regardless of the payment thing, and he didn’t want her to feel obligated.  Nor did he want her thinking he was pressing his advantage because he had ‘paid for her time’.  He was just a man who wanted to kiss a gorgeous woman he felt a genuine attraction too.  If someone had told him the other day that he would find this easily dismissed mouse to be a luscious goddess only days later, he would have died laughing.  Here they were, however, wrapped in each other, bodies firmly pressed against one another, and she tasted heavenly.

Breathe, breathe before you pass out, Elliana mentally coached, not wanting to break the kiss, but if she didn’t get some kind of oxygen, she would be on the ground in a few seconds. 

A half moan, half groan escaped her as she very reluctantly broke the kiss, her breathing erratic and her chest rising and falling rapidly from how fast her heart thundered against her chest.  Her lips were swollen, cheeks flushed, and her emerald eyes had smoldered over slightly.  Reaching up, she slid the pad of her thumb across his bottom lip, both covered in her gloss and she hissed out softly as his teeth nipped her teasingly.  Their eyes didn’t leave each other for a second, both getting lost in the moment and losing track of time.

“It’s technically tomorrow, you know…”

“Yeah, I know.” Jon’s amusement was plain as day in his tone, his hands resting on her hips and keeping her snug against him.  

He rather enjoyed their height difference.  Jon liked the feel of domineering, though he had a feeling, if push came to shove, Elliana would lay him out flat on his backside without a second thought.  He opened his mouth to ask her if she wanted to just continue with their date, when he seen headlights pulling into the parking lot and then the silhouette of a familiar tow truck.

“Well fuck…” He cursed, not stepping away from her, though his hold on her lessened, giving her the chance to put space between them if she wanted.

She felt his grip loosen a little, but not all the way and didn’t move from him, her hands resting on his chest gently.  Elliana loved the height difference between them, personally, loving how Jon towered over her.  She felt safe with him for some reason and she didn’t really know him.  It was weird.  Kairi would’ve probably smacked her upside her head to jolt her back to reality if she was there.  Elliana didn’t want to pull away from him though and wished the mechanic would’ve taken his time to come help them.

“We can continue the date after he leaves, if you want.” She murmured loud enough for only Jon to hear clear as day and winked up at him, her eyes moving to the man walking towards them.

Joe Anoa’i smirked at his longtime friend and folded his arms in front of his chest, one arm completely sleeved in a tattoo. “What the hell did you get yourself into this time, Good?  You know my ol’ lady is having a fit right now, right?” There was no malice in his tone, just sheer amusement. “This the junker you were telling me about?”

“Yeah…” Elliana answered before Jon could, giving the mechanic her undivided attention. “It’s mine and I’m hoping you can fix it…”

Kairi was actually blowing up Elliana’s phone because it was after midnight and she was out with some stranger from the Internet.  She regretted turning Ellie onto that website because what if her best friend was lying dead and chopped up into itty bitty pieces in some back alley?  She had inadvertently killed her best friend!

“Yeah, I probably can, but it looks like it just needs junked out.” Joe crouched down, using the lights from the truck to see what he was doing. “Pop the hood.” He ordered, waiting patiently until she did and then pulled a flashlight from his side pocket, aiming it at the engine. “Oh yeah… this is old… and you need new wires here, this cable is shredded and… what the hell…” He bent down, running fingers along the engine. “You got a leak.  I bet when we tow the car, there’ll be a puddle.”

“Yeah…it’s been leaking for a while and I just didn’t have the money to get it fixed…”

Elliana scrubbed a hand down her face in frustration, listening as Joe began listing all the monumental things wrong with her car.  It really was a piece of junk, scrap metal, and she could feel her world beginning to crumble around her.  How was she supposed to afford another car?

“How much would I get for it being junked?”

“Honestly?  Four hundred, if you’re lucky.”

Frowning, Elliana looked from Joe back at the car and shut her eyes briefly, nodding with great reluctance. “All right…junk it and I’ll give you half for towing it away and getting rid of it for me.” Public transportation was a bitch, but she had no other choice in the matter until she could get enough money from this website to afford another car.

Joe had no idea what this woman did for a living, but judging by her car, she had to be making peanuts. “Just give me $100 and call it a day, honey.” He wasn’t a money-grubbing asshole like 90% of the men in this world.

“Joe, you still slinging out the back?”

“That is not public knowledge, you asshole.” Joe remarked without any real malice, knowing whoever this woman was, if Jon was talking freely in front of her, he must’ve either really liked her enough to be stupid or trusted her.  Sometimes, those things were one and the same.  Stupid enough to trust. “I got some Fusions…” Which were totally legal, him owning them, but he didn’t have a dealer’s license.

Jon already knew Elliana wouldn’t let him buy her an actual car, but… he was paying for her companionship, right?  What if they worked out a trade, instead of cash, maybe a gently used new car? “Get it towed, I’ll bring her back to the shop for her rental since I see it isn’t here.”

“It’s after midnight, they’re closed, but I do have a loaner you can use until you get things sorted.” Or until Jon fixed this for her, whichever.

Now truthfully, Elliana was NOT a fan of Ford at all.  She’d had bad experiences with Ford cars and this car she was about to scrap was a Nissan.  It was her favorite type of vehicle, not that she would say that aloud.

“D-Don’t worry about the loaner.  I’ll – um – figure something out…” It’d been a long night and she just wanted to go home to get some kind of sleep. “Come on, handsome, you can give me a ride home on that bike of yours.” Since he hadn’t brought an actual car. “Thanks again, Joe.  Do you want my number, so I can pick the money up after you scrap the clunker?”

“Nope.  Jon can give you the money when he drops you off, he owes me a few.” Joe said with an easy-going grin.  He could see from the look on Jon’s face he wasn’t going to let ‘figure something out’ fly and already knew he’d be getting a text or something later in the proper morning hours. “But you can write down your name and number, so I know where to send the receipt too.” Tax purposes and all.

Jon watched as Elliana scrawled her name and number in Joe’s little flipbook before giving her Nissan a longing look.  All right, a Nissan it was. “Darlin’, you going to be okay to ride?  Better question, you ever ridden on a motorcycle before?” He asked, pulling her out of Joe’s way, so he could get that heap out of the lot.

“I’ll be fine.  It’s not that far away from here, just gotta make sure my dress doesn’t fly up to flash anyone.” Elliana couldn’t believe she just said that in front of both Jon AND Joe, her cheeks reddening all over again. “I’ll just…be over here waiting for you.”

She felt like crawling in a hole and dying, knowing her mouth sometimes ran away with her.  Pulling her phone out, she saw the countless text messages and calls from Kairi, demanding to know where she was.  While Jon and Joe talked, she decided to give Kairi a quick call to ease the woman’s mind.

“I know it’s late, I’m sorry…”

“Let me guess, see if I can find a Nissan?” Joe pronounced dryly, not missing the way Elliana’s face had scrunched at the mention of a Ford.

“Yeah, I’d appreciate it, bro.”

“Late?  You know, any other time, I’d be ecstatic that you’re out ‘late’, but Jesus, I’m having a panic attack over here!” Kairi was frantic. “Are you okay?  He didn’t turn out to be a psycho, did he?  Oh god, he is… do I need to bring my taser and save you?!  Details, woman!” This date had started at 5:30 and it was now well after midnight! 

Unless there was some major chemistry of the sexual kind, nobody stayed out on a first date THAT damn long.

“Calm down, Kai.  I’m perfectly fine and in one piece.  The date just…flew by, I guess.  Time flew by.  It was amazing and I’m doing it again with the same guy tomorrow…well, today, sometime…”

Maybe even now, but she desperately needed some sleep and so did Jon.  If he wanted to take her back to his place just for sleep, she would gladly do it and wouldn’t mind sleeping in his arms either.  Christ, what was wrong with her?!  Elliana had always been accused of being a ‘hopeless romantic’ and a little naïve when it came to men, which was why she had backed off the dating scene for a while. 

Until now.

“We went to dinner and then a long walk on the Strip and just talked.  I – um…you’re not gonna believe who it is, girl…”

“I don’t think there is a name on this planet you could drop that would faze me right now,” Kairi retorted wryly and then snorted. “Actually, I take that back.  Colby Lopez would probably floor me, but there’s NO way…” Because even Elliana was not THAT desperate for money. “Who is he?  Famous?  An actor?  Criss Angel?” Criss Angel had a regular show on the Strip and he was gorgeous in Kairi’s book.

“Hey darlin’, you ready?” Jon called once Joe was back in his truck, her Nissan hitched up to go.  He waved at his buddy, stepping back and watched him pull the truck and car out of the lot, shaking his head.

What a way to end a date.

“I’ll have to tell you all about it later.  Probably Sunday.  We can meet up for coffee in the morning at the usual place and I’m buying.” That felt so good to say.  It would also feel incredible to pay all of her overdue bills, along with rent, and still have money left over to spare. “Talk to you later.” She hung up after Kairi told her to be careful and slid her phone back in her purse, turning to face Jon again. “Sorry, I had to check in with my friend.  She was worried sick about me, and I had to ease her mind a little.”

Considering that Elliana had gone on a strange version of a blind date with some random guy, who had paid for her so to say, he didn’t blame her friend for being worried sick.  He probably would have felt the same way in her friend’s shoes.  Vegas wasn’t the safest city by any stretch, especially with all the gamblers and drunks about after hours.

“I’ll take you home.” He said softly, knowing she was probably ready to get out of those pumps.  She had been walking in them for hours and they both needed to freshen up and catch some sleep before heading to the lake. “Come on, darlin’.” He laced his fingers through hers, leading the way to where his motorcycle was parked.

Once Jon helped her on the back of the bike and her dress was arranged to where it wouldn’t fly up, Elliana waited for him to mount in front of her before leaning up to softly kiss his cheek. “Thank you for helping me and for the ride.” She murmured in his ear, wanting to show her gratitude and wrapped her arms around his waist just as he fired up the beast, the vibrations from the motor searing through her. 

It felt good and she wondered if they would be taking the bike up to the lake for their next date.  Elliana wouldn’t have minded it, this was an exhilarating feeling to experience, especially the wind whipping through her hair, which was somewhat messed up due to how long it’d been in the French braid.  Well, since her Nissan was out of commission, they would definitely be taking his motorcycle as long as the weather stayed nice.  Given that Nevada was usually sunny and dry…he didn’t see a problem.  Jon would just switch out for double saddlebags, so she could bring whatever she needed.  He followed the directions she had given him, one eyebrow raising slowly when they finally came to a halt in front of an apartment complex that looked like it also needed some TLC.  It reminded him of a nicer version of the projects he had spent the first 13 years of his life in.

“Home sweet home?” He asked deprecatingly once he had cut the engine.

She heaved a heavy sigh and nodded, hearing the disdain in his voice clear as day. “Unfortunately, yeah.”

Elliana removed her arms from around him and went to dismount when Jon stopped her.  He got off first and took her hand, helping her off the motorcycle.  Wearing heels on this date hadn’t been a smart idea because, even though she was used to wearing them, her feet were killing her from all the walking they’d done.  She shouldered her purse with the money Jon gave her securely inside and rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly.

“I’d invite you in, but…something tells me you want to get home and get some rest.”

The disdain wasn’t even meant for her so much as the memories this place dredged up, and maybe the fact she lived here.  She had driven a beater, lived in a less than a stellar apartment complex, and needed money badly enough to sell her companionship online.  Jon was tempted to run a background check or something, make sure she didn’t have a drug, alcohol or gambling problem.

“I’m still holding out on being somewhat of a gentleman, Ellia.” He joked with a slight smile, reaching out to brush the back of his hand down her cheek. “You should get some rest too.” Considering how draining the last bit of their night had been. “Do you still want to go out today, or reschedule?”

“Do you mind if we reschedule?  I have a feeling I’ll be sleeping most of the day away.” Elliana let out a loud yawn, covering her mouth to do so and reached up with her other hand to caress his face gently. “Let’s plan it for next week sometime.  You can call or text me with the details.” She almost said she was free during the week, but held back since, she assumed, he already knew that fact.  It made this situation that much more bizarre. “Thank you for an incredible night, Jon.” Leaning up, she brushed her lips softly against his and felt his forehead rest against hers after she pulled back. “You can call me anytime you want, actually.  I wouldn’t mind it.” He had a sexy, gritty voice that melted her from the inside out.

“You might if I start calling at stupid hours.” Jon teased, though he was also being serious since he did keep odd hours.  He was a bit disappointed by the cancellation but understood it.  Her night had gone on longer than she had anticipated and then there was her car dying, so he bet that was tiring. “I will call you.” He promised, closing his eyes and inhaled her sweet scent before letting out a soft growl and pulling away. “All right, go on, before I kidnap you.” He was only half-joking.

“I’d go with you willingly, so it wouldn’t be considered kidnapping.” Elliana shot back in a cheeky voice, hearing him growl again and pecked his lips softly. “Get some rest and call me when you get up.  Good night, handsome.”

Reluctantly, she walked away from him and crossed the street to head into the rickety old building, glancing back at him one final time before going out of sight.  What the hell was wrong with her?  Why was she feeling giddy and happy?  This man was responsible for the poor way of living she had to endure because of the crappy pay the job had.  He didn’t treat others very well, but yet, he paid hefty sums for companionship?  Shaking her head, Elliana was too tired to analyze this and walked into her apartment, deadbolting the door.  Not bothering to shuffle out of the dress, she kicked the heels off and collapsed on top of her lumpy bed, falling fast asleep.

Chapter 10

Jon had a perfectly legitimate excuse for actually coming into the firm bright and early Monday.  It had absolutely nothing to do with Elliana, or at least that was the official story he was telling, not only himself, but others if someone actually asked.  He knew coming in so soon after he had just conducted a walk-through and review was unprecedented, but his reason also took care of that.  Lopez had broken a rule and Jon was here to see that the man had fixed his mistake.  If he happened to run into Elliana, which he knew he would since she was Colby’s administrative assistant, that was just… a lucky chance happening.

Only, it wasn’t Elliana at the desk she had occupied last week.  There was a busty blonde with a skintight skirt suit on, all pink, and her platinum hair hung down her back straight.  She looked up while chewing a piece of gum and immediately swallowed it upon seeing the head honcho walk up to the desk, blue eyes widening.

“M-Mr. Good, this is an unexpected surprise…” Colby was nowhere to be found at the moment since he was in a current meeting with the lawyers of the pedophile, doing exactly what Mr. Good instructed.  There would be NO plea bargain at all. “M-Mr. Lopez is in a current meeting, but I can summon him here if you’d like…”

“Who the fuck are you?” Jon demanded, having absolutely no idea who this blonde bimbo was. “And what the hell are you wearing?” While most people didn’t know, or realize, or even see it, his moods could shift at the drop of a dime and they had just done so. “I can see the outline of your bra through your blouse and blazer.”

That was a testament to how tight it was.  He parked his backside right on top of the desk, folded his arms over his chest, and stared down at her hardening.  Probably a good thing she had swallowed that gum, she looked ready to choke on her own tongue.

“Who. Are. You?” And where was Elliana?

“I-I’m…M-Mr. Lopez’ a-assistant…” The blonde stammered out, scared out of her mind of this man and folded her hands in her lap, chewing her bottom lip. “I-I just started today, actually…” This wasn’t a very good first impression on her part. “M-Mr. Lopez said m-my attire was a-acceptable…” Obviously, the owner of the law firm thought differently, and she blushed, completely embarrassed and humiliated.

“Mr. Good, if you’re looking for Elliana Long, she was fired last Monday.” A mail clerk, Samuel, informed the head honcho and immediately scurried away at the blue FIRE that erupted in the man’s eyes.

The blonde was Elliana’s replacement.

“So you’re Ms. Long’s replacement…. And a poor replacement you are.  There is a dress code, and you are not adhering to it.” It was not this woman’s fault that Lopez was apparently a royal cock bite or that she was in the crossfire of a brewing storm, but Jon resented her being at Elliana’s desk. “Go home and change.” He ordered, waving a hand and watched as she hauled her backside like it was on fire out of the firm.  

Inhaling deeply, he stormed into Colby’s office and sat down in Colby’s chair.  He propped both his feet on top of the desk, laced his hands behind his head and waited.  Colby had some serious explaining to do.

Where the fuck was his new assistant at?  Stacy or something…he couldn’t remember her name.  Colby snorted, shaking his head at the empty desk and sauntered into his office, feeling pretty damn good about himself.  He had done what Jon wanted – nixed the plea bargain and came up with a better deal for all parties to agree on.  It was a good day…until he walked into his office and saw his boss sitting in his chair, behind his desk, with his feet propped on the desk.

“M-Mr. Good…” Colby cursed himself for stammering and fixed his tie, shutting the door behind him. “Nobody informed me you were here.  I apologize for keeping you waiting…”

“There was nobody to inform you.  I sent your new, idiot assistant home to change out of her power slut attire.” Jon said in a friendly tone of voice, but he seen the way Colby’s entire body tensed.  Colby knew he was pissed.  He put on his most charming smile and then added a hint of teeth. “What happened to your old assistant?  Ms. Wide?”

“Long.” Colby corrected automatically, then realized he was being toyed with and inwardly groaned.  He was so boned!

“Yes, Long.  I hear she was fired.  For what?” And why hadn’t Elliana mentioned it to him?  They had spent quite a bit of time together Friday and exchanged texts over the weekend.

Who told him that?!  Colby was going to hunt down whoever opened their mouth and knew his new assistant hadn’t.  She didn’t even know who Elliana Long was.  It was someone in the firm that had worked here a while, but first Colby had to get out of the doghouse with Mr. Good.

“Sir, she was inadequate at her job and I felt it was best to relieve her of her duties.” That did NOT set well with the boss and Colby swallowed hard, rubbing his hands together in front of him.  There was no way he could tell the truth about how he’d fired the woman due to her throwing HIM under the bus! “Stacy – I mean Ms. Turret, has far more experience than Ms. Long did anyway.” Experience as in getting on her knees and sucking dick; Colby knew she wasn’t the assistant type for a law firm, but her mouth had convinced him to keep her around, especially for late nights at the office.

“She dresses like a whore.  Dismiss her.” Jon removed his feet from the desk and turned towards the computer, quickly pulling up employee files with his own personal account.  He quickly keyed in what he had been looking for, pulling it up and read quickly, icy blues skimming the data. “She was here for years and always received just below top remarks.” What the hell… every review she’d had from Colby was just below the threshold for a raise. “It looks like she was beyond adequate.  I would say she was damn perfect, so let’s hear the truth.” He ordered, his tone daring Colby to lie even as he pulled up ‘Stacy’s’ profile. “Mmm… make it really, really good, Colby.”

Colby refused to tell him the truth, knowing his bonuses would out the window and that wasn’t happening. “Look, I didn’t want to tell you and burden you with this, but…I caught her stealing a few times, Jon.” He sighed heavily, playing the part to perfection and sat down in the chair across from his boss. “It wasn’t big things, but still stealing, nevertheless.  She’s a thief and I felt sorry for her, so that’s why I kept her on.  I’m sure she has a troubled past and I’ve tried giving her the benefit of the doubt – the whole ‘people can change’ saying.  I was wrong though and I finally had enough.  I didn’t want her stealing profiles of our clients and I feared that’s what would be next if I kept her on.  She really wasn’t very good at her job either and she was mouthy towards me.” Wounding his pride in the process and talking to people she shouldn’t have. “It’s really for the best she’s gone.”

Jon ignored the ‘mouthy towards me’ part, dismissing it instantly because that right there was pride coming out – wounded pride.  The rest, however, the rest set off alarm bells in his head and only because she had said a few times that she needed the money.  She needed money fast.  She lived in a shithole apartment, had driven a shithole now dead car…as much as he didn’t want to believe it, there was that small niggle that said ‘well… maybe…’

“Mmm, and why didn’t you report her?” He demanded, trying to find something to cling too.

“I felt sorry for her, like I said.  She’s a good person, but she does have a problem and I was protecting the firm by firing her.  I should’ve reported her, but…I have a bleeding heart, Jon.” Colby folded his arms in front of his chest, trying to sound as convincing as possible.  His job was on the line and, once again, this bitch had somehow interfered with it, even with her being gone! “I will find another assistant and fire Stacy today.” As much as he didn’t want to, whatever the boss wanted, the boss got. “From now on, if I find another employee stealing from the firm, I will report it.”

Sighing, Jon leaned back in the chair and just stared broodingly at Colby.  Some things added up, some things didn’t.  The facts were there with supporting evidence based on what Elliana had said and the fact that she was on a site called WhatsYourPrice.com to sell her company.  What was bothering him was that he prided himself on being a fairly decent judge of character, when he was actually interested in a person.  For example, he knew at his core, Colby Lopez was a shifty, weasel bastard, but he had also done a good job… maybe, now he was thinking he may have to snoop further.  He hadn’t gotten ‘thief’ from Elliana at all.

Elliana was far from a thief.  The thievery had come from Colby Lopez and not giving her any raises since she started over 3 years ago.  And the fact she had started out at minimum wage, at such a prestigious law firm…that should’ve had red flags all over it.  Jonathan Good wasn’t good at looking at the finances with his law firm and Colby knew it, so he took advantage of that situation.  He took advantage of A LOT of people, not just Elliana.  He had a circle within the law firm, and they all banded together when bonus time came around to ensure everyone got what they felt they deserved, even if it meant undercutting the people who made the business run in the first place – the assistants, for example.

Jon left Colby with a warning that his ship better be sailed smoothly from here on out and he was pretty sure Colby realized that he would be checking in a bit more often.  Jon had himself in a predicament.  He wanted to discuss this with Elliana and get her side of the story, but then again, he didn’t.  He didn’t want to know if what Colby said was true.  He also wasn’t sure if he wanted to know if the truth was the flipside of that coin.  If Colby had fired her for inadvertently getting him into trouble.  The reason for not wanting to know that was purely selfish because it reflected badly on Jon.  For not being there more in his own firm, for not paying attention to what was going on.  

He didn’t like feeling like crap.

~!~

When Elliana didn’t hear from Jonathan Good for a straight 3 days, she came to the conclusion he wasn’t interested anymore and had probably moved onto someone else from WhatsYourPrice.com.  With that in mind, she accepted offers from other men who paid for her company.  Not nearly as much as Jon had, but it was better than nothing and kept her from being evicted.  Her bills were paid, and a Nissan Altima had shown up out of the blue outside of her apartment two days after her car was towed.  Joe had called and told her it was a ‘gift’ from him and not to worry about paying him back.  She didn’t know what to think about that and had it plated and stickered before being able to drive it. 

Two weeks passed by with Elliana being out almost every night with a different suitor and her bank account was looking pretty good.  She was in the process of finding a different apartment or condo – Kairi’s idea- when a knock sounded at her door.  It was 7 PM at night, on a Monday, and her hair was up on top of her head looking all crazy.  She had on black cotton shorts and a tank top, both sealing to the curves of her body.  Imagine her surprise when she looked through the peephole and saw none other than Jonathan Good waiting on the other side.  Sighing, she reluctantly opened the door to face him with a hesitant smile on her face.

“To what do I owe the pleasure this evening, Jon?”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were fired?”

Jon had given her time and some space and taken some for himself.  He had sorted out his thoughts and what he did and didn’t want to know and decided he wanted, no he NEEDED, to know the truth.  Even if it painted her as a thief or him as a complete tool.  His eyes swept over her attire, noting how that outfit such as it was clung to her every curve and stepped inside, gently nudging her back and shut the door behind him with the heel of his boot.  He was clad in form fitting blue jeans and a muscle shirt that could have been painted on, having ridden over here on his motorcycle.

Frowning, Elliana tilted her head and folded her arms in front of her chest, confusion written all over her face.  Jon looked completely perplexed by her firing and that, in turn, confused the living hell out of Elliana.  What was going on?

“I assumed you already knew about the firing considering it’s your law firm.  Why would I mention something like that on a date you paid for?  I would think it would’ve brought the mood down and I wanted you to get your money’s worth with me.” He had paid a lot for that date and bringing up work didn’t seem like a good idea. “But since you’re here…I’m going to ask you what I wanted to on that date.  What did I do to piss you off so much that you had Colby Lopez fire me?  All I did was tell you the truth about the case and you told me to take a hike and I left with you screaming at Colby.  I come back from lunch and Colby fires me, after being very unprofessional, I might add.  I could’ve technically sued your company for the things he said to me, but I wasn’t very nice to him either on my way out, so I let it slide.  Any other questions, Mr. Good?”

“Darlin’,” Her tone was stupid considering he had just asked her ‘why didn’t you tell me you were fired’, which was very clear in its implication. “I wasn’t aware you were fired until 2 weeks ago.  Be smart.  Why would I fire you after you told me something I obviously needed to know?”

He was leaning towards Colby firing her for getting him in trouble, even though it had been inadvertent on her part, and not theft.  Colby Lopez was going to need a lawyer when Jon was done with him.  He might’ve worn suits and acted like society expected him to most of the time, but at his core, Jon was still an inter-city, poor street kid who had no trouble splitting knuckles.

“I AM smart, Jon.” For some reason, that ruffled her feathers a bit and she didn’t appreciate being told that by this man, of all people. “Why weren’t you aware I was fired until 2 weeks ago?  Don’t you – Aren’t you the one that overlooks all of the hiring and firings?  It’s YOUR law firm, I would think the OWNER would be the first to know and make those types of decisions and then leave it up to his managers to break the news to the employees.” That was how it was SUPPOSED to work. “So, if you didn’t tell Colby to fire me, he did it on his own?  Is he allowed to do something like that without your consent?”

“Yes, he is and if you hadn’t noticed, I SUCK at owning a business.  In all your time there, how many times can you remember seeing me?  I bet you can count it on your fingers.” Jon would be the first to admit he was horrible at his ‘job’, or whatever it was. “I own the place, I don’t run it.  I fucking HATED being a lawyer and I think my Uncle bequeathed it to me because he was a jackass!” Not really, but…that’s how he felt sometimes. “I have people to run it for me, so I don’t have to deal with the headaches, and I don’t hire or fire unless it’s my middle management to run things on my behalf.  I’m a selfish prick who can’t be bothered.” But he was honest, so that counted for something, right?

Chapter 11

This man had LOST his MIND! 

It ALL made sense to her now. 

All of it. 

No wonder Jonathan Good was different than she thought because he WAS!  He wasn’t the dictator, the scumbag owner that refused to pay his employees a decent salary, or at least semi-decent.  He wasn’t the type to skimp on benefits and give shoddy health insurance either.

“Christ…” Jon had a MESS on his hands because Colby Lopez running his law firm was the WORST thing that could’ve happened to Good Law Incorporated. “My god…” Elliana didn’t know what to say or think at this point, furrowing her brows in thought. “I was wondering why you were the opposite of who I thought you were.  I couldn’t figure out how you could be so charming, nice and respectful to me, but treat your employees like garbage.  I see now it’s not you doing it.  It’s Colby Lopez and all those other managers within your company pulling the strings and doing the dirty work.  Jon, I haven’t had a raise in over three years – since I started working for your company.  There are no benefits, they claimed it wasn’t ‘necessary’ to your employees.  And the health insurance is worse than what Medicaid has to offer, to be frank.  You really need to get a handle on your company before it’s too late.” That was all the advice she could really give him. “Oh and I’m making minimum wage at a prestigious law firm, or I was, I mean.  MINIMUM WAGE, when I should’ve been making at LEAST $15 starting out.  For the past 3 and a half years, I’ve made a crummy $9 an hour.  That’s why I’m in this cheap, shoddy apartment and I have a broken-down car that’s now scrapped because I don’t make enough at your firm, or rather I didn’t, to survive.  And I’m not the only one.”

“Stop… stop.” Jon was now firmly inside of her apartment and growled, running his hands over his head.  He kind of wished it was longer again, just so he could yank on it. “You have liquor?”

He could use something STIFF right now.  Minimum wage?  Shitty healthcare?  Poor or no benefits?  None of that sounded right.  When he had taken over after his Uncle died, those things had all been excellent.  Now that he thought about it, most of the staff had changed as well in the last 6 or 7 years.

“I get reports that people are getting yearly raises and that money IS going out, so… where…” Jon didn’t need to finish that, his face turning a splotchy color.

Lopez.

This man looked incredibly angry and Elliana wasn’t sure how to feel, but she nodded at his question of having liquor and went to retrieve it.  Grabbing a glass tumbler, the only one she had, out of the cupboard, she filled it with some Jack Daniels, her favorite kind of hard liquor.  Wine was her go-to unless it was a REALLY crappy day and then it was Jack Daniels all the way with Pepsi.  She was not a fan of Coke products.

“Here.” She handed the tumbler of whiskey to him and walked over to sit down on her couch, placing her hands in her lap. “It’s not just Lopez you have to worry about.  There’s a…network of managers in your company and they’ve all made it to where they’re in charge.  I saw it in some of Lopez’ notes on his desk one day and figured you were part of them, or you knew all about it.  That’s why I didn’t bother reporting it.” She had poured herself a glass of Jack Daniels to take the edge off this incredibly tense conversation.

“No, I had no idea.”

Jon was always the first to admit he was pretty indifferent to things that didn’t directly affect him, or that he just didn’t care about.  Basically everything, life in general, but this was…way beyond even his usual low standards.  He should have known, or someone should have felt confident enough to tell him.  No, if she thought he was involved in that shady malarkey then no doubt did the rest of his lower level employees.

“Son of a bitch…” And if Lopez was doing this, he could only imagine how many times that man had done something stupid when it came to one of their cases.  He downed that tumbler without stopping, needing that burn right now. “I’m going to wind up representing myself at my own murder trial.”

Jon was going to kill Colby Lopez and his cohorts.

“That’s not funny.  You shouldn’t joke about something like that.” The look in his eyes clearly told her he wasn’t joking and didn’t find this the least bit amusing. “Sit down and drink some more.” Elliana instructed, patting the spot beside her and refilled his tumbler almost to the brim, knowing he needed it right now. “The first thing you should do is fire Lopez.  Don’t fire the others because then they will know something is up.  But firing Lopez will send a direct message to them.  Then, you need to go through all of the employee files and rectify every person that has been screwed over.  Give raises, praise them, take charge even though I know you don’t want to.” She set the bottle down on the table and took his hand, turning to sit on her knees in front of him. “Also, you need to reinstate the benefits immediately – life insurance, 401 K, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, all of them.  The change has to come from you since you’re the owner and you can run your business however you see fit.  If you want, I can try to help you with whatever you need.”

“Stop, quiet, quit talking.” Jon ordered, shaking his head and drained the tumbler.  He set the glass down and pushed away from her, shooting her a frown. “I don’t need you telling me what to do.”

He already knew all of this; he didn’t want to hear it from his personal escort or whatever she was.  That wasn’t fair and he knew it; he was so glad he didn’t say it out loud because there was no taking something like that back.  That, and anyone who let them be abused like that for years… no, not taking business advice from them.

“I’ll handle it my way and I’ll make sure things are set right.” Not with her helping him because he would be ruthless and there would be a lot of changes.  He wanted to throw or punch something right now, feeling rage coursing through him and the majority of it was aimed at himself for allowing things to get this bad. “Wait, go back…what the fuck do you mean no vacation and sick time, or paid holidays?” Certain things were required by law and Jon facepalmed himself, hard.

“You told me to stop talking.” Elliana quietly reminded him, gasping when he yanked her up off the couch by her upper arms to hold her against him somewhat roughly. “Jon…” He was trembling and she could see the rage burning in those cold electric blues.  They were nothing but blue fire. “Please calm down…” The grip on her arms loosened slightly, enough to where it didn’t feel like there were vises, but he didn’t release her. “Lopez told everyone in a meeting about two years ago, I think it was, there would be no more paid holidays or vacation and sick time because the firm couldn’t afford it.” Her voice was kept carefully neutral and soft, sucking her bottom lip between her teeth to chew on it nervously.

Jon was tempted to strangle her for that, reminding him he had told her to stop talking.  What an asshat!  He almost shook her, his fingers gripping her upper arms. “The firm couldn’t…oh that lying little shit!” He had to take a deep breath through his gnashed teeth, arms trembling because he was struggling not to hurt her, but at the same time, he couldn’t get his hands to pull away from her.  Something felt heavy, like it was anchoring him there. “It doesn’t work like that…” How Colby could get away with something like that, in a place filled with LAWYERS, right there told him the corruption definitely didn’t start and end with Colby. 

He would have to do a thorough house cleaning.

She winced at his voice rising with each word that came out of his mouth, knowing the realization was crashing down on this poor, naïve man. “I-I know it doesn’t.  But we all thought you were on board with it and nobody wanted to go against the owner.  We were all afraid of losing our jobs and we were threatened it would happen if we spoke a word about it to anyone.  So we all kept our heads down, our mouths shut and did our work.” Look what that amounted to for her!  Now, she was selling her company to the highest bidder in order to make ends meet in the City of Sin.  Luckily, she didn’t have anyone to go out with tonight or else Jon probably would’ve lost what was left of his mind. “Jon…”

“Yeah, I’m just going to kill him and I’m sure you and the rest of the employees can sue the board for damages and get compensated for everything.”

Prison time didn’t seem so bad and Jon was pretty hot under the collar right now.  At Colby, at the others involved in this situation, at himself, at her and the workers, who had been too afraid to say anything.  What the hell was wrong with all of them?

“Is this why you’re selling yourself? Because he fired you?”

He had found it odd she was doing that given how level she seemed.  Though, he had also thought she knew her self-worth and wasn’t ashamed to make sure others respected and paid for it.  Now…now he wasn’t entirely sure and his eyes narrowed.

“Have you accepted any other bidders?”

Now SHE was hot under the collar and broke away from him, rubbing her upper arms while putting space between them in her tiny studio apartment. “I don’t think that’s any of your business, Jon.  And I’m not selling myself – I’m selling my COMPANY, there’s a difference.” Boy did that sting for him to say those words! “I had to find a way to survive in this damn city since you’re too incompetent and hire sleazebags as managers for your company!” Elliana retorted heatedly, placing her hands on her hips and pursed her lips tightly together. “If I have to ‘sell myself’ in order to pay my bills and keep myself from being evicted, I’ll do it!  You have no room to judge me after you let these assholes run your company into the ground practically!”

“I’m not judging you, though if you feel so defensive about it, then maybe you’re not as okay with selling your company as you thought.” She had gotten awfully damn defensive, which was usually the surest way to be considered guilty of whatever one was being accused of, or implicated in. “You don’t get to blame me for your decisions.  You could have quit a long time ago and found something better or reported the violations to the BBB, or one of the associations that monitors the firms and you didn’t.” Oh no, he had taken plenty of blame for the state of his company, but if these people, her included, were too weak to stand up for themselves, then it sucked to be them.  

His blame plate was full up.

“I wouldn’t…” It was pointless. 

This entire argument was pointless, and Elliana didn’t have the time, patience or desire to continue it.  She didn’t want to burn this bridge because Jon did pay very well for her company on the website.  He probably wouldn’t anymore after this exchange, but she didn’t want any bad feelings between them either.

“Never mind.  Forget it.” He was going to think what he wanted regardless of what she said about him or the company. “I’m not blaming you for my decisions.  I own up to every single one of them.  And I legitimately enjoyed what I did for a living at your firm, even with the shoddy pay and benefits.  You are right, we should’ve banded together to report your firm to the BBB or one of those associations, I don’t deny that.  We are partially at fault for what’s happened to us.  I just hope you see it from our point of view and how terrified we were to lose our jobs, which is why we kept our mouths shut.  That and, like I said before, we thought you were completely fine with treating your employees like shit.  And I know that’s on us as well for jumping to conclusions instead of fighting back.” Pouring herself another healthy dose of whiskey, Elliana slammed it back and sat down on her couch, ignoring her phone buzzing on the table. 

It was probably another ‘suiter’ from the website.

Damn, she had gone from defensive and on edge, to responsible and accepting her own problems from her lack of action.  Jon was…not used to that, especially from a woman, as sexist as that sounded.  Frowning, he stared at her, unsure what to say or do, though it did occur to him that he should apologize to her.  He just wasn’t sure WHY.  He wasn’t wrong in what he had said.  Well, maybe he shouldn’t have said it.  Or he could have been less of a jerk about it.  Sighing, he reached out and pulled her up and into him, his mind going back to the outfit she had on and how it hugged every curve, the same curves that were now pressed against him.

“I’m sorry.” He rumbled softly, bending down and brushing his lips against hers. “And I will fix this, Elliana.”

The only way to fix it was getting rid of the cancer that infected his entire firm.  Colby Lopez.  If Jon did that, she was sure everyone else in his little ‘clan’ would fall in line.  Colby was the main problem because he ran everything Jon was supposed to, did everything Jon was supposed to do.

“You were brought here for a reason, so I’m assuming you talked to Colby and found out about my termination.” Elliana pulled back from his lips, but didn’t leave his arms and slid her hands down his shirt covered chest, rather enjoying him in regular clothes.  In fact, he looked very hot in them and that warmth began pooling in her belly, just like the night of their date. “What did he say about me?  I’m sure he came up with some excuse as to why he fired me.”

“Said you were a thief, actually, and if that’s true, you are the worst dressed Las Vegas thief I have ever met.”

Usually, people who stole and held steady jobs tended to use the money for materialistic and stupid possessions.  Like drugs, or booze, or cosmetics and from this horrible apartment and her former crappy car, he was guessing she was either a piss poor thief or Colby was a liar.  Given what he now knew about Colby…Colby was a liar.

“I actually went in…” He cleared his throat, his brows furrowing as he stared down at her. “I used the excuse of following up on the DeWitt case, but I was hoping to see you.  Some fake blonde in a bad suit was working at your desk and a mail clerk told me what had happened.”

“Hmm must’ve been Samuel.  Good guy.” Samuel was PISSED when he found out Elliana had been terminated and threatened to go after Colby, but she had talked him down.  Colby would’ve stomped him into the ground. “Wait…” The barest hint of a smile curved her lips as she reached up to glide the pad of her thumb across his bottom lip, her eyes lighting up slightly. “You were making an excuse to come into the office…to see me?”

It wasn’t surprising Colby had hired a busty blonde, who probably got the job by doing Colby ‘favors’.  He had tried pulling that on her a time or two and Elliana flat out refused, telling him where to shove his propositions.  After that, things were tense between Colby and Elliana, but she made it work…until he finally terminated her.

“Wanted to see me that badly, eh?”

Chapter 12

Well, wasn’t she the cocky one?

Jon snorted, an arrogant smirk forming on his lips and shook his head down at her. “I just wanted to make sure my eyes hadn’t deceived me and the beautiful woman I went out with, and the no-frills, no-fun mousy office assistant, were really the same woman.” Jon was not expecting the slap to his chest that comment got him and blinked. “Do it again, darlin’, I think I almost felt that.” He began laughing genuinely when her lips curved. “And to be fair, it wasn’t really an excuse…well, it was, but not much of one because I DID need to know how the DeWitt mess was coming.”

“You’re such an ass.” Elliana muttered good-naturedly, unable to keep the amusement out of her voice and shook her head. “I don’t blame you for that case, though.” She knew how much that case meant to him because it was fighting off a pedophile. “I told you, I borrowed that dress I wore for our date from my friend.  I don’t own anything that nice because I can’t afford it.  Or well…I couldn’t afford it then, but I can now.”

She had gone out and bought a new wardrobe for herself – clothes, shoes, jewelry, the works.  If she was going out on these ‘dates’, Elliana had to look good for them.  These men were paying good money to take her out, after all.  Not that Jon needed to know any of that.

“I thought you didn’t want to see me again since I haven’t heard from you in 2 weeks.  Glad to see I was wrong in that assumption.” Since he was here, standing in her living room with his strong hands molding her sides.

“Darlin’, I’ve seen your old car and this place,” Jon’s head turned from side to side, taking it in.  It was clean and lightly decorated in good taste, but he could see where maintenance work had been done or where it needed to be done, including a patch near the balcony door that looked suspiciously like the beginning of mold. “If you were a thief, you’d be living somewhere habitable.” Of that he had no doubt.  

As for what he had been doing the past 2 weeks, he had spent a lot of time out in the desert, thinking about how her wanted to handle everything, her included.  He wasn’t really going to murder Lopez, though the man did deserve an ass kicking.  Maybe Jon would just deliver that instead.  He was going to clean house at his firm first thing next Monday, after lining up some replacements and all that this week.  Right now, all that was shifting to the backburner as she finally took the forefront.

“Cancel your dates this week, Ellia.” He was about to make her a bid she couldn’t refuse.

Her heart pounded in her chest, in her ears, at his request, his demand and Elliana felt her mouth go dry while staring up into his eyes.  She absolutely loved him calling her Ellia too, even though it was a childhood nickname she used to despise.  With him, however, it worked somehow.

“I do have a couple lined up…” She admitted, wondering if it was possible to cancel them or at least reschedule for another time.  His grip tightened on her slightly and Elliana had a feeling she wouldn’t have a choice in the matter, even if she refused Jon’s request. “All right, Jon.” She stroked his face with the back of her hand, the feeling of his facial hair sending tingles down her arm. 

Elliana would never admit it outside her head, but she missed him these past 2 weeks.  All she had to do was refund the bid amount, which was just hitting the cancel button, along with a reason why.  The men weren’t losing anything since they wouldn’t be going out with her and he would definitely recompense her for her time.

“Pack a bag, we’re leaving.” Getting a breather outside of Vegas would be good for him and having her with him was icing on cake.  Jon smiled when she gave him a quizzical look. “I have a cabin up in the mountains looking down on the lake.  Hiking… stargazing…” Since she liked to stargaze, he had remembered.  And calling it a ‘cabin’ was an understatement because no cabin looked like this; it was way too posh.

He wanted to take her away to a cabin in the mountains?  Hiking, stargazing…it sounded too good to be true.  What if Jon was a serial ax murderer and he was only taking her up there, so nobody would hear her screams while he cut her in tiny pieces?  Christ, Elliana really had to stop watching those stupid crime shows because she was allowing her imagination to run away with her.  What she SHOULD have been thinking about was being alone in a cabin in the mountains with this gorgeous man and those addictive lips on hers.  That was better.

“Okay.” She smiled up at him, pushing her fear of the unknown to the back of her mind. “Are we taking a car or your motorcycle?  If we’re taking your bike, I need to change too…”

“We’ll take my truck, but I did ride over here on my motorcycle.” Jon didn’t like the idea of her changing; those shorts and that top were doing great things for his racing imagination. “You can follow me to my place in your Nissan.” The new one, the non-junk one he had Joe find. “I’ll pay you double what I paid on our date, per day.” Because she had no job and, apparently, he was taking her from her work with other dates, other bidders.

Feeling smug about that, Jon smirked wickedly.

“Wait…” Elliana didn’t feel right taking money from him and she knew it was due to the emotional attachment she felt. “Jon, I don’t want your money.  I don’t…want to spend time with you because of your money…”

What was she trying to say?  He was different than the other suitors she had gone out with recently.  No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get Jonathan Good out of her mind.  She had no idea what this was between them, but it had to be more than just paying for a good time.  They were about to stay at his cabin, up in the mountains, stargazing and hiking…no, she definitely couldn’t take his money.

“Look, if you really want to help me out financially, then hire me back to the firm.” He had the power to do it since he was the owner and all. “You’ve already done so much for me and I know you’re the one who found that beautiful Nissan outside for me too.” Joe had spilled the beans rather quickly when he dropped it off to her. “I won’t take your money unless it’s through an actual job at your firm.  Spending time with you is free of charge.”

“I’ll probably need a new assistant.” Jon informed her, though he would wait to hire to her back until he was done cleaning house and, of course, he wanted to see how this week went.  

He knew damn well he couldn’t hire someone to work closely with him if they did, by chance, get involved.  That would lead to issues down the road.  Same if things didn’t work out and they wound up parting on poor terms.  He had a week to think about all this, business and everything else was firmly shoved right back out of his mind.

“Go pack, darlin’.”

Feeling better about everything, she beamed at him before heading to the other side of the studio apartment where her dresser and makeshift bed was.  The bed pulled out from the wall, so it was currently up.  She grabbed a bag that would be big enough to fit her clothes and toiletries, trying to mentally figure out what she needed for the trip.

“How long are we going to be gone for?”

When Jon just shrugged, she blew out a breath and couldn’t stop smiling, deciding to pack for a week.  It was Monday, so more than likely, he would want to get away for a week with her…unless things went south between them.  Once she finished, 20 minutes later, Jon took her bag and grabbed her hand again, leading her out of her studio apartment.

“I really can’t wait to get out of here.  I’m looking for something safer and better to move into, but haven’t found anything yet.” She informed him once they were outside, standing in front of his motorcycle.  His truck was more than likely at his place, so they would have to go there to swap them out.

“Well, what’s your price range and how are you claiming your earnings from this site?” If she was making good money, she would have to pay taxes on it, but it wasn’t a set amount either, so… places would want to know her monthly income.  If it was fluctuating, he could see a problem. “It’d be easier and cheaper to buy something small.” He said finally, ignoring the hoodlums that loitered near his motorcycle. Obviously, they hadn’t touched it because the security system hadn’t gone off.  A security system on a motorcycle… that had seemed odd, but there it was. “I know some people who can help you find a place, darlin’.” He was noticeably well-connected.

“It’s cash.  Nobody else has given me checks or anything, so it’s all under the table.” Not the smartest thing in the world to do, but if she got another job, or her old one back, she wouldn’t have to worry about the IRS coming after her. “Kairi said to go with cash because she doesn’t pay taxes on it either and the people that got her hooked on the site are paid under the table too.” Elliana shrugged, not seeing a big deal with it and hopped on the back of his motorcycle while Jon mounted in front of her, after putting her bag in one of the saddlebags. “I want another apartment that’s nicer than this one or maybe a condo.  I have enough for a down payment on whatever I choose.”

Jon cocked an eyebrow, staring at her. “Start claiming it, Elliana, and that’s legal advice.  That site tracks all bids and deals, so there is a record there that you are accepting these bids and it’s assumed you’re being paid.” He was not a tax lawyer, but he had unfortunately learned enough of how that worked to know better than to not claim wages that were being documented by a third party.  The IRS was not fun. “So, enough of a down payment for maybe the Palisades?” He snorted when she blanched.  So middle class, not wealthy. “I’m teasing, darlin’, that place is haughty and stiff.”

“I’ll start taking out 20% of every payment I get and socking it away for when tax season rolls around, then.  No condo.” Elliana wasn’t making enough for one if she had to claim this money and pay on it eventually. “Thank you for the advice, handsome.”

Leaning up, she brushed her lips against his cheek softly and wrapped her arms around his lean, muscular waist just as they took off from the apartment building.  It felt so nice being back with him again; Elliana had to tread carefully because this could end at any moment with Jon.  He would probably get bored with her and cast her aside, so she had to protect her heart.  For now, she would just enjoy being with him, accept the time she was given and when he was done with her, she would move onto the next suitor.

If she got a job, whether her old one or not, and kept this WhatsYourPrice.com gig on the side, she’d have more than enough money for whatever her heart desired.  If things progressed between them, then the website dating scene was over with.  Jon did not share and he would never allow his woman to sell herself to other men, or anyone actually, not even the damn Pope.

Whoa there, Good, he reigned in his thoughts, glad she couldn’t see his face since hers was buried in his back as he navigated the Las Vegas traffic with ease.  

He hadn’t even known Elliana that long, but he was definitely drawn to her, both physically and on another level.  They connected and clicked, and he was fairly certain they would do the same inside the bedroom.  Plenty of time to sort that all out.  Elliana.  The workplace situation with his firm.  Jon liked having his plate full and he had to admit, if only to himself, it was good to be paying attention again.  However, he was betting it was due to her.  On his own, without anything and anyone there to nudge him or rouse his curiosity, this farce of a firm would have continued until he was sued to hell and back.

“Oh wow…” Elliana breathed out at the sight of his extravagant mansion, which was on the outskirts of the city and she could see the Red Rocks from his driveway. 

It was a three-story house with long glass windows surrounding it.  There were pillars and he had a double door for the front.  Elliana was in awe as she took his offered hand, her eyes glued on the house and wouldn’t mind simply staying here for the week instead of up in the mountains in his cabin.  This was damn near perfect, especially with her favorite place in Vegas as the background.  Did Jon have this built out here?  It was very desolate, and she could tell certain things were to his tastes.

“This is so beautiful, Jon.” She complimented, finally drawing her gaze away from the house to look up into his eyes, seeing the hesitation written on his face. “Hey.”

Moving, she stood in front of him and crooked her finger for his head to lower to hers before passionately kissing him, wrapping her arms around his neck.  It was something she wanted to do since she opened her door to see him on the other side earlier.  A second later her bag was on the what constituted his potential porch or front patio, whatever one wanted to call it and he had lifted this thick, delicious vixen up, so she was eyelevel with him, feeling her legs going around his waist for support.  Her back gently collided with the pillar and he leaned in, letting her feel his hard body lean into her softer curves as he devoured her mouth.

Her body felt like it’d been dipped in a fiery inferno upon feeling his chiseled frame against her.  Elliana couldn’t pull away from his lips as the stars peeked out of the sky one by one, twinkling down on them.  She hardly knew this man and, yet, she couldn’t get enough of him.  Every other suitor she’d been out with the past 2 weeks had been dull and boring – there was no connection with any of them.  Some were very handsome and drop dead gorgeous, but Elliana’s mind was fixated on Jon.  Needing oxygen to breathe, unfortunately, she broke the kiss to both breathing heavily, almost panting, and their eyes were locked on each other.  There was definitely a sexual attraction between them, but there was also something more beneath the surface she couldn’t quite put her finger on.

Chapter 13

“D-Didn’t think you’d be able to lift me.” She joked, trying to catch her breath and rolled her eyes at his blatant snort. “I’m not a small woman, Jon.”

“I know, I like it.” He purred, though he didn’t think she was that heavy either.  She was solid, and curvy, and any man who didn’t do a doubletake and drool check was out of his mind, in his not so humble opinion. “You’re perfectly sized; consider it Jon-sized.” Because right now, he wasn’t sharing and, while they were doing this, whatever it was, she would not be seeing other men, paid to or otherwise.  Not happening. “And I don’t share.” He figured they might as well get that out of the way right now. “Not for harmless dates, none of it.”

This was where things became complicated and Elliana had to put herself first. “I can’t do that, Jon.  I understand you don’t share.  I don’t either, but I’m not stopping these website dates.  I need income right now and it’s the only thing I have going for myself.  You can’t expect me to drop it just because you don’t like the idea of me going out on dates with other men.” He had to be reasonable about this. “The only thing I can promise you is that I won’t kiss or have sexual contact of any kind with them…while I’m doing whatever this is with you.  Please tell me you understand.” Her emerald eyes were pleading with him to see where she was coming from. 

He didn’t have financial woes to worry about; he was a billionaire.

“So take my money instead.”

She had declined, he got that she wouldn’t feel right about it.  However, at the same time, if she continued selling herself, then she might as well do it to the only guy who counted at the moment and that was him.  She looked ready to turn that down again and he frowned, his lips compressing into a thin, grim line.

“You’ll take other men’s money and go out with them, but not mine?  I’d rather pay to keep you to myself than the alternative.”

“But it’s different with you than the others.  I don’t feel…right taking money from you, Jon.  We’re not just going out on dates for my company and you know that.”

Elliana pressed her forehead to his and heaved a sigh, hating how torn she felt about this.  He made valid points and she understood them, but if they were going to end up being a couple…no, she would definitely have to stop the website if that was the case.  No man in their right mind would allow their girlfriend to traverse around the City of Sin with other men for money.

“Fuck.” Leaning her head back against the pillar, Elliana closed her eyes as his lips descended on her bare neck, her hair still in a haphazard mess on top of her head. “Jon…” Her thighs trembled against him, not used to being in this position for a long period of time and she moaned out as he attacked the spot just below her ear. “Y-You’re not…making this…easy for me…”

“Good, it SHOULDN’T be easy for you.” He growled against her throat, running his tongue down and then back up beneath her ear. “You want a job, I’ll give you a job, so you’re not just ‘taking’ my money.” But there would be no more WhatsYourPrice.com.  He pulled her away from the pillar, one strong hand moving up her spine until he had fisted her hair in his hand. “Change your mind yet, darlin’, or do I need to keep convincing you?” Jon could and would do this all night.

A dirty little smirk curved her lips as she stared at him, her hands gripping his broad shoulders. “I think I need a little more convincing.” Her tone was teasing and sultry without realizing it, causing his own eyes to darken over. “What kind of job do you have in mind?”

He went right back to attacking her neck, feasting on it.  She melted completely against him, feeling his erection through the jeans he had on pressing against her cotton short covered sex.  Practically gushing for him, Elliana would definitely need a change of panties if he still wanted to take her up to his cabin in the mountains.

“You’re a very pushy man, you know that?  So demanding…”

“I can be, yes. This would be easier if you just gave me my way now instead of making me work for it.” His tone was arrogant, as if her giving him his way eventually was guaranteed.

That was how Jon’s world tended to work, however, though he rarely had to fight for anything.  He was both annoyed and pleased with the fact that she wasn’t caving straightaway, but this wasn’t exactly the topic to be playing coy on.  After one last lingering kiss, he let her down, stepping away and blatantly adjusted himself, smirking when her eyes dropped down.  His erection was very visible in his jeans and he wasn’t exactly a small man, anywhere.

“My eyes are up here, darlin’.” Not that he minded her ogling him, he had done his fair share of ogling her, especially in those shorts.  He hoped she had more of them; they were now his favorite piece of clothing.

“I know where your eyes are, but I was busy admiring other parts of your body.” Taking a chance, she slid a single fingernail up the length and back down of his erection through those jeans, knowing it had to be painful for him. “I like the fact you’re working for it, though.  I’m sure you always get your way on 99% of the things you want, but…I have to think about this.  I have to mull over my options and make sure I’m doing the right thing for me.” And not let him cloud her judgment, which he was doing a splendid job at doing, currently. “I’m yours for the week; at the end of it, I’ll give you my answer.  Deal?”

His nostrils flared, that was not the answer he had been wanting to hear and knew damn well she wasn’t making money this week, so she was likely to hustle twice as hard next week. “Fine.” He grumped, retrieving her bag and shouldering it with a roll of his blue eyes.  

Jon was going to give her money, or sneak it in her bag, at the end of this trip regardless.  She couldn’t be broke and date him, plus other men just for cash.  His pride wasn’t allowing it, and neither was the primal part of him that wasn’t debating the sharing issue.

“Come on.” He led the way towards the security panel, keying in the code before pressing his thumb to it, letting the biometrics scan him.  Jon was not risking someone invading his private space, ever.  He liked his solitude and privacy way too much. “This is it…”

Whether he liked it or not, Elliana had to think about it before simply doing whatever he wanted.  She blinked at the maximum security he had on this place and stepped inside before him, standing in the foyer.  It was even more beautiful inside than outside, but…there wasn’t any…feeling to the place.  It didn’t feel like a home.  There were no personal photos anywhere on the walls, only expensive décor like paintings and such.  It felt very cold here and Elliana didn’t believe for a second that was the type of person Jon was.  No way.  She was afraid to touch anything, even though most of it was black.  This definitely was the home of a bachelor, there was no doubt about it.  Jon lead the way to his bedroom, pointing out where things were and whatnot and Elliana could only stare at the sheer size of his room…it was bigger than her damn studio apartment!

“Holy cow…”

“Yeah, it’s huge.”

Jon had slowly been remodeling the house over the years and had started with the outside, before the rooms he liked the most, which was the gym and bathrooms.  And the kitchen.  He had inherited it.  The ‘cabin’ had been inherited too, but since he spent a lot of time there, it was completely him.

“My uncle left it to me, and he was worse than I am.” If she could believe that.

“Huge is an understatement.” What am I even doing here, Elliana thought, questioning herself while looking down at what she had on. 

Sneakers with cotton shorts and a tank top.  Wow.  She was WAY out of this man’s league.  Hopefully, the cabin was a little more scaled down, though she doubted it.  This was what it was like to be a billionaire.  She wrapped her arms around herself, hating the doubts filling her mind and walked over to stare out the window, her breath slightly stolen at the sight of the Red Rocks.  What she wouldn’t give to be able to have them in her backyard or to at least see them from her bedroom window.  Jon was a very lucky man.

He studied her thoughtfully, taking in the way Elliana had wrapped her arms around herself, the way her shoulders hunched.  Her entire body seemed to be in an almost defensive position, and something was emanating from her, but he couldn’t quite place it.  Frowning, he peeled off his shirt and tossed it aside, walking up behind her and let his palms settle on her waist.

“What’s wrong, darlin’?” He asked gently, kissing the top of her hair.

“Nothing’s really wrong, just feeling a little out of my depth here.” She managed a sharp laugh and it died almost instantly, a deep frown spreading on her face. “We’re from completely different worlds, Jon.” Elliana hated what she was about to say, but it had to be said. “Maybe it would be best to…”

He suddenly whipped her around to face him with such velocity, she was surprised it didn’t give her whiplash, her breath now stolen by the intensity in his eyes.  Why wouldn’t he let her finish what she was going to say?  Was he feeling the same way as her and just didn’t want to admit it out loud?

“Sorry.  Never mind.  Forget I said anything.  Are you ready to go?”

“Darlin’… if you think I come from this…” He gestured to the room they stood in. “You’d be wrong.” Seeing the surprise on her face wasn’t shocking; he could pull off the life-long rich guy gig pretty well.  That was all the Uncle’s doing. “Elliana, I’m just some poor kid from the projects, who happened to have a good man step in and pull me out of poverty and a life of what would’ve been crime.  I’ve just rolled with it ever since.” And, while he was being honest, totally botched up the main thing his Uncle had left him – that damn firm.

“You…lived in the projects?”

How was that possible?  He kept mentioning his Uncle and she harbored a safe bet that man was responsible for all of Jon’s success and wealth.  Maybe they weren’t from different worlds.  She too grew up in low income housing with her mother, who was now off married to her second husband and they lived in Hawaii at the moment.  Her father…her birth father, Elliana didn’t know and never wanted to.

“Maybe that’s why when we first met and went to dinner, I felt like that suit you wore wasn’t you.  I was right.  None of this is you.  It’s a great house, don’t get me wrong, but you just don’t seem to fit here.  And now I know why – because you weren’t born into this, it was bestowed on you from your Uncle.  You’re the blue jeans and beater kinda guy, definitely not suits.” She smoothed her hands down the expanse of his bare chest and stepped closer to him, his hands massaging her sides.

“Yeah, bestowed, that’s a good word.  Mind you, doll, he raised me since I was 12, so I’ve had a lot of shit figuratively beaten into me,” Or pounded into his skull via a lot of lessons, repetition and whatnot, however one wanted to word it. “But no, this wasn’t who I was the first 12 years of my life.” It was hard to ignore that it had been the last 20. “Feel less out of place now?  Now that you know my dirty little secret?” He teased, reaching out to finger a strand of hair that curled about her face.

“I’m an idiot, you have to forgive my stupidity, Jon.”

Here she was accusing him of judging her when it came to the website, but then she turned around and did the same thing to him.  Some people worked incredibly hard for what they had in life.  Some people EARNED their keep, invested smartly and wound up with lavish homes like this.

“And it’s not a dirty little secret – it’s your past and you should be proud of it.  Your past is what molded you into the person you are today.  And just so you know, since you shared that with me, I will share something with you.  I also lived in low-income housing, the projects, when I was a kid.  Didn’t have the best childhood in the world either, but it is what it is.” Reaching up, she softly kissed him and cupped his face tenderly. “For the record, I like you just the way you are – intensity and all.”

Jon hadn’t earned this.  Well, some of it.  He had gone through his paces, risen to the challenges his Uncle posed, gone to college, done his bar exams, had a short-lived career as a lawyer and then inherited it all and went lazy -sort of.  He was backing her up again, having every intention of planting her on the window seat, which was one of his favorite places because he liked watching the night time sky over the Red Rocks.  A second later, she was sitting in his usual spot and he was guiding her legs back around his waist.

“See?  We’re not so different.”

“They do say opposites attract, so there’s that going for us too.”

This spot was absolutely perfect.  This moment was absolutely perfect, even with her self-doubting.  Elliana had been out to the Red Rocks a few times at night to stargaze, but never had she been able to see them this far away from a spot like this.

“We should stay here tonight and go to the cabin tomorrow.” She suggested, caressing his bare shoulders and moving down his arms, feeling his muscles rippling beneath her touch. “I have a question for you.” She kissed his neck and went up to his ear, nipping it with her teeth. “What would you say if I wanted you to sex me up right here, right now?” In front of the Red Rocks, under the stars and moon on this gorgeous warm evening.  Just for added incentive, Elliana snaked her hand between them down to his jean covered erection and unsnapped them before delving her hand inside to feel his hardness in her hand. “I want you, Jon.”

And she could definitely feel that he wanted her as well, quite a bit.  He couldn’t keep his hips from arching into her warm palm, his teeth grit as she stroked him leisurely. “We don’t have to leave tonight.” If they had sex tonight, would that be rushing it?  He mulled it over for about 3 seconds before deciding it would not. “Do you want me to bend you over this window?” His fingers wrapped around her waist, stopping her and carefully extricated her fingers from his cock. “Take your clothes off.”

Chapter 14

It'd been a LONG time since Elliana had sex. 

Her vagina had cobwebs, according to Kairi, so she hoped she didn’t suck at this.  First impressions in the bedroom were very important. “Fuck me any way you want, baby.  As long as your cock is inside of me.”

She peeled her tank top off and tossed it to the side, unfastening her bra as well.  They were a decent size, not too small and not too big.  Big enough for him to feast on if he wanted to, for sure.  She heard his zipper slide down and felt her pussy moisten instantly, discarding her shoes, socks, shorts and panties next.  Reaching up, Elliana let her hair fall out of the messy bun she had it in, making it have a wild look about her face.

“How do you want me, Jon?”

Jon held up a finger for silence, his eyes busy drinking in the view.  She had made jokes about her size and she was larger than what was considered the ‘preferred’ body type, but she was not fat.  No, no Elliana was curvy, she was thick in all the rights areas, she looked delicious.  He could practically feel his mouth watering.  His answer was to gently but firmly turn her around, his palms gliding down her shoulders, her forearms and to her wrists before entwining their fingers together as he moved to stand behind her.  He could feel the heat searing from her into his skin and bent down to bury his face in her hair.  Finally, he let go of her hands and let his roam her body, wanting to feel what he was about to claim.

“Foreplay first, darlin’.” He whispered against the shell of her ear before nipping at her lobe, feeling her body shuddering and brought his hands up to cup her breasts.

Chiseled out of stone was the best way to describe Jon.  Every contour of his body was perfected.  The way his hands molded her body – she was his clay and he was about to mold her any way he wanted.  And she would gladly let him.  Her head lulled back against his chest as he plucked and rolled her nipples between his fingers, both facing the window to stare out at the Red Rocks.  They were the last thing on her mind, however.  Her eyes were closed to relish the feeling of being touched by this man.  If this was a dream, Elliana never wanted to wake up again and would’ve gladly opted to stay here forever with him.  Jon leaned forward, taking one of his hands to open the double balcony doors to let the fresh warm night air inside.  Then, he slowly pulled Elliana away from the window until her back landed on the bed with him hovered over her, kissing and lighting a trail of fire down the length of her thick body.

“Oh god…” She breathed out, sliding her fingers through his very short hair and arched her body into him, welcoming him with open arms.

Any way he wanted her, and he had Elliana just how he wanted her, sprawled out beneath him, already writhing as he took his time getting to know her body.  A woman like this deserved to be worshipped like the goddess she was, thoroughly, slowly…and he was now between her open thighs, planting lazy kisses everywhere except the one place she probably wanted him too.  He could smell her desire and groaned, snaking his tongue out to get one tiny taste.  He was an addict, it was official.  But first…he pulled back until he was off the bed and wasted no time in divesting himself of what were officially bothersome jeans, his shoes and socks going right along with them, joining her clothes on the floor.

“Scoot up further, darlin’.” He ordered, his voice low and gravelly, watching as she obeyed and pushed his knee between her legs, parting her thighs again.

Her ebony tresses were pooled all around her on the bed as Elliana dug her feet into the soft microfiber black comforter.  Once again, he blazed a trail of fire down her body until he finally arrived at her already glistening sex.  It was dripping; he had kept her very stimulated and since she hadn’t sex in a long time, her body was threatening to strike if he didn’t get down to business.

“Taste me, Jon…god I need to feel your tongue inside of me…” Elliana whimpered, gasping at the first touch of his tongue sliding up her slit.  He had tasted her once, but she barely felt it and this time was very different. “You enjoy eating pussy, baby?” If so, she had more than enough to supply and satisfy.

Jon laughed darkly, nipping her inner thigh before peering up at her from between her legs. “You’ll be worn out before we get to the main course, darlin’.  Bank on that.” He informed her, just barely keeping the smugness from his tone.  

He was one of those men who loved going down on the right woman, of course, and she was definitely one of those women.  His hands gripped her outer thighs, spreading her wide for him and then held her still before sampling his new drug again.  At least she’d be worn out from sexual exhaustion instead of mental and emotional exhaustion, so that was a plus in Elliana’s book.

“Mmm I’m counting on it.” She purred in response and tossed her head back, arching it while Jon held the lower half of her body in place. 

His tongue flicked against her clit repeatedly and Elliana was glad she had shaved prior to this.  Ever since she started on that website, she had groomed herself properly.  She wasn’t completely bald down there, hating a naked kitty because the hair growing back SUCKED.  However, she trimmed it down to where Jon wouldn’t be flossing with her pubic hairs.  Apparently, he was grateful because he started grinding his mouth and tongue into her, using that skillful tongue and added fingers for more sensation.

“O-Oh god…oh fuck yeah…Jon, baby…” Her voice remained low and sultry, not screaming like a banshee.  Elliana was never one to scream out her orgasms, always giving loud moans and slight cries instead.

Not having his long hair was probably a good thing because she would have yanked it all out.  As it was, Elliana had a pretty good grip on what was left, her body and her words urging him on as he brought her to the edge and shoved her over it, repeatedly.  He had threatened to wear her out, but from the way she kept going, so eager for the attention he was giving her, he didn’t think that was possible.

“Shit… you’re going to drown me, Ellia…” He rasped after only god knew how long, his lower face drenched and licked his lips in satisfaction.

“Good.” She hissed out, completely drowning in ecstasy and could barely catch her breath, her chest rising and falling rapidly. 

Jon pulled away from her and she groaned, pulling him up with strength she didn’t know she possessed and smashed his lips against hers, tasting herself on his tongue.  It was intoxicating and drove her crazy, her body tingling from head to toe.  Then, she pushed Jon onto his back while they were still locked in the kiss and straddled him, grinding her pussy against his throbbing dick for a few moments.

“My turn, handsome.” She murmured against his lips, nipping his bottom one and began working her way down his neck over to his Adam’s apple.

“Jesus Christ, I’m going to wind up exploding like a damn kid…” He warned in a husky growl, his cock practically crying out for attention.  Jon wasn’t celibate by any means, but even by his standards, he had gone a long time without sex, if he didn’t count his own hand.  Her brushing herself against him, teasing him, had not helped at all. “Damn…”

Jon gripped the sheets, twisting them in his fists as that wicked mouth of hers began tormenting his chest and her hands weren’t idle either.  She was caressing and touching him everywhere she could reach.  He couldn’t remember the last time a woman had taken the time to explore him and not go straight for his dick.  Elliana was one of a kind, that was for sure.

“It better be in my mouth, baby.  You better hold off until I can pleasure your dick the way it should be.”

Elliana looked up at him briefly before continuing to blaze her own path down his body.  What woman in her right mind would NOT want to explore this beautiful, chiseled body?  Christ, she wanted to give this man a tongue bath, lick him from head to toe.  The grinding never stopped against his dick until she moved lower to where her mouth was on his abdomen, nipping and licking at each of his rock-hard abs.

“You have a beautiful body, Jon.”

Thank the stars he trimmed up himself and she wouldn’t be flossing with his pubic hairs.  They had the same idea in mind, apparently.  That made her smile before she began kissing his inner thighs, avoiding his cock at all costs like he’d done to her.  Good grooming was just habit at this point because he was never entirely sure when he was going to get laid.  Sometimes it just happened and wasn’t directly planned, kind of like tonight.

“You fucking little tease,” He growled, raising his head up to watch from narrowed eyes as she returned the ‘favor’, doing what he had done to her, driving him out of his mind.  Hearing her husky laughter floating back up at him made him facepalm himself and drop back down, letting out a slow, shaky breath.  Don’t explode, he mentally begged.

She smiled up at him while stroking his balls, giving them some attention as well.  There was no need to rush and she wasn’t in a hurry to end this.  Jon was giving her all the power right now and she rather liked it, her mouth finally kissing the tip of his pulsating cock.  Her tongue flicked out, tasting the precum and was an instant addict, much like he was with her.  His taste was incredible, not too salty and had a slight sweetness to it.  Elliana craved more and took the tip of him in her mouth to swirl it around her tongue, still fondling his balls and stroked the rest of his length with her other hand.  She was a little rusty at first when it came to foreplay, but it was like riding a bike – one never truly forgot.  Just for added sensation, she began humming to send vibrations throughout his body and felt him shudder against her. 

That was the reaction she was hoping for.

Jon had gotten ‘hummers’ before, but they were already so awkward, like the broad was trying to be a leaf blower or a Kirby.  No finesse to it at all.  Elliana was obviously, he didn’t want to think ‘pro’ because the implications were bad, but she was a natural.  She knew how to pleasure a man without acting like a drooling fool and he had a feeling it was going to be him acting the drooling fool if she didn’t stop.  The vibrations felt wonderful and seemed to resonate throughout his body.  She was going to kill him in the best way possible.

“Darlin’…”

It wasn’t forced; everything was completely natural from Elliana and she just went with her instincts.  She wasn’t a prude and had a few sexual partners, one of which was a porn star, who taught her a few extra things in the bedroom.  Humming while giving a blowjob, for example.  Elliana didn’t know he was a porn star, however, until three months into their relationship.  She had gone to an adult store with Kairi, just for shits and giggles, and found the asshole on the COVER of a porno.  Kairi was floored and Elliana flew out of there like her backside was on fire, called the guy in the parking lot and broke things off with him.  That was her last relationship and it was over 3 years ago.  She had met him shortly after moving to Vegas and starting her job at the firm.  Right after that, Elliana checked herself to make sure she had no STD’s or anything; thankfully, she didn’t and the asshole was clean.  Last she heard, he was in Hollywood doing more high-scale pornos and had left Vegas.

This was Vegas, almost everyone had dabbled in something shady or weird at least once.  WhatsYourPrice.com wasn’t exactly proper table conversation.  Vegas brought people from all walks together, it was a very strange melting down of the wealthy, poor, modest, gamblers, moral bigots, hustlers, and everything in between.  Jon loved it, now that he wasn’t one of those who had to hustle for a meal.  It seemed like hours when the reality was that time was flying by, and he knew he was going to wind up drowning her in his cum if she didn’t stop, his hands moving down to her shoulders.

“Up here, Ellia.” He ordered harshly, trying to breathe, knowing as delicious as exploding down her throat would be, that wasn’t where he wanted it to happen.

This man had exceptional control.  She smirked up at him, knowing he couldn’t take much more and kissed the tip of his twitching cock one final time before snaking up the length of his body.  She rained kisses on the way until she straddled him, his hands gripping her hips to stop her from moving up more.  Leaning down, she traced his lips with her tongue before they tasted each other, her pussy once again gliding up and down his cock.

“Want me to ride you, baby?” She purred against his lips, massaging his shoulders and chest, trembling in anticipation of coming together.  He lifted her up with sheer power and deposited her right on his cock as it sank into her hot, tight depths, both groaning at the friction. “Oh god…” She moaned out, not remembering ever being with a man of this size or being stretched to this magnitude. “Jon…”

“Mmm,” He rumbled, having summoned every disgusting thing he could think of to keep back the flood. 

It had worked out quite well when his mind had supplied that fake blonde with the horrific choice in work attire.  Orgasm be gone.  He was no minute, to win it, chump and as a general rule had great control.  Jon wasn’t letting that fail him now.

“Goddamn, Ellia…you’re so tight!”

Hadn’t she been with a real man, at all?  There was no way this beautiful goddess hadn’t been properly fucked before; he couldn’t wrap his mind around that possibility.  His hands kneaded her hips, moving to her waist as he raised his head up to watch as she rode him, a deep purr practically coming from him at the sight.  Her breasts bounced with each movement, especially when he thrust his hips forward to penetrate further inside of her.  She rose and fell on him slowly at first, both feeling each other out and relishing this moment in time.  There would never be another first time between them again.  Elliana wanted to savor it and she was sure Jon felt the same way, her hands moving down his muscular arms while slowly rolling her hips.

“Jesus, you feel so good inside of me…” She moaned out, placing kisses all over his chest and sat up to start bouncing a little harder on and off him.

Jon was in agreement; he did feel good inside of her.  She was tight, hot, like someone had designed her just for him.  He wanted to bend her over, knowing that would only make it even better for the both of them, as well as allow her to feel him completely, but that would be rushing it.  Patience was a virtue, though somewhat excruciating and he occupied his hands by reaching for her breasts, plucking her nipples with his fingertips.

“Right like that, darlin’…” She was jarring her own body, coming down on him harder and he was thrusting up in time to meet her, each movement causing those beautiful breasts to bounce with the motions.

Chapter 15

“You said you wanted to bend me over your window…I think you should do what you said you were going to.”

Elliana enjoyed riding him, but what she really wanted was to be pounded in that spot they had looked at the stars and Red Rocks.  Jon growled, lifting her off him enough to wrap her legs around his waist and carted her over to the window seat.  She didn’t realize she had read Jon’s mind about the position change and let out a soft cry as soon as he plummeted right back in her hot depths, her walls encasing around him instantly.

“Oh god yes…just like this…” She gripped the window ledge and held on for dear life while Jon began thrusting in and out of her, slowly and methodically, taking his time to drive her mad all over again. “Mmm, Jon baby…”

This was perfect.  He had the view of her bubbly, delicious ass right before him and, past her out the window, was the glorious Red Rocks lit up by moonlight and a million stars.  Jon kept shifting his gaze between the Red Rocks and then down to watch as he plummeted in and out of her depths.  Soon, however, they had fogged up that window and he was more intent on the sounds of flesh slapping flesh as he upped the pace every few minutes before slowing down and then doing it all over again.

Elliana had never climaxed so hard in her life. 

The sheer intensity and buildup to this sexual bout with Jon was off the charts.  She would be lying if she said she didn’t have high expectations for a first time with him.  The moment she kissed him in that parking lot, while they waited for her car to be towed away by his friend, Joe, Elliana knew she would end up sleeping with him.  Expectations were definitely met, and she whipped her head back, crying out his name as her body tensed and shuddered, her juices gushing around him, wrapping his cock in a warm, wet cocoon.

“Jon!”

He wasn’t done though, thrusting harder and faster in and out of her, forcing another climax to build up within her body.  It wouldn’t take long, but that first climax had been earth-shattering.  The beautiful thing about women, they could cum multiple times in such short amounts of time.  Some men could too, on occasion, but once a woman got going, it was easy to keep her there where the lines between pleasure and pain blurred into exquisite torture.  Jon got her there and then kept her there, sweat beading over his muscular body as he worked her into a frenzy, pushing her to new heights even as her inner walls kept tightening and spasming around him, seemingly to never end.

“Yes Ellia, goddamn you’re made for me, darlin’…” He rumbled, bending down to run his tongue up along her spine.

She believed that with every fiber of her being, down to her very core, and those words left her panting and wanting more.  Even though she was a thick woman, Elliana had a lot of stamina and showcased it, keeping up with Jon, even as her body screamed at her to stop, to end this.  She didn’t want to, ignoring it and felt their sweaty bodies colliding repeatedly with each other.

“Jon please…PLEASE!” She cried out breathlessly, the pain and pleasure overtaking her as the grip on the window sill threatened to break. 

He lifted her up to align her body with his, the thrusting never ceasing and wrapped a hand around her throat, very lightly squeezed.  Just that slight pressure made her GUSH all over again and he growled in her ear, signaling he had reached his end.  He had reached his end all right and the explosion caused stars to erupt in his vision, followed by blackness creeping in the corners.  Jon squeezed just a little harder as he thrust a few more times, wanting to make sure every last drop went straight into her willing body.

“Fuck!” He rasped into her ear, careful not to slump forward and crush her, though he did start easing Elliana down onto the seat, taking note of how bad she was trembling.  It was mutual, his entire body was shaking from that explosive bout and he kissed her temple, letting out a shaky breath.  

Making a life-changing, life-altering decision, right after sex, was not a smart thing to do.  Sex released endorphins and it masked how a person really felt due to the whole euphoria of it all.  Elliana looked up at Jon from being sprawled on the carpet, unable to move at the moment and her brain was in a thick passion haze.  Jon was on one knee, trying to catch his breath and holding onto the ledge for dear life, staring down at her.  Both were breathing erratically, their hearts pounding in their ears and their bodies were caked in sweat.

“All right…” She finally spoke after several minutes of silence and trying to come down from the sexual high she reached with Jon. “You win.” His brow arched down at her and she smiled, not remembering the last time she felt this relaxed and amazing. “Only you.  No other men will have my company.  Just you, handsome.”

Jon felt like hooting and hollering, in general, and being a smug asshole with a side of ‘you’re damn right!’.  However, he also knew right now being arrogant would probably be the best way to ruin this moment.  It’d ruin their post-sex high and she’d definitely retract that statement, so he was good.

“Good.” He declared, satisfaction in his tone.  Moving so they were both laying on the plush carpeted floor, on their sides, Jon dropped a kiss on her brow. “Glad to hear it.” He liked the idea of Elliana being all his, only his.

~!~

Instead of going to the mountains, Elliana and Jon just stayed at his place and even went to the Red Rocks, both during the day and at night to stargaze.  It was magical and she never wanted it to end.  Being in his arms, feeling his kisses and his strength surrounding her, along with the lovemaking…Elliana was in heaven.  This had to be heaven.  However, all good things eventually ended, and it was time to get back to reality Monday morning.  Elliana slowly opened her eyes and sat up in the comfortable, king-sized bed, seeing Jon was already up getting around to head to the firm.

“You let me sleep in.” She yawned, covering her mouth with her hand and slid from the bed, completely naked. 

Being with Jon gave Elliana confidence in her appearance and made her feel beautiful.  She had tried putting clothes back on the first night they made love and Jon stopped her, ordering her to stay naked.  Her self-consciousness had ramped up, but Jon had convinced her, over the past week, just how beautiful her body was, and she shouldn’t be ashamed of it.

“Heading to the office to clean out the trash?” She was meeting up with Kairi during the woman’s lunchbreak and her friend wanted all the details of her week getaway with the billionaire stud.

“Oh…. There’s going to be an epic overhaul.” Jon promised, busy attaching cufflinks to his white dress shirt, planning on going in there dressed as the OWNER to the hilt.  

He had actually mixed pleasure and business this week, taking moments to organize his incoming staff for the big transition.  Lopez was the first to go and he’d be weeding the rest out over time.  He had no intentions of being there every day to run the firm, hell no, but he did plan on being there on a weekly basis, just to make sure everyone knew he wasn’t screwing around anymore.  This woman was corrupting him; this was all her fault and he began to grin and whistle as he turned to reach for his Rolex.

“What’re your plans for the day, darlin’?”

“Hmm, going out to lunch with Kairi on her lunchbreak and then continuing to look for a new place to live.”

Jon had snuck money into her bag and, as much as she hated taking it, Elliana had no alternative.  She needed money to survive right now and since Jon didn’t want her on the website anymore, this was her only option.  It felt like he had control and power over her, in a way, but Elliana had more important things to worry about.  Walking over, after slipping a terry cloth soft robe on, black of course, Elliana slid her hands up and down the expanse of his dress shirt covered back.

“Here, let me help you with your tie.” He turned and she smiled up at him, proceeding to do it with perfection and smoothed it out, making sure to fold the collar down around the tie as well to tuck it in. “I need to take a shower and then I’ll head out.  I can call a cab, so you don’t have to wait for me.” He shook his head and pulled something out of his dress pant pocket, dangling keys in her face. “W-What are these for?”

“Just take one of my cars.” It was his key ring. “There’s only four, and if you go with the Aston, be careful because it has a lot of balls.” That thing was easy to break speed limits in, perfect for driving at night on the backroads throughout the desert.  He made a mental note to do that with her. “Sorry darlin’, but you don’t have your Nissan and there’s no point in you ordering a cab when there are plenty of cars here.” It wasn’t like he was using them all.  Four cars, two motorcycles and then his truck.  He was taking his truck, figuring he wasn’t going to ruin his suit on his bike.

“Wait…you’re trusting me with one of your cars?” Had Jon lost his mind? “No, I’m not doing that.” She set the key down on the dresser and shook her head vehemently. “Jon, I live in a very bad part of Vegas, if you recall.  Any of your cars will be vandalized and stripped in a heartbeat, no matter how much security you have on them.  Just…give me a minute and I’ll get dressed and you can drop me off at my place.  I can shower there…” It wouldn’t be as nice and luxurious as his incredible shower with the ceiling head, but…Elliana wouldn’t be responsible for something happening to one of his expensive cars. “Thanks, but no and I’m not changing my mind on this.” Tossing the robe aside, she grabbed her clothes and began getting dressed in record time.

“Darlin’, they’re all fully insured and protected.  I can just get a new one, no big deal.”

This was how Jon knew he had grown way too accustom to his ‘not new’ life.  He had lived this way for 20 years, despite growing up poor and in trouble.  Frowning at the aghast look on her face, he sighed, realizing he sounded like a douchebag.

“You’re right, you’re right, and I’m an idiot who takes way too much for granted.” She didn’t even have to say anything; he could just read it on her face. “I’m sorry.”

“No…nothing to be sorry about.  I understand you’re trying to help me, but I really don’t feel comfortable driving one of those cars.” He could probably buy his own museum of cars, but a lot of people didn’t have that luxury.  Elliana promised she wouldn’t judge him and finished pulling her sneakers on before walking over to crook her finger, softly kissing him. “I wish I could be there when you pull the plug on Lopez.” To be a fly on the wall during THAT firing…she beamed at the thought of her former manager finally getting what was coming to him, a hint of maliciousness in her eyes.

“No, you don’t, you wouldn’t like that side of me, Ellia.” Jon argued confidently, a hint of darkness in his tone.  The urge to murder Lopez had passed, but that didn’t mean Jon wasn’t contemplating beating his ass black and blue.  He had informed his lawyer of the potential course the day would take, so his bail money was ready to go, just in case. “You don’t need to see me… as a corporate dick.” When he actually pulled his weight, Jon was a beast and he knew it.  Learning how to temper savagery with politics had been something that had frustrated him to no end and still did, hence the potential assault coming.

“You don’t know me very well then, Jon.  That bastard put me through pure hell for over 3 years.  I would LOVE to watch you destroy him, trust me on that.” Elliana assured him, meaning every word she said and grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder. “Knock’em dead, former boss.”

She winked on her way out the door, laughing at his shaking head.  She hopped into the truck, a beautiful black Chevy Silverado and buckled up, wondering why he wasn’t taking one of his fancy sports cars to the firm instead.  A few minutes later, they were on the road headed for the city.  Jon dropped her off at her apartment before lighting a cigarette, eyes narrowing as he watched Elliana head inside.  He needed to get her out of there pronto; that would be second on today’s to-do list.  First things first, he had a firm to go clear out.  Smirking, he pulled out of the lot and headed for ‘work’.  Colby Lopez was about to get his head crammed right up his ass and, if that blonde bimbo wasn’t gone, he might shove her head up Colby’s ass as well.

The problem with firing Colby was there would be an uprising on Jon’s hands if it happened.  Because Colby had secured himself a security blanket within the company.  Every manager got a slice of the pie while their assistants were left in the dark.  Bonuses were skyrocketed because of this and there were at least 20 of them within the building that were in Colby’s elite circle.  If they had to, they would cause an uprising and, since the main boss refused to come to work and paid them to run the place, they could easily push him out in court.  They would show how incompetent and worthless Jonathan Good was and protect themselves, if it came down to it.  Colby knew all of this, so when the head honcho made his presence felt that morning, he didn’t bat an eyelash or start kissing ass.  He had a smug smirk on his face while drinking his coffee, waiting for the hammer to drop.  The meeting he’d had with the other managers over the weekend had solidified they were all on the same page and they would do whatever necessary to keep their current power.

Oh this was bad.  Every employee who wasn’t in on the coup felt the tension as the owner of the firm stormed through the building.  They all were aware something was up, but none of them were in on the issues.  All anyone knew was that Colby had gone against one of the main rules.

Colby whistled when he heard his assistant inform him that Jon was here, rolling his neck from side to side.  It was time.  He had this in the bag and maybe, he’d give himself another raise.

Kairi frowned, seeing the smug smile on Mr. McIntyre’s face and could feel something wasn’t right.  It was a good thing lunchtime had arrived because all the ‘lower employees’ such as herself, the assistants, vacated the premises for their hour.  This left Jon with the managers and he called an emergency meeting with all of them to his office.  It was on the highest floor of the building.  Kairi watched the managers file one by one on the elevator, including Colby, and answered a text from Elliana, letting her know she was on her way.  She would inform the woman what was going on once they were face to face – this was not something to talk about via text. 

Colby was actually whistling as he sauntered inside of Jonathan Good’s office, flanked by the other managers, his circle.  There the head honcho sat at the front of the table, ordering them to take seats.  Nodding his head, since he was the leader, Colby waited for everyone to sit down at the long conference table before taking a seat himself…right next to Jon.

Chapter 16

Something was wrong, Jon could just feel it.  Every pair of eyes on him were almost smug and he felt his inner-city child bristling, gearing up for a fight.  He was originally going to start this meeting with a ‘you’re fired’ and could already see from the arrogance on Lopez’s face that wasn’t how this was going to play out.

“So, boss,” Colby decided he’d take charge. “Was there a reason you wanted this meeting?”

His beady eyes dared Good to pull his weight, but he couldn’t.  All the middle men he had set up were united and ready to tear him down if he tried.  Hell, they’d be able to sue him if he even tried.  Jon would either cave and allow things to go back to how they were or…he’d lose it all.

“Keep in mind, BOSS,” Drew McIntyre’s deep Scottish accent filled the room, standing well over 6 feet tall and chiseled out of stone, his long black hair currently pulled back in a tight tail at the nape of his neck neatly. “We all have jobs to get to, so this BETTER be important.”

Colby was practically giddy, seeing the reddening of Jon’s face and folded his arms in front of his chest, chuckling. “Easy big man, easy.  There’s a legitimate reason why the boss has called us in here.  Probably to do with the DeWitt case.” Which he had fixed, just like Jon wanted. “Unless there’s some personal reasons you’d like to discuss?”

“Let’s start with firing of employees who didn’t deserve it and hiring ex-porn stars with no prior experience in anything other than blowjobs to take their place?  We’ll follow that up,” Jon began pulling files and folders out of his briefcase, all copies he had made, and tossed them onto the table. “With why nobody except you worthless fucks have gotten a raise in years.  Lawyers here do well, but the administrative staff are making minimum wage, have no access to benefits, which is ILLEGAL, and bare bones medical insurance that still forces them to rely on welfare insurance.  How is it, nobody but you,” His eyes scanned every single one of them, disdain evident. “worthless scumbags, are doing so well?” Because they were stomping the hell out of their underlings and taking their raises and everything else.

That one part, about the benefits, was true…and Colby was momentarily flustered.  Going against Jonathan Good in court wouldn’t look pretty for any of them, even if the ball was in their court.  He could tie them all up in litigation and bury everything for years and, while he wouldn’t be hurt financially, none of them could claim billionaire status.

“So benefits, we can do benefits.” More coffee in the break room, and maybe an extra 5 minutes for break.  He inwardly snorted, wondering if Jon knew this wasn’t going to play out in his immediate favor.

“Benefits of what kind, though?  They have insurance.” It was shoddy and cheap, yes, but still insurance, nevertheless.  Dolph Ziggler smacked his gum obnoxiously, sitting beside Drew with beady blue eyes, which were narrowing more at the boss. “What else do you want to give the underlings, BOSS?”

“For starters, every single administrative assistant in MY law firm will be getting raises.  IMMEDIATELY.  You worthless fucks have taken your last dime from these people that probably do your jobs better than you.” Jon’s voice remained low and calm, remembering what his Uncle taught him about how to deal with corrupt assholes.  They weren’t the first and they wouldn’t be the last. “That includes hiring back people that DIDN’T DESERVE to be fired.” His eyes landed directly on Colby Lopez as Jon tossed the file at him none too gently, towering over him now. “Elliana Long, for example.”

Even the group knew better than to get involved in this one.  All of them thought Elliana did exceptional work and Colby firing her had put up some serious red flags.  They had all berated him for it too. 

“She will be hired back on immediately with much better pay than the peanuts she was making before.  She has been here longer than any other assistant and knows her shit.” The rest had been either fired or chased off, according to the files. “And she WILL be keeping tabs for me when I’m not in the office.  Consider her my new Executive Vice President of Good Law Incorporated.” In other words, Colby would be answering to HER now.

“WHAT?!” Colby blanched, standing up from his seat and felt his entire face go red. “YOU CAN’T-!”

Jon was smiling coldly now. “I can and I just did.  Sit down, Mr. Lopez before you make a spectacle of yourself and you DO give me a reason to fire you on the spot.”

Colby took a seat, cursing violently in his head.

“And the benefits WILL include full 401-K’s reinstated and every employee will be reimbursed for all they’ve missed these past couple years.  Holiday pay is back in effect, as well as ANNUAL raises, regardless of performance.” Because Jon didn’t trust any of these fuck nuggets to be truthful in their reports. “I will personally do performance reviews every year from here on out, not any of you.  It all goes through me and my new Vice President.” Elliana was in for a WORLD of surprise later tonight and Jon felt pretty damn proud of himself. “Also, none of you will receive bonuses this quarter.” Or possibly the next. “Instead, they will be split amongst your assistants for all their hard work they’ve contributed to Good Law Incorporated.”

Colby was about to blow a gasket.

Everyone was staring at Colby, wondering if he was going to put up with this.  He had basically been running this firm, quite well at least in regard to them, who were getting the raises and been doing it for quite some time.  So, for Jon to finally drop his balls and step into a business he’d had no interest in running…well, this was interesting to say the least and quite worrisome.  All their benefits, raises, luxuries were about to go right out the window if Colby didn’t step up.

“Do you have anything you want to say, Colby?” Jon leaned back in his seat, lacing his hands behind his head and just stared at his former lead.

“Are you fucking KIDDING ME?”

Drew coughed and buried his face in his hand, shaking his head.  He did not want to watch this.  This was already embarrassing.

“You have sat on your-”

“Mind your words, I’m having Samuel back there take diction of this meeting.” Jon pointed to the far back of the room where the former mail clerk now stood in a nice, new suit and a tablet.

Colby didn’t know what to do or say because this wasn’t what he expected to happen.  He thought Jonathan Good wasn’t this smart and they had him in a sling, but boy did the boss prove them wrong!  Now, that bitch Elliana would be HIS boss and that didn’t set well with Colby AT ALL.  What the hell could he say to make things turn around in their favor?  This was Jonathan Good’s law firm, his business, when it came down to it and Colby, even though he’d been running it for quite sometime now, had been paid exceptionally well to do so.

“So, calling us worthless fucks is perfectly okay and legal for you to do, but I can’t say what I have to say?” He asked in a quiet, low, deadly voice, his eyes nothing more than brown fire at the moment.

Samuel did a thumbs up to Jon, assuring him silently he had this covered and the names Jon called his associates would be deleted out of the dictation.  Served all these assholes right for obstructing and abusing their power all these years!

“Well, you see, it’s not ME who is going to need a recommendation from my employer.” Jon remarked innocently, though his ice blue eyes were gleaming wickedly, knowing damn well he now had Colby on his string and just needed to pull every now and then.  He couldn’t outright fire them all, but he could sure as hell make them dance on the coals they had laid down for him. “So if you insist on being a complete and utter tool, when I fire you and then inevitably when someone calls to see if I would recommend you…I’d hate to have to tell them…Samuel?”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Samuel read back.

“Anger issues for sure.”

“This is madness!  You can’t fire Colby!  He’s been running this goddamn company for YEARS while you’ve sat on your ass doing NOTHING!” Dolph snapped, standing from the chair and decided to take charge since Colby was losing this fight.  They had to fight back before it was too late! “I say no to the benefits because these assistants aren’t worth it!  We are the ones who run this place, NOT YOU!”

Samuel whistled happily, taking this all down.

“Dolph Ziggler, you are fired.” Jon announced, not bothering to raise his voice and watched the jaws drop of every single manager, keeping perfectly calm.  His Uncle had taught him well. “Security?” He pressed a button, speaking into the intercom. “Please escort Mr. Ziggler off the premises.  Anything in his desk is property of Good Law Incorporated, so he doesn’t need anything.”

“Yes sir, Mr. Good.”

“Thank you.”

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS!!” Dolph had lost his temper, tossing the chair he’d been sitting in against the wall. “I’LL SUE YOU AND THIS WHOLE GODDAMN COMPANY, GOOD!!  YOU WATCH!! YOU’LL PAY FOR THIS!!”

Samuel blinked as security bodily carted Dolph Ziggler, his former manager, out the door and all the way out of the building.

“Now, anyone else want to try and play ball with the boss?”

“You really can’t fire all of us, Jon.” Colby was right back onto damage control because Jon was not screwing around and he knew damn well he was going to be next.  

What the hell had brought this on?  Not firing that mousy bitch with bad hair and terrible, ill-fitting clothing.  That could not be the catalyst for this.  It was the DeWitt thing, that was it, that made more sense.

“We’ve been running this place at YOUR request for years.  So we may have done a few…unsavory things, but that can all be swept under the rug and the firm can start over.”

“I’m still leaning towards firing you, Lopez.”

“If you fire him, we will stage a coup against you, boss.” Drew threatened, now rising to his feet and was a lot calmer and cooler than his friend, who was now fired. “Colby has been the backbone of this company for years, because you refused to do your job, and you can’t deny that.”

“That’s right!  You can give the employees all the benefits and shit you want, but you can’t start this firm over completely and fire all of us without serious repercussions!”

“Yeah!”

“We will do what you want, but in exchange, you need to give us our bonuses and pay extra bonuses to the assistants out of your own pocket.”

Jon thought about it for all of 3 seconds. “No.  No bonuses for any of you this quarter.  Next quarter, there will be an employee screening and that will determine if you DESERVE a bonus.  So, I suggest you all put your best foot forward and stop threatening your boss before I do release all of you of your duties.”

He was serious.  This man was actually considering firing them all for what they did!  Colby couldn’t believe this and shook his head vehemently. “You heard what Drew said, Good.  I suggest YOU play ball with US before you end up losing your ass and this company and all your damn riches you didn’t earn, but were given!”

That got a wince from every person in the room, Samuel included, since he overheard that.

“Go ahead, fire me, BOSS.  I DARE YOU.”

“Who wants Colby’s job?” Jon asked, standing up and folded his hands at waist level, fingers steepling together as his eyes swept the table. “McIntyre, how about you?”

“W-what?”

“You want his job?  You’ll be reporting to my new VP, but that’s third man in the chain.”

Colby’s eyes widened as he stared at Drew. “No, don’t you even THINK about it.”

“This is a fast going offer, Drew…. One- two-…” Jon eyed the clock pointedly.

“Who is next?  Drew passed, so who wants Colby’s job?”

“Nobody is going to turn on me, Jon.” Colby scoffed, smirking as Drew sunk back in his chair. “I’m the-”

“I will.”

“And you are?” Jon didn’t recognize this person.

“Aleister Black, sir.”

Jon smiled widely at the tattooed man, who was in a crisp black suit and his hair, buzzed on either side, was pulled back in a neat bun at the nape of his neck.  Drew’s hung down, his didn’t. “Aleister, you are officially the third man in the chain and will be reporting to Elliana Long, as soon as I give her the news she will be hired back in.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“YOU CAN’T DO THIS!!  YOU CAN’T FIRE ME!!”

Jon held his hand up at Colby, chuckling ruefully. “Oh don’t worry, Colby, I’m not firing you.” He clamped a hand on the man’s crisp, custom-made suit covered shoulder, grinning maliciously. “No, of course not because, if I fire you, the rest of you will rise against me.  Just because I gave away your job to someone else doesn’t mean I’m firing you.”

Colby did not like where this was going. “Then what…?”

“You will be the new mail clerk for the building.  Congratulations.” He patted Colby none too gently on the shoulder and took his seat again while the man balked at him.

“WHAT?!”

Colby had just been demoted to the BOTTOM of the chain in the company.

Even Drew felt his balls shrink, cringing.

“So, see… I didn’t fire him, just as you all wanted.” Jon smiled at them all. “This quarter, you are all on probation and there will be reviews next quarter, which will determine your future standing with MY firm.” They thought they were going to nail him to a wall, but he was a patient man who could play the long game.  His Uncle had taught him well. “These reviews will be held by an outside source using my Uncle’s metric system that has been reinstated immediately.  If you fail this system, you will be demoted or fired.  You are going to hold onto your jobs via your talent and skill, not because you think you deserve it.  From here on out, you’re going to EARN your pay.”

Colby could only sit there and stare at the table.  He heard what Jon was saying, but it wasn’t exactly hitting home.  He was a mail clerk, someone who worked in the bowels of the firm and hauled around a cart, passing out mail to the important people.  Like Elliana Long, who was now ABOVE him.

“This is bullshit.”

“You don’t want this job?  You’re free to quit, but I won’t fire you.” Nope, Colby could either eat his shit cake or quit and not collect unemployment, while hoping he could find something as cushy as this had been.  

The gravy train was over.

Wow.  All the managers shuffled out of Jonathan Good’s office with actual fear on their faces, scared for their futures.  They had bitten off a lot more than they could chew when it came to the boss, who just flanked their asses.  Colby didn’t quit and trudged out of the office as well, after being informed his pay would also be docked to a mail clerk’s and he would have to BUILD his way back up the ranks, the chain.  That meant all of his fancy living expenses had just been flushed down the toilet, including his expensive vacations.  Samuel would make sure to edit this with a grin on his face and make sure only the managers were seen as bad while Jonathan Good remained calm, cool and collected. 

For the most part, he was.

Chapter 17

Elliana sat across from Kairi, listening to what she was saying regarding the law firm and sipped her coffee, actually ordering food to go along with it for a change.  She was also dressed in a lot better clothing, designer jean shorts and an off the shoulder top that accented her curves nicely.  Her hair even looked shinier than normal and there was makeup on her face to bring out her natural beauty.

“I hope he fires every single one of them.” She spoke quietly, meaning those words with every fiber of her being.

“If he does, they could rise against him, Ellie.  You know that as well as I do.  They could stage a coup because of all the power Colby Lopez has in the company.” Little did she know that power had been stripped away and even SHE was higher than Colby on the chain now. “Enough about work, I want details about the boss, woman.”

Blushing, Elliana launched into the week she shared with Jonathan Good at his home, the Red Rocks and other places they had visited together. “It was amazing.  He’s amazing.” Her eyes sparkled when she talked about him and it was clear Elliana was feeling something for the billionaire.  Something strong. “I’ve also decided something else.”

“Which is?” Kairi smirked, sipping her coffee and arched a brow.

“I’m quitting the website.  Jon doesn’t want me to go out with other men and said he doesn’t share.  I think it’s for the best, honestly.” Even though she had no job currently, something told Elliana she would be hired back into Jon’s law firm before long.

Kairi had wanted the details and she was excited for her friend, but at the end of the day, she was also a realist.  She was pragmatic.  Even if she had a better paying job, she would still not quit the website, not unless she was with someone, who was going to properly commit to her.  She had learned the hard way what being poor was like in this town and Elliana had literally been in that position not so long ago.

“Honey, I want you to really think this through.” She advised, reaching out to place a hand on Elliana’s, squeezing gently. “I’m glad you’re so happy with Jon,” That was weird, and she didn’t think she would ever get used to it. “But I also want you to really think about this.  This is all moving so fast…you went on that one date, heard nothing from him for 2 weeks and now you just spent the last week with him and you’re quitting something that’s gotten you out of near homelessness and poverty.  What if he gets mad at you?  Or loses interest?”

She frowned, seeing how serious Kairi was in what she said and chewed her bottom lip, not really thinking that far ahead.  She knew things were moving very fast with Jon, but didn’t think much of it.  Then she thought back to what happened and how she’d caved to him after the first time they had sex.  Sex complicated things and she knew that – it wasn’t fair to make a life-altering decision right after sex and she knew that.  Kairi made several points she couldn’t dispute.  What if Jon got mad at her one day and decided to end things?  The website was a lifeline for her, a security.  Was she really willing to give that up for a chance, a risk, that things wouldn’t work out with the billionaire?  Hell, Jon could decide he wanted nothing to do with her and move onto the next floozy with his billions and leave her high and dry.

“I-I don’t know…” She didn’t mean to stammer, but now that she was away from Jon and the passion haze was cleared from her mind, she was thinking clearly for the first time in the past week. “Fuck, you’re right.  What the hell am I doing?  What am I thinking?” Elliana barely knew Jon and just because they had sex didn’t mean they were a couple.  They never even discussed that possibility – all Jon said was that he wanted to be the only man she spent time with. “Shit.”

“Honey, I’m not trying to say don’t date Jon or whatever you’re doing.  Sex it up, if it’s that good, by all means.  What I AM is saying to be careful and think everything through.  The man spent years ignoring his own business and just now got off his ass?  So, when things settle, what’s he going to do?  Stick around or let people run it into the ground again?  Jon doesn’t seem like he thinks things through, or sticks with it.” From her understanding, as soon as his Uncle passed and left him everything, Jon quit being a lawyer.

“We’re not dating.  We’ve…had sex and gone out on dates, but…there’s no dating, really.  He’s paid me for every time we’ve gone out…” And probably more because of the sex, which officially made her a whore.  Great.  That was NOT the best feeling in the world. “You are right about him, I can’t deny anything you’ve said.” As much as she wanted to, Elliana couldn’t because Kairi once again made valid points. “So you think I should do the website on the sly then?  See where things go with Jon while selling my services on the side, until we figure out what we are or where this is going?” Telling Jon wasn’t an option because he would simply try to manipulate her into not doing it all over again.

“Well, saying on the sly sounds skeevy and you’re not exactly in a committed relationship with him, so it’s not like you’re cheating.  That and you’re not out sleeping with every guy you let take you out either.” As far as Kairi knew, Jon was the one and only. “So, it’s not on the sly.  You’re a businesswoman making a smart decision and, once he gets over his ego, if he finds out, he’ll respect and understand that.  Or he’s just another asshole, one who looks good and is great in bed, but an asshole regardless.”

Men in general were assholes; that was Kairi’s honest opinion, but her experience with men was shady.  She had really poor taste in men, which is why she was now just doing this dating for money thing without the benefits.  If she found a guy she clicked with properly, then maybe.

Right again.  Kairi was three for three today.  There was no commitment between her and Jon, and he was paying her for her company, her services.  She saw no harm in making some side cash to help lift the burden of her finances.  It was business, plain and simple.

“It’s really good money too.” Too good to pass up.  Maybe that sounded greedy of her, but this world was cutthroat and if she didn’t start being ruthless, she would be chewed up and spat out. “All right, all right, I won’t quit the website.  I’m not going to tell him because it’s not his business and, for all I know, he’s out there taking other women out on the side too.” Kairi nodded her agreement at that accusation.  Just because he hadn’t done it this past week, since he’d been submersed in her, didn’t mean he hadn’t done it those 2 weeks he didn’t speak to her. “Thanks for talking to me about this and getting my head on straight, Kai.  I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Well, just don’t take it as you shouldn’t see him because it sounds like you do like him.  I just want you to be safe, honey.”

That meant not only emotionally, but financially and Jon Good had the power to destroy both those things in his hands.  She just wanted Elliana to be smart and happy.  If she was careful, she’d be able to balance the two.

“Besides, it’s not like you can’t quit down the road, if he decides things are serious and you want that, and it’s not like you’re out boning other guys, right?” No harm, no foul.  This was a man’s world, but women were definitely the hustlers.

“Definitely not boning anyone else.  And I told Jon I don’t feel comfortable taking his money when we’re together.” Especially having sex. “Hopefully, I can find another job soon.” She had put her resumes in all over Las Vegas. “And then I can do both while seeing him too.”

It would be a lot to handle, but she was up to the challenge.  Elliana would simply go out on ‘dates’ on the nights Jon wasn’t available to see her.  Once she had a job, she wouldn’t need to take his money anymore, but until that time came, unfortunately, when she spent time with Jon, she needed it because she was losing income otherwise from other potential suitors.

“I can do this.  What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him.” They clinked their coffee cups together and drank to that sentiment.

~!~

Elliana was not surprised to find Jonathan Good waiting for her outside of her apartment building when she returned home a few hours later.  Kairi had gone back to the office and texted her, letting her know the atmosphere had DRASTICALLY changed.  There were new changes that would be made, according to Jon, over the next couple of weeks and Elliana hoped it bettered the company instead of made things worse.

“Well hey there, handsome.” She greeted, closing the driver’s door to her Nissan and locked it before heading over to him.  She was still in her clothes from her coffee date earlier. “Didn’t expect to see you tonight.” What with the cleansing of the firm and everything.

“Why not, darlin’?” He asked, bending down to kiss the corner of her mouth.  Jon hadn’t had time to change, but he had removed his jacket and undone his top, along with rolling up his sleeves, much more relaxed. “I figured we could go get dinner and talk about today.” He had a proposition for her he was fairly certain she would jump on; one that didn’t involve selling herself or her time, as it were, for money.  Well, he supposed every job was like that, but this one had some dignity. “Or did you think I was going to leave you hanging again for another few weeks?”

“I would hope you wouldn’t.” That thought had crossed her mind, however, especially after talking with Kairi. “Dinner is fine and everything, but…let’s go somewhere a little less fancy, if you don’t mind.  Maybe a diner or a mom and pop place?  I could really go for a cheeseburger and steak fries.” That sounded heavenly, actually.  The fact he came to her after he was finished at the firm made her feel all warm and tingly, but at the same time, she had to protect herself.  She had to protect her mind and heart. “Are you all right with that?”

He took her hand and laced their fingers together, already guiding her towards his truck.  Elliana was curious what he wanted to discuss with her, figuring he wanted to tell her all about the cleansing today regarding Colby Lopez.  Well, that was ONE of the things Jon wanted to talk to her about.  Steak fries and a cheeseburger sounded delicious and, considering he generally ate healthy stuff, it also sounded downright decadent.  He also wanted to talk to her about the job opening he had, figuring Elliana would jump at the chance to come back to work with benefits, a serious raise in pay, and no more dating for cash on that website.  Glad that site existed or else she would be still dating for cash; they would have never met after that day she had told him about DeWitt.  In all likelihood, he would have forgotten all about her.

“So, I looked at a couple places today after my lunch with Kairi and I think I might’ve found something in my price range.” What she was making from him and the website, her only income at the moment. “It’s another studio apartment, but it’s a lot better condition, in a better building with actual security and all appliances come with it.  I told the owner I’d let them know by tomorrow if I’m going to take it or not.” She informed him while he drove them wherever he wanted to eat at. “So hopefully, I’ll be out of that shithole by the weekend.  Fingers crossed.”

“A studio?  You were okay with that again?”

A studio apartment was basically one main room and he realized, with a bit of irritation at his own lack of brains, Vegas was probably full of them due to the nature of housing being constantly in demand.  It was likely the best she could do for now and his eyes brightened.  No, it wasn’t, she just didn’t know it yet.

“What is your price range?” Last week, when he had picked her up, she had a down payment on whatever she wanted; he guessed she had taken his advice about the tax thing seriously, so that was good.  She was a damn smart woman. “This place okay?” It was a hole in the wall mom and pop place and they served the best burgers, fries AND shakes around.

“Yeah, this place is fine.  Never been here before, but I trust your judgment.” She waited until the truck was parked before unbuckling her seatbelt and started to get out, but Jon stopped her with a hand on her arm.  He reiterated the question about her price range and sighed, leaning her head back against the seat. “Right now?  I can barely afford $1,000 a month.” That was the standard price for renting a studio apartment in Las Vegas, unfortunately.  Living here was very expensive; Texas was so much cheaper, but it was worth it to be in the City of Sin. “I would say $800 to $1,000 is my price range, honestly.”

“For a month?”

That seemed to be so… little, and his brow scrunched as he stared down at her.  That meant she wasn’t making quite as much as he had thought on WhatsYourPrice.com.  Or she was being really cautious with her money and he didn’t blame her a bit, given everything that had happened.  She’d have to have money for utilities, food, her car, things like that.  Sighing, Jon laced his fingers through hers, bringing her hand up until he could kiss her knuckles.

“Let’s go inside and eat, and I’ll tell you about what happened today.”

He would use that as a way to segue into her new job, if she wanted it.  Figuring she would, and he also figured she would get a laugh and a half out of Colby Lopez being the new mail clerk.  He made a mental note to find someone to be down there watching that asshole because he would not put it past Lopez to destroy mail or open it, which would be a federal offense.

Chapter 18

She had just started and was behind on all of her bills several months, so a lot of the money she made from Jon and the suitors, which didn’t pay nearly as much as he did, went towards getting her out of debt.  Not to mention, she had five credit cards that were maxed out and two of them were now paid off in full and cut up.  She had three to go and they were thousands of dollars each.  Jon didn’t need to know any of this, though.  Hopefully, after she got a job of some kind, along with the website, things would turn around and she’d be out of debt before the end of the year.  It was now June.

“Thank you.” She murmured to the waitress, after taking her seat and took the menu offered to skim through it while Jon did the same.  She looked fine while he looked out of place in that suit, even without the jacket and buttons undone. “So, how are their cheeseburgers here?  Pretty good?”

“Fattening and delicious.” He laughed, eyeballing the menu before winking at her. “They use real butter, and then that on top of the grease…you’ll need napkins, but you’ll be in heaven.” Jon knew what he was going to order and lay his menu down, folding his hands on the table top as he studied her thoughtfully. “Next time we go out, you can pick the place, okay, darlin’?”

He had been choosing everything and it occurred to him she may have favorite spots.  Elliana was both good and bad for him.  Good because she made him think outside of his normal.  Bad because he was realizing what a selfish dick he was at his core and he didn’t like feeling that way.  Or at least recognizing that, as far as he went, he was a giant ball of indifference and a lack of fucks for other people.

“Colby Lopez was demoted today.” He informed her, shoving those thoughts of self-loathing right down the back of his mental well.  Jon grinned when her eyes widened, reaching out to push away a strand of hair and let his fingers skim down the side of her face. “To…you ready?  Mail clerk.”

Elliana started laughing so hard, tears filled her eyes as she stared at a rather proud and amused Jon, not believing what he just said.  Colby Lopez was…a mail clerk now?  That was too good.  That was the perfect karma for the scumbag!

“Demotion instead of firing, eh?  You really do think outside the box, handsome.” She complimented, once she stopped laughing and took a drink of water, shaking her head. “I would’ve loved to have seen the look on his face when you told him.” A longing laced her voice. “At least he got what he deserved.” Sometimes firing a person wasn’t necessarily the right thing to do.  Demotion sent a message to the others not to screw around and that’s exactly what Jon did. “Do you mind me asking who took over his job?” When Jon said Aleister Black, she simply nodded and couldn’t believe that man had Colby’s job now. “Anything else happen today?”

Demotion made better sense because it meant he wasn’t firing Lopez and there was no reason for those other worthless bastards to rise up against him.  Not to mention, Colby couldn’t file for wrongful termination, or collect unemployment.  However, he had a feeling pride would have kept Lopez from hitting the unemployment line.

“Yes, actually,” He was glad they didn’t have their food yet because she probably would choke on it with what he was about to tell her. “I have a new position available, a VP position, answering directly to me.” Jon took a sip from his glass of water, staring at her intently. “And I want you for that position.”

Well, there it was and now the ball was in her court.  He briefly wondered if Elliana would even want to come back to work at the place that had treated her like garbage, under him.  Jon was definitely not the best owner, boss, whatever, in the world.

VP was…Elliana just stared at him, wondering if he was serious or just yanking her chain.  VP stood for Vice President.  He wanted HER to be the new Vice President of his company??  Was she hearing this correctly?  To her knowledge, there wasn’t a Vice President position in the company before, so why would there be now?  Then again, Jon didn’t give a damn about the company prior to finding out all the corruption going on within it either.

“Vice President…” It sounded foreign to her as she said it and her throat was suddenly BONE dry, needing water.  She took several gulps and pulled away when she needed oxygen to breathe, setting the glass down rather abruptly. “Is this because we had sex?” Wow, Elliana did NOT mean to blurt that out so…callously, but Kairi’s words kept rolling through her mind. “I don’t want a position simply because I’m sleeping with you, Jon.  I’d rather earn the position through hard work and integrity.” Both of which she had shown over the past 3 ½ years before her termination. “I want you to be honest with me and tell me why you’re offering me this position.  If it’s only because you know I’m in a financial crisis and we’re having sex, the answer is no.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa darlin’, no it is NOT because we had sex.” Jon shook his head, glad he hadn’t had anything in his mouth because she would be wearing it right now. “If I wanted to give you a job because of sex, I’d just move you in as my live-in love slave.” He was mostly teasing and cleared his throat, getting serious again. “I reviewed your employee file, Ellia, and every year you were just shy of hitting the highest tier that would have qualified you for a raise.  Every damn year.  I went through your work and realized you should’ve been hitting it and getting those raises.  You know my firm pretty well from handling all the paperwork.  Sure, you’ll need to learn some politics and how to do public speaking and all that, but the mechanics of the job?  You’re more than qualified for and you’re honest, which is something I desperately need in the firm.  The financial crisis is my fault for not stepping in and doing what I should’ve been doing all this time, and I’m rectifying that, for EVERYONE, not just you.” Now all the cards were now laid out and here came their food.

Food was the LAST thing on her mind now.  Jon was offering her the second to highest tier in the company.  That meant everyone would have to answer to her besides Jon, in a nutshell.  All the managers, all the staff, the assistants included.  Elliana didn’t know how to feel about this, but she knew one thing, the pay would be outstanding.  Enough to where she wouldn’t have to do the website anymore.  However, Kairi’s nagging voice kept piercing her mind, reminding her of how…unreliable and irresponsible Jonathan Good was.  What if he got pissed off at her one day and fired her?  He could give this great paying job to her and make her life better, but could also tear it away from her in the blink of an eye.  That was scary power…Kairi was right, she had to protect herself.  She would take the job, but also keep doing the website for extra cash on the side, just in case this didn’t pan out.  Lifting the cheeseburger, she took a huge bite out of it, feeling marginally better about the situation and grabbed her napkin to dab away the grease, just as Jon warned her about.  It was possibly the best cheeseburger she ever had in her life.

They ate in silence, enjoying their food and he imagined Elliana was mulling over his offer.  What he hadn’t told her was that benefits were reinstated for EVERYONE.  Even mail clerk Colby Lopez would have access to the benefits, though he definitely wouldn’t be getting the paygrade he was used too, or the company perks that came with management positions.  Colby’s perks had been cancelled already, things like the company car, funds for business attire, the gym and club memberships, all gone.  Now every employee would have a 401K that was matched by the firm, better insurance as soon as they could find a decent vendor, paid time off, sick pay, holidays off, the works.  Even if Jon did flip his switch, he wouldn’t be able to undo any of this, not without having to actually work at it.  He was too lazy to bother, so…he wasn’t worried.

Once they were finished eating and Jon ordered them two chocolate milkshakes to go, Elliana finally broke the silence after taking a sip.  Christ, this was delicious too! “All right, Mr. Good.” She smirked when his brow raised at her calling him that and extended her hand, being completely professional. “I accept your offer…under one condition.  What happens between us needs to stay out of the office.  When we’re there together, we’re boss and employee only.  No PDA or anything like that.” She did not need people thinking she earned this job by spreading her legs for the boss. “Outside of it is nobody’s business, obviously.” They wouldn’t be leaving the office together or anything like that, however. “Are you all right with that?” He hadn’t taken her hand yet and stared at her curiously.  She had given him something else to think about, apparently.

“Darlin’, we both know what kind of man I am.  I’m taking bets with myself that within the next 3 weeks, you’ll be running everything by yourself and I’ll be waiting on reports at home.” He laughed, taking her hand and squeezed gently. “I want to do better, right now.  Next week…who knows?  I’m honest enough to admit my shortcomings and, when it comes to the firm, I have a lot of them.  That’s why I made some of these changes the way I did; it will be very difficult to undo them, even if I do,” When, his mind mentally amended with a sigh since he was a bit of an asshole. “Stop being there and doing what I probably should.  The good stuff I did do can’t be undone.”

At least he was honest with himself and her, so that was something.  Still didn’t mean he couldn’t rip this job away from her because he very well could, even with all the good he was doing in his firm now. “I will do my very best in this position and I really do appreciate the opportunity, Jon.” Elliana would not call him by his first name at work, but since they were out eating together and not at the firm, it was all right to use his first name. “Thank you.” He had changed her life and didn’t even know it yet.

“I should probably be thanking you.  If you hadn’t told me about the DeWitt plea bargain, I would still be in the dark and we would probably not be here right now.” Jon said honestly, knowing that also meant they probably wouldn’t have met on that dating service.  Well, maybe they would’ve, but the catalyst for the changes at the firm all stemmed from one simple thing: Elliana had been honest. “I’ve had the paperwork all faxed to my house.  If you want to come back and sign it, you can start tomorrow.” He added slowly, wondering how this would affect their personal relationship. “If you want.” Both an invitation for signing documents and staying with him again all rolled into one.

He wanted her to stay with him again.  What did that mean?  They had just spent an entire week together, she figured he would want space from her.  That wasn’t the case at all.  She smiled at him and stood up to move to sit sideways on his lap, after he set his shake down, and passionately kissed him.

“I’d love to stay with you again, Jon.  This time, since I have a job now, free of charge.  I mean it.  You sneak it in my bag again and there’s gonna be problems.” At his reluctant nod, she kissed him again and stood back up, extending her hand to him. “We need to stop at my place really fast, so I can grab fresh clothes for tomorrow.” Since she would be starting her new job. “And I will follow you in my car.” There was no way they could arrive at the firm together in his truck or one of his fancy cars.

“That’s fine, darlin’.”

Jon accepted the check when the waitress brought it over, passing over his debit card after signing for the amount and the tip.  Damn right, he had snuck her an envelope of cash, but the fact she hadn’t given it back told him she would use it to keep herself afloat until her paychecks started coming back in.  Smart woman.  And of course, she had already agreed to no more WhatsYourPrice.com, so…all in all, Jon was a happy man.  He stood up when the waitress returned with his card, extending his hand down to Ellia. When he felt her fingers curling around his, he smiled and tugged her to her feet, feeling her curvy body pressing briefly into his.

“Let’s go.”

Once they arrived back at Jon’s mansion, he didn’t waste time carting her to the bedroom, undressing her on the way while lighting her on fire.  The paperwork could wait.  She laughed as he dropped her on the bed, the sound seductive and scooted up a little, wearing just her bra and panties. “Get that sexy ass over here, baby.”

Shifting on her knees, she pulled his belt through the loops and unfastened his dress pants, while pressing soft kisses on his abs.  Jon had already removed his shirt to show that chiseled, beautiful body off and Elliana wanted to drink him in.  She pushed the dress pants and his boxer/briefs down while he kicked his shoes off before pulling him against her, his strong hands cupping her face to plunder her lips with his.

“Mmm…”

“Mmmhmm…” She smelled and tasted delicious whereas he still smelled like…something from the office, like stale coffee and ink. “Shower, darlin’.” He rumbled against her lips, his hands moving down to lift her up, palming her thighs as she wrapped those beautiful legs around his waist.

His bathroom was massive.  The tub alone was the size of a small pool and his shower could easily fit four or him with room for a few of her, the sprays coming from the ceiling and three sides of the wall.  He changed his mind and veered for the tub, using his toe to hit the button since it was already programmed to his preferences and waded down the marble steps as it rapidly started filling.

“I thought you said a shower?” Elliana nipped his neck and ear, enjoying how he could carry her with ease, feeling her bra unfasten.  She pulled back enough to remove it the rest of the way and kissed him again, hearing the water beginning to fill the tub. “Jon, wait, my-” She was about to say panties, but Jon tore them off her body, tossing the material to the side on the bathroom marble floor. “Mmm, so strong and animalistic…” She purred, caressing every inch of him her hands could reach just as they settled into the hot, bubbly liquid with her straddling him.

Jon kept her there and just let his hands roam her back.  Occasionally they would dip beneath the water to go lower, his palms cupping her bouncy backside before coming back up, never breaking the kiss. “You’re beautiful, you know that, Ellia?” He asked in a harsh rasp when they broke for air, taking shallow breaths in between kisses and nips as he worked on torturing her neck.  Jon could feel one of her small hands moving between their bodies, fingers wrapping around his cock and arched his hips up. “And evil.” Elliana was definitely evil and the Elvis song ‘Devil in Disguise’ popped in his mind, causing him to chuckle against her heated skin.

“Mmmhmm, only for you…” Elliana breathed out, her head lulled back to give him plenty of access to her neck.  While she stroked him, his mouth moved lower until he captured a nipple and made her mewl in satisfaction. “You make me feel beautiful, Jon.  Inside and out.”

Sitting up a little more, Jon pressed her closer to him, her hand leaving his cock to caress his muscular shoulders and arms, while he moved to her other breast to give it to the same attention.  The water shut off on its own once it reached a certain level and there was also a built-in fireplace in the wall that came on.  The jets still stayed on, which added more stimulation and Elliana began rubbing her pussy up and down the length of him beneath the water teasingly.

“Keep that up, beautiful, and I’ll fuck you until the water turns cold.”

That was amusing because it was impossible.  The built-in sensors were monitoring the water’s temperature and coils within the massive tub itself would keep the temperature at his preferred setting.  Which meant he would fuck her forever, not that Elliana knew that, not unless she knew anything about his tub.  For the most part, they had taken showers all week, the sprays had multiple settings and she had thoroughly enjoyed them all.  Jon hadn’t really appreciated his shower until he had used water as a type of sexual stimulant, it had been interesting.

“Do it then.  Fuck me as long and much as you want, Jon.” The way she was gliding against him made her climax begin to build, not having a clue what kind of tub they were in. 

Billionaires really did have it made in life with their luxury.

Chapter 19

Several hours later, they finally emerged from the tub and were laying in Jon’s bed with her head on his chest and his hand caressing her back. 

Jon gave her the paperwork to read over, which is what she was doing at the moment and Elliana sat upright, her eyes nearly falling out of her skull at the amount she would be making. “Is this…for real?” She asked, looking back at him and then down at the paperwork, swallowing hard. “Jon, that’s…over three times the amount I was making…”

“Four and yes, I’m for real.”

Jon’s free hand held up a tablet, reading Samuel’s reports about how things had been after he had left.  The things Samuel had overheard, amongst other things.  Samuel was enjoying his new position and Jon was seriously thinking about keeping the man as his personal-professional gopher.

“That’s standard base salary for that position, Elliana.” He informed her, looking at her down his nose and grinned at her gaping jaw. “Shut your mouth, beautiful, before something gets in.” He then snorted and shook his head. “And for the position you had and, as long as you had it, you should’ve been making double or more.  I’ve already cut the ‘bonuses’ for management this quarter.  That money is going to the employees based on years in the company as bonuses and will hopefully reflect their new payrates.” It was all based on how long they had been at the firm and what he could glean from the obviously intentionally falsified performance reviews.

“This is incredible…all of this is too good to be true.  I…”

Elliana definitely didn’t need the website making this kind of money an hour, but…she also needed a fall back in case this didn’t work out.  She had to keep reminding herself of that.  Or until Jon made them an official couple.  There was no way Elliana would be the first to bring it up because Jon didn’t seem like the type to settle down with just one woman.  She continued looking down at the paperwork and read the rest of it, refusing to sign anything without doing it.

“Let me use your pen, handsome.” Jon handed it over with the cap already off and Elliana took a deep breath before scrawling her signature on the line, using his chest to do so. “There you go.  You’re officially having sex with your new Executive Vice President, boss.”

“I’m the owner,” He murmured, gently but firmly nudging her off of him so he could get off the bed. “I can fuck whoever I want, including my new, gorgeous Executive Vice President.”

He winked at her from over his shoulder, already feeding her signed document, her new contract, through the fax machine that sat on his massive oak desk in the corner of his bedroom.  Jon usually hated working in here, but…sometimes it couldn’t be helped, and he wanted this document in the offices first thing in the morning, so it would be processed.  By the time she clocked out tomorrow, she would be in the system and have access to all the perks.

“Oh…you should have your firm credit card in a few days.” He then added, looking her over. “You can use it for business purposes: new professional clothing and there’s an allotment for a car…” Because of him, she didn’t need since he had just bought her one.

“Wait, you mean a NEW car?”

The Nissan was great and everything, but it was used and 10 years old with over 100,000 miles on it.  If she could get an actual brand-new car, Nissan of course, that would be a dream come true for her.  Jon nodded and she beamed brightly, standing up from the bed to walk over to him, kissing the middle of his chest.

“Professional clothing, hmm…I did buy some new clothes recently, but I have a feeling you’re talking custom made skirt and pant suits, right?” She was the Executive Vice President and had to dress to the nines now. “If you want to sell the Nissan I have now, do it.  I love it, don’t get me wrong, but a new car sounds too amazing to pass up.” Especially one that had a warranty on it in case something went haywire. “Is that okay?”

“You sell it, do whatever you want with it.”

It was hers, in her name and everything.  Jon had just bought the damn thing, but left everything blank, so it could be signed to her.  He was trying to imagine her in form fitted, tailored to her body work attire, cocking an eyebrow at the thought of her curvy hips in a properly made pencil skirt, with high heels and a blouse that hugged her breasts.

“Wow…” He blinked and then smirked down at her. “I know a tailor.” Jon offered, trying and failing to keep the evil intentions from his voice.

“You know I do appreciate what you’ve done for me, right?  I really do love the car and I don’t want you to think I don’t appreciate it because I do…”

Jon pressed a finger against her lips, stopping her from rambling and replaced his finger with his lips, drawing her against him tightly.  He was the only man she felt completely comfortable with naked.  No other man she’d been with in her life compared and that was a very scary thought and realization.  Jon lifted her again to be eyelevel with him and carried her back to the bed, guiding her down on top of it.

“That’s definitely one way to shut me up.” She laughed softly, breathlessly, caressing his bearded face before kissing him again. 

Elliana would go with his tailor since she didn’t have one of her own and she really did need new work clothes.  Jon made a mental note to call his tailor first thing in the morning and set up an appointment for her the following afternoon.  He was pretty confident in her ability to find something to wear for at least one or two days.  She had already proven she was a very resourceful woman.

“It’s the best way.” He agreed, flashing her a heartwarming smile, which was also sometimes called a panty dropping smile, but hers were the only panties he wanted to drop and here she was, already naked. “Now that business has been squared away,” Pulling her thigh up until he felt her drape her calf over his hip, Jon arched into her, letting her feel the hard-on he had been sporting since their time in the bathtub. “Onto pleasure.” He buried his face in her throat, a hand coming up to palm one breast and groaned when he felt her bowing up into him.

Elliana could get used to being sexed up on a nightly basis by her boss and completely melted against him, every other thought except Jon flying out of her mind.

~!~

How did Jon manage to get all of this taken care of in less than a day? 

Elliana pulled up to the building and the security guard instructed and guided her to her brand-new parking spot.  She had one with her name on it.  Shaking her head, Elliana couldn’t stop smiling and unbuckled her seatbelt before stepping out, wearing the best clothing she owned and had recently bought.  It was a pinstriped, black and white skirt suit that went two inches above the knee, showcasing those legs Jon absolutely loved.  Just because they couldn’t be together at the office or show PDA did not mean she wouldn’t tease him in other ways. 

She had a white buttoned up blouse on with a black and white pinstriped cardigan, her hair French braided over her shoulder and slicked back to perfection.  Her nails were neatly painted white, along with her toenails, both clean cut.  Her makeup was natural for the most part, she only wore foundation to hide any blemishes, black thin liner and peach gloss.  The shoes she had on were open toed heels that strapped up her calves and they were brand new, so she had to break them in.  Grabbing her purse, Elliana took a deep breath and walked inside the building to start her first official day as the Executive Vice President.

Kairi was waiting in the lounge, smirking as she tapped the toe of her designer heels, clutching her newest clutch and began chuckling when Elliana gave her a ‘holy shit’ look. “I know!” She squealed, and then bounced over to extend her hand. “Ms. Long, you have a meeting with Mr. Good in an hour and then there will be a meeting with the entire firm to discuss the changes that have started taking effect…today.” Elliana’s look shifted to confusion and she smiled innocently. “I was promoted too, to your assistant.” And she had gotten a pay raise as well as a bonus that had been deposited yesterday.  Kairi had nearly shit a brick when she had checked her bank account balance this morning. “I don’t know what you did,” She whispered, making sure nobody could hear her, just in case. “But Jesus, I hope you keep it up, that man is on FIRE.”

“I didn’t do anything.  Maybe he finally decided to get his head out of his ass and run his firm correctly.” They giggled quietly together, and she accepted the coffee from Kairi, feeling a little…unnerved by the fact her best friend was her assistant. “Kai, are you sure you’re okay with this?  I don’t want this destroying our friendship…” Kairi shook her head, placing a hand on Elliana’s shoulder with a bright smile.

“It’s not going to.  I’m so happy with this promotion, you don’t even know.” Kairi was beaming from ear to ear and hugged her friend tightly, tears stinging both women’s eyes.  They had been through so much. “Thank you…for whatever you did to make this happen.”

All she really did was go out on a date with Jon, talked to him for a while and had sex with him.  She honestly didn’t do anything special and hugged Kairi back before they made their way to the elevator, dabbing their eyes with tissue.

What she had done had not been something intentional.  All Elliana had done was tell Jon the truth, even when she had known he wasn’t going to like it and he would blow up.  She had still told him about the plea deal tossed at DeWitt. That had taken not only balls, but integrity and that was what had started this and it was what his firm needed.  Currently, Jon was in what had been Colby’s old office, watching as the new furniture was moved in as well as new equipment.  This would be Elliana’s now.  If she wanted to personalize her workspace, that was on her; he didn’t do décor.  He remembered Colby having some sort of metal ball thingy on his desk, it had been annoying.

“Good morning, ladies.” He greeted when they arrived, extending his hand. “I took the liberty of removing the worn, used items.”

He doubted she wanted to sit in Lopez’s ass funk.  Not to mention, he figured she might feel awkward or maybe even intimidated, not only occupying her former boss’s office on top of ‘his’ belongings.  A brand-new black L-shaped desk sat where the plain brown desk of Lopez had been.  There was a plush black leather sofa near the window and another chair on the other side near the door with two seats in front of the desk.  Her name was on a gold plate on top of the desk and she’d noticed the door had a plate on it as well that said Executive Vice President in bold lettering with her name on the bottom. 

Elliana Long. 

This was a lot to take in and digest as Kairi wrapped an arm around her waist, giving Elliana the comfort she knew she needed. “Thank you for my new desk, Mr. Good.” It was just outside of the Elliana’s office, a whole new setup with her name on a plate on the desk. “I’ll leave you alone to relish in your new office, Ms. Long.” Kairi winked, squeezing Elliana’s arm on her way out and closed the door behind her.

Elliana smiled somewhat sheepishly at Jon, tempted to kiss him even though she said no PDA at work whatsoever. “I don’t even have words.  This is…incredible.” That wasn’t the right word to use, but it was all she could muster up at the moment.

“It’ll do.” Jon shrugged, looking over the changes.  The metal filing cabinets had been replaced with cabinets that matched the desk, new lights, the works. “You’re free to decorate, within reason of course.”

He inclined his head at her, his eyes raking over her curvaceous form in her work attire.  Jon knew they had to keep things professional, so he had known coming in today, her legs were going to drive him insane.  Luckily for him, hindsight had been in his favor and he had jerked himself off prior to coming in, not about to try walking around in his suits sporting wood.

“Did your assistant let you know about our meeting?  It isn’t for another,” He checked his Rolex. “Forty-five minutes.  I figured I’d give you time to adjust to all of this.” What he REALLY wanted to do was bend her over her new desk actually and it probably showed in his pale blue eyes as a hint of a wicked smile curved the left side of his mouth.

After hours, when EVERYBODY in the building was gone, was fair game.  Then he could bend her over the desk and have his wicked way with her all he wanted.  She smiled back at him knowingly, smoothing her hands down the expanse of her skirt and could tell he approved her look for her first day.  Then again, he had watched her dress and groaned, calling her a cock tease in a playful tone and in turn, she had giggled at him.

“Yes, Kairi informed me.  Should I bring anything to the meeting?” What exactly were they going to have a meeting about?

“Kairi will be taking notes on your behalf, bring your A game and a plastered-on smile because they will be trying to goad you.  Those fucks think that things are smoothed over, they might try pushing you around because you were ‘beneath’ them at one point.  You’ll have to be professional, courteous and firm, and it may be hard.”

Jon was the owner, so he was good to go on that front and able to get away with calling them worthless bastards from time to time.  But this meeting, when he introduced her, was going to set the tone for her tenure as Executive Vice President.  Elliana would either be known as someone just as bad as the previous management or she was going to forge her own path.  It just depended on her reactions and responses to the inevitable autocracy that was coming.

“Okay, I understand that, but what about the meeting with just the two of us?  Should I bring anything for that one?” She slid a single finger down his shirt, making sure nobody was watching them through the window and walked over to her desk to slide her hands along it. “Don’t worry, Jon, I will bring my A game.  Those fuckers won’t get the best of me.”

She had dealt with the tyranny of Colby Lopez for the better part of 3 ½ years.  If she could handle that, she could handle anything since he was the worse out of them all, especially with his ego.  He had seen her when she was under pressure from him; she had been a bit skittish under the fire, but still resolute.  Jon imagined that would be out in force today.  He caught her hand and lowered it between their bodies, squeezing gently before letting go and stepped away.

“I’ll see you in a bit, darlin’.” He said in a low voice, tempted to steal a kiss, but breaking the rules on her first day was a surefire way to get them into some trouble.  Or something…could the owner get in trouble? “It’s just a formality when you meet with me; we’ll be going over responsibilities and all that boring shit.”

She had never been in his office.  Jon grinned slightly, knowing she would think it was ridiculous and overly lavish.  She wouldn’t be wrong because it was.  It was also still in the original condition and decorated as his Uncle had left it, minus a few of Jon’s personal touches, not that it had mattered since he barely used it.  Until now.

“Sounds good, boss.  Or should I call you sir?” She smirked at his low growl and felt a shiver rush down her spine. 

Christ, it was going to be hard to keep things between them professional in the office.  Jon shook his head at her with a smirk and exited her office, leaving her alone for a few to get used to this place being hers.  Kairi walked back in at that moment and Elliana shut the door behind her, chewing her bottom lip.

Chapter 20

“How do you feel?”

“I’m overwhelmed and I feel like I’m going to throw up.”

Kairi chuckled, not blaming her a bit. “You’re going to do fantastic, much better than Lopez ever THOUGHT about being and you’re going to be fair to everyone.  You’re truthful, honest and blunt, which is what you need to do to make it in the high position you have.”

Nodding, Elliana walked around her desk and sat down in her brand-new leather chair, leaning back in it to get a feel for it. “Nice chair, that’s for sure.”

“I bet.  I have your old spot.” Since Elliana had been assistant to Colby, so now Kairi was right outside the door. “These new chairs have lumbar support, you have NO idea how in love I am with these changes.” Maybe blunt hadn’t been the right word; honest was good, blunt could be bad.  She supposed they would all find out. “Did you hear?  Samuel is now working as Mr. Good’s assistant and Samuel actually cleans up really nice in a suit.” Poor Mr. Lopez now stuck wearing that boring uniform of the mail clerks, she began giggling. “Need anything posted?” She asked hopefully, just because she wanted to go see that jackass in his low wage, lowest on the totem pole, job.

It served him right and then some.

“You know what?  I think I’ll join you and we can go see that piece of shit together.” Elliana laughed, feeling better already and swung her chair around to stand up, looping her arm through Kairi’s. “Just remember, you are more than my assistant.  You are my saving grace, Kai.  Don’t know what I’d do without you.” Because if this thing with Jon crashed and burned, like it probably would, she had Kairi to fall back on.  They were more than friends; they were sisters at heart and nothing would change that. “I’m so glad you’re not mad at me for the promotion.  And if I ever get too big for my britches, you tell me off, got it?” Kairi grabbed what they needed to ‘post’ and then they headed for the elevator.

“Damn right I will.”

Kairi would have been piss poor management and she knew it; she would NOT have the patience to deal with the politics and back biting that came from working in a place like this.  She had seen how that worked when a group of dickhead managers decided to band together, she was good.  Honestly, Kairi liked where she was at and her pay raise was going to elevate her to a whole new income bracket when she factored in her side gig from the website.

“I forgot how hot it is down here…”

She had been sent here to cover Samuel a few times when he had been sick, she had hated it.  The fact that Samuel had stuck it out so long was amazing.  It was like karma was biting the assholes finally and giving them, the little people, what they deserved for suffering so long.

“Ugh, it is rather stuffy down here, isn’t it?” Good, she added in thought, wanting Colby to suffer for all the hell he’d brought down on her and others throughout the years of his tyranny.  It was all over, and she was happy as a clam as they both sauntered into the mailroom.  Professional, be professional, Elliana reminded herself, squaring her shoulders as those beady dark eyes lifted to meet hers and she smiled kindly at him. “Good morning, Colby.” She greeted in a cheerful voice, nodding at Kairi, who handed the post over to him.

“We need this posted while you do your mail run.” This was too good.  Kairi really wanted to whip her phone out and snap a photo of this sack of shit in a mail clerk uniform.

All Colby could do was glare at these two bitches.  Elliana Long, dressed to the nines and in HIS job.  Kia something or other, some snotty slut who had worked in accounting or something; he didn’t really know much about her other than she was just…obnoxious.  They could have sent a runner down here for this and he was betting they both knew it.  This was them being spiteful whores and coming to see his personal hell, to gloat about his fall from the top.

“Was that all?” He demanded, a hint of frustration and anger seeping into his tone.  

“I like your shoes, they’re very shiny.” Kairi complimented pleasantly, her gaze on his shoes.  They were his shoes that he wore with his tailored suits.  They looked so out of place with the rest of the uniform.

“Yes, that’s all.  Have a nice day, Colby.” Elliana would never call him Mr. Lopez or sir again. “Oh, actually…” She snapped her fingers and turned back around, the smile plastered on her face just as Jon instructed for the upcoming meeting.  Practice made perfect after all. “When you get some time, please bring some paperclips, the big and medium sized ones, to my office.  And give them to Kairi because she will split them between us.  Two boxes a piece should do it.” He gave a very stiff nod while gritting his teeth and the women turned to walk out of the mailroom, both snickering as soon as they heard Colby start throwing a fit. “Somebody is not happy with his new position in the company.”

“Gee, you think?”

He was royally pissed.  Not only did this bitch and her bitch friend come down here to MOCK him, they didn’t even know how his stupid job worked.  There would be NO paperclips from him because that was not what he did!  He sorted this stupid mail and delivered it to people here at the firm and posted their outgoing out at the mailbox on the curb.  He wasn’t a damn delivery boy!

“BITCHES!” He cursed when he was fairly certain he was alone, kicking the mail cart and then began cursing for a whole new reason involving his stubbed toe. Elliana Long would regret this day, he mentally promised himself, trying not to cuss anymore or focus on his potentially broken toe.

He would MAKE her regret it.

Colby could envision his revenge all he wanted, but as far as Elliana and Kairi were concerned, this was THEIR revenge.  Colby was wrong too.  The mail clerk WAS responsible for the supply distribution as well.  There was no other person to do it.  Samuel often did it and Elliana had helped him a few times, staying later than necessary at the office to ensure he got his work done.  The mail clerk job was no joke – it was more than just delivering mail and posting outgoing.  Colby would be learning that the hard way and if he didn’t do his job properly, well…there were consequences for people that didn’t want to do their job.

~!~

Two hours later, the meeting with all the managers that were still at the firm -a few had quit due to Colby’s demotion- was underway and Jon was at the foot of the table.  Elliana was in the room next door, waiting to be introduced and felt butterflies the size of Texas in her stomach, fluttering around wildly.  Deep breath, you can do this, you earned this, she mentally coached herself and shut her eyes, opening them as soon as her name was announced from Jon.  Opening the door, she walked in with as much confidence as she could muster up and a soft smile, not looking the least bit nervous.  Nervous would be a trigger for the managers and that wasn’t an option.

“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.” A few of the manager positions had been taken over by women in the law firm, mixing it up a little, so it wasn’t all about the men having dominant positions.

Oh the surprise on people’s faces.

They hadn’t honestly believed he was going to do this and yet, here she was.  Peaceful looking, calm, collected, a pleasant smile on her face…Jon was smirking, folding his arms casually across his massive chest. “I believe most of you know Elliana Long.  She was formerly employed here as Mr. Lopez’s personal assistant.  Now, she is the Executive Vice President and you will all answer to her.” She answered to him, so this would be interesting.

“You’re kidding?  You really made her your-”

“Yes, I did.  Care to finish your sentence?  No?  Good.  Ms. Long?” He swept an arm towards the management.

“Thank you, Mr. Good.” Her attention was directed at the managers as she remained standing, deciding that would be best for the time being. “Now, the first thing we need to discuss is the DeWitt case.  This is a top priority for Good Law Incorporated and will be addressed immediately.  Colby had some all right ideas, but the plea bargain, as you all know, is not happening.” Colby hadn’t canceled the plea bargain and it turned out, the managers were all going to a cut of the money made once the case was finalized in court.  It wasn’t happening anymore. “We are starting this over and going over EVERY single detail of this case to insure we’re all on the same page.” While she spoke, she set down folders Kairi graciously drew up prior to the meeting and opened one of her own once she stood at the head of the table beside Jon again. “Does anyone have a problem with this?  No?  Good, let’s get started.”

The smile remained on her face the entire time as she pulled out the paperwork, so they would all go over together for the case.  Several changes, with Jon’s blessing, had been made and she had looked them over diligently to make sure she was also in the know.  The fact that Lopez hadn’t cancelled the plea bargain on the DeWitt case was probably what had Jon still here.  Well, and Elliana if he were honest.  Even after being busted, that bastard had proceeded on with business as usual, knowing there was a ‘no deal’ rule for pedophiles and child murderers.  Jon dropped down in the chair at the head of the table and leaned back, allowing Elliana to direct the flow of the conversation.  She seemed to be blossoming already and he was fairly confident he had made the right choice.

Samuel was there behind Jon, taking notes while Kairi stood beside him doing the same and making sure Elliana had whatever she needed.

“What if this backfires on the firm and we lose the case?” Alexa Bliss, one of the newest members to the managers staff, asked and folded her arms in front of her chest. “I understand there’s a very good chance we will win, mind you, but I’m a ‘what if’ type of person and always think of the worst case scenario.”

“IF we lose.  I don’t think of ‘what ifs’, I look at facts and we have a 98.9% chance of winning this, hands down.” They wouldn’t with the case she brought together. “This man violated over 20 teenagers in a sex trafficking scandal that has been plastered on every tabloid in the city.  People want to see him hung by his balls for what he did to them, myself included.” That got a round of nods in her favor and she smiled somewhat coldly. “This pedophile is going to get what he deserves; the maximum punishment and we’re going to make sure it happens.  The lawyer for this case, Mr. Bryan, is awaiting our approval together, so he can talk to the Mr. DeWitt’s lawyer prior to the court date, which is one month from today.  We have two weeks to get this organized and settled, so we will be having a meeting every day to see where everybody stands on this case until it is completed.”

She set her paperwork down and planted her hands on the desk, overlooking the slew of managers.  The managers answered to the lawyers – they were basically assistants of the lawyers and had their own assistants for trivial things.  Colby had forced her to do work beyond her means and Elliana had found a way to make it work since she wasn’t an assistant to an actual lawyer, yet she had done the work of one because he was considered the top dog in the company.  The Executive Vice President, like she was now, only there wasn’t a label for it until Jonathan Good put his foot down.

“Now, I realize a lot of you aren’t onboard with the changes in the company, or my promotion, but I assure you, I have worked on this case more than even Mr. Bryan himself.  I know exactly where to put pressure and where to hit Mr. DeWitt where it hurts the most.  All I’m asking for is a chance to prove my worth to all of you.  This is a fresh, clean slate for everyone and, together, as a team, we can make this work without all the fraudulent, illegal situations that have poisoned this company.  It’s all over with and everyone starts fresh, myself included.  The past is the past and it needs to STAY there.  Now, are there any questions you have for me regarding the DeWitt case or about the policy changes going into effect as of this morning?  They are all outlined in your folders I gave you.”

“We already offered a plea deal, and DeWitt has accepted it.  We can’t just pull back on it.”

“I already did.” Jon would take credit for that and stood up, planting his hands firmly on the table. “I am aware I am not around enough to tell you how to do your jobs, but there is one rule here that I insist is followed.  We. Do. Not. Negotiate. With. Pedophiles. Or. Child. Murderers.” He said it slowly, enunciating each word, his teeth gritting as his face darkened. “That was it, the ONE thing I actually asked for, and yet…we’re here, in a stupid situation because it wasn’t followed.  This firm used to have credibility and a reputation to be proud of, and now…now we’re racking up ‘wins’ based on plea deals and not actually doing our jobs.  That changes.  I don’t care how many wins versus losses are in the damn books; I care about the integrity of those cases, this firm’s integrity.” Maybe he would stick around. “I’ve retracted the plea deal and paid the fines set by the judge for our…mess.” That had not been fun; that judge had been PISSED and DeWitt’s lawyers had started clamoring for a mistrial, already saying that someone was tampering with something somewhere and they hadn’t even made it that damn far.

Because of these idiots, Jon had a bad reputation now, along with the company, and that did not set well with Elliana at all.  All they cared about, still, was how fat their pockets got, and it infuriated her to no end.  Elliana knew better than to showcase her rage and frustration, though, knowing it wouldn’t do a damn bit of good.  Actions spoke far louder than words in this case.

“We will bring back the integrity and dignity to this company one day at a time.  Any other questions?”

The managers did NOT look pleased at all, all of them pulling the paper out with the new policies on it to read over.  EVERYONE would be treated fairly in the company from now on, not just the higher-ups.  It amazed her none of the lawyers had been involved in the coup, but then again, they were rarely in the office, only dropping by every couple of days to grab paperwork or mail.

Chapter 21

His lawyers were politely confused, but for the most part, they were all still acting with the core principles that had always been in the firm, established long before his rule.  There were the lawyers who were also pro bono or were on the list of lawyers available to be assigned via the state for those without means of payment, so they kept busy.  No, the majority of the corruption came from the administrative side, and the fact that these…pencil pushers had so much power, in the lawyers business, was frustrating to no end because that was another side of the firm completely.

“From here on out, unless it is a major case, the lawyers will answer to their own higher ups.  Anything that is major, and you will find the definition and examples of major in your folders, will be brought to Ms. Long’s attention and then mine.” They weren’t doing this dance anymore.

“And to those of you who are new to your position, I just want to say welcome to the team.” There were some people in here that hadn’t been part of the corruption and Elliana wanted to make sure they felt comfortable and confident. “I trust the other managers will make you feel welcome as well.” There were only two changes so far – Aleister Black, who had taken over Colby’s old position because there wasn’t an Executive Vice President until recently and Alexa Bliss.  They still had a few more spots to fill from people quitting and Elliana would have that done as soon as possible. “Now, if there are no more questions, comments or concerns, I do believe this meeting is done unless you have something you’d like to add, Mr. Good?”

“Don’t fuck up.” He ordered, smirking when a few of the managers from yesterday, who had not been amused with him, scowled.

Perks to being the owner and he didn’t even have to look back at Samuel to know that the man hadn’t recorded that into the records.  Jon had always known that money could buy loyalty, but apparently, so could just being genuine.  Samuel had seemed wasted in the mail room; he was smart, intuitive and Jon had immediately seen potential.  He had given the man a better position, some immediate benefits for that position and didn’t treat him horribly.

“Meeting adjourned.” He made sure to give each manager, old and new, a stern look. “And in case anyone is wondering, I WILL be here today.  And the next, so on and so forth.”

Some of the managers were not amused.

‘Miracle worker.’ Kairi mouthed to her friend on her way out the door, winking and giggled at the reddening of Elliana’s cheeks.

Elliana flat out refused to take responsibility for this drastic change in Jon.  Sex couldn’t change a person that much, could it?  She looked up at Jon once they were completely alone and smiled, beginning to pick up the folders left behind by the managers.  Only Alexa and Aleister took theirs while the others left them, still rebelling over all the new changes in the firm.  Oh well, it sucked to be them!

“I think that went pretty well, don’t you?” She asked, breaking the silence between them and frowned when Jon stopped her from picking the folders up. “What is it?”

“I just want you to know that, while I’m here, it may seem I’m undermining your authority and I’m trying not to.” Jon explained quietly, wanting her to understand that he did trust her to do this job.  Obviously, or he wouldn’t have hired her for it. “But I want them to know I’m not playing around, and I am monitoring the situation.  And…I’m also concerned that they’re going to harass you.  I’ll stand back and let you deal with it; it’s important that you set the tone for your time in this position and establish that you’re the boss, but I am ready to step in if you need me too.” Darlin’ almost slipped from his lips, but he caught it, smiling slightly.

“You’re not undermining me at all.  You’re the boss, the head honcho of this place.  Nobody can undermine you because it’s your firm.  And I’m glad you stepped in to say that about the DeWitt case because I honestly didn’t know how that would go down.” Jon had saved her backside on that and she was very grateful to him. “Don’t worry about me.  They can’t do any worse to me than Lopez did, trust me.  You just focus on keeping them in line your way and, if things get too hairy, I will come to you for help, Jon.” They were alone, so it was all right to call him by his first name instead of Mr. Good. “Did I do okay for my first meeting?”

“You did great, Elliana.”

That was formal enough without being overly familiar.  Now using her nicknames or pet names, that was a no-go here, but he was sure she knew him well enough to read between lines by now.  Jon wasn’t entirely sure about her declaration that they couldn’t do any worse than Lopez, because Lopez had been one man.  If these people didn’t get onboard and decided to band together, they could make her life very unpleasant until she either fired them, shuffled them around like he had done with Lopez, or they quit.  He supposed time would tell, maybe they’d accept the fact that their mishaps had led them to this point and they’d change.  He wasn’t going to hold his breath.

“You’ve got this, Ellia.” He whispered, patting her shoulder before squeezing gently. “Now get to work.” He ordered, though his tone was teasing. “I’ve got checks to go write.” Fines to finish paying…what a headache.

She saluted him with a grin. “Yes, sir.”

Taking the folders with her, Elliana exited the meeting room and headed back to her office, which was just down the hall.  Kairi was already hard at work at her desk as they waved at each other before she stepped into her own office, keeping the door open.  Closing it would signal she wasn’t accepting of people coming in to talk to her.  Elliana wasn’t like that; she would hear anyone out and decide the best course of action to take.  Sitting down at her desk, Elliana began going through paperwork Jon had left for her, which was all new polices and benefits for the employees.  She had to sign off on them all, along with him, and then she would start to look over the DeWitt case again.

Because he was still kind of a dickhead, he hadn’t changed that much in such a short amount of time, he was going to be testing her throughout the rest of the week.  Jon wanted to see what kind of decisions she would make, or what she’d think about some orders from the boss, that sort of thing.  So some of those files, those documents, were extremely stupid or overly demanding, or just flat out impossible to implement.  He wanted to know what her opinion would be or how she would approach him and what her reasoning would be if she disagreed with something.  He knew damn well there were a few things in there she would balk against, as she should.

“Oh look… our paperclips…” Kairi studied the giant mess on her desk and the broken boxes. “Is that really four boxes?” Why were there so many in a damn box?  She sighed, rubbing the side of her temple. “I guess I asked for that by baiting him, huh?”

“Yeah…”

Elliana was troubled while looking over the new policies and had to talk to Jon immediately about a few of them.  She had no idea if he was serious or not and if he was…it wasn’t happening.  For example, one of the policies went against any kind of maternity or paternity leave and she didn’t agree with that.  If a woman or man needed time off because they were bringing a child in the world, they should have that right.

“I’m going down to Mr. Good’s office.  I’ll be back soon.” Shutting her door, Elliana headed down to the boss’s office and took a deep breath before tapping on the door, waiting for the ‘come in’ to sound through it.  A blonde with a killer figure and tight skirt suit, though it wasn’t obscene, just tight, stood in front of Jon’s desk and they were staring at her. “Oh, sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.  Mr. Good, when you have a minute, please let me know.”

“We were just finishing up.” Mandy assured her, turning her big blue eyes back on Jon and smiled. “Thank you again, Mr. Good, for the opportunity.  I won’t let you down.” Turning, she sauntered out of the office to head to her new one, having officially been promoted to manager from her menial administrative job.

Jon promoted THAT to management?  Elliana had no words and closed the door behind her, pushing that in the far recesses of her mind. “I wanted to discuss with you a policy that I don’t agree with.” She set the paper in front of him and pointed at it. “We SHOULD have maternity and paternity leave in this company.  And they should be paid for the time off as well.  I don’t agree with what you’ve implemented here, so I’m hoping we can come to a compromise of some kind.”

Jon had indeed promoted that to management.  She was pretty enough, though the woman was… endowed.  He preferred tailored, form-fitting attire as a general rule just because it looked better.  It looked polished and professional, however…he wasn’t sure if he could tell Mandy she needed to wear something a bit less… tight in the top, especially when it wasn’t whorish.  The woman was just built…awesome.  Jon was a man after all.  She might take it wrong and he did not need to be slapped with a sexual harassment or discrimination lawsuit, not while he was trying to restructure and salvage the reputation of his firm.

“Okay, why don’t you agree with it?” He asked, gesturing for her to take a seat in the chair before his desk before dropping down in his own. He glanced at the folder, giving it a disinterested once through before nudging it away and simply staring at her.  She had come a lot quicker than he had thought she would.

“Because it’s wrong and immoral.  You’re basically telling people they can have babies, but their job won’t be here when they return.”

It clearly said in the policy the job would be terminated if a woman had to take maternity leave.  There had to be laws against that, even though some companies didn’t offer it.  Didn’t mean they had to be like other asshole companies, however.

“People should be able to have families and assured they will have a job when they return to work.  I get there are certain circumstances where we may have to fire someone or they quit, but the company shouldn’t be the reason they don’t have a family.” What she didn’t know was these policies weren’t shown to the rest of the firm, only her.  It was a test to see if she’d catch immoral and unethical policies. “I don’t agree with this and I’m not signing off on it.” Her voice remained calm and gentle, but also firm throughout her explanation.

“Fair enough, anything else?” Jon asked, managing to keep the amusement out of his tone and had to duck his head to look at the desk, so she wouldn’t see it sparkling in his blue eyes.  

He waited patiently, spotting her hand moving into his line of vision and then – then she began drumming her manicured nail tips on his damn desk.  That was one of Jon’s pet peeves, something that annoyed him to end, and she knew it because she had been doing it idly the other day at the mansion.  He had politely asked her to stop and explained why.  Peering up at her, his eyes narrowed at the calm look on Elliana’s face, though her own gaze was just brimming with wickedness.  She knew she was driving him up a wall.  Growling, he brought his hand down to stop her, keeping their hands there together.

“Wench.” He hissed, squeezing without any malice.

“That’s not very professional of you, Mr. Good.” Elliana purred softly, her other hand planted on her hip and she could feel the slight squeeze from his hand.  They were doing everything in their power not to show any kind of PDA or favoritism towards each other, but it was incredibly hard.  The sexual tension between them couldn’t be cut with a knife and all Elliana wanted to do was leap over the desk, straddle and kiss him until they both needed oxygen to breathe. “I will draw up the new policy for maternity and paternity leave and send it to you to see if you approve of it.” Slowly, she slid her hand from his and pointed at the next policy she didn’t necessarily agree with.

Jon’s office was shielded from view.  There were no windows and nobody in their right mind ever barged in without knocking and being permitted.  He was pretty sure that hadn’t happened in years, though it would be his luck, he’d bend her over this massive desk and the entire firm would pile through the door.  Jon sighed, picking up the policy and began smirking.  They went back and forth about these ridiculous fake policies and, by the end of it, he was without a shadow of a doubt that he had picked the right person for this job.

“Congratulations darlin’,” He complimented her with the impish gleam in his eyes. “You’ve passed.” Gathering up the forms, Jon tossed them into the trash bin beneath his desk before procuring the real policies, passing them over to her. “I think you’ll sign off on these.”

This bastard!!  He actually made up phony policies to test her to see if she would nail him on them?  Elliana understood why he did it, but it was still downright sneaky of him.  She shook her head and sat down in her seat to look over the policies, taking her time.  This sounded SO much better and more practical and fairer than the slew of crap he had left on her desk.

“Now this is much better.” Taking the pen off his desk, she scrawled her signature beside his and handed it back to him with a smile. “Jerk.” She muttered good-naturedly, standing from her chair and smoothed her skirt down her thighs. “I’ll leave you to your work.  Sorry for interrupting your meeting with Ms. Rose.”

“Hope you’re prepared, darlin’, I plan on keeping you on your toes.” Jon drawled after her, laughing as she rolled her eyes at him and pushed away from the desk. “If it makes you feel any better, I never doubted your character, but I’m trying to turn over a new leaf here.  I’d be remiss in making sure my new lead isn’t like the last.” Even though he knew she wasn’t, but sometimes how a person was at work, in their professional life, was not who they were in their personal.  He was the perfect, prime example of that, and honest enough to admit it to himself and anyone else who might ask.

“I will ALWAYS be prepared, Jon.  You don’t need to worry about that.  And I’ll try to keep you on yours as well.” Elliana pressed her hand against his chest for a moment, once again feeling those intense sparks and knew she had to get out of there now before something happened. “Gotta go bye.” She raced out of there like her backside was on fire, as fast as her heels would go and didn’t look back until she was in her office, stopping at the sight of Colby Lopez with his cart of mail. “May I help you with something, Colby?”

Chapter 22

“Delivering your mail, Ms. Long.” He answered flatly, busy sorting through the mail in his hand for this area.  

Dropping a stack right on top of her desk, Colby gave her a sideways look that dripped with disdain.  He was betting she was screwing someone or something in this firm.  He would have assumed Good, but Jon was not a man to date a fatty like her.  Though…and Colby would only admit this in his head, wearing properly fitting clothes, and actually taking the time to do something with her usually haphazard hair and face…She could pass as something resembling pretty.  He pushed his cart past her, glad he had kept up at the gym because this thing was a lot heavier than he had ever thought about, if he had thought about it at all.  How that scrawny Samuel had managed this…Colby growled just under his breath.

“Excuse me, ma’am.” His tone was sullen, this thing didn’t deserve his respect.  This cow was the reason he was stuck delivering mail and…paper clips.

“Thank you very much for the paper clips and mail, Colby.  You’re doing a great job.” Just because he used to be her former boss and treated her like crap didn’t mean Elliana would do the same thing to him. “Oh, here you dropped this.”

Swooping down, she picked up some mail that fell from his cart and handed it to him with a soft smile.  There was no arrogance in it at all.  He snatched it from her with a scowl and stormed out of there, making her sigh gently before getting back to work.  Nothing would get her down today, not even Colby Lopez and his bad attitude.

So now she was being nice after coming down earlier with her assistant and he didn’t even bother looking at that tart.  Colby just tossed her mail on her desk.  He smirked as he walked away, hearing said tart cursing a storm and scrambling for whiteout because she had made a mistake or something in shock of that mail hitting her hand.  This was just a temporary setback, he had roll with the punches and be patient because, eventually, no matter what he had to do, he would be on top again.

Over her dead body would Elliana allow that to happen, not to mention Jon.  Colby was delusional if he thought, for a second, he would be on top of this company ever again.  If he didn’t toe the line and start changing his attitude, Elliana would talk to Jon about firing him.  They didn’t need him here and once they had all the managers under their thumbs, Colby would be up shit’s creek without a paddle.  Looking over the DeWitt case, Elliana didn’t realize hours had passed by and she had declined lunch with Kairi, needing to get this done.  By the time she finally looked up from all the paperwork, the sun was setting on the horizon outside her huge window and she rubbed her eyes, blinking.  Wow, time really did fly.  Glancing at her clock, it was flashing 5:45 PM at her and her jaw nearly hit the floor, knowing she should’ve been out of here at least an hour ago.

“You do realize,” Jon said from the doorway, the office completely cleared out from top to bottom.  He had shed his jacket and it was now dangling over one shoulder, his shirt unbuttoned enough to give him some breathing room and an amused smile on his face. “That you’re salary now, darlin’, there’s no overtime, so putting in the long hours is pointless.” The only reason he had stayed over was because he had gone through the reports from the day as well as all those damn papers that had needed signing.  However, it had been a good, productive day and a lot had been accomplished all things considered.

“I know, I know, I didn’t even realize how late it was.”

No wonder Elliana had a headache.  She hadn’t stopped reading everything on the DeWitt case since the run-in with Colby and only drank water, skipping lunch completely.  Probably not the smartest thing in the world to do.

“I was trying to get most of this shit done with the DeWitt case.” She could cuss now because they were officially off the clock and the building was closed, leaving just them inside. “What are you still doing here anyway?  Lose track of time yourself, handsome?”

“What exactly is it you’re doing on the DeWitt case, darlin’?  You’re not a lawyer and I’ve already paid all the damn legal fees.”

Unless she was reviewing the case since the plea deal was off the table and then that was smart of her.  Nevertheless, she probably knew most of it regardless from when she had been Colby’s assistant.  But…even though she wasn’t a lawyer, maybe she’d spot something everyone else, himself included, had missed.  If DeWitt’s lawyers challenged this reversal of the offered bargain, Jon had already taken his readmission bar and was just waiting on the certificate giving him license to practice actively again.  He inwardly shuddered at the thought, but even he couldn’t deny he had been a decent lawyer.

“I know I’m not a lawyer, but I want to make sure we have our ducks in a row with this case.  I meant what I said to those asshole managers – this is the number one priority.  Daniel Bryan called me earlier today to talk about the case since you were out to lunch and asked me to look over the paperwork to see if we’ve missed anything.” She had dealt with Bryan quite a bit during Colby’s tyranny, not that Jon was aware of it because he wasn’t around. “I just let the day get away from me.  The way I see it, like I said, we have a 98.9% chance of this going our way.  Bryan is pretty confident in his ability, but it’s ultimately going to be up to DeWitt’s lawyers with the new offer we’ve laid out.” She sighed, popping some aspirin from her purse and swallowed them down with some water.

“Oh, it’ll go to court and before a jury, there is no doubt about that.  They don’t have a choice.”

Jon dropped down in the chair opposite her desk, which was weird because usually he was the one behind the desk.  He briefly contemplated putting his feet up and nixed that.  It was rude and he’d definitely deserve it if Elliana decided to bean him.

“But they’re sneaky bastards and they know the public wants him strung up.  They’re going to try saying tampering or some such nonsense.” He leaned forward, elbows on the desk and extended his arms, fingers gently touching her temples. “Headache darlin’?” She nodded with a grimace and he sighed, getting up to move around her. “Here…” He began massaging the back of her neck, feeling how stiff it was. “Think it’s a tension headache or did you just not eat or drink anything today?”

“I may have skipped lunch today.” She groaned out when he hit a certain spot and felt her body melt into his touch, leaning her head against his chest. “Like I said, I let the day get away from me.” Elliana smiled apologetically with a shrug of her shoulders, knowing it couldn’t be undone and felt her stomach finally gurgle, rumbling to life. “I’ll admit though, I’m starving.  Are you hungry?  Or do you have other plans tonight?” He was a billionaire and he’d been spending A LOT of time with her recently. 

She’d be shocked if he didn’t have something else going on in his life.

“Yes actually, I have a dinner date.” Jon informed her, eyeing her face intently and began to chuckle when she gave him a look. “You and I are going back to my place and I’m feeding us whatever is in the freezer.”

He could cook, but tonight was not a cooking night.  Famished he was and had no qualms about tossing a frozen pizza or four into the oven.  His Uncle had had a chef…Jon had found that uncomfortable and nixed that as soon as he inherited everything.  He had, however, kept the cleaning service because he liked making messes, but not cleaning them up.

Elliana wanted to tell him no.  She wanted to go back to her shoddy apartment to start packing because she was pretty confident she would take the better studio apartment.  Then again, now that she was making a lot more money, if she stayed at the apartment a little longer, she could afford a condo in a month or two.  Elliana didn’t know if she could wait though, hating it with a passion.  The ceiling was starting to leak now too and the landlord, naturally, wasn’t doing a damn thing about it.  Maybe staying with Jon for one more night was the best way to go.

“Why don’t we just stop and get something on the way to your place?  Chinese sounds good, actually.” She tilted her head up enough to look up at him, her headache subsiding. “My head feels better, thanks.”

“Chinese it is, you have any place in mind?”

He did promise her the next time they went out to eat, it was her call on the place since he had picked the last few places.  She shot off a name and he nodded; he knew of it.  Jon figured he should probably keep her at his place for a while longer since he had spent a part of his day working to have the apartment she lived in condemned.  It was for both selfish reasons and the fact that he had seen copious amounts of black mold in the hallway when he had gone there the one time.  That place was a hell hole.  Not that anyone would ever know he had a hand in it being condemned, if things worked out his way.  He personally believed they should bulldoze, then salt the earth, set it on fire, and then just seal it off with a lot of cement.

If Elliana knew what Jon had done, she would’ve lost her temper because she didn’t need a man to ‘save’ her.  She didn’t need a man to get into her personal business and this was her PERSONAL life.  However, she didn’t have the slightest clue and had clothes at Jon’s, so there was no point in going back to the apartment.  They closed down her office and walked out of the building, the back door, together hand-in-hand.  Nobody could see them from the street and Jon stopped her, pulling her against him to sear her lips with a kiss.  They had already called in the food, so Jon would pick it up while she headed to his place and they would meet up there. “See you in a few, handsome.” She smacked his backside on the way to her car, winking over her shoulder teasingly.  Elliana would pay for that later and couldn’t wait for Jon’s delicious punishment.

If she only stopped to think about it, Jon had been all up in her business, both personally and professionally, since they met.  For the most part, the decisions he made in regard to her and her life, were smart ones.  Elliana needed a job; he gave her one.  He gave her the job she had because she was overly qualified for it and had both integrity and a backbone.  If she hadn’t, well… she’d be an assistant making 15 to 17 bucks an hour somewhere on the floor.  If Jon hadn’t put that money in her bag at the end of their week because he had taken her from her paying ‘gig’, she’d be broke right now and unable to pay for anything until her first paycheck came in.  So the way Jon saw it, he was doing her favors for her wellbeing and, on occasion, his firm’s wellbeing.  Jon was an arrogant, assuming dick, but he didn’t see that.  He just saw himself as swooping in and helping her out.

Swooping was bad.

~!~

“Where are we going?”

Elliana did not like surprises one bit as Jon guided her wherever he was taking her.  Maybe it was somewhere nobody would hear her screams.  She smirked at that possibility since she’d done plenty of screaming the past month being with him.  Every day.  Every single night she stayed with him at his mansion, shared his bed, food, everything.  It was like they WERE a couple, but nothing had been established.  The DeWitt case was going smoothly, and his lawyers had agreed to the new ruling since Jon had corruption going on in his firm.  Luckily, with a little hush money, they wouldn’t bring that fact up in court or to DeWitt to use against Mr. Bryan.  Tonight was a celebration because DeWitt had gotten the maximum punishment by the judge and was transferred to prison.  They had just finished dinner at the bistro they had their first date in, both dressed to the nines in their custom-made tailored clothes and now Jon had driven her to some destination unknown.

“If I trip in these heels and fall on my face, I’m sending you the bill for my plastic surgery, handsome.”

“Your face would be fine without the surgery and you wouldn’t fall because I would catch you, darlin’.” Jon assured her smoothly, his arm linked through hers.  

If she even stumbled, he would have hold of her and it would take quite a bit to bring him off balance.  He knew exactly where they were going, he had been monitoring progress.  It was a new housing development, firmly middle class and within city limits, but not close to any of the rough, or on their way to being rough, neighborhoods.  It was a gated community, security, the works, and he began to grin.  Keeping Elliana out of that slimy apartment hadn’t been hard once the city started sending health inspectors and she was so damn busy; she hadn’t mentioned finding a place to live maybe but twice in the past month.  He had done her a favor; she was going to love it.

Rolling her eyes, Elliana could only imagine what he had up his sleeve and continued walking until they stopped.  She heard a door open and then felt Jon pull her by the hand to walk again.  He moved to stand behind her, placing his hands on her curvy hips and nuzzled her neck before ordering her to open her eyes.  Slowly, emerald green orbs fluttered open and Elliana felt her knees grow weak, a hand flying up to cover her mouth with her hand.  It was a beautiful, carpeted, CLEAN condo.  It was fully furnished with beautiful brown microfiber furniture, a sectional and she recalled telling Jon she wanted one.  A huge 50” flat screen also sat against the wall on a beautiful dark brown stand.  The carpeting was a light tan and plush, even with her heels on.  Slowly walking further into the place, Elliana went into the kitchen, which was three times the size of her old one with all brand new appliances.  The tags were still on them and a tan kitchen table, round, was set up as well. 

Jon had thought of everything. 

This was a brand-new building and it had gone through multiple inspections just to ensure that it was perfect.  State of the art everything, it was a ‘green’ building meaning it relied on new, environmentally friendly technology as its first source of power for utilities, running appliances, the whole shebang, before reverting to the traditional secondary platform that most building currently used.  There was no expense spared here because this was a home that was meant to last, not get worn out within a few years.  If this neighborhood was done right, it would always remain decent, so hopefully, there would be no crime or anything like that.

Chapter 23

Quietly, Jon followed her as she began walking throughout the condo, having shed his shoes because he wasn’t tracking dirt or anything else on her brand-new carpets.  He watched as Elliana opened cupboards and closets, basics had been stocked.  Jon figured she would want to shop for her own things for the most part, her own taste in things.  When Elliana came to a halt in her bedroom, with attached bathroom that was the very definition of luxury, he felt a bit concerned.

“Elliana?” Say something, he mentally begged.

What could she say to all of this?  The bathroom had a beautiful garden tub with a shower that was separate and double sinks.  It was huge for a bathroom and her bedroom was the size of her old studio apartment.  There was a king-sized bed in the middle of her room and she still had room to walk around it comfortably.  It also had a walk-in closet with shelving for shoes, purses or anything she wanted to store.

“This is incredible…” She breathed out, finally turning to look up at Jon and could see the hesitation written all over his face. “When did you do all of this?” They had been together almost constantly for the past month, besides at work and the realization dawned on her he must’ve done while she was busy with her job. “Oh…” What a sneaky devil, she thought, a smile lighting up her face.

“Yeah, oh.” He echoed, feeling relief coursing through him.

She was smiling and didn’t sound angry, so he was going to take that as a good sign, a win.  Jon realized he was overbearing at times, but the woman had been going on about a place and he knew she wanted one.  She just hadn’t had the time.  This woman had taken her duties at work so intently, housing had just become something to focus on later, and then later again.  It kept getting pushed back.  But then she would say something about basically living with him, which told him she was probably getting annoyed at not having her own personal space.

“So…you like it then, darlin’?” He asked, bouncing on the balls of his feet, trying not to sound like a little boy at Christmas.

“Like it?  No.  No, no, no, no, handsome, I don’t LIKE it.  I LOVE it!” Elliana corrected and slid her hands up and down his dress shirt covered chest, crooking her finger up at him. 

Jon lowered his head enough for her to grab his face to passionately kiss him, pressing her body to align with his and felt him lift her to wrap her legs around his waist.  Jon moved to sit down on the brand new bed, the kiss not breaking and her hands began unbuttoning his shirt, pushing it off his shoulders and down his arms, leaving him in just a white beater.  He reciprocated by pushing her cardigan off as the kiss deepened and she broke it, rubbing her nose gently against his.

“Thank you, baby.” Her lips moved from his down his jaw to his neck, wanting to properly thank him for doing this for her. “Take your pants off.” She ordered in his ear, nipping his lobe with her teeth.

“Darlin’, you don’t have to… I mean, as… I don’t want you thinking you have-” Jon shut up when Elliana placed a finger against his lips to shush him, getting she knew where he was going with this.

She wasn’t obligated to give him sex, or perform sexual acts on him, just because of things he did.  He had stopped giving her money, but he could only imagine how this condo would appear, like a massive payment or something and that wasn’t his intention.  It made him happy to do things for her and he didn’t really see a difference between small gestures and grandiose ones, as long as it made her smile.  His pants were off and, on her floor, soon enough, along with the rest of his clothing and he cocked an eyebrow down at her.  Oh, it was a very grandiose gesture and the nicest, kindest, most thoughtful thing anyone had ever done for her.  There were no words to describe what he’d done for her, actually.

“I want you.  It’s got nothing to do with what you did for me.” She undressed in front of him slowly, once again feeling confident and sexy because of him.  His hungry gaze roamed her thick body and lifted one of her thigh high covered legs to start peeling off the fabric with his teeth. “Mmm, Jon…”

Once they were both off, she leaned forward to kiss him softly and began working her way down his body, pushing him to lean back on his elbows to watch her.  Just to entice him and make sure he was pulsating, her hand reached down to start stroking him, feeling him harden instantly in her hand.  It still amazed her how turned on she made him because, up until Elliana went out with Jon on that website, she didn’t think of herself as sexy and attractive.

Elliana had some weird issues with her appearance and body.  Right now, with him like this, she was confident and sexy. She knew she turned him on, and it seemed to infuse her with this power he couldn’t explain.  At other times, she was body shy and aware she wasn’t the ‘typical’ definition of what most would call beautiful.  As far as Jon was concerned, the general public had skewed perceptions because she was the sexiest woman he had been with and he had his fair share of belt notches.

“Vixen.” He grunted, nipping her bottom lip playfully.

Needless to say, they did not leave her condo for the entire weekend and spent it naked, in her new bed, breaking it in properly.  Her garden tub and shower were broken in as well, christened.  While Jon slept, Elliana woke up first and looked around her condo again, not believing this was all hers.  Jon had the paperwork drawn up and he had bought it for her outright, putting everything in her name.  His name was nowhere on it, so even if things soured between them, this was still her place entirely.  Elliana didn’t know how to feel about owning her own condo and now that she didn’t have a passion haze clouding her mind, it bothered her a lot.  She wanted to pay Jon back for the condo, but didn’t know how to approach him with the subject.

The way Jon figured it, he was doing her a solid.  Things between them were great right now and, even though neither had come out and said it outright, they were an item, a couple.  What else could they realistically be?  They practically lived together, until now, and he knew she hadn’t been seeing anyone else because she had promised she was done with that website and, quite frankly, didn’t have the time between him and work to be with anyone else.  Jon figured the condo was a security thing for her.  Elliana would have her own space should she need it and, if by chance things didn’t work out, he couldn’t rip it from her out of spite.  He was hoping he wasn’t that kind of man, but he was also realistic enough to know he might be.

~!~

Have you been on the website lately?  It’s hot with new guys.

Elliana sighed heavily, shaking her head and responded to Kairi’s text message. No.  Jon has kept me busy and…just surprised me with a new condo.  It’s beautiful, but I didn’t pick it out or anything.  I appreciate what he’s done for me, but I don’t know why I don’t feel grateful about this when I should.  It’s confusing to me since we’re not a couple.  Nothing is exclusive between us.  I want to tell him I want to pay him back for the condo, but I don’t know how to approach him with it.

Wait, hold up, he bought you a CONDO?  Like outright?  You own it?  His name isn’t on anything? Kairi had to reread everything, her eyes widening. Okay, as your best friend, I feel like I have to say that he is moving way too fast.  Has he said you guys are together or anything? Because that was a major move, overly major actually, just for a fling.  Unless rich, careless men actually did those type of things, but Christ…Kairi couldn’t wrap her head around it. Sorry ignore that, I had to reread, twice. She needed more wine. Just come out and tell him, be honest.  So far that seems to be going for you.

That was a lot easier said than done. Now I really feel like I shouldn’t do the website anymore.  I have a great paying job and a condo I own outright.  My finances are slowly getting better.  Do I really need to do the website?  Would you do it if you were in my shoes?

She really needed some advice from her best friend because Kairi was right, Jon was moving WAY too fast.  He was a billionaire, however, so maybe this wasn’t fast for him.  Maybe this was just the type of person he was and he was honestly trying to help her out.

I don’t know, I guess I’d ask him what exactly he thought we were.  If this is just a fling to him, I’d be wary.  You think you two can coexist at work if things end or he decides the fling is over?

As far as Kairi was concerned, normal people did not move this fast and Jon was both speed racer and odd in general.  Moving Elliana in and then buying her a place, what was the point in that?  A second later, she asked what she was thinking, trying to understand how the man’s mind worked.

Would you still do the website if a man did this for you, though?  I don’t know what to do.  I’m confused and I don’t want him thinking I don’t appreciate what he’s done for me.  I mean, if he wanted more, don’t you think he would tell me himself?

Elliana walked into her kitchen to grab a water out of the fridge.  Jon even had her entire place stocked with food, so she didn’t have to go grocery shopping either.  She cracked it open and took several gulps, waiting for Kairi to respond.

Kairi was taking her time, thinking about this.  She wasn’t exactly sure how she would respond if that was her because she had yet to meet a handsome billionaire, who lavished her like Jon did Elliana.  Sure, she had some nice jewelry and a few designer purses from some of her regulars, but nothing like what Jon had done.  No Executive Vice President job, no new car -twice over, no less- and no new, paid for condo that was apparently fully furnished.

I don’t know what I would do to be honest.  If he hasn’t said outright what you two are, and you’re afraid to ask, that seems to indicate a problem or a trust issue.  Do you think he’s going to leave you?  Is that why he’s set you up with a place?

Elliana groaned softly, not wanting to think about Jon possibly leaving her and looked out the window, feeling tears well in her eyes.  It was something she didn’t notice until now.  The condominium had the Red Rocks in the backyard…so they weren’t far away from Jon’s mansion.  She told Jon how much she loved the Red Rocks and now they were in her backyard.  She opened the patio door and stepped out on her patio, having a nice backyard on top of it.

Maybe he is.  I don’t know honestly.  I just don’t want to bring it up and pressure him.  I really like him a lot, but you know how guys are.  The moment the woman drops how they feel – 9 times out of 10, the guy runs for the hills.  Maybe I should keep going with the website until Jon says something about whatever this is between us.

Men became idiots as soon as a woman dropped any words or hints about being in a committed relationship.  It was stupid because usually men acted like they were in relationship as a general rule and then tucked tail and ran when the R and L word was brought into play.  It was confusing.

Yeah, men are morons.  It’s not like you’re sleeping with any of the men.  Are you going to tell him about it or keep it on the DL? If things did end badly between the two, at least Elliana would have money in the bank and a place of her own.

There’s no reason to tell him. Elliana chewed her thumbnail nervously. If things don’t work out between us, at least I have the website to fall back on.  And if he decides we’re more than just a fling with each other, I’ll quit without him knowing. She felt more confident while typing these words on the phone, nodding to assure herself this was the right thing to do. Gotta go, talk to you tomorrow, Kai.  Night.

Blowing out a breath, she tucked her phone back in her purse and padded back to the bedroom to crawl in bed next to Jon, feeling his arm instantly pull her to spoon against him, back against chest.  Now, she just had to figure out when would be a good time to start up the website again without Jon knowing and then remembered he was going out of town next week. Perfect opportunity to make some fast money, she thought, closing her eyes.

Even though Elliana wouldn’t see it until the following morning, Kairi thought it prudent to send one last reply. Delete this shit ASAP. Just in case, rich guy or not, all men were rarely said or did what they were supposed to and Jon could have easily been one of ‘those’ guys who snooped where they shouldn’t.

~!~

“This is so stupid.”

He wasn’t leaving just yet, but soon enough and Jon hated the idea of leaving right now.  Putting DeWitt behind bars without a plea deal had given the firm a good boost in standing with the public and right now was a very good time for pushing ‘positive’ press and capitalizing on the public’s goodwill.  Instead, he was going out of town for a bioethics conference in Vancouver, which would also include special ‘mini-conferences’ for implementing these things amongst employees and lawyers alike.  He was already mentally yawning.

“Bioethics…where the hell was this conference crap when we actually needed the lesson on ethics?” Like 2 months ago?  He was grousing while Elliana did up his tie which had become a bit of a routine with them, one he didn’t mind.  He reached for his coffee, taking a long sip, blue eyes studying her face. “Am I annoying you, darlin’?  You got a faraway look on your face.”

Elliana had indeed deleted those messages between her and Kairi, knowing the woman was paranoid and rightfully so.  The last thing she needed was Jon snooping in her phone, though he hadn’t done it yet.  It’d been a week since she moved into the condo and Elliana had bought -or in this case ordered- some stuff for it.  Décor and whatnot, kitchen supplies Jon didn’t think of, etc.  She smiled at him, shaking her head and softly kissed him. “No, not at all.  You could never annoy me, Jon.” She smoothed the tie down his shirt and knew he wouldn’t be back for a straight week.

“It’s going to be weird not having you around, that’s all.  I’m going to miss you.” She mentally cringed at that confession, but didn’t show it on the outside and pulled back to get a look at him. “Do you have everything packed?  Toiletries?”

Chapter 24

“Yes, mooooom…” He singsonged, his head tilting to the side as he studied her with a crooked smile.  

She was going to miss him.  They only spent almost every night together, ate all the time together, and worked together, but she was going to miss him.  It was a nice feeling, one Jon wasn’t used to having.  He had never spent this much time with a single woman; a few weeks was usually pushing it before they got clingy or he got bored, but not with Elliana.

“I’ll miss you too, darlin’.” He confessed, bending down to drop a kiss on her forehead. “And I’ll probably be expecting a lot of sexually explicit texts and pictures while I’m gone.”

Smirking wickedly, Elliana slid her hands up his shirt covered muscular arms and back down again, just in a robe herself at the moment. “Hmm…I think that could be arranged.  Depends on what kind of explicit texts and photos you want me to take.”

He growled and she giggled, dancing away from him to finish getting ready.  She would be running the firm while he was away for a week, a true test to see if she could handle everything thrown at her.  It wouldn’t be too bad, and she had Kairi to back her up, along with Samuel and the other new managers that were promoted from their assistant jobs.  In a way, Elliana had her OWN circle of people now that were truthful, honest and fair.

That was the point.  Colby had surrounded himself with a team of likeminded people, they had been ruthless, and it had worked.  Jon doubted Colby’s ability to get away with half of what he did if he hadn’t had all those people backing him.  So with Elliana, Jon was trying to apply the same principle Colby had used, but in reverse.  Honest, decent people who weren’t afraid to actually do their jobs and possessed integrity.  If Colby could do what he had done with his team, Jon was curious to see what Elliana would do with hers.

“Fishnets and high heels, in that hot little pencil skirt of yours.” He drawled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Maybe bent over my desk.” The image was already in his mind and he could already see it.

Would Kairi help her with that after hours?  She was sure her friend would, but they would have to make sure EVERYBODY was out of the building first before attempting to do something like that. “I could arrange something like that…” The look in his eyes was smoldering and she shook her finger at him, now wearing a pencil skirt, magenta, with a black lace bra while she unbuttoned the cream-colored blouse it would go with. “I have to admit; your tailor is fantastic with these clothes.” She would have to buy some fishnets, since she didn’t own any, just nylons and thigh highs.

Jon was trying to envision how she would manage a picture like THAT without assistance.  Maybe he needed to buy her a cell phone selfie stick.  Were those still in?  He had no idea.  He had only learned of the damn trend from seeing it everywhere.  Jon lived in the tourist capital of the state, selfie sticks had been almost up his backside whenever he stepped outside of his house for a while, it seemed.

“He is, he’s the best.” Jon had been using the same tailor for years and for good reason.  He’d be sad when the man eventually retired. “God, you’re distracting me, wench.” Growling, he turned to finish getting around, trying not to look at her through the mirror. “You’ll pay, teasing vixen.”

She shook her backside at him, giggling as he blatantly turned his back to her to finish up. “Not my fault you can’t keep your eyes off me, Jonny boy.” Elliana started calling him that and he didn’t seem to mind it because it was said in a teasing manner.  He didn’t like being called Jonny, but Jonny boy he was all right with. “You’re distracting me too.” Slipping her blouse on, she tucked it in her skirt and buttoned up, smoothing it down the expanse of her stomach. 

She already had a few dates lined up starting that night, deciding to get as many in as possible while Jon was out of town.  If Jon would have had one inkling what she was already planning on doing, had lined up, Elliana would have probably seen a side of him she would not have liked.  Around her, he was fairly happy and carefree.  His usually shifting moods seemed to have stabilized and it was easy to forget that beneath the charming, crooked smile and sparkling, warm blue eyes…was the complete opposite, just buried beneath the surface.

“Yeah, I can tell, Ellia.” He snorted, finally turning and swept his gaze over her from top to bottom, letting out a wolf whistle. “All right, I got to go, come here.” He crooked a finger at her, watching as she very slowly walked to him.

This woman was going to be the death of him.

“Yes, may I help you with something, Mr. Good?” She gasped when he not only yanked her against him, but dipped her to plunder her lips with his, their tongues dueling together in a dance of seduction.  Lifting her back up to stand on her still thigh high covered feet, Elliana felt her cheeks infuse with color and shook her head at the dramatics, not minding them a bit. “Don’t think I’ve ever been kissed goodbye quite like that before.  Make sure you text or call me when your plane lands in Vancouver, all right? And don’t fret about the office, I got it covered.”

“You know better, Ellia, I never fret about the office.  I’m a terrible owner.” He snorted, cracking the joke, but at the same time, it was the truth.  Jon shook his head before kissing her again.  Growling softly, he nipped her bottom lip before pressing his forehead against hers. “I’ll call, darlin’.  If you don’t hear from me during the day, it’s because I got suckered into all the ‘fun’.” He hated these things, but the certifications and crap that came with them were good for the firm. “Behave while I’m gone, woman, or I’ll punish you when I get back.”

“Mmm promises, promises…”

She rubbed her nose against his gently and pulled back while he grabbed his luggage.  Jon had gone back to his place to grab his stuff and they had stayed the entire week at her new condo.  He had helped her hang some things she ordered from Amazon and it was starting to look homey and comfortable.

“See you in a week, handsome.”

He gave her one last longing, lingering look before exiting the condo and heading down to his truck to drive to the airport.  Elliana watched him drive away and sighed, looking down at her phone buzzing in her hand, knowing it was the date she had later that night contacting her.  Jon left grinning, never knowing that Elliana had broken her promise to not go back to WhatsYourPrice.com before he had even left.

~!~

“You look…weird.” Kairi greeted when Elliana strolled through the doors for work, making sure nobody was nearby. “Bossman leave?” She sighed when Elliana nodded, following her friend and superior into Elliana’s office. “Well, you have a light day today.” She had come in early because she had already put in to leave early today.  Kairi had a dentist appointment.  These pearly whites didn’t stay that way through maintenance alone, they required regular cleanings and checkups. “Ellie, seriously, you do have a look on your face…like you’re torn.  Is everything okay?” Because she needed to get her game face on.

“I AM torn.  Very torn.  I feel like my heart is being torn in two different directions and I don’t know what to do about it.” Elliana admitted, after shutting the door to make sure nobody else could eavesdrop on them. “I know things are moving REALLY fast with Jon, but…he’s so wonderful and amazing, generous and kind…” She tilted her head back and blew out a large breath, staring up at the ceiling. “Something is telling me not to do this, not to go on that website.  I feel like I’m betraying him, but…we’re not exclusive and I can’t help remembering what you told me about looking out for myself and my wellbeing.” Jon had given her EVERYTHING to stay off that website though, but he was a billionaire, so it was all chump change to him…as crude as that sounded. “I have a ‘date’ set for tonight.  I just hope I’m making the right choice.”

Kairi didn’t know what to tell her friend.  She had never been in those shoes and she was kind of grateful because that was not an easy choice to make. “Maybe you shouldn’t…” She sighed, wondering if Elliana was falling in love with the guy.  It was possible and she wasn’t sure she would blame Elliana because the guy was a literal knight in shining armor, or suit in this case.

“Ms. Long?” Colby Lopez, mail clerk extraordinaire, rapped lightly on her office door, calling through it.  He waited impatiently until it opened, that explained why he couldn’t hand anything to this bitch.  Kairi was in the office too. “Mr. Good’s mail.” He passed it over, his face carefully blank because he had learned quickly that they weren’t messing around and he was not getting written up again.  Colby actually needed this job now, thanks to these cunts. “His assistant went with him to the conference, so all his mail will come directly to you while he’s gone.”

“Oh okay, thank you, Colby.  And you can call me Elliana, if you’d like.  I’m not the formality type, but it’s up to you.” She took the mail from him with a soft smile, along with her own, and set it on her desk.  Glancing up at the clock, she realized it was way past the time to start work and let out a soft groan. “Sorry I kept you, Kai.  Go on and get started with what you need to.  We’ll talk later.”

Lunch would be had today, or else Jon would string her up by her toes – his words, not hers.  Taking the letter opener, she began opening the mail to see what was going on and frowned at the first piece, swallowing hard.  It was from the website…and it was in Jon’s name.  The envelope didn’t seem to be opened, but she didn’t realize the side of it had been slit open very carefully and discreetly.  Did Jon pay her using a company credit card?  Christ, that would be bad, she would have to tell him later and slipped that in her top desk drawer before going to the next one.

Colby had been the one to open that letter very carefully and discreetly.  He had opened it by slightly steaming it and down in that broiler room of a mail room, it wasn’t hard.  Then, he had resealed it with some weird, clear paper glue he had found in the supply closet. He had seen an odd logo on the envelope itself, something he hadn’t recognized, which was odd because he had, when in power, received quite a bit of important mail.  Curiosity had gotten the better of him and now he knew…Jonathan Good was a complete moron, visiting some website and using a company card.  Colby had memorized the name; it wasn’t hard and when he was home, he was going to see just what Jon Good’s price was.

It wasn’t Jon Good’s price, however.  Jon Good wasn’t the one being bid on.  Colby would have to go on the website to understand exactly what it was.  Elliana kept her profile picture up, without showing her face, just her body, in the dress at Kairi’s condo over a month ago.  Once he got on there and understood what exactly was going on, Colby would understand the concept a lot better. 

~!~

Later that night, after a slightly stressful day at the office, Elliana tried on another outfit for the night and decided on a maroon dress that was off the shoulder and went to her knees, flowing.  All of her clothes were fitted to her figure, thanks to Jon’s tailor, but she’d also kept some of her regular unfitted, untailored clothes as well.  Sighing softly, she smoothed down her dress with her hands and slipped black peep toe heels on before heading out, her hair down with minimal makeup.  Elliana had showered after getting home from work, so her hair was still somewhat damp, but brushed out and flowing in ebony waves down her back.  Her new Nissan Rogue, dark blue, was waiting for her outside of her condo as she unlocked it and slid behind the wheel.  Just then, her cell phone rang, and it was Jon, making her instantly cringe before answering it.

“Hey handsome.”

“Darlin’…”

Jon was absolutely exhausted.  He hated flying, his assistant, Mandy Rose, had been great in keeping him informed on what to expect, but had he mentioned he hated conferences?  Mandy had been demoted from manager back to administrative assistant because she’d had a breakdown on her first day as a manager.  Jon had taken pity on her and made her his new administrative assistant because he honestly did need one.  Almost as soon as they had landed and checked into the hotel in their respective rooms, it had been one thing after another.  He had just finally got away from late night cocktails, ‘networking’, and was currently in his room, stripped down to just his slacks with a Molson beer in hand.

“I would give up all of my money to avoid shit like this.  Don’t ever move higher than Vice President, you’d hate it.” She would probably do great at it, but the politics and all the finesse involved was just insane. “What’re you up too, Ellia?” Probably bouncing around in those clingy black shorts of hers; he could close his eyes and see those thighs encased in said shorts, his favorite shorts, no less, and smiled slightly.

“Relaxing after a long day without you.” That didn’t sound clingy at all, she mentally chastised herself, shaking her head. “Running that firm is a little more…challenging than I thought, but I got through it and tomorrow will be better now that the kinks are worked out.”

There had only been two issues that sprung up today and both were handled in a timely manner.  Elliana was aware Mandy Rose had gone with Jon since she was now his administrative assistant and, for some reason, that didn’t set well with her.  Then again, they weren’t exclusive, so if Jon wanted the blonde, he had every right to stick his dick in her.  Just like Elliana had the right to go on this date and make some fast cash off the website.

“You sound so tired, baby.  Everything okay?”

“Mostly just tired.”

Jon had been torn between taking Samuel or Mandy and finally had decided it would be better all the way around to leave Samuel behind.  The man was insanely loyal and was Jon’s eyes and ears at the firm while Jon was out of the country.  Well, in the next country up, he rolled his eyes at himself before dropping down onto his bed for the week, frowning when he immediately sank into the damn thing.  Stupid, overly soft mattress…with his body weight, this was going to be trouble.

“And irritated, this was day one and already I can see that there’s going to be issues.  The Bioethics committee followed the DeWitt case, and got their hands on all the newspapers they could that made sure to highlight just how ‘ethical’,” He snorted into the phone. “The firm was in handling the damn thing prior to pulling the plea deal, and then the immediate aftermath.” Yanking the deal had been a poor decision in the grand scheme of things; it made the firm look flighty and prone to hasty decisions and he knew it.  However, Jon didn’t regret it. “So they’re really pushing for me to take up a new training program and implement it at the firm.  I’ll have Ms. Rose send you a copy of the program, let me know what you think, darlin’.” Here he was, talking shop with her when that was the last thing he wanted to do. “What’re you doing tonight?”

Chapter 25

Lying to him left a bitter taste in her mouth, but the moment she heard Ms. Rose’s name come over the line, out of his mouth, jealousy welled up inside of her. “Having a glass of wine and getting ready to take a bubble bath in a little bit.  Maybe order something for dinner since I don’t feel like cooking.” Relaxing, like she’d said earlier.  Didn’t he hear her?  Now Elliana was being a bitch mentally and had to cool her jets, hating how the green-eyed jealous monster peeked out. “What about you?  What are you up to tonight up there in Vancouver?”

“Waiting on room service and then bed.” Jon had no intention of doing anything tonight besides trying to pass out, knowing he was going to be doing this grind day in and day out for the next week. “This week is going to be hell.  Maybe I should switch you out for Ms. Rose, you’re the Executive Vice President,” His tone changed from serious to amused, a hint of teasing. “You could probably use some ethics classes and whatnot, Ellia.”

He was picking on her, the whole banging the boss thing.  Jon had caught the shift in her tone and wondered what that was about, but went with humor instead of just asking directly.  Maybe it was that time of the month for her in which case, hello Vancouver!

“Don’t you know, Jonny boy?  I have NO ethics in my tight, thick body.” That made him groan and she giggled, back to being playful again. “I don’t think me coming up there would be wise.  I distract you easily and you need to focus on the reason you’re up there in the first place.” Besides that, she couldn’t cancel on the dates she had lined up this week.  She would be banking nearly 10 grand when all was said and done, so Elliana was seeing dollar signs at the moment. “Besides, Ms. Rose has a job to do and I’m sure she wouldn’t appreciate you sending her back so soon.  She may think you’re not happy with her progress and work.  Because if I was there, we wouldn’t be leaving that hotel suite of yours and you know it.” Another groan made her heart thump a little harder in her chest. “I better stop before I give you issues you have to handle on your own, huh?”

“I’m already handling them, darlin’.” He informed her, his voice a low, harsh pitch.  It was true.  Jon was now reclining on the overly soft bed, his shoulders resting back against the obscene amount of pillows, pants down below his hips and dick out. “You should turn on your cam, Ellia.  I bet we could still get into some trouble without even being in the same room.” There was an idea and he groaned again, feeling his cock pulsate at the thought. “What do you think?  Want to be naughty with me?” Considering the woman was the definition of evil vixen.

He would – he SO would pull this on her when she was fully dressed for her date. “You’re not going to believe this, but…the webcam on my phone doesn’t work.  I was going to get a new phone tomorrow after work, actually.” That wasn’t a lie.  She’d been using an older version of Android and hadn’t had time to think about upgrading until now. “So, take care of your business tonight, handsome, and tomorrow, I’m all yours.” The date wasn’t until late, around 10 PM, due to the man’s work schedule, according to the message he sent through the website, so Jon would be in bed by then. “I need to tell you something about the website, Jon, something you need to be aware of.  You used a company credit card to pay for my services on it and the bill came to the office.  I opened it and put it away, so nobody else can see it, but…considering who the mail clerk is, might not be wise to use company credit cards for that type of thing anymore.  Just a heads up.”

“Wait, really?” Instant erection killer and Jon mentally cursed, applauding her timing.  Sighing, he straightened up and tucked his rapidly deflating cock right back into the slacks, not bothering with buttoning them up because he was going to be stripping as soon as they were off the phone. “Did I really?” He facepalmed himself, when she confirmed it, with the hand that wasn’t just holding his junk. “God, I’m such a bonehead.  I wasn’t even thinking about it, just grabbed one and did it.” He had been hesitant and uneasy about using the website and had made himself do the bidding thing quickly before he had changed his mind.

That would teach him to rush.

“I figured you just grabbed the wrong one, so don’t beat yourself up over it too much.  Just…watch it from now on, for future personal purchases.” Like the website, for example. “That’s the last thing you need is Lopez getting that kind of ammunition against you and trying to use it to take control of the firm again.” Bad publicity would not be a good thing right now, not with the DeWitt case fiasco.  They had won, but at a high price and the judge was not happy with the firm at the moment. “When you get back, just pay that card off and be done with it and then get a booklet to put the company cards in and keep your personal cards on you, so you don’t mix them up again.”

“It’s already paid off.  I rarely carry a rolling balance, Ellia.” Jon said, sounding dismissive of the entire thing and he was. “Lopez can’t use anything against me, even if he were so inclined.  Opening mail, which is what he would have to do, is a federal offense unless I have designated company mail addressed to myself to someone else to open on my behalf, such as you.  But that will not happen again, I promise.”

The idea of Colby bringing up Jon’s personal, and totally LEGAL, actions to try to take over the firm again was laughable.  Jon wasn’t worried in the least.  Colby Lopez could sit and spin because he was no longer a threat to anyone, minus himself if he didn’t check his temper and mouth.  Apparently, he had been written up already.

“Okay good.” Jon knew what he was doing, so she wouldn’t bring up him doing something like this again in the future. “I ruined the moment, didn’t I?  I’m sorry…” Sighing heavily, Elliana glanced at the clock and shut her eyes, knowing she had to leave NOW, or she would be late for the date. “I’ll let you go now.  Go get a shower and food, relax.  I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” She waited for him to say good night before hanging up and tossed her now silent phone in her purse, pulling out on the road to head to her destination.  Hopefully, this date went quickly, and she arrived home at a decent hour or else she’d be dragging ass tomorrow at work.

Well, Jon mused, staring at his now muted cell phone with a quirked eyebrow.  Elliana was much more interesting in person than she was on the phone.  Sighing, he headed for the shower, no longer in the mood to even contemplate having sex with himself.

Colby Lopez and erections did not work out well.

~!~

WhatsYourPrice.com was a bidding/dating site and Colby could NOT believe Good had actually paid for pussy.  Who the hell did that?  Sure, the site said no sex was allowed to be sold on the site, but honestly, this was obviously a blatant escort service.  He snorted, wondering just what kind of escort Jon Good would want, shuddering.  Probably something blonde and built, like his hot new assistant…Megan, or Maddie…whatever her name was.

Three out of four dates were completed for Elliana. 

It was now Saturday evening and Jon had already texted to let her know he wouldn’t be in contact tonight.  Elliana tried not to think about the reasons why while she got ready for her final date of the week that would net her in the 10 grand range.  More than likely, he was busy banging his blonde assistant.  Curling her hair, she let it hang down in loose banana curls and pulled on a silver skirt that wench two inches above the knee with a deep purple and silver blouse with a V-shaped neckline.  She decided on no nylons tonight, not in the mood for them because it was too hot outside. 

Slipping her heels on, she glanced at her new phone she had gotten, just as she told Jon, but he’d been too busy for phone sex after the first night.  Again, Mandy Rose was a beautiful plastic barbie doll – blonde hair and blue eyes – with a stacked figure.  Shaking the mental image of Mandy and Jon together out of her head, Elliana finished getting ready and walked out of her condo, locking it up.  She was meeting a man named Rolling32 and he hadn’t divulged his actual name, which wasn’t a huge surprise to her.  They were meeting at a local restaurant on the Strip near the casino, not too far from the firm or the bistro Jon had taken her to on their first date.

Colby, as a general rule, had a type.  Lean, curvy, and blonde.  The woman he had bid on had not been any of those things.  She had been thicker than his usual preference, with dark hair, but those legs…he had figured he would give the ‘other side’ a go, see what the deal was because her ranking on the website wasn’t bad at all.  She had 4 out of 5 stars from 5 anonymous reviewers, that couldn’t be a bad thing, right?  That or it was a spam bot and he was about to be hijacked and forced into some weird wedding to get a woman citizenship.

Hence the public setting.

Stepping out of her car, Elliana always had a plan to back out of a ‘date’ if things didn’t pan out well.  She refused to meet a ‘date’ somewhere secluded, always doing a public setting.  It was on her profile along with NO SEX stipulation.  Granted, that had flown out the window with Jon, but Jon wasn’t an everyday, typical average guy.  No – no, he was FAR from it.  Taking a deep breath, Elliana pulled open the door to the restaurant and went to the hostess, who began guiding her towards the table with her date.  His back was turned to her, but he had black hair pulled back in a tight bun at the nape of his neck and a suit on, from the looks of it.  Smiling, the hostess gestured to her this was the table and Elliana turned…the smile instantly fading from her lips.

“Colby Lopez?!” What the HELL was HE doing here?!

“Elliana Long.” Colby’s own tone was laced with honest surprise, his dark eyes going ridiculously wide as he stared right back at her.

Not a sneer, not a disgusted look, just pure shock.  He blinked a few times and glanced down at his water, wondering if this was a joke.  Colby rattled off her penname without thinking and they both groaned.  He recovered, gesturing with a tight smile to the seat opposite of him.  It hit him then…Jon Good had used that site and, apparently, Ms. Long was a high-end secret escort.  He was burning to know if Jon was a ‘client’, but bit back all of his questions.  No, he had bid on her, agreed to the rules of the site, and could be a gentleman, for now.

“You look like you need a drink.” He observed dryly, refraining from remarking on her dropping heavily into that seat, apparently still trying to shake off her own surprise. “I could too.” He snapped his fingers for the server.

“Definitely.”

This was not happening.  This was a joke, right?  Elliana felt like getting up and running out of there as fast as she could, but…the money.  Colby had bid a lot of money for her company.  She was still fairly new to the website and didn’t need him giving her a low rating because she didn’t put up her end of the bargain.  This was business, plain and simple.

“Glass of red wine, please.”

There was no way she was drinking anything heavy, sticking with wine since she had to drive home after they were done here.  Kairi was going to have a conniption fit when she told the woman who her date was tonight.  Colby, naturally, ordered a Jack on the rocks; she sincerely hoped he wasn’t drinking and driving, or he at least ate something heavy to soak up that hard liquor before the end of the date.

Colby had every intention of knocking back a few drinks and soaking it up with carbohydrates because drunk driving and likely wrecking would just make this day… totally unbearable.  As it was, his reputation on that website was new, and bidders also received ratings.  Such as: Were they a gentleman?  Did they pay like they were supposed to?  That sort of thing.   He was on the fence about using the site, but in the event he wanted to continue, he didn’t need this spiteful shrew, his BOSS, to lowball him.  Oh this was messed up.

“A toast,” He raised his glass to her, a wry smile splitting his face as he really took a moment to appreciate the irony here. “To how low the mighty have fallen.” Him and her both, apparently.

“Why would I toast to that?  I haven’t fallen anywhere.  In fact, I’ve risen, so a toast,” Elliana rose her own glass at that moment with a tight smile of her own. “To how high the low have risen.”

She clinked her glass against his before he could pull back and took a long swig of the red liquid, setting it down on the table.  Why wasn’t she surprised Colby was on this website?  He was a scumbag and probably couldn’t keep a woman more than a night in his bed.  Then she thought back to the envelope, the bill of Jon’s, and wondered if Colby had tampered with it, trying to think back while glancing out the window.

“So, what do you want to talk about, Colby?  I’m all ears.”

“Now let’s establish some rules, Elliana.” If she thought she was high and mighty because she had gotten a new job, she was out of her mind.  A whore was still a whore and her being here, sitting here, drinking with HIM for his money, proved that. “Either we can walk away now, without you being paid, or we can be civil and cut with the underhanded comments and have a civil, maybe even pleasant time together and you’ll get paid.” Whore.  She was a goddamn whore!  If Good DID know about this…oh, he could only imagine how she had gotten HIS job, by sucking the boss’s cock!

Money wasn’t worth this.  There was no way she could sit here and have a civilized discussion with the likes of this scumbag.  No way, she was fine losing out on $2,500 for this ‘date’.  Elliana could read him clearly, knowing exactly what he thought of her.

“Actually, you can keep your money.  You’re not worth my time or effort and your money is worthless to me.” Finishing her wine, she stood up from the table abruptly and grabbed her purse, swinging it over her shoulder. “Good evening, Colby.  And rot in hell while you’re at it.” She walked out of that restaurant toward her car, feeling her blood boiling off the charts.

Chapter 26

Colby was up and after her, his longer legs, not hampered by high heels unlike her, catching up to her quickly, and fell into an easy step beside her. When her heel caught in a crack in the sidewalk, a side of him was tempted to watch her go down and smash her face into the cement sidewalk.  Instead, he reached out, caught her gently by the arm and extended with his other hand to catch her shoulder, bringing her upright.

“Your heel is broken.” He informed her, eyes darting down to said heel.  Colby had just said let’s behave and he had meant them both, but apparently…she wasn’t capable of being civil outside of work.

“Christ!”

Elliana clutched her chest, not expecting her heel to break like that.  If it wasn’t for Colby, as much as she hated admitting it, she would’ve gone down face first.  Slowly, she looked up into Colby’s dark eyes and could feel tears swell in her own, knowing how much he hated her.

“Look, I know you hate me.  You’ve never liked me, and I’ve never understood why, but some people just don’t like each other for whatever reason.  But…” She was willing to swallow her pride this time and complete appreciation shined in her eyes. “Thank you.  I could’ve been seriously hurt if it wasn’t for you and I mean that, Colby.” Reaching down, she took her heel off and then the other one, letting them dangle off her fingers.

“You cannot walk these streets without shoes.” Colby admonished in surprise, his gaze moving down the sidewalk.  Hell no.  Cigarette butts, pebbles, litter, and probably glass were all the normal for the unwary. “Look, I wasn’t kidding in there, though I could have used a different tone and my toast was just…I was a jackass.” He reached back to palm the bun at his nape, sighing as he stared down at her. “May we try again?  Or, at least, let me help you to your car.” Or else at work, her feet were probably going to hate her.

“I-I don’t have another pair of shoes…would they allow me in there without wearing my heels?”

Colby smirked, asking her to let him handle it and she found herself nodding in agreement.  Luckily, she didn’t get too far away from the restaurant, so the walk was very short.  Colby lifted her off the sidewalk and carted her back into the place, setting her on the carpeted floor.  He really didn’t want her cutting her feet up or damaging them for any reason.  Maybe he wasn’t as bad as she thought, though lifting her had surprised her a little.  The hostess was paid extra to keep quiet about her lack of shoes as they were guided back to the table they occupied just moments ago.  They each ordered a refill of their beverage and once they arrived, Elliana took the opportunity to hold her glass up.

“A real toast this time…to forgiveness and new beginnings.  Do you agree with that, Colby?”

“I’ll drink to that,” Colby agreed, clinking his glass with hers.  

He had to wonder if she had realized just how much money she stood to lose by not going through with this ‘date’.  However, given her new job and the pay that went with that, he highly doubted it.  He also highly doubted his animal magnetism when it came to Elliana Long.  His dark eyes raked over her, considering her.  She had NEVER dressed like this.  Where the hell had she been hiding those curves?  Her old work attire had made her look frumpy and solid, now, not so much.

“So, I’m serious this time.” She set her wine glass down on the table and folded her hands on top of it, giving Colby her undivided attention. “What do you want to talk about?  There’s a reason you’re looking for companionship or else you wouldn’t have gone on the website in the first place.  I’ll be honest, I did it because I was in a financial crisis and was looking for some fast cash.  A friend of mine got me on the site and…the rest is history.” There, she opened up to him a little bit about herself, now it was his turn to return the favor. “I’m an open book, you can ask me anything and I’ll answer honestly, or you can tell me anything and I will keep it to myself.”

“We’re going to have to baby step this, Ms.- Elliana.”

That was just awkward, and her first sentence had left him feeling like he was in a therapist office, due to her ‘there’s a reason you’re looking for companionship’ line.  That wasn’t a very useful opener; he really hoped this wasn’t the standard with these women.  Psychiatric escorts, he could see how that would be a high-profile gig here in Vegas.

“I found out about the website, well, you know how some people like to graffiti bathrooms?  Like so and so was here, or for a good time call…someone had carved out WhatsYourPrice.com and some message about a Jessmyn.  I was a little overly curious.”

“Jessmyn?  Interesting name.  Was that at work?” Colby shook his head and she took another sip of her wine, still feeling nervous about this entire situation. “I’m sorry.  I didn’t mean to just…say all of that the way I did.  I’m just nervous, but the more we talk, the better I’ll get.  I was…hesitant to do something like this because I felt like a whore.  But my friend assured me it’s not a whore/escort service, it’s just men and women paying for company.  Honestly, it hasn’t been bad at all and I haven’t come across anyone that’s been mean or vicious towards me.  Hopefully, it works out for you as well.” Everybody deserved companionship, even if one had to pay for it.

Her friend, who apparently did this for a living, was reassuring her that it wasn’t whore work.  Colby wasn’t convinced.  That would be like him convincing his friend that cheating wasn’t cheating for some reason or whatever.  He was going to have to sit on that one and think about it.

“I was curious, that’s why I did it.  The idea is interesting.  You know what you’re getting into and there are set expectations.” Man, if someone would have told him he had bid on Elliana Long, who had HIS job while he worked as a mail clerk…he took another drink.

“Yeah, that’s one of the reasons I decided to try it out because of the set expectations, and you make your own rules.”

Elliana had no idea what he was thinking and wasn’t sure if she wanted to know at this point.  It was fine, he could think and assume what he wanted.  Made no difference to her, though she did feel she owed him for saving her from going splat outside earlier.  She had no idea what else to say to this man, so she sipped her wine and the waitress came over to take their order.  Crispy chicken salad for her – her stomach was in knots a bit.

Colby ordered the salmon filet with baby steamed vegetables, not commenting on her salad. Not like Jon had and then made her eat proper food, not that Colby knew any of that.  Colby just assumed she was watching her weight or something, it would explain those legs.

“How do you manage to do this, plus your job?” He asked curiously while they waited, trying to fill in the awkward silence.  

Colby was not going to pay for a strained date; that would be worse than her just bailing.  He had a better question, but he wasn’t asking it.  Did anyone at work know what she did on the side and how would that over?  He couldn’t imagine very well; it wouldn’t look good for the firm.  What the firm didn’t know wouldn’t hurt them – especially Jon.

“I don’t do this every single night, only when the opportunities arise.  I’ve turned men down since doing this because I always put the job first.” Elliana responded truthfully, glad he had asked her a question and crossed one leg over the other, the awkwardness between them slowly melting away. “I’m not doing anything bad.  Just dating for money, essentially.” This was 100% legal and the firm couldn’t fire her over her personal life if they wanted to, not unless it interfered with the job, which it wouldn’t.

“Well yes, I get that.  But still, the firm would still come under fire.  I’m not a lawyer, but even I can tell that the basics of this site could lead to murky waters, if someone really wanted to push the issue.”

Colby was so glad he had used a prepaid Mastercard, a one time and ditch deal.  He did not need his personal information, at least not all of it, in such a site, just in case of a court case or a security breach.  The Ashley Madison dating site came to mind and he shuddered.

“I’m not saying anything bad, about you, so please don’t think that.  I’m just…trying to make conversation.”

Colby would use this against her.  There wasn’t a doubt in her mind what this man was thinking and planning.  That was fine because she would simply have to come clean to Jon.  He already told her she would have her job, no matter what, but lying to him…maybe she wouldn’t.  This was a really sticky situation and she merely smiled at Colby, waving him off dismissively.

“Not thinking that at all.  You are right though.  The firm would come under fire if this were to get out.” She could see the gears in Colby’s mind turning already and nodded with the waitress came over to refill her glass. “That’s it, water with my dinner please.” Three glasses was her limit.

Colby fully expected Elliana to use this against him, if push came to shove.  She had already shown she was not all politeness and professionalism tonight, so he had zero doubts that if she needed an axe to weld against him, it would be this.  Him dabbling in some form of legal prostitution.  What if this was a setup?  He still had a hard time imagining Elliana doing THIS.  Sitting here with her, cash in his wallet for the end of the date, Colby still couldn’t wrap his mind around it.

“Same.” He would not be drinking anymore, just in case. “Maybe we should leave work off the table.” Professional courtesy and all that. “So, about these long walks you like,” How incredibly cliché and cheesy, her profile had been something right out of a romantic movie. “Any specific preference on where?” He was not into Red Rocks and couldn’t understand why anyone would want to go up there, not even for the stars.

That’s what telescopes were for.

She smiled wistfully, thinking back to her first date with Jon and how they talked at least an hour about their love for the Red Rocks. “Red Rock Canyon is one of my favorite places to go and walk and hike.  Haven’t tried biking yet, but I’ve been thinking about it.  And I think that’s a terrific idea, no work talk.” Elliana nodded in agreement, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand to show there were no hard feelings.  If he didn’t use this against her, she wouldn’t use this against him.  They could keep each other’s secret. “The Strip is also brilliant to walk on, especially at night, but you gotta watch the drag queens because they are out in FULL swing, usually.”

“Then you are hanging out at the wrong ends of the Strip, sweetheart.” Colby laughed, shaking his head and flipped his hand to catch hers, squeezing back before letting go. “If you stay near the MGM, you’ll be fine.  Do you want to go there?  The MGM?  I can’t remember who has a residency there these days, I think it’s… Gaga?  Is that her name?” Colby didn’t listen to pop music; he was more of a punk rock or heavy metal guy, but most women in this town listened to radio pop or country.  It was maddening. “Not tonight.” He added quickly at her raised eyebrow and then tugged at his collar awkwardly because he had essentially invited her out on a second date and their food hadn’t even come on this one.  If someone would have told him months ago, he’d be having a date with his frumpy, frizzy haired assistant, he would have assumed they were on drugs.

“Wait…you WANT to go on a second date with me?”

Jon had done the same thing, only he hadn’t been so quick about it and it made Elliana leery.  She didn’t show it, but deep down, she wondered what Colby’s intentions were.  His main motive for doing this since she knew he was lying about where he found the website at.  He must’ve somehow cracked open the bill and saw it – it was too coincidental.  No proof however, so she had to go with the flow.

“All right, sure, I wouldn’t mind going there for an event with you one day.  Just name the time and place – as long as it doesn’t interfere with work hours.” Christ, she’d have to make up an excuse with Jon in order to go.

“No, I wouldn’t go unless it was a Friday or Saturday.  It’d be more packed, but more time to enjoy the show and maybe some gambling without having to worry about work the next day.”

That had been Colby’s winding down activity, hitting the casinos, and now he couldn’t.  Well, he could, he had been in that top slot for years and had a lovely bank account, but he had downgraded his living.  Such as his place and stupid little expenses like the once a week massage.  Even he knew that money wasn’t going to replenish itself fast enough to keep up with the outgoing, not yet anyway.

It must’ve been really hard for Colby to go from making ALMOST as much as she currently was to mail clerk.  And there was no overtime, Jon made sure of it.  Colby was getting 40 hours flat and that was it. “I’ll let you know if that works for me or if I can’t go and maybe we can figure something else out.  Do you have a specific concert in mind or are you just saying for future reference?” Their food arrived finally and it smelled delicious. “Wow, this looks great.”

Yes it did, though her salad, not so much.  There was no way this woman was consisting on just that damn salad. “You want some of the salmon?” He offered, looking at his own generous portion.  Healthy, full of fatty omega 3’s, which was great for heart health and way more filling than lettuce. “Or some of these?” Colby pointed his fork at the steamed asparagus and baby corn drenched in sweet butter.  When she eyed his plate before shaking her head, he shrugged and dug in. “Let me know if you change your mind.” He nudged aside one of the fillets, just in case. “This is surreal.” He chuckled, bringing his napkin up to hide his mouth since he had done that with food in there.

“Yeah it is.” She agreed with a soft chuckle, pouring the honey mustard dressing all over her crispy chicken salad with all the fixings, besides tomatoes. 

Bacon bits, fresh cut romaine lettuce, onions and cabbage, carrots, eggs and croutons all mixed up in a huge delicious bowl.  Elliana took the first bite and groaned at how amazing it was.  Her stomach couldn’t handle anything heavy at the moment and fish was disgusting.  Absolutely not – she was trying not to lose her appetite at the smell of Colby’s dinner, honestly.

She was eating cabbage and that was just disgusting!  All Colby could do was stare at Elliana, his fork midway between his plate and his mouth.  Just frozen.  Who in the HELL ate CABBAGE in their salad?  This woman was wrong on so many levels and he was planning on finding out just how many levels down that wrongness went.  From unappealing assistant to posh Executive Vice President and then this luscious call girl on the side.  Elliana had always just been his nuisance, useful yet a nuisance and that had been cemented when she had tossed him under the bus, no doubt currying favor to get HIS job.  It had worked, he applauded her; she had played the game better than he had ever thought about doing.  But she had way too many hustles going on and he wanted to learn them all, learn her, and how to exploit them.

Chapter 27

There would not be a second date with Colby. 

Elliana didn’t trust him, and she knew if she kept going down this road, things would end badly.  No, she was good.  She looked up while he gawked at her and raised a brow, wondering what his problem was.

“Do I have something in my teeth or on my face?” She asked amusedly, tilting her head and took another bite of cabbage with the greenery, not seeing the sickening expression on his face. “I’ll definitely have to come back here sometime.”

“How, in the name of all that’s holy, are you eating cabbage with salad?”

Colby liked cabbage, if it was cooked properly, with salt, but raw and in a salad.  With other things, that was just gross.  He shuddered when she purposefully took a big bite, loaded with the crap.

“You’re just wrong, Ellie.” He busied himself with his fish, something pleasant. “I really hope your taste in dessert is better.” He teased, figuring she’d probably like something such as green Jell-O with the cabbage and shredded carrot in it.  

God, that was disgusting, and he was putting himself off his own food, setting his fork down and reached for his water.  If Colby didn’t know any better, he would have thought she was hiding a smile the way she ducked her head, his eyes narrowing at her.  However, when she looked up again, he was all smiles.

“You do realize it’s not huge chunks of cabbage, right?  These,” She held up the purple squiggle looking things that were in most salads. “Are cabbage.” The look on his face was priceless.  Elliana started laughing and set her fork down, taking a few gulps of her water once she settled down. “I’m sure you’ve ate salad before with them.  Everybody has at some point in their life.” He actually looked grossed out. “And it’s better than that crap you’re stuffing your face with.  Fish is disgusting and I love seafood, but come on, you had to order THAT for this date?”

“You’re eating cabbage, uncooked.  That is disgusting.  Besides,” Colby took a very healthy bite of his fish, looking amused, though not in a mean or vindictive way. “And I think it is safe to say, Ellie, there will very likely be no goodnight kiss at the end of this date.” Such as it was and, by the way she purposefully popped one of those squiggles of purple cabbage into her mouth with a grin, he was guessing he was right. “This is delicious and good for you.” And now gone, he had just popped the last bit of flaky goodness into his mouth.

“I guess we will have to agree to disagree on our food choices, Colby.”

Elliana grinned, finishing off her own salad and felt a lot better, her stomach no longer turning.  The waitress came over to ask if they wanted dessert and she made a face when Colby ordered a coconut one.  She HATED coconut.  Elliana shook her head, too full from dinner and simply sipped her water, wondering why Colby was dragging this out.  Besides the fact he was paying her $1,000 plus food…he was making sure to get his money’s worth, even though Elliana didn’t think she was very good company for him.

For that much money, she owed him a lot more than an hour at dinner and the date they had set up had been for dinner and a movie.  Colby was wondering how that would play out.  If she wanted to skip the movie, which he was aware the old dinner/movie combination was overplayed, but given he hadn’t known this woman from Eve, he figured he couldn’t go wrong with a classic, he would only give her half the money.  If this was something Elliana did and pulled in THIS kind of money, he had no idea why she was bothering at the firm.  She could do this full time, pick her own hours, her clients, and get paid so much better per hour on top of free food and other things.  A movie, now that he knew her a bit better, seemed like a bad idea.

“After this, why don’t we go down the way towards the beach and walk the boardwalk?” He suggested, wondering how the woman could not like salmon or coconut.

Just as she suspected, Colby was drawing this out and she had no choice except to go along with it.  However, she did enjoy walks and he was taking that into consideration, so maybe he wasn’t as bad as she originally thought. “That sounds nice, actually.  I’d like that.” Elliana could walk barefoot in the sand since her heel was broken – again, he was taking what happened to her under consideration. “All right, I cave, I’ll try a bite of your dessert, even though I don’t like coconut.” He offered a bite of his salmon, so she assumed he was going to do the same thing with his dessert and smiled.

Brown eyes widened because he wasn’t planning on offering to share his dessert since he had offered her one of her own.  However…he used his dessert spoon to scoop a small bite and held it across the table.  One eyebrow slowly rose when she leaned in and wrapped her lips around that spoon.  

What the hell, down dick, he ordered, not about to be turned on by his boss, his current pain in the ass. “I’m sure there’s a place along the street we can stop and get you shoes.” He offered, knowing there were a million boutiques. “Though maybe not heels.” Not for a walk in the sand.  He grinned at her, knowing she was in nothing except her stockings feet wise beneath the table and table cloth.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t that bad and once again, she was surprised by his thoughtfulness. “That would be great, but I do love walking in the sand barefoot.  I love squishing it between my toes, the feeling.  It’s very relaxing.” Whenever she was at the Red Rocks and she found a spot, since it was the dessert, where it was safe and not around snakes or scorpions, she would do the same thing.  Beach sand was a lot different than desert sand, however. “And that’s not a bad dessert, you can barely taste the coconut and it gives it a really rich flavor.  You win on that choice.”

“I will take my victories where I can get them.” Colby laughed, eyeing his dessert.  The portion sizes here were insane and he nudged the bowl, so it was between the middle of them. “Help me finish it.  Then we’ll find a place to get you shoes before we head to the beach.  I get wanting to feel sand under your feet,” At this time of early evening, it wouldn’t be scorching hot like it was during the day, but pleasantly warm. “But you’ll need something to wear there and then home.” He had come dressed nice and casual, a pair of black slacks with a soft gray, short sleeved shirt.  He would probably wind up taking his own shoes off at the beach, not about to bring home a ton of sand with him.

“Okay, thank you.”

Elliana took her own spoon and helped him with the dessert, not noticing how Colby eyed her every time she took a bite.  She wasn’t greedy either, just taking her time while they made small talk about anything that came to mind.  Nothing would ever trump her date with Jon, but this wasn’t bad at all.  Once they finished dessert, Colby went to pay for the meal and she stopped him, shaking her head.

“Let me buy.  You really saved me outside with my broken heel and I want to pay you back somehow.” Besides, he was already forking over money for the date in the first place with the website. “Please?”

“No, I said I would pay, and I will.” Colby had to fight the urge to get defensive and assume she was thinking that he was an idiot.

Paying so much for a date with her and then springing for all this food, especially with his severe reduction in pay.  He would be fine for now; he wasn’t planning on making this a regular thing.  If that was her going rate, he definitely couldn’t afford her long term.  Colby was also planning on replacing her broken heels, just not with heels.  He didn’t think those would be so practical tonight.

“I’ve got it, Elliana.” His tone was gentle but firm, flashing her a charming smile before passing over a few hundred-dollar bills when the server returned, after excusing herself while they sorted out the money issue.

No, he would not be buying her shoes.  She would buy her own shoes and Colby would have to deal with it.  Elliana didn’t need anyone to buy her things and she honestly wasn’t trying to be mean about dinner.  She truly felt she owed him for helping her.  Once they were outside, Elliana grabbed Colby’s hand to get his attention and chewed her bottom lip, wondering how to make this right.

“I’m sorry.  I wasn’t trying to step on your toes in there or anything.” This wasn’t her going rate, but it wasn’t up to her.  There were other men that bid on her, besides Colby, and he won the auction, so to speak. “I just really wanted to do something to thank you for helping me earlier.  You didn’t have to do it.  So…” Leaning up, she softly kissed his cheek and pulled back, not letting go of his hand. “Come on, time for shoes and then that walk.”

Elliana Long was holding his hand and had just dropped a kiss on his cheek without him hinting or anything.  Colby could only stare down at her, surprise in his eyes as he studied her thoughtfully.  He didn’t try lacing their fingers together, just held her hand and then looked down at her feet.  A regular at the gym, these muscles were not just for show and he decided to offer his strength. “Would you like me to carry you?” He offered, knowing bare feet on this sidewalk wouldn’t feel good long term, not if she stepped on something hard or sharp, or worse.  He stopped, staring down at her and held out his arms. “Princess style or piggyback, I can do either.” He teased, winking at her.

“You would do that for me?” This skirt was too short for a piggyback ride, so she opted for the less flashing stance. “All right, if you insist.”

Colby scooped her up with ease, a regular at the CrossFit gym and they dubbed him CrossFit Jesus.  There was a reason for that.  He was built like a brickhouse and had the body to prove it.  Elliana draped an arm around his neck while resting her other one in her lap while he carried her down the sidewalk, having taken her thigh highs off.  They were uncomfortable without heels and she’d been discreet about it at the restaurant, stuffing them in her purse.  So what Colby was feeling was bare skin on her thighs since the skirt had ridden up a little bit.  Not even to flash anyone her panties, thankfully.

“There’s a shop over there.  They sell shoes, I’ve been there before.”

“All right.”

Given he had called her a fat cow on more than one occasion, though not tonight thankfully, or else this would have played out so much differently, Elliana didn’t weigh anywhere near what Colby would have assumed.  Carrying her long term would undoubtedly get awkward, but this jaunt wasn’t anything he couldn’t handle.  He didn’t break a sweat carrying her to the shop, though Colby was acutely aware of the fact that she wasn’t wearing those stockings anymore, what he was feeling was warm, bare flesh.  Today had just been all shades of jacked up and he was going to wind up spending the rest of the night mulling it all over.

“Here.” He set her down once they were inside, hearing the bell over the door ringing to announce their presence.

“I won’t be long, just gonna grab some flats and then we can be on our way.” Elliana assured him, placing a hand on his cheek gently before heading inside, smiling apologetically at the person behind the counter. “I know it says no shoes, no service, but…” She held up her heels she’d stuffed in her purse with the broken heel. “Can you make an exception this once?”

Mallory laughed, shaking her head. “El, what did you do?!”

“Damn heel broke on me.  I need some flats.” She knew Mallory from coming here every so often to buy shoes, especially heels.

“I got the perfect pair.  Come on in, I’ll make an exception this once and give me that heel.  I’ll see if I can fix it.” It was not only a shoe store, but also a repair shop for shoes.

“If you could, you’d be a lifesaver.  I love these heels.”

“Set them on the counter.”

Well, she obviously knew this woman and Colby merely hung back while Elliana conducted her business.  He had never been in here before; men shoes were not quite as interesting as women. “You know, it was originally men who wore high heels.” He felt his ears tint pink at the curious look Elliana shot him.

Mallory grinned at him from her place, busy pulling out a box and slid it towards Elliana to decide if she wanted them.  These flats were perfect for the woman. “That’s actually right.  Men did to give them height.  Then women started in on the trend and the men decided anything a woman was wearing they couldn’t be in.”

Well, now he didn’t feel like a total, random loser.

“Same with tights.  All our favorite accessories, men wore first.”

And now he did again, clearing his throat awkwardly.

“And ribbons…”

The girls laughed together as Elliana paid for the shoes and hugged Mallory, thanking her for helping out. “I will have your heels fixed in a few days and I give you a buzz when they’re done.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” Slipping her flats on, Elliana sighed at the tight but comfortable fit and nodded. “Thanks again, Mal.  Come on, Colby, time for a walk.” Looping her arm through his without hesitation, they walked out of Mallory’s shop and headed for the beach. “I probably should’ve mentioned I know her, huh?”

Chapter 28

“No, you didn’t have too.” Colby was a bit surprised by that and it showed. “Why should you tell me who you know?” He asked curiously, cocking an eyebrow down at her.

She really was short and it was definitely noticeable without the heels.  Like the vast majority of men, he enjoyed towering over a woman.  It was likely a primal thing, that feeling of power.  Though, he was curious about how she knew the woman.  Elliana had worn what he had learned was thrift store chic prior to her job upgrade, so seeing her knowing fashionable places and their owners was yet another crack in the perceptions he had of her.

“Good point.”

Elliana couldn’t argue with what he said and shrugged, looking up at the stars shining down on them.  They couldn’t really be seen due to the congestion of the city, which was why she loved going to the Red Rocks.  However, the beach was all right too for stargazing, just not as tranquil and peaceful.  It wasn’t far away from where they were, so that was also a plus.

“I know this is going to sound strange, or you may not even believe it, but…” She looked up at him briefly. “I’ve had a good time tonight…with you.”

“Well, you’re right on both accounts.” Vegas really was a decadent city, Colby mused once the beach came into sight, leading the way towards it.  There were no natural beaches, so man had made his own, altering and changing until there were a few decent beaches. “It is strange and I’m not entirely sure I believe you.” He was teasing, stopping once they were on the sand to remove his shoes and socks, wiggling his bare toes in the still warm, white sand. “We did have a rocky start, but it did turn around nicely, didn’t it?” Miracles did happen.

“Yeah, who would’ve thought?” Elliana joked, slipping her own flats off to stick them in her purse and sighed as soon as her toes squished in the sand, closing her eyes for a moment. 

It’d been a while since she was last at a beach.  Maybe Jon would like to do this with her sometime, walk along the beach with their bare feet in the sand.  Not thinking about it, just going on instinct, Elliana grabbed Colby’s hand again as they began walking, her eyes taking in the beautiful, crystal blue water.  Even at night, it was really hot in Vegas, but it was a dry heat, not a humid, which she loved.

Colby and Elliana walked in amicable, if not odd, silence.  He was musing about how Monday would go.  It was going to be a bit hard to forget he had taken his boss out for a date and ended it with a walk on a beautiful beach beneath the stars.  Was he supposed to pretend it didn’t happen?  He supposed he would have to wait and see how things played out.

“You going to let me take you out again, Ellie?” He asked curiously, warmth honeying his tone as they edged towards the water.  Colby bet it was still warm; Vegas never really got cold, not even in the winter.

“I told you I’d go to the MGM with you sometime for a concert, so yeah.  But…” Elliana turned to face him, looking up into his dark eyes and hoped he didn’t take what she was about to say offensive. “If I’m going to go out with you again, I want to do it without you paying me to do it.  We work together and…I don’t want to complicate things.  And honestly, I really don’t want to take your money tonight just because we know each other, and we work together.  I just don’t feel it’s right and it’s got nothing to do with your money ‘not being good enough’ because it is.  And I’ll take it, but…only this time.  Do you understand where I’m going with this?”

“If not for this date, we would still probably hate each other, or intensely dislike, whichever sounds better to you.” Colby stopped with his feet in the water and tossed his shoes up to rest on the sand, so he could take both her hands in his. “I don’t know if I dislike you anymore, Ellie.” He admitted, then frowned. “But you shouldn’t give up your income based on personal feelings either.  Shouldn’t I be the one to decide if you’re worth the cash?  I think you may be.”

“I am?” It came out as a legitimate, honest question because she thought Colby hated her with every fiber of his being. “Hold on.” She tossed her purse on the sand as well, far enough to where she knew it wouldn’t get wet and let him guide her further into the ocean.  Colby pulled her against him, wrapping one arm around her waist and Elliana flushed, roses blooming in her cheeks while he stroked her left one with the back of his hand. “Colby…”

What was he doing?  Was he really going to – the thought left her mind as soon as his mouth descended on hers, kissing her in the ocean under the moonlight and stars.  Colby was just going with it, with the moment, which was new to him because he had spent a good portion of his adult life meticulously planning every move and accounting for all the details.  He always had the big picture in mind and then this very woman had come along and totally smashed it to bits with her honesty.  He had gone from ‘oh hell no, fuck me’ at the beginning of this date, realizing he had bid on someone he despised, to kissing her beneath the stars with the water lapping at their bare feet.  She tasted faintly of coconut; she had been wrong, coconut was delicious and those curves he had always deemed ‘fat’ were perfect, pressing into him and eliciting a groan from him.

What the hell was she doing?!  Was she actually kissing Colby Lopez?!  Elliana should’ve pushed him away, right into the water, but instead, she returned the kiss with equal vigor.  He tasted of coconut, no fish thank god, and the scent of him was intoxicating.  Not like Jon, but…still very nice.  Elliana thought back to who exactly was on the trip with Jon in Vancouver and that made her kiss Colby a little harder, deepening the kiss right along with him.  If Jon could screw around with other people, why couldn’t she?  It was Colby Lopez, but…he’d been wonderful to her tonight and Elliana wanted nothing more than for him to keep kissing and touching her.  The big reason she hadn’t pushed Colby away yet was because Elliana wasn’t doing anything wrong in her mind.  Her and Jon were not exclusive and since he had taken that blonde bombshell assistant of his to Vancouver, no doubt screwing her, then Elliana was free to be with whoever she chose.

Colby could feel a catch 22 coming on.  If he continued this, she might break it and blue ball him just because of eventual awkwardness.  Or she would realize just WHO she was kissing.  Or, he could play the gentleman and not push, but honestly, he really wanted to push and risk rousing her wrath.  The dating game, paid for or not, was never easy to navigate.  It got doubly murky when the woman in question was his former employee and now current boss.  He shoved all that out of mind and let his hands roam down, gripping her backside and pulled her up into his body.

Maybe she was a whore.  Maybe Elliana was a big fat whore and she could care less, knowing she wasn’t doing anything wrong.  In her heart, she didn’t feel any guilt being with another man besides Jon.  It didn’t feel wrong and it contributed to him being up in Vancouver with Mandy Rose.  She knew it.  Elliana hadn’t slept with any of the other men from the website besides Jon and now…probably, more likely, definitely, Colby.

“Colby…” She breathed out as soon as the kiss broke, both doing it at the same time and his mouth sealed to her neck, making her melt against him.  He was definitely a great kisser, there was no doubt about that. “God, that feels so good…”

What if he thought of her as a whore when all was said and done after he got his dick wet?  Did she even care at this point?  No, not really and her panties were officially ruined, soaked from the way he touched her.

“Fuck, I want you, Colby…right here in the water…”

In theory, if he called her a whore after tonight, it would be entirely accurate.  If they had sex, because he owed her money and would pay up before they parted ways.  But that would also make him someone who paid for sex and that wasn’t a stigma any self-respecting man wanted either.

“In the water?” He echoed, amusement and lust causing his tone to drop into something warm and husky.

When she nodded, he dipped his head to catch her lips again, slowly guiding her out further, just enough to where it was comfortable for both of them to lower themselves and keep their bodies from view, just in case anyone showed up.  He was not paying her for tonight.  Elliana already decided she would not take money for sex.  If they had sex, it would be because they both wanted to, and nobody felt obligated.  She had plenty of money in the bank and there were just some lines she refused to cross.  Lifting up, Colby pushed her panties to the side before letting her sink down on him in the water.

“Oh god…” She moaned, pressing her forehead to his and let him fill her to capacity, stretching her almost as much as Jon.  Their breathing was heavy as they stared into each other eyes and when he began moving inside of her, in and out, she kissed him to try to muffle their fucking. “Harder…fuck me, Colby…”

The water restriction was a bitch, but somehow, this man made it work as water began lapping around them slightly.  This was about as hard as it was getting.  Fast and heavy movement in the water was usually something that didn’t happen.  But Elliana seemed content with the pace and Colby was definitely not complaining.  The contrast of the cool water along with her warmth engulfing him was enough to send his head reeling, his palms splayed on her hips, guiding her motions.  He dipped his head to her throat, kissing up along her pulse point before gently nipping at her earlobe, never once slowing down or speeding up their pace.

Unlike Jon, Colby was sensual and slow, which was a nice change of pace for Elliana.  She didn’t urge him on either, just went with the flow and enjoyed the moment for however long it lasted.  She sighed at the feeling of his lips on her neck and massaged his shirt covered chest, shoulders and down his arms, wanting to feel flesh against flesh.  That would have to wait though, and something told her the night was just getting started.

“Oh god…Colby…I’m close…” She moaned out against his ear, taking her turn to kiss and nip at his throat, his Adam’s apple and ears before kissing him again. “Make me cum for you…”

Oh yeah, this nice outfit of his was ruined.  The slacks for sure, the shirt could probably be salvaged.  Her poor dress…that was all an afterthought soon enough as he pulled away one hand, snaking it down between their bodies.  He could feel her own slickness even with the water lapping at every crevice of her and began massaging her clit, feeling her body beginning to shudder violently against his.

“How’s that, baby?” He whispered in her ear, hissing when her nails dug into his chest, feeling that manicure even through his soaked shirt. “I can feel your pussy tightening around me, Ellie…” It was an incredible feeling and he could only imagine how this would have gone somewhere dry, with room to sprawl out, the mental imagery flooding his mind now.

“Mmm yeah, just like that…” She could care less about the skirt and shirt, knowing she could replace them, gasping at the feeling of his finger stimulating her along with his dick. “There!  I’m there, oh god!” Elliana cried out, feeling her walls cave in around him.

Burying her face in the crook of his neck, her body tensed and convulsed as her orgasm shot through her like a bullet.  Colby wasn’t far behind, exploding inside of her and it caused a second climax to trigger.  They sagged against each other, both breathing erratically under the moonlight and stars in the water.

“That was really great…” She murmured, once she caught her breath and kissed him, showing him this wasn’t just a spare of the moment screw.  In a way it was, but neither were complaining. “The water doesn’t do you justice.  I need to feel you completely and I’m not ready to say goodnight yet, are you?”

Actually no, he wasn’t, and Colby cupped her face in his now shriveled hands, feathering kisses along her jawline.  This had been the most surreal night ever and she was asking him if he wanted to continue it.  He was going to have to take a drug test tomorrow, make sure he was completely sober.

“No,” He rumbled, smiling against her lips before groaning, feeling himself sliding out of her and now the water was cold and frigid against certain deflated parts of himself. “I’m not.”

“Do you want to go back to my place or yours?” Elliana murmured against his lips, rubbing her nose against his and stood up in the water, after adjusting her drenched panties. 

It was no surprise when Colby said her place and she had no problem with it, grabbing his hand to lace their fingers together.  Sex was sex.  He understood that and so did she.  They grabbed their belongings and headed off the beach to go back to their respective cars.  It took about 20 minutes since her condo was on the outskirts of the city.  Once they both arrived, Elliana took Colby through the back since it was closer and pulled him against her, showing her aggressive side a bit like she had with Jon.  Their lips collided and clothes flew in all directions as they made their way to her bedroom, collapsing on the king-sized bed with Colby on top.  This was more like it.  Now she would really get to see what Colby was capable of in the bedroom and wasn’t surprised when his head dipped low to bury between her thick thighs.

“Mmm…”

Elliana smelled like the warmth of the day and the beach, an interesting, heady combination when mixed with her own personal, delicious musky scent.  This was definitely just sex because Monday it would be back to the grind and they would be in entirely different worlds again.  If he had given her more than the original onceover when he had first met her, things might have been different between them, but…he was also more than satisfied with this.  Colby felt her hands freeing his wet hair from the tangled bun, shivering when water ran down his collarbone and over his chest.  His tongue busied tracing a freckle on her inner thigh before moving closer to where he had been buried balls deep only a short while ago.

Colby didn’t make love to her.  It was fucking, but the sensual, slow kind.  There was feeling to it, yes, but it was still fucking in Elliana’s eyes.  He was slow and steady, taking his time to make sure she felt every thrust, both his cock and tongue respectfully.

Chapter 29

By the time they were done, it was way past 3 AM in the morning and Elliana watched Colby get dressed, knowing why he was leaving. 

It was just sex between them, and she was glad to see he understood that. “I’m not taking your money, Colby.  I’d feel like a cheap whore now if I took it.  Don’t worry, I’ll still give you a great review on the website, but…I had sex with you tonight because I wanted to.  We both wanted each other.” It was great date and she stood up from the bed, cupping his face before bringing his lips to hers again. “Who knows?  Maybe we can do this again sometime.  I wouldn’t mind going a few more rounds with you, sexy.”

“I wouldn’t be paying you for the sex, Elliana.  You’re not a whore.” Colby had no problem paying for the date that was agreed upon and he had also agreed to her ‘no sex’ clause.  As far as he was concerned, the sex had occurred after the date was finished. “You know how to get a hold of me if you want to get together again, off-site.” He kissed her forehead, smiling slightly as he reached out to push hair off her face.  She had a freshly fucked, relaxed guise and HE had put that there, oh wonder of wonders.

“I feel like one.  We don’t even like each other and yet, we just had amazing sex together.  I don’t get it.” Elliana slid fingers through her hair, frowning and stood up from the bed to pull her robe on. “I mean, I just fucked someone I met on that website.” Again, not that Colby needed to know that. “And I even have a no sex clause on my profile.” She really needed to get laid with Jon being gone, though. “And now you’re leaving instead of staying the night, which makes me feel like an even bigger whore.” God, what if he had a girlfriend waiting for him at home or something and he just cheated on her with Elliana? “Sorry, go on I’m fine…” No, she wasn’t and wished her brain would just shut off like it did earlier when she had sex with Colby, both in the ocean and in her bed.

“You’re not with anyone, are you?” Colby asked quietly, wondering what was going through her head because she was quite different now from what she had been earlier.  She looked…disquiet, something was wrong, and he reached out to place a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t have to like someone to want them physically.  That usually leads to some of the best sex, actually.” And they were a perfect example of that. “You’re not a whore, Elliana.” She had refused his money, several times.

“No, I’m not with anyone.”

Jon didn’t count.  They weren’t together and, until he said otherwise, she would continue doing whatever she wanted.  She touched his hand and squeezed it, turning her head to kiss the top of it.

“You’re not the only one I’ve…slept with from the website, however.  There was one other guy.” She was being honest with him. “I usually don’t do it, but when you feel a connection with someone, like you, it’s hard to resist sometimes.” Elliana did feel a connection with Colby, almost as much as Jon. “This is just sex between us, right?  You don’t want anything more, do you?” This was a question she should’ve asked Jon, but the situations were completely different, and she nodded when Colby shook his head. “All right, just wanted to make sure we were on the same page.”

“Right now, I’m still amazed how well our night played out considering everything…what a scumbag I was and still probably am.” Colby said honestly, knowing there was no point in trying to pretty up their past because she would undoubtedly call him out on it. “And even though tonight was definitely a step in the right direction and then some, I’m not the kind of guy who dives right into a relationship or being exclusive.” He could be brutally honest, actually, though…she looked like she was pleased with the truth. “This Saturday, go to the MGM with me?” For that show, which was his way of indicating he wanted to see her again.  He just wasn’t asking her for anything more than another date.

“Why don’t I check my book and let you know if I can make it or not?”

Jon would be back tomorrow, so Elliana had to tread carefully and then wondered why she was trying to be careful in the first place.  They weren’t together!  Why couldn’t she get that through her head?

“I’ll let you know Monday at work, okay?” Standing, she slid her hands up his shirt covered chest and sensually kissed him, feeling his arms tighten around her. “Drive safely and let me know when you make it home, please.”

She was having issues, earlier she had said yes, now she was checking her book.  Colby nodded, knowing when to step back from a situation when it came to a woman.  Not about to push, press and make whatever her deal was worse.

“I will, it’ll probably be a text.”

He kissed her one more time before walking out, taking note of her condo.  There was no way she had this before.  This had to be new, from the job, both of them.  It was nicer than what his old place, when he had been living high on the hog, had been.  Way new, his eyes skimmed the stack of mail on the counter, but he kept on walking.

~!~

“What do you mean you slept with Colby Lopez?!”

Elliana ate a piece of toast at her table and nodded, having a cup of coffee since she hadn’t slept well. “I don’t regret doing it.  He was my date on the site and one thing lead to another…”

Kairi never judged – ever, but Elliana had officially lost her mind to sleep with someone who despised her and vice versa. “Why?  Why did you even agree to go on that date?  I would’ve walked right the hell out of that place!”

Elliana launched into what happened to her heel and how Colby saved her.

“So you fucked him because you felt you owed him for saving your bacon?”

“Maybe?  I don’t know.  I’m such a whore.”

“No, you’re just very confused and Jon isn’t helping by not being forthcoming with you.” Kairi sounded slightly annoyed, sipping her own coffee. “What are you going to do about this?”

“Nothing.  It was just sex.”

Kairi was trying not to be judgmental, she really was, but this situation was crazy.  Elliana had a thing for men she worked with. “Did you at least feel powerful and all that, you know, being that punk bitch’s boss this time?” She had no love for Colby Lopez, and she didn’t care how good the sex was. “Also, you need to come out and ask Jon what the deal is with you two.  You practically live together, and are together, without the verbal affirmation.  Time to get it.” Elliana had promised Jon she was done with the website; she wasn’t AND she had slept with another date, which made Kairi frown. “So, question, what do you think Jon would do if he found out?”

“Kai, considering he took that blonde, Mandy Rose, up to Vancouver with him for this getaway – and yes, I’m aware she is his assistant, still doesn’t mean they’re not bumping uglies – I really don’t care what he has to say about this.  Why should I be the one to bring up if we’ve exclusive or not?  If he truly wanted to be exclusive with me, he would’ve told me because that’s who Jon is.  He’s a control FREAK and likes things done his way.” Elliana knew she made several valid points Kairi couldn’t argue with and finished her toast. “And as for Colby, I didn’t take his money last night.  I refuse to take money from men I’ve slept with…except Jon, only because I was desperate at the time and needed it to survive.  I didn’t need the money this time around, so I told Colby I wasn’t taking it.  And he didn’t argue with me on it.”

“Well of course not, he’s making just above minimum wage.”

The fact that that little toad had bid so much money on a date…he probably had a fat savings account.  And the idiot was blowing it on dating sites?  He was truly an idiot. “You don’t know that Jon is sleeping with her.” She added quietly. Elliana had seemed happy with Jon, but Jon was a total tool for not clarifying the nature of their relationship.  Or maybe he just didn’t think there was one.  Maybe Elliana was just a mistress or something to him and she made a face, struggling not to voice that thought out loud.  Elliana didn’t need any more doubt and anxiety.

“Think you’ll see Lopez again?  Outside of work, obviously.”

“I don’t know.  He wants me to, but…I just don’t know.  I hate feeling torn about this, but I’m not bringing the subject up to him.  Maybe I will back off the website though, now that I slept with someone else.” Elliana didn’t need any more with her job and she had paid all of her debt completely, so she was debt free.  She had a brand-new car, fully paid for by the company and her condo as well, thanks to Jon. “I want to be with Jon, but…I don’t know if he wants to be with me or if he just wants me around for sex.”

“Maybe both?  Men are stupid about what they want.  They want cake and all the toppings and to eat it too, calorie free, because they’re idiots.” Women could be too, she would admit that, but at least they were fairly direct about what they wanted. “And you won’t ask him, so you’re at this stupid impasse.” Kairi sighed, eyeing the bottom of her now empty cup.  She was definitely getting another.  This was a three cup of coffee kind of day. “As for quitting the website, you don’t need it anymore…are you afraid you’re going to start sleeping with all your dates?”

Elliana sighed heavily, wrapping her arms around herself because she didn’t want that to happen. “If I feel a connection with someone like I have with Jon and Colby, maybe?  I don’t know.  I don’t want to.  I’d rather just have sex with men I meet on my own instead of through some stupid website.  No offense, sweetie.  I do appreciate you hooking me up with it and you helped me out more than you’ll ever know.  You’re my saving grace, Kai.”

“Yeah, I know, I know.”

Kairi waved her hand dismissively, acting all regal and crap before rolling her eyes and laughing at herself.  She hadn’t slept with any of her dates; she knew better. Figuring one day, she’d settle down and call it a day, but she wasn’t ready yet.  She liked having things bought for her, free meals at fancy places, and the nice little nest egg this site had basically handed to her.

“Hey, you used it to get out of a bad spot and voila, you’re out of the bad spot.” Actually, Elliana had lucked out on the first try with Jon.  That had just been an interesting chain of events from their first date until now.

“Thanks for always being on my side and not judging me.”

“That’s what friends are for.”

Elliana’s phone beeped in her ear and she pulled back to look at the caller ID, smiling at the name flashing back at her. “I gotta go, talk to you tomorrow and thanks again.” She clicked over and shut her eyes at the first sound of his voice. “Hey handsome.”

Jon was coming back today sometime, and she was honestly excited to see him.  Elliana already washed her bedding and took a shower, not wanting to smell like Colby Lopez or her condo for that matter.  Once again, she felt like she was cheating on a man that wasn’t hers.  This was a very weird, awkward situation.

“I’m going to be there very soon, and I expect you to be waiting with a seven-course meal, my castle clean, and-” Jon began laughing, snorting into the phone. “You know, that all sounded great in my head, but in reality, that really is a douchebag thing, isn’t it?” He was so glad this week was over, and it showed in his tone. “If I EVER do this again, please tie me down and restrain me until the urge passes, darlin’.  It was boring and I should’ve brought you with.” Then he wouldn’t have been wondering constantly what she was up too.

Elliana laughed, knowing he was joking around with her and walked into the living room after tossing her paper plate away. “At least you’re honest about being a douchebag.  A lot of men wouldn’t admit that flaw.”

She giggled, plopping down on her couch and crossed her ankles, feeling relieved he was finally coming back.  However, he kept hinting at taking her with him for future trips and it made Elliana wonder why he would do that.  Maybe she just couldn’t read men very well or people, in general.

“Miss me that much, eh?”

“You have no idea, and not just personally.”

However, Jon had definitely missed her on a personal level.  He had gotten used to sharing a bed with her, having that beautiful body curled next to his.  He was going soft and glad Elliana couldn’t see the grin on his face, shaking his head as he finished packing.  Bluetooth was such awesome technology, hands free…he loved it.

“Ms. Rose was barely adequate in the office.  Here…I’ve learned she is…really horrible at what she does.  Remind me to find a new assistant.  One who is actually skilled.” The woman was gorgeous, no doubt about it, but not so bright.  That was why she’d been demoted to administrative assistant and Jon regretted not just pulling the trigger to fire her. “You know, you’re beautiful AND brilliant, she’s just beautiful.  I should’ve brought you.”

She frowned, feeling the jealousy well up inside of her again at him calling another woman beautiful.  Elliana had serious issues and rubbed her temples, scratching her forehead lightly. “Oh really?  Maybe she was just nervous.” Jon’s snort made her bit her bottom lip to keep from giggling. “I’m sorry you had such a horrible time with her.  Don’t fire her though because she was a hell of an administrative assistant.” There was no doubt about it; Mandy did her job well when she was under one of the other managers, just not a manager herself. “Maybe you’re just a little…overwhelming to her, Jon.  You can be…intense and strict sometimes.” That was a fact and why the hell was she defending the blonde suddenly?

“Yeah, maybe, but she can’t work under me anymore.” Jon argued dismissively, not aware of how that ‘work under me’ comment would come across to Elliana. “She’s a terrible personal assistant; I should have brought Samuel.  The only thing she’s good at here is my morning coffee and that’s because the hotel brews it.” He was being a jerk and he knew it, but Ms. Rose had gotten on his last nerve with some of her inabilities to perform under pressure. “Okay, enough about her.  Have you missed me at all, or should I stay on longer?”

His eyes roamed the room to make sure he had grabbed everything.  He wasn’t planning on coming back to Vancouver anytime soon, missing the bustle of the Strip, the serenity of the desert and the Red Rocks.  Work under him…yes, Elliana bet that blonde worked under him really good with her legs spread wide open!  Her cheeks were growing red and her anger was surging, along with her temper.  It took a lot to piss Elliana off, but when she reached her boiling point, she went off like a geyser.

“Of course, I missed you, especially certain PARTS of you.” She crooned, wanting to see what his reaction would be since, it was apparent, he’d already gotten his dick wet without her.  That was fine; she had gotten dick from elsewhere while he was gone too. “Do you want me to come over when you get home, or do you want to come here?”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa darlin’, only certain parts?” Jon had not missed that at all, sounding amused. “I know my ass is fine, but there are better parts of me to miss.” He hesitated, running a hand over his head; he needed another haircut. “I don’t know yet, I’m going home from the airport to unload all this crap.” There was a bag dedicated to all the paperwork and binders of stuff he had acquired from this conference, including his new, shiny certifications for completing some of the bioethics courses and whatnot. “You want to meet me there?  We can order out and catch up.  I want to hear about your week.  Did anyone give you any problems?”

“There were a few minor hiccups, but nothing I couldn’t handle.  They all treated me fine, Jon.”

Why was he worried about her so much?  Didn’t he have faith in her she could do her job?  Maybe he did only give her this job in order to keep her under his thumb…that was a very unsettling thought.

“I’ll come over.  And I was only kidding about the certain parts bit.  Sorry.” Why did she say that in the first place? “And yes, your ass is definitely fine.  I’ve missed all of you though, Jon.  Every part of you.” It was the truth; she wasn’t lying, she had missed him fiercely throughout the week.  If only he had missed her just as much, but how could he with that blonde with him?

“Good, because I’ve missed you too, darlin’.”

“Jon, the limo is here.”

“Ms. Rose, how many times have I told you to not barge in?” Jon’s tone grew curt. “Thank you, I’ll be down.”

“Yes, sir…”

He growled into the phone, letting out a sigh. “I’ll text you when I land.  I’ll see you in a few.”

He hung up and tucked his cell in his pocket.  Mandy was fine, but not for him.  She really didn’t have the skills and proper etiquette to be the owner’s assistant.  She would have to go back to the administrative pool, and he was going to promote Samuel to the full-time gig of being his assistant.

Chapter 30

Gritting her teeth, Elliana hung up the phone and shut her eyes, hating that this actually hurt her.  Why?  They were just sex!  Right?  She didn’t know anymore and stood up from her couch, wearing just a tank top and panties, when her phone rang again.  This time, it was Colby and she actually smiled, answering it on the third ring.

“To what do I owe the pleasure on this beautiful Sunday morning?” She hadn’t expected him to call so soon, but it showed he was interested and at least he was straightforward with her.

“I don’t know, felt like swimming.” Colby replied mischievously, totally skipping the customary greeting and formalities.  He figured since they had skipped the usual niceties on their date…they weren’t exactly going by standard protocol here. “Actually, Ellie, I was calling to see how you were.”

When he had left the other night after the explosive, memorable few bouts of sex, he had been very aware that something was wrong.  Colby wasn’t sure if it was guilt or remorse, maybe both?  They did have a complicated history and he wasn’t exactly known for being a ‘good’ guy.

“And if you wanted to go visit the Natural History Museum with me today?  I have season passes, and they’ve just opened up a new exhibit.  Ancient Egypt.” Those artifacts were passed from museum to museum across the country every so often. “And, I don’t know if you’ve ever been, but they have an entire section devoted to the Mojave.” She liked the outdoors and the scenery, so she could enjoy a fraction of it in the air-conditioning.

That sounded really nice, but there was no way she could cancel on Jon. “I appreciate you thinking of me, and I’d love to go with you, but I have plans tonight.  Girl’s night.  Sorry.” She really did feel remorseful not being able to go and sighed, leaning her head against the wall. “Since you have season passes, hold off on that and we can go some other time.  I’ll look at my book and see what date I’m free to go and let you know.” Elliana was a very busy woman these days and bit back a chuckle because, up until recently, she spent her nights at home, wallowing in self-pity over her financial woes. 

It was amazing what being debt free could do to a person.

It was morning.  Colby was, for a moment, irritated that she couldn’t squeeze him in and then took a deep breath.  It was stupid, being irritated and she did genuinely sound sorry, so… he felt better.  Since he knew what Elliana did in her spare time for extra cash, he knew what she meant by checking her book to see when she had time available.  Hustling at dating, she was playing that game better than most people he knew, and Colby wondered how successful men were at doing it the way the women did.  He knew they did; he was just curious how it went and if he could do it.  It’d be his luck he wound up on a date with some old hag.

Silence reigned on the other line from Colby and Elliana could feel his irritation, deciding it was best to end the call here. “I gotta go, so talk to you later.  Bye.”

She hung up and tossed her phone to the side, scrubbing a hand down her face.  Colby was a nice enough guy and she had a lot of fun with him, but nothing compared to her billionaire.  It wasn’t just about money either.  It was the raw, intense connection she felt with Jon.  That wasn’t felt with Colby, though she still did like him well enough.  Shaking her head, Elliana wished Colby wouldn’t have called her to show more interest and left it at them having a one-night stand.  Work was going to be awkward to say the least.

Whoops, Colby realized a moment too late he had fallen silent because he had gotten lost in his own thoughts about hustling himself like she did, and she had taken it the wrong way completely.  He began texting her, explaining his thoughts and, after hitting send, felt like a total idiot.  Colby followed that up with a ‘ignore all that’ text and really did facepalm himself because he WAS an idiot.  What the actual hell was this woman doing to him, making him think and act like this?

“Fucccckkkk…” He growled, suddenly feeling a burst of energy and began grabbing his gear.  Gym time and CrossFit, it was.

Elliana read all of that, his full explanation and blinked, wondering why he felt the need to explain himself. It’s fine, no worries.  Talk soon. She texted back before beginning her cleaning ritual around the condo. 

Then she would shower and get ready to see Jon, hoping she didn’t have to lie to him too much regarding how her week went.  Boring, boring, boring, very uneventful besides work and hanging out with Kairi occasionally – That’s what she wanted him to believe.

~!~

Jon had never been so happy to be home and he had only barely remembered to text Elliana to let her know when he landed.  He wasn’t surprised that she wasn’t there as soon as he was dropped off, figuring she would probably give him a bit to unpack and get settled.  Or shower.  He smelled like whiskey from the stewardess tumbling during some turbulence.  Jon let her know he was home and to let herself in whenever she got there since he had added her thumbprint to his biometric locks.  Grunting, he shed his clothing and stepped into the shower, letting out a sigh of sheer pleasure as sprays from all angles got him.

He had missed home.

Stopping for some Chinese food, Elliana mulled over if she should talk to Jon about this situation and chewed her bottom lip, not wanting to scare him off.  Why couldn’t he just come out and bring up the subject?  Wearing white cotton shorts and a matching tank top, her black hair swept up on top of her head, Elliana made her way up to the door and pressed her thumb into the biometric lock, opening the front door as soon as it flashed green.  She headed to the kitchen and pulled silverware and bowls out, knowing the containers it came in weren’t fit to eat straight out of.  Elliana had to admit, it was good to be back in this place and for Jon to be home.  Jon emerged from his bedroom wrapped in nothing except a towel and grinned when he spotted her in the kitchen, genuine pleasure lighting up his freshly shaven face.  Well, freshly trimmed, he rather like his mustache and beard combination.

“Darlin’,” He hoisted her up, hands moving to support her and grope her, those white cotton shorts…damn, she was already trying to kill him! “I missed you.” He informed her, right before capturing Elliana’s lips in a searing kiss, letting her feel just how much he had missed her.

He had gotten too used to them being together all the time.

Food was suddenly the last thing on Elliana’s mind as she kissed him back with equal fire and passion, wrapping her arms around his neck.  Christ, she missed him too, so much.  He was the perfect man – his only flaw was he only wanted her for sex.  Elliana would have to deal with it and felt him lift her to where she planted on the counter with him between her thighs, the kiss not breaking.  The food was on the other side, or it would’ve been all over the floor right now as she reached down to undo his towel, needing him more than anything – food, water, air…he was all over those combined and more for her.  The fact they couldn’t keep their hands off each other was also a huge plus.  Gripping the outside of her thighs, Jon pulled Elliana until her backside was right on the edge of the counter.

“These need to come off.” He growled against her lips, already starting to work them down, feeling her raising herself up to help him. As soon as they were on the floor, along with his towel, he drew her legs up, bending at the knee and positioned himself against her. “Sorry for the lack of foreplay, darlin’…” And he was, but there would be plenty of time for that later since they had all night.  

Sort of.  Well, he was the owner, so he could call in for both of them, right?  Probably not.  Elliana’s hand was gripping his neck and his forehead met hers right before he snapped his hips, burying himself to the hilt in her receptive body.

“Christ!”

“Jon!” Elliana cried out hoarsely, not expecting him to drive full force into her and clung to him for dear life. “Fuck foreplay, just fuck me, baby…”

Enjoying the feeling of his warm body against her, it was still slightly damp from his shower.  Wrapping her legs around his waist tightly, Elliana met him thrust for thrust until he lifted her to plant her on the table, climbing on top of it to continue their session.  It was a very sturdy table to hold both of their weight since she wasn’t exactly a small woman and he wasn’t a small man at all.

“Yes, oh god yes, harder!”

Goddamn right it was sturdy!  Jon wasn’t risking breaking anything in this house.  Hence why all the original furniture had either been custom-made to hold his habits, of dropping down and other such antics, or replaced completely. “Any harder and I’m going to break you, darlin’.”

Not that Elliana seemed to mind, and he upped the pace of the dance, pretty sure he was going to plow straight through her.  The way she was moaning and calling out his name told him she was enjoying the brutality of this bout.  It wasn’t brutal to her.  Or maybe Elliana enjoyed rough sex.  She didn’t know and didn’t bother analyzing it, just going with whatever felt good.

“I’m not made…of glass, baby…fuck…” She panted out, bringing his mouth down on hers while he continued thrusting as hard, fast and deep in and out of her as he could. 

If he did plow through her back wall, so be it, she would enjoy every second of the pain and pleasure.  Elliana enjoyed being with Colby, but he was a too slow and sensual for her, even though her and Jon had their moments like that too.  Sex with Colby was almost as good as it was with Jon and the major difference was the pace and intensity.

This…this was more like it. 

This was exactly what she needed and craved.  No other thoughts were on her mind except this man being balls deep inside of her.  She really did miss Jon more than she cared to admit.  He smacked her backside again, making her hiss out between her teeth and luckily, the table was perfect level with his cock.  All she could do was hang on for the ride and didn’t care if her knees were bruised from kneeling on the hard-wooden table.  Closing her eyes, Elliana let out a loud cry as her first climax washed over her, knowing it wouldn’t last nearly as long with Jon as the other times because they hadn’t been together in a week.

They had all night to get reacquainted, but after a week away and, by the way Elliana was already caving in and spasming around him, he gathered she needed this connection, this release, as bad as he did. “Fuck…”

He was about to fill her with almost a week’s worth of neglect.  His hand had not had the same appeal as her tight, delicious body.  Bending down, Jon sank his teeth into the back of her neck, his entire body tensing just as he exploded.

Short, sweet and to the point. 

Sometimes, it was really nice to just go balls to the wall with sex and throw caution to the wind.  Elliana was out of breath and pressed her forehead against the hard-wooden table while Jon kept thrusting in and out of her until his dick physically forced him to stop, deflating.  She groaned at the loss of him inside of her and released the table, trying to catch her breath.

“A-Amazing…that was amazing…” She coughed out, feeling Jon lift her from the table to stand on her jelly legs and Elliana immediately sat down in a chair, unable to be on her feet at the moment. 

Her thighs were trembling powerfully.

Chuckling harshly, Jon dropped down in the other chair, his eyes moving to the food that was sitting on the counter.  They would definitely need some nourishment if they were going to repeat that experience, but for longer next time – definitely longer.  And on a bed, where he had more room to toss her about.  Letting his head lull back, Jon closed his eyes and just focused on breathing, his entire body trembling from aftershocks.

“That was some welcome home, Ellia.” He teased, popping one eye open at her. “Maybe I should go away more often, hm?”

“Hey, not that I’m complaining, but you attacked me first, buddy boy.” Elliana pointed out, both of them laughing as she lulled her head back as well, looking up at the ceiling lights for a few minutes. “All right, I think I can walk now.” Standing gingerly, she felt her legs and nodded before leaning down to softly brush her lips against his. “Definitely gonna need a shower or bath after that session, baby.  But first, we’re eating and then getting dirty again before shower or bath.”

Jon saluted her and she rolled her eyes, pulling her panties and shorts back on before washing her hands, refusing to serve food without doing so.  Not after what they just did.  Jon was all for basic hygiene and he kept his back to her as he washed himself up and then his hands.  He picked his towel back up and wrapped it around his waist before walking up behind her.  Pushing her hair off her neck, Jon bent down to place a simple kiss on her nape.

“Attack is a strong word.” He teased, reaching for the sponge to go wipe down the table, grabbing the disinfectant spray too, on second thought. “We’re going to call it an enthusiastic hello.”

“Mmm, then I hope you say hello to me like that more often, Jonny boy.”

She winked at him, pulling down bowls for the Chinese food and opened the drawer to grab forks for them.  She gave them each a healthy serving and then turned to see him staring down at her.  Jon was quick in wiping that table off and she smirked, leaning up to softly kiss his lips.

“Come on, we’re eating in the comfort of the living room or your bedroom.  Fuck the table, no pun intended, for tonight.”

“There was a lot of pun intended and you know it.” He chuckled, nodding his agreement and let her lead the way out of the kitchen. “Living room, on the couch.  You’re not allowed in my bedroom yet, darlin’.” He had unpacked and left her a surprise on the bed.  She had to eat first and so did he.  Jon could feel hunger gnawing at his stomach from that energetic workout they just had. “So,” Jon settled on the couch, primly adjusting his towel and ignoring her knowing smirk. “How was your week?” That was the traditional greeting she should have gotten.

“Uneventful – I worked and came home, chilled out.  I went out a couple of times with Kairi for our girl’s night or lunch, but that’s pretty much it.” That lie left a very bitter taste in her mouth, but surprisingly, it came out smoothly without any hiccups.  Elliana hated how easy it was to lie to him, but she had no other choice in the matter.  It wasn’t like he was going to come out and say he screwed the blonde, even though she knew he did. “I already know yours was very stressful, but was there anything in Vancouver that excited you?  There’s beautiful mountain trails up there I know you’d love because of your biking and hiking.”

“I didn’t have time to go explore any of it, from sunup to sundown, it was constant grinding,” Jon replied truthfully, after chewing his mouthful, shaking his head with a sour look. “Trust me, I would have killed to be out exploring rather than in a damn hotel.  Though, the hotel had a giant waterfall in the lobby, and I thought about pulling a Bruce Wayne and swimming in the pool beneath it.” But there had been koi in it as well, so that probably would have ended badly. “Also, I sent paperwork to demote Ms. Rose.  She can be someone else’s assistant.  I’ll take Samuel on completely; he is way better at the job.”

Wow, that was quick work.  Either Mandy wasn’t good in the sack or she really didn’t know how to do her job and had annoyed Jon.  Elliana was going with not good in the sack.  The woman could work, there was no question about that.  Jon was very picky though and liked things done a certain way.

“Samuel is an excellent choice.  I just hope Ms. Rose doesn’t get too upset about the demotion.” With a demotion came pay cut too, unfortunately, just like Colby had to endure.

“I don’t think she’ll mind.” Jon eyeballed his food and speared a piece of sweet and sour chicken on his fork. “She was pretty tired of me riding her ass all week.”

Ms. Rose would one day make a decent assistant to someone in his position, maybe, but he was definitely not the right man to bring her up. He didn’t have the patience and, when Mandy got nervous, she messed up.  Jon really did not have the tolerance to deal with incompetence.

“I also agreed to keep her at her current payrate.  She just won’t get her usual raises until she’s capped to where she is now, then the raises resume.” He could have done that with Lopez, but he had been sending a message there.

Riding her ass all week, eh?  Elliana knew how to read between the lines and knew, without a shadow of a doubt, Mandy hadn’t been good in bed.  Jon was cutting her loose because of that fact, not because she couldn’t do her work properly.  That was just a cover up.  That was fine because Elliana had her own men on the side just like he had his own women.

“Whatever you feel is best, Jon.  You always make the right decisions, it seems, lately anyway.” She winked at him, trying to lighten the mood a little and took a bite out of her dinner, trying to muster up some kind of appetite.

Chapter 31

For some reason, Jon had a mild feeling of ‘someone walking on his grave’, not the full-blown experience, but just a hint of it.  

Like something bad had ghosted by him and he wasn’t sure where the hell that had come from, flashing Elliana a crooked, confused smile. “No, not really.” He admitted quietly, knowing he was a colossal screw-up, but he was working on it.  The bioethics thing wasn’t a bad experience and he knew his firm really needed the reaffirmation and whatnot, but this week had sucked.

He was blaming Elliana for that since she was spoiling him.

Just come out and say it, ask him what you two are to each other, she thought, trying to mentally coach herself to do it, but nothing was coming out. 

What if he freaked out and kicked her to the curb?  He had blondie to occupy his nights and time, but yet, he was choosing her.  Elliana refused to look a gifts horse in the mouth, so she just kept eating in companionable silence.  Afterwards, they talked a little while longer while letting their stomachs settle before getting down and dirty again, this time in his comfortable king-sized bed.  Falling asleep in Jon’s arms felt bittersweet because she wanted to be the only woman he was with and knew that wasn’t fair to demand either.

~!~

“Up, beautiful.” Jon whispered the next morning, smirking when Elliana rolled away from him and into the morning sunshine streaming through his now wide-open curtains.  He heard her groan and caught her hand before she could pull the pillow over her face.  Gliding his nose along her cheek, Jon inhaled her intoxicating scent before kissing her temple. “We have work, remember?” It was almost like their routine hadn’t been interrupted by his week long absence and, when she growled, he rolled her onto her back and bent down to start giving raspberries to her stomach. “Boss’s orders, get your bouncy ass up, woman.”

“Mmm, 5 more minutes…Jon!” He began blowing raspberries LOWER and she was up out of that bed instantly, stumbling a bit. “Damn it!  You know we can’t do that when we have to get ready for WORK.” She chastised, shaking her bouncy backside at him teasingly. 

He laughed at her as she sauntered into the bathroom, swiping her bag in the process to get dressed.  Elliana had made sure to bring a change of clothing with her since she knew she’d be staying the night at Jon’s.  While she was in the bathroom, Jon retrieved the package that had been waiting on the bed last night.  Except they hadn’t done anything except fall into the bed and mess it up.  There hadn’t been time.  Oh well, this was better.  The greetings and make-up sex were out of the way.  Humming, he set out his work clothes, knowing he needed a shower and waited until she gave the all clear -they did not piss in front of each other, there were lines in this relationship- before picking it up and carrying it into the bathroom with him.

“Here.” He laughed when she took it, surprise on her face at the weight. “Canada’s Gemological Society has a branch in Vancouver.” Elliana liked the outdoors, the Red Rocks, things like that, so she would appreciate this because it was beautiful and unique.  Like her.

“Wha…?”

Jon didn’t give her time to react or respond, needing to grab a shower.  Swallowing hard, Elliana took a deep breath and opened it, feeling her heart both soar and then fall to the pit of her stomach.  It was a beautiful rock.  A rainbow rock known as Bismuth Geode.  It was a very rare, EXPENSIVE gemstone rock.

“Oh my god…” She whispered, holding it in her slightly shaking hand and had no idea how to process this. 

What did this mean?!  Did he really think he could give her expensive gifts after long trips being away while screwing another woman and…Elliana had to stop, taking several deep breaths and set the rock down before going to join Jon in the shower, thanking him properly with a blowjob that blew his mind.  Well, that was not the thank you Jon had been expecting, but no man in his right mind was going to be upset with a blowjob and he was no exception.

“So… do you like it?” He asked, adjusting his tie in the mirror while she worked on her hair.  

His eyes moved to the Bismuth Geode before back to her, taking her in via the mirror.  He knew it wasn’t a traditional gift or anything but to be fair, they weren’t exactly traditional, and he had thought she would enjoy it.  Now he was thinking he had bought her an expensive paperweight.  Elliana had no idea how to properly thank him for such an extravagant gift and smiled at him through the reflection, putting chopsticks in her hair to let a few tendrils frame her face delicately.

“It’s beautiful, Jon.  I love it.”

She truly did, even though it nearly caused her to have a panic attack.  It was easy to forget this man was a billionaire, so buying things like this was chump change to him.  Still, the fact he brought her back something from Vancouver meant a great deal and Elliana found herself turning to fix his tie for him before softly kissing his lips.

“Thank you.”

“Mmm, thank you.” He murmured, his hands moving to pull her back against him before she could try getting away.

Jon never thought really in terms of money.  If he seen something he liked, he got it.  If he wanted to do something for someone, he didn’t think of the price tag that went with it.  Sometimes, like when it came to spending money, he was that poor kid in the candy store with a five-dollar bill he had found on the pavement.  Spend.  Spend.  Spend.  Worth it.

“I’m glad.  Next time, I’m giving you diamonds.” He ran a finger down along her collarbone. “You know how hot that would be?  You, naked in bed, dripping with them…”

“They do say diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Elliana murmured, wondering if he actually would make her drip with diamonds. 

The thought both elated and terrified her at the same time.  She wasn’t materialistic and never had been, but this man was.  He was very overwhelming with his wealth and wasn’t afraid to show it, not that she blamed him.  Sometimes, modesty was the best way to go.  Jon was anything BUT modest, however.

“Stop distracting me before we’re both late for work.”

She pecked his lips and turned to finish dressing, pulling on a short-sleeved light blue blouse that went with her dark brown skirt that had light blue roses on it.  The skirt was tight and went two inches above the knee, but still looked completely professional and sexy at the same time.  Jon was a man who knew what he liked.  Maybe not perfect karat diamonds or anything, but… her naked, dripping in diamonds…he was willing to bet there was a whole porn genre for that because there was no way he was the only man who found that hot.

“I own the place, it’ll be fine.” He teased, though he did move to finish what he was doing and left her in peace.  Back to work…ugh. “We should take a vacation.” Nobody would bat an eyelash if he went missing again.

In fact, most people were probably banking on it.

“When my vacation time kicks in, in 2 months, I will be more than happy to take some of it to go somewhere with you.” She just started her new job she was promoted to.  Was this man out of his mind?  How many times was she going to ask herself that? “Just because you can take vacations whenever you want, Jonny boy, doesn’t mean I can.” She held her hand up. “And before you say, ‘I’m the boss’, I know you are, but you also promoted me just a short month ago and it would look really bad for my reputation and in the office, the company in general, if I took off any time so soon.”

Elliana knew she made sense from a business aspect and slipped her peep toe brown heels on.  Except everyone already knew Jon sucked at the business part, so… moot point.  Hence him hiring the middle managers to stand between him and the firm.  It wasn’t even because he was an idiot so much as he hadn’t cared.

“I see you’re going to keep my ass in line,” He sighed with mock exasperation, shaking his head at her. “Okay, boss.” He snorted at the look Elliana gave him, flashing her a grin. “You ready?  You look ready.” He eyed her heels, letting his eyes sweep up her legs. “So, where the hell were my pictures, by the way?”

“I sent you a couple.” Elliana tilted her head, remembering one in particular with her pleasuring herself in the tub.  She had lifted her hips to make sure Jon could see her fingers sliding inside of her and snapped the perfect shot. “I’m pretty sure I sent you porn.” When Jon just stared at her, Elliana groaned and looked down at her phone, her new phone, and groaned again. “Shit!  Those pictures were on my old phone!  I swear, I sent them to you, they must’ve not gone through!” Her old phone was known for not sending text messages for days at a time.

Her old phone really, really sucked and Jon was glad she had gotten a new one or else he would have been providing her with the latest iPhone. “So… you’ll just have to reenact them for me tonight.” He said with a one shoulder shrug, placing his hand on the small of her back and gestured towards the door. “Shall we?” He sounded perfectly polite and conversational, the perfect picture of a gentleman.  His eyes and smile told her otherwise. “Or you could just get descriptive and tell me all about these pictures I never got.” He would take graphic story time as well, laughing when Elliana just gave him an exasperated look. “No?  Okay, well let’s go, before you make us late.” He scooped her off those brown peep toe heels of hers, bending down to brush his nose against hers. “Want to take your new paperweight for your desk?”

“It’s not a paperweight, you foolish man.” Elliana kissed him soundly, wanting him to know how much she truly did appreciate such an amazing gift. “No, I’m putting it on my fireplace mantle at the condo, so every time I look at it, I’ll think of you.  Not that I don’t already do that, but you know…” She laughed when he blew raspberries on her bare neck and snuggled against him for a minute, enjoying the warmth and comfort he provided. “Jon, I…” Before she could get the words out, however, his phone rang, and their playtime was over.  It was the office, naturally. ‘See you at work, handsome.’ She mouthed, blowing him a kiss on her way to her car and slid behind the wheel, driving away.  

What the HELL was wrong with her?! 

She just nearly dropped the L bomb on him!

Jon wound up staying on his phone his entire drive to work, naturally hands-free because the technology was available.  While paying a ticket was chump change, the embarrassment would suck.  By the time he arrived, he was ready to tug his hair out, if he had much more.

Kairi was waiting with coffee and the days schedule, important documents that required Elliana’s attention, and other odds and ends that came with being the Executive Vice President. “So…you look fantastic.” She said by way of greeting when Elliana strolled in, passing over the tablet. “Your schedule, boss.”

“Kai…” Elliana blushed, the roses in her cheeks blooming deeply. “I am not your boss.  Well, technically I am, but I don’t like you calling me that.”

“Tough, deal with it.  You deserve your position and you should be damn proud of it.”

“Yes, she should be.” A voice sounded from behind them, deep and low, making both women turn to stare at Colby Lopez.

“Good morning, Colby.” Elliana greeted cheerfully with a smile, wondering how this would go down after what they did together only a few days ago.

“And that is my cue to leave.” Kairi made herself scarce, though she was tempted to stick around to watch how this unfolded.

“Your mail, boss.”

Normally, Colby would be handing it to Kairi, but she had made herself scarce.  The way she had said that last bit, ‘cue to leave’, made the back of his neck flush.  He remembered, vaguely, the two women being friends before the power shift and restructuring of the firm and its employees.  It only made sense they remained so and probably discussed…the tips of his ears went red as well.  He rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand, still holding out the mail with the other and offered Elliana a smile.  Colby wasn’t sure where he stood with her, not after she had been so distant and obviously distressed after their rounds of, he thought anyway, awesome sex.  Then he had messed up on that phone call by falling silent because he had gotten lost in thought.  He was a lot smoother when he was in a position of power.

“Step into my office for a minute, please.”

Elliana didn’t need anyone else to overhear this conversation and shut the door behind him once they were alone.  She drew the blinds as well, which was something she normally did anyway.  People peering in while she was working unnerved her.  That almost bomb crap she dropped on Jon earlier had her on edge.

“I got your texts and you’re fine.  I’m not mad about it.  And here’s to prove it.” Pulling him against her by the front of his shirt, Elliana sensually and slowly kissed him, making each of them feel it down to their toes. “Mmm, yummy.” She purred, pulling back and wiped some gloss from his bottom lip with the pad of her thumb. “Now that I have you in here, I have a confession to make.” This wasn’t easy for Elliana to do, but Colby deserved to know the full truth. “I’m…not exactly seeing someone else in the firm so much as fucking them.  It’s been going on for over a month and…I just thought you should know and since it’s just sex between us, I figured you’d be all right with it.” Sex was sex – they were not in any kind of relationship.

This woman had him floored.  First, that smoldering hot kiss in what used to be his office, and he didn’t even care that it used to be his.  Then…then she was fucking someone else from work and Colby had no idea what to think of that.  Honestly, he had never thought Elliana was THAT kind of woman.  It occurred to him that the WhatsYourPrice.com from Good, and her working on it.  No, that was gross…he shook his head, trying to erase that mental imagery.

“So, you’re no strings?” He asked finally, licking his bottom lip when she nodded. “Good.” They’d play it day by day.  

This time, he grabbed her, pulling her against his strong body and kissed her.  She smiled against his lips, glad he was on board with this because, part of Elliana was afraid Colby would think less of her for being this brutally honest.  Hell, if only she could do that with Jon.  Jon was…difficult and Elliana didn’t even know how to process what she felt when she was with him.  The fact Colby didn’t bother asking, who it was, told her he didn’t care as long as he could have a slice of her pussy sometimes.

“Very good.” She whispered, feeling him begin to descend down her neck and pulled back, shaking her finger teasingly at him. “Down boy, plenty of time for that later.  I have work to do and so do you.”

“Mmm, is that an official order, boss?” He breathed against her neck, exerting his superior strength to not allow her to get far away from him.  Colby nudged her back against her desk, though didn’t go any further. “You have any idea how tempting it is,” He nipped her earlobe before letting out a soft groan, mentally trying to talk down the erection he was sort of encouraging, with her help. “To bend you over this desk?” That was sort of along the lines of things Jon had already said to her, not that Colby knew it.  But… he knew better, if he pushed too hard, she would pull rank and he reluctantly stepped away.

“Mmm, maybe one day, I’ll let you.” Elliana softly kissed him again, not wanting to get too involved because Jon was in the building and she didn’t need her two lovers fighting against each other. “I’ll text you when I’m free again to fuck.” She informed him, smacking his backside and gave it a squeeze. “And if you’re a good boy, I may even reward you when we fuck again.” Nipping his bottom lip, she squeezed his dick through his pants and giggled at the low groan that escaped him. “All right, enough playing around, get going.”

She winked before walking around her desk and sat down, already pulling out paperwork to go over from Jon’s trip to Vancouver.  Her desk was huge and the bottom wasn’t open.  Colby could easily imagine being beneath it, between her spread legs, eating out that delectable pussy of hers.  Not today, she had already dismissed him, but soon enough.  Maybe he’d even surprise her, he smirked slightly.

“Ms. Long.”

He inclined his head at her before walking out, ignoring the newly returned Kairi’s curious look. 

Kairi wasn’t saying anything, but screwing two men from the same workplace, and both who had and currently were Elliana’s bosses, -former and previous- at one point or another, just seemed like an issue waiting to happen. “Note to self… check PTO.” Shaking her head, she got to work.

How much did Colby believe in coincidence?

He found Elliana and went on a date with her after finding her on the website and Jon Good had used a company card on the same site.

Chapter 32

Over the next month, Jon had A LOT to do for the company now that he was back in the loop and actually doing what he was supposed to do this entire time.  He had to fly to Chicago, New York, Miami, Los Angeles…every weekend it seemed, he was gone.  Elliana took those opportunities to be with Colby, not leaving him hanging, but they could only fuck on the weekends while Jon was away.  Colby did eventually ask her who it was, and Elliana told him she didn’t want to say.  She didn’t want to tell him for fear of being judged.  Colby understood and didn’t question it again, not wanting to ruin their time together.  Elliana knew screwing two men at the same time was something a whore would do, but honestly, she’d never felt more exhilarated and happy in her life.

Colby was about to find out who exactly was his competition. 

It was a late Friday night and both Jon and Elliana were working late.  He had asked her to stay to help him with a case for one of the lawyers – a child molester.  She refused to let him down or deny the boss anything, especially when she knew how passionate he was about bringing these monsters to justice.  Elliana pointed something out and caught Jon’s eyes gazing down at her, both getting lost in each other in the moment.  His lips caught hers and Elliana dropped the pen she had in her hand, melting against him while he planted her on the desk.  Before long, Jon had Elliana bent over her desk, spread eagle, with her panties and skirt pushed down to her ankles, still in her heels and she hadn’t drawn the blinds to her office like she should have.

“Oh Jon, oh Jon baby, yes!” She moaned as soon as he began pounding in and out of her, feeling his strength and power with every thrust, driving her crazy insane with desire. “God harder, fuck me harder!”

 Neither realized they were being watched.

Well, Colby had had his suspicions that it was Jon and Elliana.  It made sense.  The idiot who owned the firm had been stupid enough to use a company card to purchase services on that website and Elliana was for sale on said website.  It made a lot of sense and Colby didn’t believe in coincidences THAT big.  He was grossed out to put it mildly, but at the same time, amused.  If Elliana was sneaking around the big boss’s back with the lowly mail clerk, then obviously being rich hadn’t done Jon any favors in the bedroom department and she was definitely faking.

There was no faking when it came to Jon.  They both had something different to offer and bring to the table.  Colby was sensual and slow in the bedroom, never rough or fast.  He enjoyed taking his time to thoroughly make sure Elliana experienced every level of pleasure.  Jon, on the other hand, was animalistic and rough, which Elliana enjoyed very much.  The boss outweighed the mail clerk, but not by much.  They were 55/45 as far as how close they were when rating them in the bedroom.  Elliana began pushing back, meeting Jon for every thrust and whipped her head back, the look on her face pure lust as she panted, begging him to make her cum.  Even Colby had to notice she wasn’t faking a damn thing.

Nope, she was definitely faking it.  If the amount on that bill was any indication, Jon had paid her an obscene amount for a ‘date’, so it was only natural that Elliana was faking like a porn star because she was getting a lot of money from this idiot.  It also explained why she was now Executive Vice President, not that Colby would ever tell her that; he rather liked enjoying his FREE benefits.  Snorting, he pulled his cell phone out and began recording.  This definitely had to be against some of the firm’s regulations and bylaws.  Jesus Christ, weren’t they done?  He hit end at the three-minute mark, shaking his head and pocketed his cell phone.  He didn’t like the annoyed, niggling feeling in his gut.

Jon and Elliana…hell no.

If Elliana had an inkling they were being watched, or someone else was in the building after hours besides them, and that said person recorded her and Jon screwing…she would’ve had a damn coronary.  They had been VERY careful around the employees, not giving anything away they were screwing each other.  Elliana did not want people thinking she had gotten this job based on her activities behind closed doors instead of merit.  She EARNED this spot in the company and nobody was going to tell her otherwise.  And no, they were far from being done because, unlike Colby, Jon had A LOT of stamina in the bedroom.  Colby could barely go five minutes, which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it still was too short or maybe he just excited himself too much, so when they finally did have sex, he couldn’t control himself.  Jon had excellent control, on the other hand.

Humming, Colby vacated the building.  The only reason he was here after hours was due to… well, one: he had fallen asleep in the stock closet and hadn’t finished everything he was supposed to.  So, he had done that and then came upstairs since it was supposed to be empty, with every intention of borrowing some office supplies, like coffee.  Coffee was an office supply.  It wasn’t cheap he had learned, when buying it, especially if one preferred a brand was one of the pricier, imported options.  He waited until he was in his car before replaying the video, his brown eyes narrowing thoughtfully.  He’d sit on this for a while.  

But first things first, it had to come off his cell.

And copies had to be made.

“Well, that was definitely unexpected, but you made good on your word to bend me over my desk.” Elliana laughed, pulling her panties and skirt back up while Jon refastened his belt and pants, nodding with a cocky smirk on his face. “You are something else.  You planned this, didn’t you?”

He didn’t need her help, he just wanted to get her alone in the office because, usually, she left before him.  They were spending nearly every night together except on the weekends, when he’d have to go away with Samuel, his new assistant.  Mandy wasn’t happy about her demotion, but dealt with it and went back to being an assistant to Aleister Black.

“I would never plan something like this.  I genuinely needed your help.”

Of course he hadn’t.  She wasn’t a lawyer by any stretch of the imagination, though he bet she’d have no problem in passing law school -though it took forever- and passing the bar exam, if she decided she wanted to be.  Jon turned his back to her when she sat down to mop up the mess he had left behind, pretending to be a gentleman.

“You hungry, darlin’?” He was famished and glanced over his shoulder, smirking slightly.  Every time she worked on that desk, she would remember him bending her over it and pounding her. 

Perfect.

“I second the notion.  I think we’ve done enough work for one night.  Food and then back to your place for some R&R.”

It was much-needed since the office had been run ragged with cases lately.  The credibility was back ever since Colby was demoted and the managers were cleaned out, mostly.  There were still a few stragglers, but Jon was doing his best to get rid of them.  He wanted zero corruption in his firm.

“Chinese sound good to you?” That had been a ritual with them, and both couldn’t seem to get enough of the stuff.

“Mmm, again?”

Jon looked up from his cell phone, scrolling through his overflowing e-mail box.  Would it be bad if he delegated managing his business e-mail to Samuel?  Probably.  Lord knew the man had a full plate just being Jon’s assistant.  Last he knew, Ms. Rose was thriving back in the secretary pool with less pressure.  He wasn’t surprised at all by her grin.

“I’ll call it in.” They were becoming regulars with favorite dishes. “You know, considering how often we order, we should be getting the ‘routine couples’ discount, is that a thing?”

Did he just say…COUPLES?  Routine couples discount.  She said those words slowly in her head, trying to compute him actually saying them.  Couples.  Jon never made anything exclusive between them and he chose NOW to do it?  Elliana took the phone out of his hand and slammed it on the desk, breathing a little too heavy from how hard and fast her heart was pounding.

“W-What do you mean?  Couples routine?  Jon, I wasn’t aware we were…a couple…”

Oh god, had she been cheating on him this entire time with Colby and didn’t know it?!  No way, he must have had sex with Mandy during his trip to Vancouver.  Right?  Jon took stock of Elliana critically, slowly raising one eyebrow.  She was on the verge of having a panic attack over a simple comment.

“I have never seen you on the border of losing your shit over something trivial.” He informed her, a bit amused by it, actually.  Jon had seen her timid, fierce, all those things, but not this. “We are either at your place or mine; we have routines, we’re sleeping together, exclusively I’m assuming, since neither of us have the time to go out and find other partners, and that is a loose, but acceptable definition of a couple.”

Shit, what if she wasn’t…maybe she didn’t want that.  He figured they were already there; he had just never thought to say anything.  It wasn’t like he was buying gifts and spending all his time with other women, so surely that had to mean something to her.

“I-I didn’t…think you…shit…” Elliana felt terrible now and pulled the chopsticks out of her hair, tossing them on the table. “I need some water.” Walking over to her own water machine, she filled the small cup and downed three of them before crushing it in her hand, finally looking back at him. “Why didn’t you say anything sooner?  I thought you just wanted sex from me.  I know we’ve been spending a lot of time together and sleeping together almost every night, but…I didn’t think you…wanted me for anything other than a good time.” Wow, that sounded pathetic and her eyes averted to the floor, clasping her hands in front of her. “Is that what you want then?  You want to be exclusive with me?”

“Darlin’, I figured after basically a month of living together, we WERE exclusive.” Jon felt like an ass now.  Seeing her panicking the way she had, the three cups of water, fumbling…that just made him feel like saying anything had been a bad idea. “I don’t see anyone else, I’m always with you.  The only time we’re ever really apart is when I’m away on business.” Jon was hoping that would slow down because those frequent flier miles were dampening his sleeping habits, as well as time he’d rather spend with her. “If I wanted you for just sex, I wouldn’t be with you all the time and I’d probably have sent your ass packing a long time ago.” He was honest to a fault, she was used to it by now.

“I’m such an idiot.” Elliana muttered more to herself than him, though Jon heard her clear as a bell. “I really thought the reason you brought Mandy with you up to Vancouver was to fuck her.  I didn’t know we were exclusive, so I tried not to let it bother me.  I thought we were just sex and having a good time together until you got bored and discarded me eventually.” That was truly how low she thought of herself when it came to men. “I-I’m sorry, Jon…”

The guilt and regret for sleeping with Colby Lopez began eating away at her now, more intensely than ever before.  Not only had she done that, but staying on the website as well.  Jon could never find out about any of this, which meant she had to cut ties with Colby and, since they were just sex, that wouldn’t be a problem.  Sex with Colby was just that – sex.  Sex with Jon was far more than just physicality and scratching an itch.

“I’ve fallen for you…and I didn’t know how to tell you without scaring you off, so I didn’t say anything…” That was the complete truth. 

“Wait, stop… what? With Ms. Rose?” The look on Jon’s face was sheer disgust, his mind pointblank refusing to consider that. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Elliana, but I have a type.” Or at least, he did now, and it was pretty consistent since she was it. “And she’s…not it.” Blonde, generic smart…no, he liked them brilliant, thick and apparently, flabbergasted. “Now,” He scooped her up into his arms, feeling her hands going around his neck and pressed his forehead to hers. “We’re exclusive, we’re a couple, and I have feelings for you too.” He gave her a half-grin, just the one side of his mouth hitching up, blue eyes sparkling wickedly. “Did you still want Chinese, darlin’?”

Jon didn’t sleep with Mandy.  Her assumptions had been completely wrong, and Elliana had broken her word to him, something she normally would never do.  Kairi had scared her though and, honestly, Jon was a very intense man and pushy.  It honestly did sound like he was trying to control her or buy her with money…and if all that went away…Elliana was such a fool and pressed her forehead to his, kissing him with a newfound feeling and poured everything she felt into it.  He had feelings for her too, he wanted only her, and Elliana felt the same way, hoping what she did with Colby never got out.  It would be their secret, plain and simple.

“No, you choose this time and then let’s drive out to the Red Rocks in your truck, eat and make love under the stars.  Sound good to you, handsome?”  

“Sounds great, darlin’.”

Chinese it was, he inwardly chuckled, knowing damn well he would probably never break their routine.  Not unless one of them wound up with food poisoning or something and then there was Thai to fall back on.  His truck already had blankets tossed in the backseat, something he had started keeping back there when they had ‘gotten together’, such as it was.  When they had time, they went to the Red Rocks frequently.  It was one of their mutual favorite places.

“Go on.” He nudged her towards the door, feeling content.  

Jon was a bit surprised he felt content with this.  

With them.

“No.” Elliana took his hand and laced their fingers together, smiling up at him with newfound admiration. “We’re a couple now.  No need to sneak around anymore and besides, it’s after hours.  Nobody is here, so we can leave together.”

Together, they walked out of the building, hand in hand, once again not seeing the dangerous, dark eyes of Colby Lopez watching them from his car.  Elliana had a content, happy smile on her face and laughed at something Jon said in her ear, shoving him playfully, but never pulling her hand out of his.  A few minutes later, they were on their way to get Chinese food and then heading to the Red Rocks.  It was the first weekend in a month Jon had off and they were making the most of it.

Even Colby, as willfully idiotic as he was, could not mistake that smile on Elliana’s face.  How content she and Jon both appeared to be with one another.  They had agreed it was just sex between them, no strings, no nothing.  Just what they were able to give to each other.  He was foreseeing that ending soon enough and wasn’t sure how he felt about that.  It was obvious she had only gotten HIS job because she was banging the boss.  The woman didn’t have years of experience, in a managerial capacity, to warrant something as high level as Executive Vice President, of such a prestigious law firm.  Colby snorted, giving them time to pull out of the employee parking lot before following slowly, his mind reviewing everything he had learned tonight and what, or if, he wanted to do about it.

Chapter 33

“So wait…let me get this straight, he actually came out and said he has feelings for you and you two have been exclusive this entire time?”

“Yup.”

Kairi frowned, really feeling bad because she knew she had influenced Elliana to stay on the website, to keep going with it. “Oh wow…”

“So now, we’re exclusive and I have to call things off with Colby, obviously.” It was Monday and the girls were at their respective coffee shop for lunch, hashing out what happened on Friday. “He knows we were just sex and nothing more.  We made that clear to each other, so as long as he keeps his mouth shut about me and Jon being together, I don’t foresee any issues.”

Kairi sincerely hoped her friend was right because she saw a TON of issues headed her friend’s way. “Yeah…”

If Elliana thought someone like Colby Lopez was going to let this go, after all the history there, especially prior to the pair of them bumping uglies, she was insane.  Kairi, however, had already done her fair share of damage when it came to Elliana’s apparent relationship with Jon and decided to bite her tongue.  She’d just keep an eye out for any issues and try not to get involved unless asked.  She could have really blown a good thing for her friend.  Still, she couldn’t quite get rid of the niggle in the pit of her stomach, telling her that things were just now hitting the calm before the storm.

The calm before the storm was exactly right. 

Elliana didn’t know it or see it coming either.  She honestly thought Colby would walk away after telling him they were no longer fucking.  That was what happened with fuck buddies, at least in her mind.  It was two weeks later when Colby finally decided to come to her.  Elliana had been so busy with work and being with Jon, she hadn’t had time to really pull Colby aside to explain anything.  All she’d done was text Colby and told him she didn’t want to be fuck buddies with him, wishing him well.  There was no response to that text and Elliana figured he was fine with it.  How very wrong she was.  Jon was out of town and she was running the firm by herself, in her office, with her heels off, along with her cardigan, mulling over finances and whatnot.  Basically, anything Jon didn’t have time to do, she did.  A knock sounded at her door and Elliana looked up, surprised to see Colby in her doorway since it was going on 7 PM.

“Colby…what are you doing here so late?” Surely, the mail clerk position wasn’t THAT bogged down.

It wasn’t, not today anyway.  He hadn’t napped in the back-room stock closet like he tended to do.  They really had to do something about the insane heat down in the bowels of the building.  At least, that was his excuse.

“No, not really.  I’ve been doing the inventory.” Colby held up a clipboard, waving it at her.  He had learned, the hard way, after the paperclip thing, that he was in charge of the supplies and it sucked. “You need to sign this for me, beautiful.” Of course, he had taken a good long while in doing it, making sure the building was clear of everyone except them.

Inventory was not fun at all and Elliana gave him an apologetic smile, nodding as he set the clipboard down in front of her to scrawl her signature on the line. “I will make sure you are compensated for staying after on a Friday night.  You didn’t have to.” Considering this was the day of the week people usually went out with friends drinking and celebrating another week done…it was the start of two glorious days off from work. “I didn’t even realize what time it was.” She blinked at the clock, staring at it for a minute and rubbed her eyes, smiling back at him. “Anything else?”

“You look like you need a breather, Ellie.” He observed, staring down at her with a slight smile.  

Colby wasn’t the only one clocking in the overtime and it made him wonder if Jon Good had any inkling just what he had here.  She was salary; she wasn’t making overtime and got paid the same, regardless of how many hours she put in.  Insane women.

“Or maybe some tension released.” Elliana had texted him, saying the fun times were over, but she hadn’t given him an exact reason.  Testing the waters, he reached out and cupped her face in the palm of his hand, rubbing his thumb beneath a tired eye. “I could help with that.” He offered, his voice dropping to a husky pitch as he moved to stand nearly pressed against her.

Elliana frowned, hearing that pitch to his voice and slowly looked up at him, slowly shaking her head. “No.  That’s okay, I’m fine.  Just tired.” She went to stand up from her chair and he stopped her, placing both of his hands on the arms before lowering to one knee in front of her. “Colby, what are you doing?  I don’t need any kind of tension release.” Not the kind she knew he was offering. “I told you no more.  I’m with someone in a relationship now, so I can’t fuck you anymore.” Is that why he came here?  Something told her he only used the inventory as a coverup to get her alone in her office after firm hours. “I think you should leave now.”

“Is that an official order, boss?”

Chuckling slightly, his large hands caressed her kneecaps before slowly moving higher, with confidence in what he was doing.  It wasn’t like they hadn’t been around the block before.  Colby didn’t give her much time to respond, his head dropping to kiss just beneath the skirts hemline, appreciating how it had ridden up due to her seated position.

“I think I should stay…” He knew exactly who she was seeing and that was just hilarious.  He found her on WhatsYourPrice.com, was that how Good had?

“Stop!  Don’t!” Elliana shoved away from him, pushing his hands off her hips and shook her head vehemently. “I said I was done, Colby.  What part of that do you not understand?” Thankfully, her chair had wheels on it, so she had pushed back far enough away from him to stand on her feet, glaring at him. “You need to leave now.  And yes, that IS an order from your boss!” Pointing at the door, her lips were pursed tightly together, and Elliana pulled her skirt down a little since it had bunched up while sitting down. “I am with someone now.  I don’t need sex from you anymore.  Friendship is all I can offer you, but you’re treading on dangerous ground with that offer and your antics, Lopez.”

“It’s not a relationship when you’re fucking your boss for kicks, Ellie.” Colby shot back with a roll of his brown eyes, already stalking towards her.  He bent down, fingers wrapping around her upper arms and hauled his boss right up onto her heeled feet. “When did that happen?”

His eyes searched hers for a moment before he decided he didn’t care at the moment.  He was more interested in tasting her lips again since she was denying him other parts. Ignoring the muffled exclamations that were probably her firing him, Colby kissed her, slowly but surely backing her into the nearest wall.  Her hand shot down to wrap around his wrist as Elliana trembled, gasping softly at the feeling of his lips against her throat and his hand beneath her skirt, stroking her.

“Colby…I…” A proper goodbye…would that really be so bad?  Elliana knew she was cheating on Jon by doing this, but her and Colby did have a great time together. “A goodbye…fuck…” She moaned out, feeling his finger delve in her hot sex to swirl it around her clit, making her hiss out between her teeth. “That’s all you want from me?”

Her mind was in a passion haze; Colby knew exactly what to do to seduce her and drive her to submission, her hand wrapped around his wrist loosening.  Elliana couldn’t believe the audacity of this prick to actually put his hands on her and now he was kissing her!  She had to admit, it felt good being kissed by Colby again and immediately dismissed that idea, thinking of Jon.  No!  She wouldn’t cheat on Jon!  She told Colby she was finished and…did he just say she was fucking her boss for kicks?!  Elliana broke the kiss between them, knowing she should’ve pushed him away, but she was still stunned by what he said.

“W-What do you want from me, Colby?  Please…don’t make this any harder than it has to be…” She rested her forehead against his, breathing heavy and her heart thundered in her chest. “Colby…”

“We had fun together, and there was chemistry there between us,” Colby whispered against the corner of her mouth, letting his lips trail down along her jawline before heading for the column of her throat.  They had been together enough for him to know where her melting spots were, and he wasn’t above shamelessly exploiting them.  He could feel her body responding, even if her mind wasn’t willing. “I think at the very least, Ellie, we owe it ourselves to have a proper goodbye.” His left hand dropped to cup her through her skirt, hearing her breath hitch and slowly began gathering the material in his fist, pulling it up. “Don’t you?”

“Y-Yes…”

“It’s better than a bitter goodbye, don’t you think?” He whispered in her ear, feeling her nodding against his face before he began lowering himself to his knees. “But first… if this is goodbye,” And to be honest, he kind of doubted that. “I want to taste you one last time.”

He divested her of what clothing below the waist she was wearing and the sight of her glistening sex, just crying out for his attention only cemented the doubt on this being their last encounter. If Jon Good was any kind of man in the bedroom, Elliana wouldn’t be letting him do this right now.  It wasn’t that simple.  It was FAR from being that simple!  Elliana was trying to fight him off, but her body was rejecting it.  Her body was screaming at her to let Colby do this and she felt powerless to stop him. 

What if she tried fighting him off more and he wound up raping her? 

Was Colby really capable of that? 

A bitter goodbye wasn’t the way to go between them.

“Colby…” Tears blurred her vision as a few slid down her cheeks, gasping when his head buried between her thighs to devour her glistening sex. “I-I love him…” He pulled back to look up at her, shaking his head and went right back to eating her out, her fingers delving in his hair, gripping it tightly.  Jon, I’m so sorry, she thought heartbrokenly, more tears falling freely.

Love and sex, it could be complicated.

She was definitely going to regret ruining a good thing between them for a guy like Jon Good.  The man couldn’t even run his own company without having someone there to fill him in on what was what.  Colby was surprised he could wipe his own backside.  Jon would get bored of this.  The company and pretending he had turned over a new leaf, and her.  Colby had known Good for a long time; the man was as predictable as clockwork, hence why he had been able to get away with so much.

“Dry those tears, beautiful.” He cooed, kissing her inner thigh before running his tongue up to circle her clit.

It was too late to turn back.  He crossed the line – they both crossed the line.  Elliana was in too deep now and focused on how good his mouth felt against her clit, a deep moan escaping her as Colby lifted one leg to drape over his broad shoulder.

“God, yes…” She whimpered, feeling his tongue flick back and forth against her clit and watched him, becoming mesmerized at the sight of this man devouring her.  Pushing Jon in the farthest recess of her mind, Elliana became more vocal and let go completely.  She really couldn’t sink any lower than she already had. “Fuck, make me cum for you, Colby…oh god, that feels so fucking good…” Elliana wasn’t above begging at this point, her mouth going dry.

“There’s my good girl…” Colby rumbled, going to town on her delectable pussy with the sole intent of making her scream his name.  

Her idea of a ‘goodbye’ fuck and his were very different.  Goodbye was a terrible word and should never be used in relationships like theirs.  No strings meant no strings.  No regrets.  No remorse.  It was sex, and she obviously needed proper sex.  

Removing his hand from her outer thigh, he slid it up and thrust two fingers in her receptive body, not surprised at how her walls began spasming around them even as he kept up with his tongue to her clit, forcing her body into submission.  The body would always override the mind and the heart in situations like this.  No, she was a very bad girl, especially when Colby finished her off with his tongue and fingers before bending her over her desk, opposite of what Jon had done, and plowed into her.

Neither saw curious brown eyes watching them – Elliana Long really needed to learn how to close the blinds to her office if she was going to screw other coworkers in it.  Mandy was under the impression Elliana and Colby hated each other.  Apparently not from the way she was mewling his name and how fast his dick was pounding in and out of her on that desk.  It was like watching a horrible car wreck. 

Did Mr. Good know about this?  Perhaps it was time to knock Elliana off her perch a little bit since she had grown full of herself over the past couple months since becoming Executive Vice President.  There was no rules against fornicating with other coworkers, but…that didn’t mean she couldn’t at least inform the boss what went on after hours in his firm.  Smirking, she snapped a few photos that were clear as day, making sure to get the look on Elliana’s face, as well as one of Colby, before trotting off.  She had stayed after to catch up on paperwork for her manager and came across Colby first eating out Elliana under her desk before they proceeded to screw on top of it. 

Mr. Good would definitely want to know about this for sure.

When it was all said and done, and the passion haze was cleared from her mind, Elliana dressed silently along with Colby, so many different emotions racing through her.  She walked up to him, caressing his bearded face and softly brushed her lips against his. “Goodbye, Colby.” She meant it and grabbed her purse, walking out of her office to leave him standing there. 

As soon as Elliana was in her car, the guilt crashed over her like a tidal wave and she began sobbing violently, covering her face with her hands, not believing what she just did.

She just cheated on Jon.

Goodbye was such an ugly word, Colby mused, once he had finally gotten home to his apartment.  He had showered and poured himself a drink, really needing to wind down after that intense bout between them.  Elliana honestly thought they were done, that had been obvious in the way she had fucked him back, like she knew it was over.  She was wrong.  There was no way she could ignore the chemistry between them, no matter how much she tried to convince herself.

Eventually, she’d wind up caving again and he’d remind her why they had become ‘friends with benefits’ in the first place.  Sighing, he dropped down into his bed, letting his entire body relax into the mattress.  Elliana Long and Jon Good, now that was an interesting couple and all those questions he had for her had sort of fled his mind as pleasures of the flesh had taken over.

Still, there would be plenty of time to ask her, Jon was notorious for these ‘business trips’ he liked to take.

Chapter 34

A week later, Mandy took a deep, shaky breath, knowing what she was about to do could be detrimental to her career, but…it still had to be done.  What she witnessed from both Colby Lopez and Elliana Long was completely unprofessional.  She smirked, having her phone in hand and slid her tongue along her lips.  Once Jon saw the proof, there wasn’t a doubt in her mind he would fire Elliana and probably hand the job to her.  That was how Elliana had gotten her job after all. 

There was no way she was qualified to be the Executive Vice President of this law firm! 

Colby was more qualified than her! 

Besides, Mandy had tried getting a crack at Jon during their trip to Vancouver, but he turned her down at every move.  This time would be different, she had a feeling and rose her hand to knock on his office door.  It was after hours and Jon was here late doing paperwork, looking scrumptious as ever.  The top two buttons were undone on his shirt, his sleeves were rolled up to his elbows and the smell of him permeated the air around her.

“Mr. Good?” She called out, trying not to sound hesitant and watched his head slowly lift from his desk. “Do you have a moment to talk?  It’s important.”

“On a scale of 1 to 10, how important, Ms. Rose?” Jon asked, trying to keep the impatience out of his tone.

He had sent her to another side of the administrative offices and out of his hair, after that horrible week with her incompetent, slutty backside in Vancouver.  So…he wasn’t overly thrilled to see her now.  He pinched the bridge of his nose when she actually held up both hands and wiggled all ten fingers, reluctantly gesturing for her to come in and take the seat opposite his desk.

Letting out a slow breath, Mandy could feel the adrenaline beginning to course through her body as she geared up for what she was about to do. Jon was notorious for his flipping moods, and this could go one of several ways for her. Her fight or flight instinct was revving, preparing to take action.

“I need you to see something.” She said slowly.

Oh sweet baby Jesus and all those saints he wasn’t sure he believed in, Jon could already see where this was going and inwardly cursed her for being a fool. “I don’t think I need to see that.” He said, staring firmly into her face, just in case she tried ripping off her shirt or something.

“No, Mr. Good, nothing like that.  No, you NEED to see THIS.”

Mandy didn’t bother sitting down and held her phone up, making sure to take the lock off it so it wouldn’t blank out.  She could only hope he didn’t break her phone, wishing she would’ve printed the photos off she’d taken prior to this meeting.  Blonde moment, definitely.

“I didn’t know if you were aware of this or not, but…Colby Lopez and Elliana Long have been…engaging in…unprofessional activities at the firm lately.” She didn’t know how many times, honestly, but surely it couldn’t have happened just this once. “As the boss, I felt I should tell you about this since it is your firm and I personally think they should be doing their personal business OUTSIDE of the office.”

Jon’s immediate first thought was a stupid, blank one.  He and Elliana had engaged in some pretty dicey activities in this firm, so what was Mandy’s point?  He would realize later that was his mind trying to block out potential bad news.  Jon took the cell, his gaze turning to pure ice as he seen the image waiting for him.  His grip tightened ever so slightly, hearing the cell’s case crack and barely managed to lessen his grip.  Nostrils flaring and teeth beginning to grit, he scrolled, the ice completely filming over his usually amused, cool blues.  He hit the details button, noting the date.  Jon had been out of town on another stupid business meeting and he felt something dark, heavy and vile settle in his chest.  That was definitely Elliana, HIS Ellia, and Colby fucking Lopez, who she was supposed to hate for firing her!

Mandy watched him intently, waiting for him to say something.  She let out a small breath of relief when he lightly tossed her cell onto the desk.  No cracks, nothing broken.  The relief grew when he flashed her a grin, though there was something uneasy there too.

That wasn’t a usual Jon grin.

~!~

Elliana was at her condo, taking a night to herself since Jon was working late at the office.  He didn’t tell her why and she didn’t ask.  Things had been…tense between them since the night she gave Colby a proper goodbye fuck.  Elliana didn’t tell Kairi about it, knowing the woman would judge her because there was no excuse to cheat.  Hell, she didn’t WANT to cheat on Jon with Colby!  She had been contemplating telling Jon about it and coming clean about everything she’d done since they’d gotten together, but…something held her back. 

Fear, maybe. 

Fear of losing him, fear of the unknown. 

Sighing, she finished cleaning her bathroom and put the cleaning supplies away, having already blocked Colby’s number on her phone because he kept texting her.  Even at the office, she didn’t speak to him and kept quiet, doing her job like she was supposed to.  Of course, she had gone in extra early the following morning, having keys to the building, and cleaned her office from top to bottom, scrubbing it.  Getting rid of the evidence left behind from her and Colby’s romp.

Jon wasn’t working late nights, not really.  

He would tackle some boring paperwork for about 30 minutes and then he’d bend over none other than Mandy Rose and bang her like he owned her.  Jon hadn’t said a word to Elliana about what he now knew.  About her on-going affair with that scumbag, Colby Lopez.  To be honest, Jon didn’t even know where to begin and he was afraid of that conversation, of what he would say or even do to her.  He could see her face, see the look of ecstasy, along with Colby’s as they screwed in her office and it had hurt him deeper then he thought anything could.  

Jon had told her how he felt about them, exclusive, committed, and she had gone out almost immediately and banged another man!  He knew that screwing Mandy was nothing more than petty revenge on his part and a way of venting all the aggression that seemed to build up daily.  Did it make him any better than Elliana?  Probably not.  But now he knew he couldn’t trust her…he couldn’t trust her at all, so why should he remain trustworthy himself?

Mandy was having the time of her life with the boss.  Ever since Jon called her into his office the night after she exposed Elliana’s infidelity, things had been very good for her.  He had even put her as his assistant again, sending Samuel back where he belonged.  She was all smiles and couldn’t help stealing lusty glances at Jon whenever he’d come out of his office to pass by her.

It was becoming apparent something was going on when Jon kept working late nights at the office and Elliana started getting a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.  Something wasn’t right.  She still had her job, her position, and still went to work, leaving all the personal crap at the door.  And she did not miss those lusty looks Jon and Mandy shot back at each other either.  Elliana knew all along something had been going on between them and Jon had made her believe otherwise.  Instead of crying and moping over him, she went on with her life, doing her job while trying to mend her broken heart. 

Did Colby tell Jon about them? 

It wouldn’t have surprised Elliana one iota and, honestly, this relationship between her and Jon was too good to be true.  Elliana thought about going back on the website, but decided against it, not in the mood for handing her company over in exchange for money.  That was how she’d gotten into the mess she was in to begin with.  Sighing, she signed some documents for Jon he’d left with Kairi and instead of sending her friend down there to deliver them, she did it personally.  His door was open, but Mandy was sitting on his desk, in a very tight, short skirt, with her legs crossed, laughing at something he said while ‘fixing’ his tie.  Elliana cleared her throat, gaining their attention and smiled at them both serenely.

“Sorry to interrupt, but here are the papers you asked for and the deadline is today, Mr. Good.” She set them down on his desk with something on top of them.  It was the beautiful stone he had bought her, the one he called a paperweight and the serene smile never left her face. “Have a nice night.” Then, she walked out and didn’t look back, feeling a little better now that the paperweight would be out of her condo. 

Maybe it was time to move.

“What a bitch.” Mandy snorted, rolling her eyes and picked up the ‘rock’ with a scoff. “What the hell is this supposed to be anyway?  It looks like trash.”

Ouch.  Jon snatched the Bismuth Geode, which was very expensive trash, and pushed away from his desk.  He and Elliana hadn’t been spending nights together and, honestly, their relationship had died without either one of them commenting on it or making a move to fix it.  He followed his Executive Vice President, looping his arm through hers.

“Ms. Long,” He pulled her into the nearest empty office and nudged her inside, shutting and locking the door behind them. “You really couldn’t just say it to my face, darlin’?” He asked with an amused grin, though his words came out twisted and bitter in tone. “Or does this not match the décor in Lopez’s pad?”

So he DID know.  Still didn’t excuse his behavior with Mandy, flaunting their love or whatever in her face so openly.  At least she had some class and kept things professional at work.  After hours was a different story.

“I deserve that.” Elliana should have told him the truth from the beginning, but she honestly thought they were only sex until recently.  He wouldn’t believe her, was it even worth explaining things? “Look, you probably won’t believe a word I say anyway, but you do deserve to know what happened, so here it is: I thought you and I were just sex…until that night you called us a couple.” She took a deep breath and folded her arms in front of her chest, needing to find the right words and just decided to speak from her heart. “You never told me, Jon.  You never gave me any inclination you wanted more than just sex from me.  You overwhelmed me with going behind my back to buy me that condo.  I appreciate it, I really do, but…that was a little much.  And so was the car.  I could look past the car though.  But buying me a condo outright?  I didn’t know what you wanted from me or from this, at the time and…I was afraid that, if things went sour with us, you would take everything away from me.  So…I stayed on the website to build a nest egg for myself.  I did NOT sleep with anyone else, just went to dinner with some guys and made money.  But then…one of those guys was Colby.  I had no idea, mind you, he was on the website, but he somehow found me on there and…the night started off rocky.” To put it mildly. “I almost walked out on him, tried to actually, but then it got better.  And I’ll be honest again – I thought you were fucking Mandy, which I know you are now, so guess I was right about that all along.” The bitterness seeped into her tone before returning to resignation. “That night, I slept with Colby.  I figured since you were sleeping with Mandy, I could sleep around too since you just wanted sex from me.  That was my assumption and I was wrong, but you never told me, so it’s your fault too.” Miscommunication was a bitch. “I know I promised you I would stay off the website and I broke that promise, but…Jon, put yourself in my position.  A woman, who just got promoted to nearly the top of the company she was a bottom feeder for – for 3 years – gets a new car, two new cars, and a condo by her boss, after finding him on WhatsYourPrice.com?  I had to protect myself and I had to make sure I had enough money to fall back on in case this,” She gestured between herself and him. “Fell apart.  Did I mean to sleep with Colby?  No, never thought it would happen in a million years because I legitimately hated him.  But we have a connection – sorry, HAD a connection.  I ended things with him the night he came to my office and seduced me.  He SEDUCED me, saying he wanted a proper goodbye between us and…I did it.  I felt I owed it to him because I just cut things off with him through a text message, after you made things clear, we were a couple.  And I do regret fucking Colby because we were together as a couple and I didn’t want to ruin that.” Now she was crying – great.  Goddamn tears, she thought angrily, wiping them away gritting her teeth. “I tried to fight him off and the whole time I kept thinking of you and how sorry I was for letting it happen.  So, there you go, you know the full story now.  You know everything, so if you want to fire me, go ahead.  If you want to take the condo back and the cars, go ahead.  You do what you gotta do.” Elliana was ready and prepared for the backlash she would receive for what happened with Colby.

Jon shook his head, wondering how she could think so little of him.  She had been afraid he would take it all back…wow, he hadn’t done himself any favors over the years with the way he was, had he?  And here it was, coming back to bite him in the backside.

“So, for clarification, I never touched Mandy until I found out about you and Colby.  Up until then…only you.” He informed her flatly, lacing his hands behind his back to keep from fidgeting with them. “Second…you’ve had all this time to say something to me, Elliana.  About the cars, and the condo…and then staying on that site, after you promised me you’d stop.  You had no problem speaking up when it came to the DeWitt case, and when it started really mattering most, the reasons I put you in this job totally failed us both.  Integrity and honesty.” She was supposed to be what he was not.  What a turn of events! “I made sure everything was in your name… just so you’d have the knowledge, be secure in knowing, that it couldn’t be taken from you.”

Chapter 35

“Power corrupts, Jon.  You should know that better than anyone.  Look what Colby tried to do to you, to this firm.  I was scared and overwhelmed by everything you were doing for me.” She refused to throw her best friend under the bus, even though it was Kairi’s idea to stay on the website. “Speaking my mind about a case is easy, but…I didn’t want you to think I didn’t appreciate the cars and condo because I did.  I do.” Elliana corrected herself again, fidgeting with her own hands. “I’m sorry I wasn’t honest with you about how I was feeling or what I was thinking.  It was just so…easy and too good to be true, I panicked.  And again, I thought you only wanted me for a good time and sex.  I didn’t see us progressing further than that until the night you slipped up and called us a couple.” The couple’s discount – she bit back a smile at the memory because it was bitter now. “I’m sorry I failed you.  I guess I’m not as good a person as you thought.  Maybe I’m not even right for the job you promoted me to.  It’s obvious you can’t trust me anymore and I know you need someone in the position you can trust, so…I’ll make things easier for both of us and leave the firm.” Finding another job would be difficult, but not impossible and she always had the website to fall back on for financial support if need-be.

The fact that she had said ‘look at Colby’ as her example about power corrupting made something snap in Jon, though it didn’t immediately show.  His posture never changed, hands still behind his back as he stared down at her, his eyes taking on a dangerous gleam.  Colby was part of the reason they had travelled this road together, the reason for them meeting.  Would she have even gone onto that damn website if not for Colby firing her for being overly honest?  And then for her to screw him…his stomach was knotted even as anger rose in his throat, choking him temporarily.

“Your resignation is not accepted, Ms. Long.” He finally managed to say, his voice practically dripping in ice. “I have no suitable replacement.  You will remain long enough to train someone to take your place, or you’ll get over our personal issues and continue on.”

The sound of his voice felt like ice water had just spilled down her back and Elliana actually took a tentative step back, seeing the anger boiling in those electric blue eyes of his. “All right, Mr. Good, if you insist I stay, I can do that.  I leave my personal business at the door anyway when I come to work.”

Hadn’t she proven that over the past 3 and a half years working here?  Maybe she would train someone…no!  No!  She EARNED her spot in this company and it wasn’t through sex either!

“I am sorry things didn’t work out between us, Jon.  Maybe it’s for the best.” Now he could screw Mandy Rose whenever he wanted since he was a single man – hell, he’d been single for the better part of a month since their relationship had flaked and fizzled. “I’ll take my leave then, unless you wanted to discuss something else?”

He set the Bismuth Geode down on the table, running a single finger along it’s jagged, brilliant crevices. “If you don’t want it, throw it away.  I have no use for it.” He said quietly, ignoring her apology.  Jon had come on too strong, too fast and apparently, not given her enough reassurance throughout what he had thought was a relationship. “All this time, you were waiting on me to tell you what we were… and all this time, I’ve been showing you.  If you really had wanted, or needed, to know, you would have asked.” Instead, she had assumed the worst and screwed around on him.  This was karma nailing him in the balls for being so negligent with his firm. “I’ll let you return to your duties, Ms. Long.” He inclined his head to her, needing to leave this building before he burnt it to a crisp.

Or maybe he’d go fire Lopez for shits and giggles.

“I don’t want it, Jon.  And it’s too valuable to simply throw away.” He really didn’t understand the concept of money.  Of course he didn’t!  He was a billionaire, so buying something like this was chump change to him. “YOU throw it away if you don’t want it.  It’s not mine anymore.  Goodnight, Mr. Good.”

There were no more duties because it was evening and she was going home, climbing in a hot bath and crying with a glass of wine to drown her sorrows in.  On the way out, she spotted Colby and didn’t make eye contact with him, doing everything in her power not to cry.  No crying at work!  The moment she was in her car, just like the night she cheated on Jon with Colby, tears flowed down her cheeks as she pulled out of the parking lot, speeding away.

A second later, from Jon’s office, that Bismuth Geode came flying through the window, landing feet away from the dumpster.  It hadn’t hit anything which was lucky because that would have been instant death for a person and a serious dent for a car.  Jon had numbly carried the damn thing back to his office after she had left, dismissing Mandy and ignored her confusion.  Revenge fucking wasn’t even on the agenda anymore.  He had been staring at the geode and then just…thrown it.  He stood there where his window used to be, leaning one now bare forearm against the jagged edge, ignoring the minor cuts from where glass still remained and just stared down at it, breathing heavily.

Things were…tense between Jon and Elliana, but they managed to be professional with each other when they needed to have meetings and such.  Nobody outside of Mandy, Colby, Jon, Elliana and Kairi knew what happened.  The window was fixed in Jon’s office in record time and the mess cleaned up he had made.  Mandy was a little…miffed since Jon no longer wanted to have relations with her.  She was still his assistant and had tried to entice him every night after work, but Jon had turned her down.  He finally told her he wasn’t interested anymore and she either started being professional or he would find someone who COULD do the job and do it right. 

Mandy stopped her antics after that point and was satisfied in getting her job back as his assistant, though Jon made sure she didn’t travel with him anywhere he had to go for business trips.  Elliana noticed all of this and kept her head down, nose in paperwork, going about her business.  When Kairi asked her, once, what the deal was between her and Jon, all she said was they were over.  She didn’t want to talk about the breakup, it hurt her too much and she was already looking for a new job.  However, it was going to be close to impossible to find something that even remotely matched up to what Jon was currently paying her as Executive Vice President.

~!~

They had split up.

Colby had nearly died from laughing when he heard that though the laughter had tapered off quick enough since Elliana was still here.  Still in his position.  He consoled Mandy when she eventually found her way to him.  It had been weird; she had come down crying, needing supplies, and one thing had led to another…now, he had a mole in Jon’s office and she wasn’t one to withhold sex.  In fact, the slut seemed to crave it all the damn time.  Elliana and Jon had made his life miserable, made Mandy’s…he wondered if they were aware of the enemies they had made, both together and individually.

“It didn’t work, Colby.  Our plan didn’t work.” Mandy groaned, sitting up in bed and tore a hand through her hair angrily.  Sex didn’t stop her from feeling agitated. “The whole idea was getting you back in that position and chasing Good off.  What the fuck?!”

Colby and Mandy had played their cards and roles very well.  Colby had known about Elliana being on the website even before he’d gone on there himself.  How did he know?  Kairi.  He’d overheard Kairi and Elliana talking about the website during one of their many coffee luncheons.  They went to the same place every day, so it wasn’t hard for Mandy to sneak in and listen to their conversation with an earpiece in her ear, letting Colby overhear everything.  Wasn’t hard finding Elliana on the website either with her chubby ass and Colby was surprised at how…easy it was getting under the woman’s skirt! 

She really was a whore at heart, especially since she let him fuck her so easily in her office, AFTER making things official with Jon.  Still, they were both grossly unsatisfied because Mandy wanted Jon and in order to do that, she had to get rid of Elliana.  It didn’t happen the way they planned, so now they would have to come up with Plan B.  Plan A foiled – time to start putting their heads together to try to push Elliana Long out of the firm once and for all. 

That had been like the best thing ever about Elliana.  How EASY she was!  Seriously, who put out like that on a first date with the man who fired her?  She knew he was a scumbag and she had still put out, if that didn’t scream self-esteem issues, he wasn’t sure what he did.  But the sex had been stellar, better than Mandy, not that he would tell her that.

“It’ll happen, I heard a rumor Elliana is planning on quitting and Jon’s been missing time in the office…” He was pretty sure Jon was drifting back into his ‘don’t care’ mentality.

~!~

Kairi didn’t know what to do for Elliana. 

The woman was in a serious funk after her breakup with Jon, which she refused to talk about.  They didn’t do their coffee dates anymore.  She knew Elliana was off the website completely and had deleted her profile.  The clothes she had been wearing were switched back to pant suits that covered everything instead of showing off her legs.  Jon had loved her legs.  Elliana reverted back to wearing basic black, keeping her hair in a bun and wore no makeup since she didn’t have any serious blemishes.  She was miserable without Jon and he was nowhere in the office these days, reverting back to his ‘old’ ways of not giving a damn about his company. 

If he didn’t give a damn, why should she? 

Slowly but surely, things were falling apart even though she was doing her job.  Without the boss there, a captain to run the ship, nothing ran correctly.  She had no idea Mandy and Colby had sabotaged her – nobody did.  Elliana did the best she could, but she was only one person and kept her office door closed most of the time and blinds drawn, not wanting to be disturbed unless absolutely necessary.  She was now doing both her and Jon’s jobs since he was nowhere to be found.

Elliana wasn’t giving her all.  That was a fact and that’s what made it so easy.  Colby was a glorified mail clerk and supply guy; he couldn’t be up and about the offices without good reason or it would look suspicious.  Mandy, however, was a natural gossip and she used it to chat up other assistants and secretaries, knowing that they would also spread the word.  Jon was drifting again, and the Executive Vice President barely came out of her office.  There was no official face of the company, again, and about the only thing that got done properly was the paperwork.  No spokesperson, no meetings…even Colby had done a better job of pretending to go through the motions than these two idiots had.

“Mail for Ms. Long.” He announced, ignoring the disgusted look Kairi was giving him.

Not saying a word, Kairi flashed a fake smile at him that did not reach her dark eyes, taking the mail from him curtly and tossed it in a nearby basket. 

The door to Elliana’s office opened as she stepped out, looking stoic, not even a smile on her face.  She glanced at Colby and then grabbed her mail, immediately going back into her office, shutting the door behind her and locking it.  He would NOT get another crack at her ever again, not if she had anything to say about it.  Tossing the mail to the side, she sat down in her chair with the lights off and rubbed her temples, having another migraine forming.  Jon really needed to get back here before there was an uprising in the company, like before, only this time he wouldn’t be able to stop it from happening, she feared.  As much as she hated doing it, she knew what had to be done and dreaded talking to him again.

~!~

Two weeks later, Jon finally made his presence felt with a new tan, a smile on his face and dressed to the nines in a crisp suit.  He had gone on vacation, from the looks of it, while Elliana slaved away at the firm doing two jobs.  It was too much for her, too overwhelming and she couldn’t take it anymore.

“Mr. Good, lovely for you to grace us with your presence today.” Elliana greeted coolly, waiting for him in his office and stood by the window, not looking back at him.  She could smell him, that was how she knew it was him. “I’m not going to take up any of your time, I just wanted to let you know effectively immediately, I’m no longer working for your company.  I can’t do two jobs anymore, it’s too overwhelming and stressful for me.  My resignation is on your desk and you have no choice except to take it.  And here’s a little friendly advice for you: the managers are already staging another uprising against you.  They want Colby back in power because of your absence lately.” Mandy couldn’t keep her mouth shut to save her life and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the blonde and Colby were working together as a team. “So, you might wanna nip that in the ass before you lose your company, if you even care anymore.  And that’s all I’ll say on the matter.  Have a nice day.” And life, she thought, walking out closing the door behind her.  She said what needed to be said, done what needed to be done and her stuff was already packed up in a few boxes she’d already taken down to her car, with Kairi’s help.

Kairi just wondered what her friend was going to do now for income.

Elliana didn’t know nor cared; she had a nest egg built up that would last her a while and, in the meantime, she would keep searching for a job in the city.  She was putting Good Law Incorporated behind her, along with Jonathan Good, once and for all.

Chapter 36

“Well, you’re all fired.” Jon announced at the staff meeting he had called, smirking when the same management from before began threatening him. “Hey, it’s not my call, it’s the buyers.  They want a clean start and everyone here is gone.” Well, most of them.  There were a few he had personally written out recommendations for, like Kairi and Elliana, Samuel, Black…not that Elliana’s mattered.

“The buyers?” Colby echoed, his arms folded over his chest, an eyebrow cocked. “You sold the firm?”

“I did.”

For a nice price too.  Jon had been thinking long and hard about what he wanted and owning this place, pretending to care, all for an Uncle who was long dead…nope, not happening.  It didn’t make him happy; he wasn’t very good at it and, quite frankly, he wanted nothing to do with the damn thing anymore.

“Those of you who will be offered new positions, once the takeover is complete, will have an e-mail waiting in your company box.  The rest…you won’t, and you have 2 weeks before your official last day.”

Check your e-mail. Kairi sent that text immediately to Elliana, wondering just what Jon was planning now. Company inbox, sorry.

Frowning, Elliana was at home, cutting up vegetables for a salad she was making when she received that text from Kairi.  She had quit first thing in the morning, and it was now early afternoon. Why?  I’m not working for the company anymore, Kai.

Jon sold the damn firm!  Check. Your. SHIT!

Elliana nearly dropped her cutting knife and blinked, her jaw dropping to the floor.  What the HELL?  Jon sold the firm!?  Did he really not care about his company at all?  She sighed, checking her email and, sure enough, there was a recommendation in there for her services.  It was the same position she’d had in the company – Executive Vice President.

I have a recommendation, do you?

Yes.

What the hell is going on, Kai?

I have no idea, but Mandy is bawling her eyes out and Colby looks ready to blow a fucking gasket.  They didn’t get recommendations, I’m guessing.

Good, karma was a bitch!

~!~

Jon had gone up to his cabin and disconnected from everything.  No internet, no cell phone, no nothing.  He had stayed there in solitude thinking things through and what he wanted out of his life.  Jon had thought he had it, but there had been too many mistakes on both their parts.  She hadn’t been brave enough to speak up; he hadn’t been smart enough to say what he had assumed.  Elliana had cheated and he had pushed too fast with grand gestures.  When he was feeling better with the world and himself, Jon had sorted out what he was going to do and then, as soon as he had gotten back to civilization, he had put that plan into motion.

A week of swimming, hiking…stargazing…had made him feel a lot better.

Are you going to accept the ‘new’ position? Why he was texting her was beyond him.  It may have had something to do with the bottle of tequila he had been drinking from since getting home.  He was laying out in the grass in his backyard, wearing nothing but a pair of jeans, his feet as bare as his chest.

What in god’s name was Jonathan Good doing texting her at…11 PM at night?  Elliana frowned, having heard her phone go off, which didn’t happen often, but she wasn’t sleeping either.  Sleep eluded her.  She was reading a book and set it aside, contemplating if she should even answer him back.  What was the point?  Jon didn’t trust her, and she didn’t blame him a bit.  She’d been a coward throughout the entire time they’d been together and shouldn’t have let anyone, even Kairi, get it into her head that these ‘grand’ gestures were negative.

No.  I don’t even know why I was offered a position when I resigned from the company in the first place.  Still can’t believe you sold the firm, though. She finally sent back after 5 straight minutes, chewing her bottom lip.

That had been a particular stroke of genius on his part, but the takeover wasn’t complete yet, so…he had to play the waiting game. Why not?  You and I both know that I suck at running it.  It’s better this way. He finally sent back after considering it and also rereading his sentence a few times just to make sure he wasn’t oblivious to the tequila working its evil magic on him.  Nope.  Still fairly sober. You were offered the position because you were good at it. Were was kind of the key term there.

He had gotten word that she had seriously retreated these last few weeks and her performance had dropped.  Jon had a feeling he knew why.  The same reason he had sold the firm.

No, it’s not.  When you were there and doing the boss duty, you were brilliant at it.  And I WAS good at it, but not anymore and that’s why I quit.  No reason to go back. Elliana sent that and closed her eyes, not wanting to write the next part, but knew she had to.  It was the only way to mend her broken heart after everything that happened. We both need to move on with our lives.  Me going my way and you going yours, Jon. Not realizing she started crying until tears began to land on her lap, Elliana wiped them away and tossed her phone to the side, burying her face in her knees.

Well that was pretty…final.

Jon didn’t know what to say, or if he should even bother.  He sat upright, reaching for his bottle and began taking long, heavy swallows.  He was an idiot.  Drowning his sorrow in tequila, texting the woman who had cheated on him with the biggest scumbag on the planet!  Jon STILL had a hard time wrapping his head around that one.  Honestly, who screwed the guy who fired a person out of sheer spite?  He didn’t realize he had crushed his cell until he felt skin breaking, frowning as he dropped the pieces into the grass.  Pushing himself to his feet, he left them and the now empty bottle on the ground, heading inside.

Move on with their lives.

Right.

“Damn it, what is wrong with me?!  Why can’t I just forget about him?!” Elliana cried out to the silence, hitting her bed repeatedly with her closed fist.  Letting out a scream, in her pillow, she slowly lifted her head and took a deep breath before deciding to be honest with him. I’m sorry for what I did to you.  I should’ve been honest with you and I’m an idiot.  I don’t know why I fucked Colby, but I do know one thing: I love you, Jon.  I love you and I lost you and I don’t know how to move on with my life.  Please forgive me for what I did. Before she could stop herself, she pushed the send button and then shut her phone off, burrowing under her blankets to cry herself to sleep.

Jon would not get that message for a few days due to the broken cell phone and a tequila binge.  He had absolutely no idea what the state of his soon-to-be sold firm was in and honestly didn’t care, knowing the cases were being delegated and things were being wound down for the sale.  Their clients were being told about the takeover as well.  Within a week and some change, Colby and Mandy, those incompetent dicks he hadn’t been able to fire, without facing some serious annoyances, would all be gone.

~!~

“Ellia, you can’t hide in there forever!” Kairi banged on Elliana’s front door, sighing when she heard nothing.  The car was here, so was Ellia.  She hadn’t heard from her friend in 2 days and figured the moping had to stop. “I brought coffee!” She was one of the few not losing their jobs, so she was in a great mood.

Elliana wasn’t home.  She was currently at a job interview for a secretarial position that paid peanuts, but at least it had benefits.  Her insurance was about to run out from Jon’s firm, so she had to do something.  Couldn’t afford health insurance and sitting at home wasn’t an option.  She kept a smile on her face that didn’t quite reach her eyes, answering questions and going through the motions.  They told her they would call.  As usual.  Great.  Walking out of the building, Elliana headed for the bus since she refused to drive either car Jon had bought for her.  There were ‘For Sale’ signs on them and she had been taking public transportation for the time being.  These heels were killing her feet.

“Don’t you have a car?  Or two?”

Jon had been ambling out of the Apple store, new iPhone in one hand, a black coffee from Starbucks in the other.  He was waiting patiently for everything to finish installing and then uploading from his cloud saves.  He could only imagine how many calls and messages he would have waiting for him, though going 2 days without the cell hadn’t been necessarily a bad thing.  For example, he couldn’t text the woman who had just gotten off a bus.  He cocked an eyebrow, taking her in.  She looked tired, hurried…and he bet those shoes were killing her feet.  Himself, he was in blue jeans, a white beater and black tennis shoes, enjoying being comfortable.

This was the LAST person she wanted to see.  Elliana jumped out of her skin at the sight of him yelling out to her, not expecting to see him.  Hell, it was Vegas and there were PLENTY of places to go to avoid people one didn’t want to see.  She had been doing that, for the most part, until now.

“Yeah, I did.” She wasn’t elaborating, wearing black dress pants and a dark maroon short-sleeved top, not showing anything off.  No cleavage, no legs, nothing.  Investing in some flats for her next job was on the agenda next. “What are you doing here, Jon?” She asked, staring at him curiously and hadn’t noticed which store he left.

Jon mutely held up the brand-new phone and his coffee, staring at her from carefully neutral eyes.  She looked like death warmed over.  She had stopped taking care of herself and started dressing like the frumpy assistant he had been so dismissive of.  Where was the confident woman selling herself for cash, banging two guys at…Nope, not going there.  Not thinking about that.  He took a slow sip of his drink, buying himself some cool down time.  They had both messed up.

“So, I’m guessing you’re not taking the ‘new’ job.” He hadn’t missed the ‘did’, wondering if she had sold them both and sighed. “Why aren’t you using one of the damn cars, Elliana?”

“Because they’re not mine.  They were given to me and I don’t feel right keeping them, so I’m selling them.” Then, she would be sending Jon the money she made from them because, again, it wasn’t hers to keep. “I don’t mind public transportation.”

She had taken the bus several times to get to work whenever her old car would break down.  Jon didn’t look bad at all.  In fact, he looked better than ever in the jeans and beater.  Scrumptious enough to – nope, not going down that road.

“And I told you in the text message I’m not taking the new job.  I want nothing to do with that firm, no matter who the new owner is.” She was away from Colby and him – both good and bad consequences of quitting.

“Fair enough.”

Jon shrugged one shoulder, hearing his phone beep at him to let him know it was done setting itself up.  Ignoring her, or trying to at least, he began scrolling his missed messages, finally coming to one the night he had broken the phone.  He read it, wondering where THIS woman was because Elliana was acting pretty cold to him right now.  Then it hit him; he hadn’t gotten the message, so he couldn’t reply.  She probably felt embarrassed or something to be near him, pouring her heart out and then getting nothing in return.  She still loved him.  Or had 2 days ago.  He tossed the near full cup into the trash bin before snatching her tired looking backside up and drew her into him, ignoring her indignant demands for him to let her go.

“No.” No, he would not let her go.  Taking a chance, he inclined his head, pressing his lips to hers.

The feeling of his lips against hers again felt incredible, but Jon had actually startled her, so her heart was thundering in her chest from both fear and desire.  It started off as a simple, pliant kiss, but the intensity between them hadn’t died or gone away.  If anything, it had grown, and it registered somewhere in Elliana’s brain maybe he was screwing with her.  Why was he kissing her?  He had turned away from her while she waited for the bus and then snatched her up, molding her body against his and laid a kiss on her mouth. 

After a little hesitation, Elliana dropped her purse on the sidewalk to wrap her arms tightly around his neck, the kiss deepening.  Nobody else mattered – it was as if the world vanished around them and faded, leaving just them standing there, kissing each other like they were each other’s oxygen to breathe.  Only when they both needed actual oxygen to breathe did the kiss mutually break between them and Elliana’s eyes slowly opened to meet electric, smoldering blues.

“Okay…” Lord, it was hard to talk after a kiss like that and her body was still trembling, her hands moving to rest on his broad shoulders. “W-What was that about?”

This was not the time for his weird, random sense of humor to kick in, but since this wasn’t exactly random, to him anyway, Jon didn’t feel overly bad about it. “I just got your text, darlin’,” He informed her, waiting patiently for that to register. “The last one you sent me.” There it was, including more red in her cheeks.  She had probably hoped he was either drunk, forgotten about it or just ignored that elephant. “Did you mean it?” Because if so…maybe, why was he thinking this?  Why was his heart starting to beat so fiercely? “You make me crazy, Ellia.” He whispered, brushing his nose against hers before resting his head to hers. “Tell me we can save us.”

Christ, she completely forgot about sending that text!  She figured he had ignored it or didn’t feel the same way she did.  And now he was standing here, on a sidewalk by a bus stop, with a plea in his eyes that made her stomach tighten and her breathing ragged.  His words echoed in her mind – Tell me we can save us.  He WANTED to save them and what they had?

“Jon…” Her voice cracked upon saying his name and Elliana lowered her eyes, shutting them, hating how badly she hurt this man. “I-I’m no good for you.” He didn’t trust her.  How could they save them without trust? “Please, let me go and find someone else you deserve.”

Chapter 37

“Then you’re perfect for me.” He declared, refusing to let her go, his hold on her tightening to keep her still.

Jon was an asshole.  He was borderline narcissistic with his behavior and he had let his firm be run into the ground before swooping in to save it and then abandon it all over again.  She wasn’t exactly an angel, so… she was what he deserved.  He wasn’t saying that out loud, knowing they both had issues, but they could fix them, together.

“I need to learn to trust you and you need to learn to speak your mind without fearing what I may do.” She still owned her condo and cars, now didn’t she?

“But you shouldn’t have to LEARN to trust someone.”

How was she perfect for him?  He had flaws, sure, but he never cheated on her the way she did him.  Elliana built it all up in her head, assuming he had screwed around with Mandy and he only did it AFTER finding out she cheated with Colby.

“Jon, I don’t…” A soft moan escaped her when he kissed her, a little harder this time, with more intensity and finality.  All she could do was return the kiss, unable to deny him anything and broke the kiss a second time, her hands now pressed against his chest. “I meant it.  The text.  I was waiting for the right time to tell you how I felt, but I didn’t want to scare you away.  I should’ve been honest with you from the very beginning and maybe we wouldn’t be in this situation right now.” She really was an idiot.

“Probably not.” He agreed arrogantly, though the smile on his face lessened the harshness of his words. “I shouldn’t have…bombarded you the way I did.”

The new car after their first date, the condo…Jon hadn’t been thinking about how she would react, so much as she had NEEDED them, and he was able to provide them.  He had acted without thinking, like an idiot child, and that hadn’t helped any of her issues at all.  She had feared that someone who gave so quickly, and without thought, would be just as quick to take away.  He hadn’t yet he entertained the thought out of spite a time or two.

“Let’s start over, Ellia, and do it right.  No more rushing, no more hiding things.”

He truly meant it.  He really wanted to make things work between them and start over.  Tears swelled in her eyes as she looked up at him and reached a tentatively hand up to touch the side of his bearded face.  Elliana honestly thought she would never be able to do that again, the simple little gesture.

“If we’re going to do this, I need to know something, Jon.  I need to know you forgive me for what happened with Colby.  I need to know, down the road, you’re not going to use it against me when we argue and fight.” It would happen because no relationship was ever perfect. “I know you need to build trust with me again, but if you don’t forgive me, there’s no way we can fix this, so…” A few tears slipped down her cheeks and she quickly wiped them away. “Tell me you forgive me.” Elliana needed to hear the words.

“Only if you promise you’re never going to fuck around on me again.  Especially with someone who is below pond scum.” Jon tried in vain not to sound agitated, but he still could not wrap his head around it.  

He didn’t want too because there was nothing that could be said to make that seem logical.  If he had been treating her horrible or something…sure, but he hadn’t.  And even IF he had been cheating, why revenge fuck the dick who made her life miserable?

“Promise it, Ellia.” Forgiveness was contingent on knowing she wasn’t going to tear out his heart again.

“Never again, I swear!  I-I didn’t mean to do it to begin with.  My head wasn’t in a good place and I…I should’ve stayed off that damn website.  I shouldn’t have let my fear of the unknown push me into HIS arms, of all people.” Elliana sounded completely and thoroughly disgusted with herself, shaking her head sadly. “I had it in my head you were screwing Mandy on that trip to Vancouver.  That’s why I did it…because it was a distraction from thinking about what you and the blonde bimbo were doing.  I made assumptions and convinced myself screwing around with Colby was the right thing to do.” It wasn’t – far from it. “I promise I will never cheat on you again.  You’re the only man I want in my life, Jon.  I,” No turning back moment had arrived. “I love you and only you for as long as you want me.  And I will spend whatever remaining time we have together proving that to you and making up for what I’ve done.”

“Well that explains why you were so fucking weird on the phone during that trip.”

Jon had thought he had heard some tension, some irritation during their phone calls.  However, she had covered it up so quickly, he had dismissed it as him just hearing things.  Tipping his head from side to side, staring over her head at the traffic that was barely eking by, Jon finally looked back down into her tear-filled eyes.

“I forgive you.” He weighed each word and felt something lifting from his chest.  He really, really hoped this wasn’t just a temporary feeling, or that he didn’t have doubts in the days to come.

“Really?  You’re not just saying that, are you?” Elliana knew how uncertain this man could be.  His lips caught hers in another smoldering kiss and she tried to fight it, but it wasn’t happening. “Okay – okay easy, handsome, easy…” She could barely breathe and had to break the kiss again, wondering where he got his oxygen from. “I believe you.  I believe you forgive me.” She just hoped he believed her when she said she loved him because she really did. “So, what happens now?”

“Now you stop hunting for a job and quit using public transportation.  The back of your heel looks like shit.” Jon peered down at her feet.  It looked like she had scraped it or something on bus steps. “You have a job, darlin’, and you won’t be doing two jobs anymore.  That was clarified when I sold the place.” He couldn’t WAIT for that, soon…he just had to be patient a little bit longer. “And use the damn car, Ellia…it’s yours.  Though… I hope you didn’t sell the company car…” That would be bad since it was paid for by company funds and there were contracts in place about how long until she was allowed to trade-in or sell.

“The company car is back at headquarters.  I dropped it off the day I quit, and I already told you I’m not-” Elliana groaned when he pressed a finger to her lips, having a feeling she wouldn’t win this argument. “Jon, I don’t want to work there without you.  It wouldn’t be the same, don’t you understand?”

He kissed her again, this time lifting her from those worn-down heels she had on and her arms wrapped around his neck, getting lost for a moment.  Was it so bad to get lost with each other this way?  Screw it if it was!

“Jon…” All he did was whisper in her ear to trust him. Trust me.  He didn’t say anything else, just those two words and left it at that. “All right, all right…if you really want me to take this job with the new owners…I guess I can give them a shot…” Elliana could always quit if she didn’t like them.

“It’s not like your job description actually changes, darlin’.”

He needed a new coffee and she looked like she could do with one too.  She still looked so tired, so drained, and Jon idly wondered how Elliana had been sleeping at night.  Probably badly, he knew how that went.

“Just who runs the place.”

Which would not be that stupid uprising that had started, as if he hadn’t known?  He had thought about letting the place just go to rot and ruin, but…no.  Jon had kept things barely afloat out of some sense of obligation to a dead guy.  He was grateful, and always would be, to his Uncle, but that did not mean he had to be the guy.  He could do it HIS way.  He just wished it hadn’t taken this disaster between him and Elliana to wake him up to all that.

Yawning loudly, unable to stifle it, Elliana felt the adrenaline of reconciling with Jon, along with her heart mending back together, slowly drain out of her.  She hadn’t slept more than a couple hours since they split and had exhausted herself.  Jon took one look at her and scooped her up in his strong arms, her head lulling against his as another yawn escaped her.

“I thought you wanted to grab coffee?” She didn’t care where he took her and snuggled against him, drinking in his warmth and comfort.  Jon murmured in her ear he was taking her home and she smiled, lifting her head to meet his eyes while he walked toward his one of the many expensive sports cars he owned. “Stay with me or take me to your place.  I just want to be with you right now.”

Even if it was to fall asleep in his arms, which would more than likely happen as she yawned again.  Jon just nodded, knowing he would stay with her long enough for her to fall asleep.  He hadn’t been kidding; he wanted to start over and do it right.  No diving back into things, no more of his insane grand gestures that left her scared and overwhelmed.  It would just be…normal.  He could do that.  THEY could do that.  Right?  He took her to her condo, flinching when he seen the original Nissan he had bought her out near the end of her drive with a FOR SALE sign on it.  Jon bet the only thing keeping her from selling the condo was the fact that housing was expensive and she owned it outright.

Elliana had passed out on the way home, so she didn’t feel Jon carry her inside or reach inside her purse for her keys to let them in.  She slowly opened her eyes 14 hours later, with the worse cotton mouth in history.  She felt lethargic, but also rested and better, slowly sitting up to stretch her arms in the air.  It wasn’t a surprise to find Jon wasn’t with her…and she briefly wondered if what happened between them had been a dream.  That melted away when she found a note on the nightstand and she picked it up to read it, feeling tears burn her eyes.

Call me when you get up and I’ll take you out to eat.

First, she needed to use the bathroom, get something to drink, take a shower and THEN she would give him a call.

Jon was not surprised at all by the late afternoon call.  From the way Elliana had looked, and how easily she had fallen asleep, he knew she was exhausted.  Her body had probably forced her to get the sleep and proper rest she had likely denied it.  Sleep would also be good for her mind; he had learned all about that during his week vacation away from it all.  Jon had been up with the sun, appreciating that he had taken the time to let his body sync properly back up with the earth’s natural cycles.  He was definitely more well-rested and alert.

I’ll be there within the hour.  Don’t wear black. He had noticed she had fallen back into the dark color scheme, which was a shame because she was vibrant in color.

Rolling her eyes at that request, Elliana didn’t take offense to it because she knew she had delved back into her old ways and style.  Jon DID enjoy her black cotton shorts, however, so maybe he wouldn’t mind if she wore those.  After a much-needed hot shower, Elliana felt a hundred times better and slipped the black cotton shorts on.  It was hot outside, so she opted for a racerback orange tank top, a black bra and panties beneath.  She also didn’t realize how LONG her hair had gotten and really needed a trim to get rid of the dead-ends as soon as possible.  Not tonight, however, since it was late afternoon – after 5 PM, to be precise.  Brushing her hair, she pulled it up in a messy bun on top of her head, left her face devoid of makeup and could feel her stomach rumbling dangerously.  If Jon wasn’t taking her out to eat, then she was cooking something here.

Jon had already made reservations at a private club.  It was pricey, sure, but he figured it was worth it just because they’d have a small room to themselves where they could talk and not worry about other people.  He was second-guessing himself; she might think this was him being pushy and overwhelming on the money thing.  He called and canceled.  What about the bistro where they had gone on their first date?  No…Chinese place.  No, that was the couple’s thing and they needed to talk more first, now that she had properly slept.

“Hey, darlin’.” He said by way of greeting when she opened the door before he had even knocked, pulling off his sunglasses to take her in with a crooked smile.  Jon was in grey jeans and a beater, skipping the stuffy clothes these days. “So, where do you want to go?” He was famished and the way her hand was on her stomach told him she was too, or she was nervous.

“Somewhere with food.  I don’t care where as long as I eat or I’m making something here.” He didn’t comment on the black shorts, so Elliana figured she was in the clear.  Leaning up, she brushed her lips against his softly and shut the door behind him to grab her black sandals, slipping them on her feet. “Jon, I don’t care if you take me to expensive restaurants or on vacations,” Because he had told her he wanted to do that during their first time together. “That’s not why I got overwhelmed.  It was buying this beautiful place and the two cars.  The BIG shit, you understand?  Don’t change your lifestyle because of me.  Wherever you wanna go, take me there and I’ll have a good time because I’m with you.  Whether it’s a Mom and Pop place like that diner we had those delicious burgers at or the bistro we had our first date.  I don’t care as long as we’re together.” Reaching up, she caressed his face and kissed him again, this time a little longer. “Take me anywhere you want…with food.”

“Mom and Pop diner, it is.”

Jon had definitely noticed those skin tight, curve hugging, black cotton shorts.  They were his favorite, and her matching white pair, and Elliana knew it.  He wondered if she had worn them on purpose for him, watching as she pulled away in order to go grab her purse, his eyes dropping to her backside.  She had lost some weight, just not in his favorite spot, thank god.

“Come on, darlin’, hurry before you faint from hunger.”

His mood had drastically improved at her remarks, wondering if she was a mind reader or something, or maybe she just knew him that well.  No buying her crazy expensive items that technically marked milestones in most people’s lives.  Like buying a brand new car or a house.  Those milestones were supposed to be done together.  Buying house, buying a car…even though he was a billionaire, Jon needed to step back a little and realize she was just a small town girl.  Granted, he was from Cincinnati, Ohio and didn’t have the most pleasant of childhoods until his Uncle stepped in to raise him. 

Grinning at him, she took his hand and accepted a soft kiss before they headed out, locking her door behind her.  This place had state of the art security, which was both nice and annoying at the same time.  NOBODY was breaking into this bad boy without being a genius and hacker.  Hopping up into his truck, Elliana slipped her seatbelt on and didn’t realize her shorts had ridden up a little, along with her tank top, so part of her stomach was showing.  The weight she had lost, honestly, had been in her stomach and thigh region.

And it did not go unnoticed by him at all, he side-eyed her while she buckled in, taking note of the weight loss.  She had shed weight quickly over the last month or so; he knew that was a combination of him and her depression.  Reaching over, he laced his fingers with Elliana’s, squeezing gently before pulling out of the drive.  They had plenty of time to sort things out and do it right.  Jon was hoping, if he did something overwhelming, she’d call him out on it, so he could kibosh that behavior because he knew damn well he would slip back into that once he got comfortable with her again.

“Are you really going to sell the Nissan?  You love that car.”

Chapter 38

“Stop the truck.” She ordered, taking her hand out of his and unbuckled her seatbelt to hop out of the truck before Jon could stop her.  Jogging over, with her bouncing, pert backside in those shorts directly in his vision, she reached over to take the FOR SALE sign off it and hopped back into the truck.  She tossed it in the backseat and leaned over, sensually kissing her man before buckling back up again. “You’re right, I do love it and it’s not going anywhere.”

Taking his hand again, Elliana had NO idea what kind of issues Jon was currently suffering from that little display and looked out the window while he drove off to feed her.  Jon was happy as a clam with that sign being off her car.  He didn’t know why she had thought she’d sell it.  Unless she hadn’t wanted to feel indebted to him or felt bad or spiteful.  He was also having issues with keeping his erection at bay, trying not to shift because these pants weren’t exactly comfortable with wood.  Jon grunted when she gave him a questioning look.

“You’re killing me, Ellia.”

He was hungry, but not for a meal.  Any other time, he’d be skipping that and going straight for dessert, but…he was trying to slow down, and they still had talking to do.  Glancing down at him, the roses in her cheeks bloomed as Elliana cleared her throat, not meaning to cause him discomfort.  At least she knew she still turned him on, so that was a plus.  However, if they were truly starting over fresh, she decided three months – 90 days – from today was how long they’d have to go without sex.  Since he wanted her to be honest with him, Elliana took that to heart and chewed her bottom lip.

“If you truly want to start over with us, Jon, then…I don’t think we should have sex right away.  We did that before and everything fell apart.  I assumed things about you and made a colossal mistake because of those assumptions.  So, let’s take this slow and get to know each other really well again.  Also, I won’t sleep with a guy who doesn’t fully trust me, and I know you have to rebuild that trust, which will take time.” Maybe even more than three months, actually. “So cool your jets, handsome.  No sex for a while.”

“Okay wench, first of all, I actually agree with the 3-month rule.” Jon remarked without any heat, though he did roll his eyes at her, navigating traffic with ease as he drove them to that Mom and Pop diner they both enjoyed. “Second, I can’t stop myself from appreciating your beautiful, bouncy ass when you wear those shorts and you know it.  So…yeah…deal with it.” She knew he loved her in those shorts and still wore them.  Jon wasn’t trying to hump her leg, but he couldn’t exactly control some of these erections he was going to wind up getting.

He had to deal with it, painfully.

Kissing and touching, making out, was fine.  No foreplay though because that still constituted as sex. “Then you can deal with me wearing these shorts around you when it’s 100 degrees outside.”

She smirked at him, feeling the life flood her body once again now that she was back with Jon again.  The light was also back in her emerald eyes and it would practically glow after she ate.  Jon pulled up to the diner a little while later, since traffic was pretty bad and they hopped out, walking inside together.  No sleepovers either – that would lead to sex too.  If Jon would have known what she was thinking about kissing and making out being fine, but foreplay wasn’t, he would have told her that was exactly what kissing and making out were – foreplay.  At least for a healthy male it was.  Women were strange.

“Mmmhmm…” He made another noise in his throat. “Be prepared for me to start walking around in a banana hammock due to the heat.” He was joking; that would NEVER happen.  Jon wasn’t putting his bits and bobs into what was basically an ass crack slingshot. “No salads.” He informed her, leading the way to an empty booth, winking at her before gesturing for her to sit down, dropping opposite of her.

No, foreplay was going down on each other’s nether regions and touching those areas as well.  Her tits and pussy, his dick.  That was foreplay to Elliana, but everybody had their own versions of it.  Kissing and touching was fine, but no intimate parts were allowed.

“Listen here, buddy, if I wanna get a salad, I’m getting a salad.” She retorted swiftly, flipping through the menu and rolled her eyes before tossing it on the table. “Who are we kidding?  We both know what we’re getting.” Greasy, delicious cheeseburgers with a side of steak fries and a chocolate milkshake.

“Damn right, besides…I’m pretty sure the only salad here tastes like sadness and despair…or the taco salad.” That sounded good, he was getting one of those too.  But no basic garden or whatever this thing on their soups and salads section was that just looked…sad.  He set aside the menu, not needing it and folded his hands on top of the table. “I feel like I should be making small talk, but at the same time asking, ‘how you’ve been’ sounds stupid.” He informed her with a half grin, leaning back into the booth and stretched his legs on her opposite side.

Honesty.  He wanted honesty.  She wouldn’t let him down and took a sip of her water. “I’ve been miserable.” That was truthful enough and downplayed on how she’d really been ever since the confrontation between them. “I’m pretty sure I lost Kairi as a friend since I’ve been ignoring and neglecting her.” It wasn’t intentional; Elliana just didn’t want anything to do with anyone for a while. “Doing a lot of reading, actually.  Forgot how much I enjoyed doing it, so that’s a plus.  How’ve you been doing?”

“Kairi understands…” He hoped, maybe, having no idea what was going on between them other than they were, or at least had been, best friends. “Maybe.  And I’ve been…outdoors, a lot.” Obviously, he was naturally tanned from head to toe, not that she would know about the in-between areas.  He obviously didn’t showcase his nethers to the general public. “Spent some time up at the cabin, getting my head on straight.  And drunk, and miserable.” He could be honest too; he just wouldn’t tell her HOW drunk.  

Jon was a bit amazed he was still alive to be honest because being drunk near a waterfall was just a bad idea all the way around.

“I was surprised when you texted me, honestly.  Didn’t think I’d ever hear from you again.” Elliana admitted softly, not looking up when their drinks were set in front of them and took a long drink of her Pepsi, needing a caffeine boost. “I kinda figured you were outdoors or maybe you took a vacation to an island somewhere.” She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling a little awkward and clasped her hands tightly in her lap.  Also, she had assumed Mandy had gone with him since she missed a few days of work when he first disappeared from the law firm. “So, these new owners…is it still going to be a law firm or a completely different company?”

“Completely different company from my understanding.” Jon was relieved she had changed the subject, his vacation was…relaxing, but he wasn’t about to tell her how depressed and miserable he had been.  How drunk and stupid.  Talking about the firm he could do, within reason. “New management for the most part, new name, new policies, the whole kit ‘n caboodle.  Are you nervous?” Reaching across the table, he placed his hand palm up, waiting for her to reluctantly slide hers in it and squeezed gently. “I wouldn’t have recommended you to stay on, if I didn’t think you’d be a good fit, Ellia.”

“It’s just going to be weird not having you there.  And you not being the boss.” Elliana felt better at the squeeze and returned it, sliding her hand up his forearm before going back down.  It was a calming agent for her. “And yes, I’m nervous because I have no idea what the company will be now.” A law firm had been what she was used to, so she could only imagine what kind of company this would be.  It was completely different…it wouldn’t be a law firm anymore. “What are you going to do with yourself now that you’re free from the firm?”

“Well, let’s be honest, darlin’, it can’t be any worse.  Someone actually helming the place will be good.  None of that part-time, when it suits me shit, like I tend to do.”

Everyone knew he was a horrible owner and boss.  He had gone back to his old ways almost as soon as he and Elliana had ended their relationship.  Anyone that prone to emotional detachment from a business, where people’s livelihoods were at risk, had no business running said business.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do…” He paused while the waitress appeared to take their orders, letting Elliana go first before he rattled his own off. “Maybe take up dirt biking…or boxing…I don’t know.”

Elliana really didn’t know what to say to that and just nodded, turning her head to stare out the window.  So much had happened between them – could they really fix what she broke?  She wasn’t so sure they could, thinking back to their first date and how carefree it had been.  Granted, she was nervous because of the website, but Jon made her feel so comfortable and was very charming.  Now, it was just awkwardness between them, and it felt very uncomfortable, not at all welcoming like the first time.

“What I wouldn’t give to turn back time…” She muttered, thinking back to what she’d overheard Mandy say to the other assistants, after her and Jon split and he put her back as his assistant while banging her.  That was a bad road to go down and Elliana immediately pushed that away, knowing she had no room to judge or be angry at Jon for screwing the blonde.  Look what she had done with Colby behind his back! “I think you’re going to be bored out of your skull and you won’t know what to do with yourself.”

“Ellia…” Jon shook his head at her, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement. “You never seen me at the office until after the DeWitt thing.  What the hell do you think I was doing with all that time?” Hiking, he had taken up the mountain biking thing, a few random hobbies.  Worked out like crazy. “I’m pretty good at keeping myself entertained, it’s the focusing on the work part I have problems with.” He knew their conversation was stilted and strained, but if they were going to work out, they’d have to get through this until it became easy again.

He hoped it became easy again.

“True.”

The food arrived a little while later, which gave them something to do since the conversation had tapered off.  This sucked.  This was nothing like the first date.  What was so different about that night than now?  You’re a cheating whore and hurt him, dumbass, her brain reminded her, making her shut her eyes briefly before biting into her cheeseburger.  It didn’t even taste the same as before.  Is this what guilt did to people?  Could it mess with their taste buds or was it a mental thing?  Elliana didn’t know, but the burger didn’t taste good and she set it down, shaking her head.

“I need some air.  I’ll be back in a minute.” Standing, she squeezed Jon’s shoulder on her way out the door, leaning against the building for a moment before something forced her to start walking away from the diner.  The tension was thick between her and Jon, it couldn’t be cut with the sharpest knife and it was damn near stifling. “Fuck.”

Without realizing it, Elliana began walking back to the condo while trying to get the little voice in her head to shut the hell up about being a cheating whore.  Jon waited patiently, not touching his food and just stared at her burger.  One bite was gone.  When 5 minutes had passed, he realized she wasn’t coming back and pushed himself out of the booth, tossing down some money and leaving their food there untouched.

“Elliana?” He began looking up and down the street, frowning.  Goddamn it…he whipped out his cell phone, dialing her number. “Pick up…goddamn you, pick up.” Had she just bailed on him?

She answered on the third ring. “I’m having a panic attack and I can’t do this!  I’m a cheating whore, Jon!  I’m no good for you and I don’t want to hurt you again!  Just please leave me alone!”

She was crying, sobbing, while walking as fast as she could back to the condo, which was quite the hike back.  Walking helped her think and calm down though; she had been worse prior to answering and didn’t bother wiping her tears away.  They were blurring her vision, but Elliana didn’t care.

“I’m sorry.” She hung up and slid her phone back in her purse, wrapping her arms around herself.  Colby had really jacked her up and Elliana wished she’d never met the bastard, let alone slept with him. Cheating whore, cheating whore, cheating whore!

What. The. Actual. Fuck?  Was all Jon could think, instantly hitting the redial button.  She didn’t answer.  He did it again.  No answer.  He began blowing her cell up, frowning as he considered where she would go.  There was no way she was heading home; it was too long a walk.  But who did Elliana know in this area?  Cursing under his breath, he headed for his car.  Hell, she could have hopped onto a bus for all he knew.  That didn’t mean he wasn’t about to hunt her bouncy backside down.

Did Jon forget she told him she enjoyed walking?  Apparently so.  Elliana used to go on long walks that would last for a couple of hours before she met Jon, just to clear her head and relax.  There were shortcuts she took to head back to the condo, though the walk on the outskirts of the city hadn’t been fun.  Luckily, the sun had gone down, but it was still hot as hell outside.

By the time she arrived home, it was past 9 PM and she was dead on her feet, especially after not eating.  She was going to pass out for another 14 hours, more than likely, after making something small to eat.  Or maybe she could just order something and hopefully stay awake long enough for it to arrive and then eat before passing out. 

Chapter 39

Why wasn’t she surprised to find Jon waiting for her, sitting on her porch with his elbows resting on his knees? “Why are you here?  I told you I can’t do this, Jon…and I meant it.” This was the last thing she wanted to deal with tonight, her tears subsiding for the most part and she was no longer panicked.  The voice had died down in her head for the moment too.

To be fair, and in his defense, the fact that she had bailed on him had knocked him for a loop. Jon had not been thinking at all outside of: find her. What if she had been kidnapped? Or hit? He had had a million scenarios flying through his head while searching for her before finally coming here to wait. He ignored her words, getting up and walked over to snatch her ass up. He lifted Elliana up, forcing her legs around his waist, gripped the back of her head to stop her from turning from him and kissed her with everything he had in him, good and bad.

One thing that hadn’t changed, at all, were the sparks between them.  The intense sparks that flew in all directions whenever they kissed and touched each other.  Even the hand holding at the diner had sent volts of electricity and warmth throughout her body.  This kiss was…on another level entirely.  The intensity was off the charts and Elliana could FEEL both the worry, pain and desire all wrapped together in a beautiful, tragic package.  It made her tremble from head to toe as she kissed him back with equal vigor and passion, unable to pull away from him for a second.  She didn’t want to – no other man, not even Colby, made her feel a quarter of the way she felt when she was with Jon.  Fresh tears poured down the sides of her face because she felt terrible for worrying him so much. 

Yeah no sex for so many months, no foreplay but this kiss was nothing but foreplay. It set everything in him on fire and he KNEW she was feeling the same way. “I love you.” He whispered harshly against her lips, struggling not to breathe hard, to pant but he had kissed her until they were beyond breathless. “And you’re not fucking running from me, Elliana. Never.” Because he would always find her, always be waiting.

He loved her?  He loved her.  How was that possible after what she did to him?  Hurt him the way she had?  And he loved her. “I’m sorry.” She whispered, not trusting her voice at the moment and rested her forehead against his, trying to catch her breath.  This man made her toes curl, her heart start doing palpitations and her body ignite in flames. “I-I didn’t mean to leave.  I just had this voice in my head calling me a cheating whore and I…I panicked and kept walking.  I felt like I couldn’t go back in that diner with all the tension between us.  Tell me you didn’t feel it, Jon.  Tell me you didn’t feel the awkwardness and the insecurity.  I-I don’t know what to talk to you about and…starting over is a lot harder than I thought it would be.” She swallowed hard, sniffling a little and kept her arms draped around his neck, caressing the back of it. “And I love you too…very much.”

“Darlin’,” Of course he had felt it, but he had been determined to break through it. Perhaps he should have communicated that to her at the diner, then they wouldn’t be here now. He bet her feet were killing her and he was exhausted. Emotional tiredness was way different and more heavy than physical, that was for sure. “It was never going to be easy, but the things that are worth it, worth having, worth keeping, worth fighting for, they usually aren’t.” Even if she hadn’t cheated, something would have come up eventually, that was just the nature of life.

They were worth fighting for.  Jon was worth every bit of the fight, no matter how hard it would be to push through.  The voice in her head was back, but Elliana couldn’t let it control her.  She wasn’t a whore.  She did cheat, yes, and there was no condoning that, but…Jon was willing to forgive her.  He had forgiven her, now she had to forgive herself. “This is worth it.” She whispered softly, kissing him sensually and rubbed her nose against his gently, staring into his eyes. “I’m sorry for bailing on you.  I promise, I won’t do it again and I won’t worry you like I did today.” She had a feeling Jon would take her over his knee and spank the hell out of her, which he’d done in the past in a pleasurable experience, if she ever pulled this again. “Come inside and lay with me.  I’ll order us something to eat and then we can rest and relax together.  Unless…you want to go home.” Tonight did not turn out the way neither wanted.

“I’m not even hungry anymore, darlin’,” Which was the truth, his stomach had been so twisted that the idea of food made it clench. Not a pleasant experience given his size and usual insatiable appetite. “Get yourself something, and then we’ll lay down.” He was tired and he wanted to fall asleep holding her. Jon had a feeling she wouldn’t object, she needed to be held, he could see it in her pained eyes. “Hey…” He cupped her face. “Let it go, Ellia.” Or else she was going to drown in her own guilt. This was how he knew she loved him and would probably never do this again, cheat on him, she was literally killing herself over it.

“Easier said than done, Jon.” It was the truth.  Only time would make the guilt go away and one day, she would be able to let it go, hopefully. “Fuck food, let’s just lay down and get some rest.” He carried her up the stairs and set her down, letting her unlock the door before both walking inside.  She tossed her keys in the bowl by the door, locking it and kicked her sandals off before grabbing some crackers from the cupboard, guiding Jon back to her room.  He pulled his shirt off and laid in bed with her while she munched on a couple crackers, the saltines calming her stomach.  Once she was satisfied with inhaling ten of them, she set the package aside on the nightstand and snuggled up against Jon, her hand resting over his heart.

As tired as he was, sleep did not immediately come and by the way her heart beat at an erratic pace, he was guessing Elliana was having the same issues. Time, this all was going to take time, and he had plenty of that to give her, whether she believed it or not. “I love you.” He whispered against her hair, kissing her temple and then kissed away a tear when she began crying softly, running his hand up and down her side soothingly. Jon was going to have to prove it to her but only she could make herself believe that she was worthy of it.

Easier said than done, as she told him.

~!~

“So…you and Jon are back on now?” Kairi had come over, again, banging on Elliana’s door and demanding her to open up before she broke it down.  She got the surprise of her life when the door opened to reveal Jonathan Good on the other side.  At first, Kairi thought maybe she had the wrong place, but then Elliana appeared behind him, rubbing her eyes, looking tired and drained.  Kairi had no words, opening and closing her mouth several times, but nothing came out.  Jon kissed Elliana right in front of Kairi, promising to call her later and walked past Kairi to head to his truck, heading home.  It gave the women time to talk to each other, alone.  Elliana took the coffee Kairi extended, since the woman was kind enough to stop at Starbucks, along with a pastry, and they sat down at the kitchen table to talk.  She spilled everything, along with a few tears, and finally admitted to her best friend what she had done with Colby Lopez, which was…shocking, appalling and floored Kairi, to say the least.  She had no words for the cheating because that wasn’t who Elliana was.

“I guess so, yeah.”

Kairi had actually brought a bag of pastries. Given that Elliana had basically been ignoring her forever on top of quitting her job, and Kairi was a nosy broad who had driven by a handful of times and seen that car for sale… she figured Elliana was either dead or majorly depressed. She had brought them each a few of their respective favorites and today was a ‘have more’ day, screw those calories. She bit into said pastry, giving herself time to think. Elliana had cheated… on Jon Good who was handsome, wealthy and apparently in love with her, with Colby Lopez. “Okay… can you explain… why? Like… what was your mindset? I thought you HATED him… after everything he did to you, to… to everyone.”

Nodding, Elliana launched into the story of how Colby was one of the suitors from the website and how she nearly walked out on him.  The broken heel.  Colby saving her from going splat on concrete from said broken heel.  Dinner.  The walk on the beach. “I really thought Jon and Mandy Rose were fucking while they were in Vancouver.  It was just some of the things he said…like riding her ass, for example.” That made Kairi laugh and Elliana started giggling herself, which felt foreign. “I know it’s stupid, okay?  I was being an idiot, but I also felt…vindictive that night and my mindset was – if Jon can fuck other women, I can fuck other men.  Again, stupid.  And then, I’ll admit, you scared me with what you said about him, Kai.  About the grand gestures being too good to be true and needing to protect myself.  I just…I was jumbled, confused and Colby was a charming bastard that charmed the panties right off me.” It was the truth; there was no point lying or denying it. “It was all a front though and I see that now.  He came to my office and seduced me over a month ago.  It was right after Jon and I became official and I texted Colby telling him I couldn’t fuck around with him anymore.  Because I was being stupid and fucking around with him due to my assumptions about Jon and Mandy.  He wanted one last goodbye fuck from me and coerced me to do it…and then told Jon about it.” Elliana didn’t know the truth yet about that, assuming it was Colby that had told Jon about them screwing in her office. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, but after it happened, I was ashamed and then Jon started screwing Mandy because he found out about my infidelity.” It really was a huge, complicated mess. “But I know Mandy and Colby were working together all along after hearing that bitch talk to the other assistants one day.  Mandy wanted to help Colby get back his job, MY JOB, and to do that, they were trying to push me out and split me and Jon up, which worked, obviously.  But the joke’s on them because Jon sold the firm and now they are out of jobs.  Cheers to that!” Karma was indeed a bitch sometimes.

That was a lot to digest and Kairi felt mildly bad for her role in this whole affair. She had been wrong about Jon, she would own up to that. However, the situation Elliana had found herself in with Jon, that was a once in a lifetime deal that very few people ever found themselves in so… Kairi wasn’t kicking herself in the ass too hard. Anyone else, and she’d of been right on the money. Jon was apparently the fluke. “I still can’t believe he sold the firm.” She said finally, shaking her head. That was both good and bad. Good because those jerks were GONE but bad because they didn’t know anything about the new owners or what would change when the take-over was finished. “Did he tell you anything about that?”

“Only that it’s a completely different company, from his understanding.  And he really, really wants me to take the job as Executive Vice President.  My job hasn’t changed, apparently.” Elliana didn’t blame Kairi for having a hard time consuming all of that.  It was a lot. “I just…” Elliana set her coffee down on the table and covered her face with her hands, beginning to cry. “I don’t know how to forgive myself for what I did to him, Kai.  He told me to let it go, but I can’t.  I really hurt him with what I did and I hurt myself for being stupid and naïve.” She took the tissue Kairi handed over and blew her nose, wiping her tears away with a fresh one. “He wants to start over fresh with us.  I don’t think we can completely start over though.  There are wounds that need to be healed and I don’t even know where to begin with the healing process when I can’t even forgive myself.  He’s forgiven me, but I haven’t forgiven myself…and it’s really fucking me up.”

“Well, maybe you should take advantage of the firm’s therapist.” Kairi said after a long pause, mulling it over. “Or ask for a referral if you don’t want to have that shit in-house.” Which now that she thought about it, seeing a therapist who wasn’t related to the firm was best. Mostly because nobody inside the firm needed to know all these little details about Elliana and Jon’s lives, such as they were, because it was easy to connect dots and see things that maybe weren’t true, but still fishy. Like Elliana’s VP job. Or Jon selling the firm and her quitting. They had gotten together, they had broken up. She knew Ellia had gotten the job based on merit and not the relationship but to those who didn’t know Elliana, yeah… it looked bad. “Honey, talking to someone, who isn’t me, who is trained to help, may help you deal with this, process it.”

Elliana was not a fan of therapists or psychiatrists of any kind, firmly shaking her head. “No, I can get through this, I just…I need time.  There hasn’t been a lot of time to get over my guilt and heartbreak, even though Jon and I are back together again.  It helps to talk to you about it.” She assured Kairi, who didn’t look so certain.  Taking a sip of coffee, Elliana leaned back against the chair and slid the pad of her thumb around the rim of her cup in thought. “I made a mistake and I owned up to it.  And he forgives me, so I just need to let it go and forgive myself.” That would take time…and until she did forgive herself, Elliana couldn’t fully move on with Jon. “I just hope he waits for me, however long this takes…”

Chapter 40

Personally, Kairi thought Elliana did need to see someone, but… she wasn’t pushing the issue. She had pushed before and it hadn’t ended well at all for Elliana and Jon. Not entirely on her, but if she hadn’t been worried about Jon’s intentions or potential relationship instability, Ellia wouldn’t have remained on that Web site and probably wouldn’t have gone out with Colby. It was hard but then got easier, talking to someone who could help you see things in a new perspective, or offer ways and methods of coping with guilt and depression. “I hope he does too.” Jon was there ready and willing and now it might be Elliana’s hang-ups that stalled them again. She took a slow sip of her coffee, rolling all this over in her mind. “It wasn’t all on you. It sounds like Colby went out of his way to be something, someone, he is not, just to… just to fuck with you.” And boy had he, quite literally in fact.

“Maybe he did it for revenge.” That made perfect sense and Elliana had even questioned him on the matter, only for him to assure her he wasn’t with her because of work.  He wanted her for her.  How could Elliana be so stupid to believe a scumbag like Colby? “In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s why he pursued me because I took his job.  Mandy and him were trying to push Jon out of the office again, so the managers could stage another uprising and Jon pulled the rug out from everyone…again, by selling the place.  The blonde bitch thought she was going to be up in high ranks alongside Colby and now they have both crashed and burned.” Served them both right! “I have a feeling Mandy had to do with telling Jon about me and Colby too, especially if they were working together, but I can’t prove it.  And Jon won’t tell me who told him either.”

That made sense. Fucking someone for revenge. Sex and revenge had hit new heights, or was it a low, these days with the modern technology and ability to instantly air or post something to the Internet. It was scary. “Of course he won’t. Maybe he’s afraid you’d go out and handle it, or something. But why would Jon take Mandy’s word? Unless she had proof.” In which case, the whole revenge sex thing could take a terrible dynamic into revenge porn. “You um, never let Lopez… film anything, right?” Some of their more weird cases at the firm had come from an ex suing for damages and removal of ‘home videos’ from popular porn web sites. Of course, winning meant nothing because once out there, someone would see it or maybe even download it. The Internet was forever.

That almost made her snort her coffee, which would’ve burned like a son of a bitch. “Hell no!  Are you kidding?  I don’t do any of that shit.  What happens between me and a man STAYS there.” Elliana had been paranoid her first time with Colby, recalling how he could use what happened between them against her at the office.  He never did, though.  That had raised her paranoia even more because he remained thoughtful and charming. “If she had proof…she must’ve either filmed me and Colby in my office or…taken pictures…” Elliana felt sick to her stomach because there was either pictures or film of her screwing Colby somewhere out there…and she didn’t realize it until now. “Fuck, I need to talk to Jon about this.  If there’s photos or a video, I need to know about it immediately.  Those two – I wouldn’t put it past them to post that shit all over the Internet and social media after losing their jobs.”

“OH!” Yeah, if they had been trying to get Elliana fired and Colby his job back, that hadn’t worked out for the evil duo at ALL. They had both wound up jobless and without recommendations. If they really were that bad, Kairi could see them unleashing hell on Elliana and / or Jon just out of sheer spite. “That’s even IF they have something…” She said weakly, trying to inject a small glimmer of hope into this conversation but… in all honesty, most likely one of them had something. Even just a picture. Jon wasn’t going to listen to gossip when it came to Elliana, even she knew that, he wouldn’t have reacted the way he had without solid, hard proof. “Fuck… you should call him, now.” Before suspense and worry made them both ill, her hands were now on her poor tummy. If she was feeling sick like this for her best friend, she could only imagine Elliana’s distress.

“Give me a minute.” Elliana whispered, standing from the table and grabbed her phone, walking into her room to sit on the bed.  Christ, her stomach was lurching and she was on the verge of vomiting.  Maybe calling Jon wasn’t the right thing to do.  Maybe calling Colby was what she needed to do.  Frowning, Elliana contemplated it and dialed Jon, closing her eyes when he answered on the fourth ring. “Hey, sorry to bother you, but…we have a serious problem.” She said by way of greeting, needing to stand and pace because sitting just made her nausea worse.

“We do?” He asked quietly, sounding tired. Elliana was having issues, that much he was aware of, and he wasn’t sure how deep they were running or if she’d ever get over them. He knew she was worth the wait, but there was that whole ‘what if she doesn’t back bounce’ lurking in the back of his head. “What’s up, darlin’?” Jon listened patiently as she began sort of explaining this serious problem, one eyebrow slowly raising. “Wait, stop… what exactly is it you’re asking me, Ellia?” He was so glad he wasn’t drinking anything, that was NOT the question he had been expecting. “Ms. Rose… had pictures.” He admitted gruffly, trying not to remember that, or those pictures, in vivid detail.

“Please – PLEASE tell me you confiscated them or…fuck, she could’ve made copies.  Oh my god…” Elliana scrubbed a hand down her face, tears burning her eyes and her hand was shaking while pressing the phone to her ear. “Mandy has those pictures of me.  That means…Colby probably put her up to this.  Seducing me to get those pictures, so she could show you and split us up like they wanted.  Then chase you out of the company and Colby could rise to power again with her by his side.” It all made sense.  Everything was falling into place and piecing together. “Jon…if those pictures surface online…” Christ, her reputation would be in the toilet and there was no way the new company and the owners would want her as their Executive Vice President. “I have to go.” Hanging up, she tossed the phone on the bed and buried her face in her hands, not realizing how serious this situation was until her talk with Kairi.  If Colby and Mandy wanted to, they could ultimately destroy her with those pictures.

“Ellia?” Kairi hesitantly walked into the bedroom and her shoulders dropped when she seen her friend. Elliana was laying on the bed now, her shoulders shaking and a pillow to her face. There was something, pictures or a video clip. Slowly, she sat down and placed a hand on Elliana’s back, rubbing slow circles. “He’s a lawyer, he can… he can fight this on your behalf if something does wind up online…” Not that that would do anything to save Elliana’s reputation. Would Colby Lopez really want HIS face plastered online, having sex with someone? Probably. He was a bastard. “And we don’t know that anything is up there…” Maybe Jon could sue whoever was storing the clips for whichever phone or whatnot, and have them removed. She wasn’t a lawyer, she had no idea how any of this worked, but there had to be SOMETHING they could do.

Slowly, she pulled the pillow from her face and sat up, wiping her tears away, even though they kept falling. “Mandy Rose has pictures of me and Colby fucking in my office.” Her voice cracked from the intense emotion filtering through her voice. “T-They can ruin me with those pictures.” She could only imagine what position Colby had Mandy take them in and suddenly rushed to the bathroom, throwing up the contents of her stomach. 

Kairi didn’t follow, wrinkling her nose and waited until Elliana finished before walking in to help clean her up.  Would Jon be able to help her with this situation?  Would he even still want her if those pictures were blasted all over the Internet and social media?  Kairi ran her a bath and got Elliana into it, helping her friend out the best way she knew how, trying to soothe her because the woman was a ball of nerves. After the bath, Kairi made Elliana some soup and crackers before sending her to bed with Melatonin, not surprised when it knocked her out within a half hour.  Instead of leaving, Kairi cleaned up the condo and decided she wasn’t leaving her friend until she was sure Elliana didn’t need her help anymore.  Or until Jon returned to take over.

Once again, Elliana slept for another 14 hours straight and didn’t move an inch, though she did have nightmares about Colby and Mandy and those pictures.

Jon arrived while Elliana was still asleep, somehow not surprised to find Kairi there but it was surprising all the same. What a weird contradiction. “I didn’t do anything about the pictures.” He admitted when she let him inside, hearing her groan and felt like slapping his own stupid self. In his defense, he hadn’t been in any good state of mind when he had seen them, he had just barely managed to not smash that cell phone to bits. Which wouldn’t have done a damn bit of good in the long run because Mandy had most likely uploaded them to a server or something. “I can, however, file claims to those pictures on Elliana’s behalf, if that’s what she wants to do.” Of course, then it would become public knowledge that said pictures existed but he had done an Internet search and nothing had popped up… so there was that. For now.

That was Kairi’s next question. “Is there anything on the Internet right now?” Jon shook his head and she sighed with relief, glancing at Elliana’s closed bedroom door, worry shining in her eyes. “Convince her to see someone, Jon.  She needs to talk to someone about what happened because it’s traumatized her.  I’ve never seen her this…broken before, not even when she was struggling to pay her bills and survive.  I really think therapy or counseling will help her forgive herself for what she did as well as heal from what happened with Lopez.” That was from her point of view; it was ultimately Elliana’s decision. “I’m just trying to give you some advice and telling you what I’ve seen.  She said she’s not a believer in them, but I don’t think she’ll get through this without some kind of help.”

Jon actually agreed with Kairi on this, having thought long and hard about Elliana’s current mental state. Her taking off from the diner and WALKING that long distance, throughout Las Vegas, had scared the piss out of him. “I’ll talk to her, see if I can’t get to at least give it a try.” He mulled over the possibility of making her returning to work contingent on at least trying therapy but he had a feeling Elliana would tell him to sit and spin and go back to looking for grunt work. Depressed she may be but she was still headstrong and stubborn as a bull. No… he’d talk to her and not force stipulations on her, that would only make her pull further away from him and that was the very last thing he wanted.

“Thank you.  And for the record, I’m sorry for my part to play in this mess.  It was my idea to keep her on the website and I…sorta scared her.  I didn’t know what your intentions were and I was looking out for her, both personal and financial.  So, in a way, this is my fault she stayed on the website, hooked up with the scumbag dickface and…lied to you.” Kairi really felt like a piece of shit right now, lowering her eyes and cleared her throat. “Tell her to call me whenever she wakes up, please.” She walked past Jon and went out the door, unable to meet the man’s eyes.  Guilt really was a bitch to deal with.

What the… hell? While Jon appreciated the sentiment, he supposed, the truth was that this was all on Elliana. She was a smart woman, she had a moral compass, she knew what she was doing. She just had serious self-esteem issues and that left a window open for shit to creep in. Like Colby fucking Lopez, for example. What a mess. Sighing, he ran his hands over his head before walking into the very clean, very bleachy smelling condo and wrinkled his nose. He made his way to the bedroom and leaned in the door, just staring at the sleeping Elliana. One way or another, he’d convince her to talk to a therapist, if that’s what it took to pull her out of this, he would do it.

Therapy wasn’t an option for Elliana.  She had bad experiences a child with a therapist and vowed to never use them again.  No, she woke up, after getting some much-needed rest, and realized she couldn’t do anything about the photographs.  If Colby and Mandy wanted to be vindictive and post them online, there was nothing she could do about it.  Living in fear of that wasn’t an option either.  Elliana had woken up that following late morning to the sight of Jon beside her, his arm draped around her waist holding her close.  The first words out of his mouth were ‘I love you’ followed by a kiss.  They made out for a while, just kissing and touching, becoming reacquainted with each other in every way possible except sex.  As much as Elliana wanted to do it, they couldn’t until she fully forgave herself for what she did to him.

Elliana was strong and bull-headed, just like Jon thought, and little by little, she began coming around.  The guilt was slowly disappearing with each actual date she went on with Jon.  No bailing this time.  He was proving to her with actions how much he wanted and loved her, so that helped a great deal too.  Sometimes, it took a person breaking completely down and having a couple bad days in a row to make them wake up and see the light.  In the meantime, the company was going through a complete revamp, so everyone was paid three months of vacation while everything was sorted out.  It just gave Elliana more time to spend with Jon and do whatever came to mind – the man was full of surprises and he even started lightening up a bit when it came to showing his wealth around her.

Technically, revamp wasn’t the word. The ‘take-over’ was official and the building itself was being remodeled on the inside, new floor plans, etc. the works. When everyone returned to work, they’d meet the new bosses and new faces, it would… be hilarious actually. He still hadn’t told Elliana about what he had done, figuring he had played this waiting game this long, he’d just see it through. That… and he didn’t need word escaping to ANYONE just what was truly going on. It’d be his luck Colby and Mandy found a way to fuck it up for everyone.

Chapter 41

It was late October, the summer was long gone, but in Vegas, it never got too cold.  At night a little bit, but nothing past 50 degrees – 40 tops.  Tonight it was a crisp 65 degrees outside and Elliana had all of her windows open in the condo, letting the fresh breeze inside.  She had stopped wearing all black, currently in midnight blue cotton shorts, just like her black and white ones, with a match tank top, her hair up in a messy bun.  Pushing the vacuum back and forth, she was dancing to a song on the radio and didn’t hear her doorbell ring until she shut the machine down for a moment.  Raising a brow, she walked over to see who it was since she knew Jon wasn’t coming over tonight.  Unless he changed his mind, which wouldn’t be completely out of left field.  The man did that a lot.

It was not Jon. Jon was busy with some project on his house, which he apparently was now busy remodeling and changing. It was big news, he had created a fair few new jobs for the season on this deal alone. Must be nice, being rich, not having to worry about shit. Colby Lopez, former bigwig, former male clerk and now current bus boy, wished a horrible, painful death on Jon Good. Not that that would show on his face, he flashed his charming smile, brown eyes turning concerned when Elliana moved to slam the door in his face and quickly stopped her. “What?” His tone was innocent, and puzzled.

“I don’t care why you’re here and I’m not even going to ask.  You are not welcome here, Lopez.  Get the fuck off my property or ELSE.” Elliana would not warn him twice and pointed at him, twirling her finger to tell him to turn the hell around and crawl back into the hole he came from. “Now or I will call the police.” She also had a secret security measure installed in her condo, in case there was an intrusion and all she had to do was say one particular word.  Jon had made sure she was covered when he bought this place for her. “You have three seconds.”

“What the hell is your damage, Ellie?” If he had to guess, he would assume she knew about the photos Mandy had took but how did that implicate him? He had been pretty damn convincing, or at least that’s what he thought. Last he knew, she was jobless and the only reason she lived in this fancy, posh condo was because her pimp had bought it for her before kicking her whoring ass to the curb. Those thoughts flashed briefly in his eyes before disappearing. “Beautiful, what did I do?” Colby caught her hand when she went to twirl her damn finger again, not about to be dismissed by a stupid, childish gesture. “Ellie.”

Elliana warned him, didn’t she?  Yes, she did.  And he put his hands on her, technically, so she did the only logical thing.  She nailed him right between his legs, dropping him like a sack of potatoes on her porch. “I know what you and Mandy did together, Lopez.  I know it was all a ploy to get me out of the company, so you could sneak in and reclaim MY job!  You think I was really that stupid?  You didn’t think I would figure it out, did you?  Your little blonde whore informed her little friends at the firm, before it was bought out, mind you, of the whole plan you and her cooked up together.  So if you want to blame someone for your misfortunes, go talk to her and LEAVE. ME. ALONE.” Slamming the door, she made sure to bounce it off his skull and flipped the lock on it, feeling anger pulsating through her.  She would give him ONE MORE CHANCE to leave of his own accord, with his shrunk balls and then she was calling security.

Oh that HURT. Colby couldn’t leave even if he wanted too. He lay there on her porch, cradling his broken crotch. Considering he hadn’t threatened her or tried entering the house… he had a fairly reasonable claim of assault. She had asked him leave once… yeah, that was excessive force on her part. Except he didn’t want to call the cops, he began laughing while crying, still holding his balls. If she had broken something… “Bitch… you’ll pay for that.” He rasped, finally rolling onto his stomach. The world lurched and then he puked, all over his hands and her porch. “Fuck!”

No, Colby had put his hands on her by grabbing her finger and it hadn’t been gently either.  He MORE than deserved that shot to the balls for everything he’d done to her, even if the sex wasn’t half bad with him.  He still lied and deceived her, all to steal her job and destroy her relationship with Jon!  She could feel the anger in that hold and figured she would strike him first before he could get to her.  Trembling slightly, Elliana immediately dropped what she was doing to call Jon, leaving him a message to call her back as soon as possible.  This was considered an emergency.  Then, she glanced out the window and saw Colby’s car was still here, trying to call Jon again. “Please answer, please!” She begged, pacing a hole in her living room floor and drew the blinds down to where Colby couldn’t see into her condo.

Colby couldn’t exactly leave, he was still dry heaving both his testicles up and out on her porch. While also cursing a blue streak.

“Darlin’, I love you, but I’m in the middle of a workout.” Jon had answered, out of breath from the run he had been on. He had stopped when the cell -which was connected to his Bluetooth and he had been using it for music- wouldn’t stop ringing. He frowned, hearing a garbled explanation and the fear and tears in her voice. “Call the police, I’m on my way.” He was already heading back towards the house.

Call the police?!  Was Jon out of his MIND?  If this got out…she wrinkled her nose, hearing Colby retching on her porch and groaned, knowing she would have to get him out of here with a police escort.  Sighing, she did as Jon ordered and called the police and then put her vacuum away, turning her television on to drown out Colby’s retching.  That was disgusting, what kind of sick human being vomited on the porch of someone they seduced and hurt?

The kind of sick human being who had been jacked in the dick, that’s who! Being kicked in the balls was like having them driven right up into your body. It made your stomach clench up, your chest heave, the whole painful kit ‘n kaboodle. Colby finally roll onto his side, away from his vomit and just tried to focus on breathing. Now he wanted to wrap his hands around that fat bitch’s throat and squeeze. But no… no, he wouldn’t do that, he had something else in mind, something better. He groaned when he heard sirens in the distance, already knowing they were coming here.

When Jon arrived on the scene, he was not surprised at all by what had happened though he did bring his lawyer game as well as his checkbook, just in case.

A knock sounded at her door about 5 minutes later, blue and red lights from the police car flashing at her windows.  Elliana hesitantly opened up and immediately felt like vomiting herself at the STENCH of Colby’s vomit all over her porch and on her door.  She quickly ushered the police in, seeing Colby was already in cuffs in the back of the squad car.  Jon pulled up at that moment and she let him inside as well, immediately taking his hand while the police questioned her about what happened.  Elliana was truthful, explaining the situation and how Colby grabbed her finger roughly, showing them the slight bruise forming on it. “He was trying to shove into my house unwelcomed and uninvited, grabbed my finger when I ordered him to leave and I reacted on instinct, sir.”

“By…”

“Kicking him in the groin.”

Both officers winced at that since they were men and knew that pain all too well. “Because he grabbed your finger and tried forcing his way inside?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Very well, we will be in touch with you.  We are taking Mr. Lopez to the precinct and you are pressing charges, correct?”

“Yes.” Elliana refused to let the bastard get away with this and leaned against Jon, who had shown his face directly at Colby on his way inside the condo with a shit eaten grin on his face.

“Very well, thank you for your time, Ms. Long.”

The police officers walked out and she closed the door behind them, locking it.

Jon made her show him the security footage, stroking his chin. “He’s not actually forcing himself into the house.” He said finally, shaking his head. “He held the door open when you tried shutting it, and he did grab your hand, but he didn’t try to get inside. Be ready when he posts bails and returns the charges by pressing them against you for assault.” Because that’s exactly what slime like Colby Lopez would do, even if they were in the wrong, they’d still go out of their way to make hell.

Not entirely true. Colby had used his phone call and did two things with it. Asked that his lawyer be sent down to the precinct and gave his ‘okay’ on releasing a great new porn production. He was going to need money to pay this ridiculous, trumped up charge anyway.

“He was going to do it, Jon, and you and I both know it.” Elliana would be ready for the charges to be sent back at her, not caring.  Colby MORE than deserved that shot to the dick after everything he’d done to her and put her through. “Just when I’m in a good place in my life, just when I’m starting to feel better, he has to come along and try to put me back in that dark place again.” It’d been three months since her breakdown from hell and she had picked herself up, dusted herself off and went on with her life. “Fuck him.  He thought he was gonna come here and get a piece of ass and I told him twice to leave and he didn’t listen to me.  Then he grabbed my finger,” She held up the bruised finger. “Roughly, I might add, which constitutes as assault in my book because it left a mark on me.  No, fuck him and law enforcement if they actually come back at me with assault charges.  I want a restraining order against him, so he can’t come to my home anymore.”

“You have to prove that he’s a danger to you, Elliana.” Jon said patiently, holding up his hands when she glared at him. “Look, I’m telling you what any other lawyer worth his salt would. On video, to someone impartial, he didn’t try to come in, he grabbed your finger, and you nailed him in the balls. The bruise goes in your favor for sure, but you told the cops he was trying to get in, when he wasn’t. If they come and ask for your security footage, you’re going to wind up in trouble for lying and he’s going to be out without anything but a reprimand.” This was the shittiest part of being a lawyer, when in a scared or frantic state, most people -women, because statistically women were more likely to be the victim then men- didn’t necessarily think or say what was the impartial truth because there was that fear coloring it, the what-if’s, or ‘would have done’s’. “Do you want me to have the footage scrambled?” Illegal? Yes. Detectable? Only if they really wanted to get nosy and he highly doubted it over something like this.

“No.  Just…delete it.  Or do whatever you want.  It’s pretty fucking shitty how a woman defends herself against an asshole and that asshole will get off clean.  Unbelievable.  I’m going to bed.” Not caring it was only 7 PM at night, this exhausted Elliana and she didn’t want to deal with this situation anymore.  Why couldn’t Colby just leave the hell alone?  She slammed her bedroom door and slid into bed, knowing Jon would show himself out.  Tears slid down her cheeks as she curled up in a tight ball and shut her eyes.  Tonight just knocked her back a few steps, thanks to Colby’s antics.  There wasn’t a doubt in her mind he would’ve forced himself into her home if she hadn’t stopped him with that kick to his jewels.

Jon scrambled it quietly, leaving her to be pissy. He never said it was right or it was fair, but that was how it worked. He had seen good people lose because how they thought the world should work -where good and justice naturally prevailed- and how it actually ran, were usually different. Evidence was a big factor here, logic, not emotions, not what someone felt in their gut and as a lawyer… he had given her the run down. As her ‘boyfriend’, though now he felt more like a giant douche nozzle and she apparently thought the same because he had been trying to help her with the logistics if Colby -who wasn’t a lawyer but had a great idea of how that went- decided to be a cock.

When Elliana woke up the next morning, she received the text she’d been dreading for the past three months.  Kairi had texted her in big bold letters ‘WATCH THIS OMG!’ and she regretted hitting the link almost as soon as the screen popped up.  There she was, bent over her desk in her office like a bitch in heat with Colby pounding the stuffing out of her.  It was some kind of porn site and that blonde whore had gotten FOOTAGE of her fornicating with Colby, not just pictures! “Christ…” Elliana tossed her phone to the side and let out a scream before rushing to the bathroom to empty the contents of her stomach.  After she finished, she contemplated texting Jon and decided against it, thinking he was probably angry with her for how she treated him the previous night.  And he would probably want nothing to do with her after seeing this splattered all over the Internet.

Except Kairi had text him as well, demanding that he try getting it pulled. Jon had watched a small bit of the film, groaning. On one hand, that wasn’t something he wanted to see. The woman he loved obviously enjoying fucking another man. On the other, the logical, cold part of him was already working out how to handle this. Providing Elliana wanted to retain his services, he obviously couldn’t do jackshit on his own. Whether she wanted to see him or not, he was going over there and not giving her the choice.

Mail Clerk Fucks Chubby Boss, Mandy was a genius and had tagged it with everything she could just to get more hits.

Chapter 42

When a knock sounded at her door an hour later, Elliana wasn’t in the mood for company and ignored it.  That was until she heard Jon’s voice through the door. “Damn it, Kairi…” She groaned, wanting to kill her friend for contacting him and opened the door, letting him inside to close the door behind him.  The shades were drawn and hardly any lights were on as she plopped on the couch and leaned her head back against the couch. “You saw it, I take it?”

“Sign this.” Yes, yes he had and he was holding up a document stating that she had employed him as her attorney and given him power to pursue any and all legal action against this defaming video that she had not known about, or given permission to post. He was going to bring all his wrath down on Colby Lopez and Mandy Rose. “Sign it Ellia, or I’ll just go find them and kill them both with my bare hands.” He growled when she hesitated, having an inner battle with himself because he DID want to strangle those sick pricks with his hands. He also did not want to go to prison, he’d never see her again.

“Can I READ it first?  Geez…” Elliana grumbled, not meaning to snap on him, but she was tense at the moment and read through the document. “Do you have a pen?” Jon whipped one out and she leaned forward to scrawl her signature on it, using the coffee table.  She handed it back to Jon, not sure what to say to the man at the moment.  The past had been dragged up again and they hadn’t had sex in three months – it was almost like they weren’t even dating.  She didn’t know what they were anymore and this definitely wouldn’t help matters any. “Thank you.  I’m sorry you have to go through all over again.”

“Don’t be, it’s not my reputation about to take a beating.” Jon said with a sigh, dropping down onto the couch and tucked the paper away in the briefcase he had brought, procuring a few more. “Sign these next, I’ll have them filed ASAP. I’m going to try to get that video pulled down and see about having the web provider subpoenaed to give us the legal name and information of whoever posted that video.” Mandy or Colby, and then he’d sue whichever for whatever they had and then some on her behalf. “If anyone downloaded it… that’s not something we can pursue, it would be on a massive scale darlin’…”

“I know.” Elliana remembered a similar case to this a year ago with a woman’s husband spraying countless flyers all over the city he printed out.  It was of his cheating wife in bed with his best friend and she had sued him for every dime he was worth for defamation.  And won.  Maybe she would win too. “I have a feeling the new company won’t want anything to do with me once this gets out, Jon, so…I’m not taking the job.  I know you’re probably disappointed with that, but…there’s no way to keep something like this quiet in Vegas.”

“Well… if we spin it right… we can make this look bad for them, and obviously you’re the victim.” Jon wasn’t surprised by her assertion she wouldn’t be taking the job. He was going to have to confess his little secret, though what if that didn’t change her mind? Scooting over, he let his arm rest along the back of the couch, his fingers dangling down far enough to caress her neck beneath her hair. “Ellia… there’s something about this take-over, I should probably tell you.” And please don’t get mad… he mentally prayed, hoping she would understand why he had been playing this one close to the chest. “The uh… buyer… is an LLC company, pretty new on the scene. With one sole owner…” She looked confused and he took a deep breath. “Me.”

Confusion instantly filled her eyes as she stared up at him, trying to register what he just told her. “But how…is that possible?  It WAS your company to begin with…” Was the buy-out a hoax, then?  Elliana wasn’t angry; there was no reason to be, but…this made absolutely no sense to her. “Okay, please explain what you’re talking about because my brain is mush right now.  What do you mean you’re the sole owner of this new company?  You were the sole owner of the firm, so did you just change the company type or…?” He pressed his finger to her lips, stopping her from rambling and she leaned into his fingers.  It felt so good being touched by this man and she needed his comfort, his strength, right now.

“Actually… it’s a bit… complicated but not complicated. With things the way they were, I couldn’t outright fire the people that needed to go. I could make life hell for them and force them into positions where they might quit, but firing them ALL? That would have been a class action lawsuit.” Jon said quietly, beginning to run his fingers through her hair. “So… after we split up, I took that time to think. Really think. And then I decided to do this. The LLC is tied to my name but… you remember Joe? My mechanic buddy? He’s agreed to be my public face when I need him too,” And he would obviously be getting paid because Joe was not a ‘public’ person and had only agreed if he didn’t have to wear a monkey suit. “On paper, it says I’m Joe’s backer, and he does technically now own about 20% of the company.” Which meant the man and his family were set for life. “But I’ll run it and run it MY way, with all those fucks fired and gone, because now… now I can. No more bullshit, no more of these attempted coups, none of it. It’s a fresh start for the firm.”

This man amazed her.  Astounded her.  Made her crazy in a good way.  So it will still be a firm, but the company name would change as well as Joe being at the forefront of the line.  Elliana would be answering to Joe and Joe would answer to Jon.  There was a chain of command that would be set in stone, unlike before, even though Jon tried implementing it. “That’s incredible, Jon.” She took his hand and laced their fingers together, once again getting lost in his eyes like so many times. “Joe won’t let you down.  I can tell you two are close and have worked together in the past.” Her car was the perfect example of that. “So you bought your own company, but everybody thinks it’s Joe?”

“Wait, stop… hold on, Joe is only a face for the company, he doesn’t know jackshit about running a law firm and he has no official power outside of being able to check my ass if I start fucking up again.” He needed to make that clear. Joe was a mechanic, he had gone to trade school, not college, and was, technically, not equipped to be anyone’s boss at the firm. Not that that would matter in the grand scheme of things. “I bought my own company and people will think I’m backing Joe unless they go digging and even then, it won’t matter because this is all perfectly legal. With Joe having 20%, he can give input but he has no real power. Joe already told me he doesn’t give a rat’s ass about this, he likes the paycheck he’ll get though.” He chuckled, shaking his head. Joe was honest, brutally so, which he appreciated in his friend. “So… I am still your boss, Ellia.”

Why did that send a shiver down her spine?  The thought of this man being her boss again sent tingles throughout her body. “Good.  Because if I’m taking this job, I don’t want to answer to anyone except you.” It had broken her heart when he sold the firm, after she quit on him because of the whole cheating scandal with Colby.  Things were a tad different now because he could run the company how HE saw fit instead of answering to people who thought they could upstage the boss.  Moving, Elliana swung her leg over his to settle comfortably on his lap, straddling him, and caught his lips with hers, cupping his bearded face in her soft hands.  Not only was she with her boss, but also her new lawyer that would destroy Colby Lopez and Mandy Rose, hopefully. “I love you, and I’m sorry for being a bitch.  We’re still okay, right?”

“All things considered, I wasn’t expecting you to be happy go lucky, Ellia,” He said dryly, the hint of a grin quirking his lips as he let his hands settle on her curvy hips. Her reaction had hurt sure but it hadn’t been surprising either. He didn’t know how he would respond if that had been him in her shoes, having your sexual affairs blasted on the Internet like that… no thanks. “I have to go file these papers darlin’,” He rumbled, kissing the corner of her mouth. “If the emergency junction goes through, we could have that order by tomorrow morning…” Unless she kept distracting. It had been a very long three months, living on bread, water, and sometimes his hand.

This day would’ve come sooner or later and Elliana had resigned herself to that fact. “I’m not happy about what Colby and Mandy did.  Believe me, but…I’m happy with you, Jon.  I’m happy you’re still gonna be my boss and…you make me happy.  I don’t know how else to describe it.” Elliana wouldn’t bother trying either as her lips trailed down his strong jaw to his neck, pressing herself further against him.  She had been living on bread, water and her finger or vibrator, which pleasured her well enough, but there was nothing quite like being with Jon intimately.  The only thing holding her back was if he trusted her or not.  She had forgiven herself for what she did to Jon, but she wouldn’t pull the trigger on full intimacy unless she knew he trusted her completely again.

She was going to make him forget all about filing this paperwork and rushing to get that video down and the names of who had posted it… and the part of Jon that desperately missed their physical connection did not care one bit. “I love you too,” He rumbled, tilting his head back to give her full access to his throat. This was at her pace. It had been a long time for them and he wanted her to be comfortable, take things at her own speed, and he thanked the stars he had handled his own ‘business’ last night otherwise he would have likely wound up exploding in his jeans like a 13 year old boy.

She smiled against his skin, knowing he had to go file the paperwork immediately to get this going.  The sooner he went, the sooner the video WOULD be taken down, hopefully. “I need to ask you something,” Honesty.  They were completely and brutally honest with each other and that would not change.  Elliana pulled back reluctantly to stare into his eyes and brushed her lips softly against his. “Do you trust me?  I know seeing it on video doesn’t help matters any, but…I want only you, Jon.  I want you in every way possible, but I need to know you trust me.” She wasn’t sleeping with a man she loved who didn’t trust her.

“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t trust you, Ellia.” Jon said honestly, studying her thoughtfully. He had thought about that long and hard, finally seeing things a bit from her perspective. Granted, that hadn’t made what she had done right or any easier to deal with for awhile, but it had also given him a better understanding of just how overwhelming of a force he had been in her life. He had swept in with money, cars, a new house, a high position job… it was easy to see how she would have serious issues about how he viewed her, or think that maybe if he was flighty enough to do all of that on a ‘whim’ he may be inclined to take it all back on another whim.

“But you said…”

“Forget what I said.  I trust you.  Completely.”

Those words were music to her ears. “I promise to never hurt you like that again, Jon.” She rested her forehead against his, breathing him in with a newfound intensity and love, caressing his t-shirt covered chest.  The way this man dressed down instead of in stuffy suits these days was very refreshing and inviting.  His ass looked great in the tight jeans he wore too.  This was definitely a step in the right direction for their relationship, which they had been working on and building. “Tonight.  My place or yours?  I’ll cook dinner for us.” She offered, rubbing her nose against his and softly brushed her lips against his.  They didn’t always have to go out in the city and she wanted tonight to be as intimate and one-on-one as possible.

“Here is good.” Jon smiled, bringing his hands up to cup her face. His house was still in a half state of disaster from the remodel going on. He preferred to keep her away from that mess until it was finished. He might someday regret what he was doing, since it basically wiped out most of designs of his uncle but… Jon had been doing a lot of things for his uncle, who was dead. He knew damn well that old man had ultimately wanted Jon to be happy so here they were. “I’m going to go file these,” he kissed her again, slowly. “Go grab a bag…” And another kiss. “Come back here…” The next kiss was full of fiery promises.

It left her completely breathless once the kiss broke, her eyes a deep, dark forest green instead of the usual emerald stones.  It wasn’t nearing dinnertime, but at least she had already defrosted some steaks to toss on the George Foreman grill she had purchased.  She just had to marinate them in some Worcestershire sauce and they would melt in their mouths.  It was a beauty, 7-in-1 contraption that could even make waffles, surprisingly enough. “I’ll have lunch waiting for you when you get back.” They would need all their strength because Elliana had a feeling she wasn’t getting any sleep tonight.  Neither was Jon.  He lifted her off him and she walked him to the door, kissing him one final time on his way out.

Neither saw the narrowed brown eyes watching Jon and Elliana exchange a kiss before he left her place.  So it WAS official.  Elliana and Jonathan Good were back on!

If those two were back together and Elliana knew about the video and pictures being uploaded, then Jon knew. If Colby knew Jon’s stupid, over posturing ass, Jon was going to go straight to the courthouse on Elliana’s behalf. Maybe they should put that video and those pictures elsewhere, across more servers, get it out and spread before it was pulled down. Yeah… they’d do that. And didn’t he have his own of Mandy with Jon? Why yes, yes he did.

Colby was going to be in HOT water if he spread the video all over the Internet because of the defamation.  That was on him, though.  He would have to pay out the backside in legal fees, court fees and not to mention being sued to hell and back by Elliana.

Chapter 43

“What do you mean they’re back together?!  SINCE WHEN?!”

“I don’t fucking know, stop yelling at me, Mandy!”

“This is bullshit, Colby!  This whole point of this was to drive Jonathan Good out of his own company and now we are without jobs!  We really fucked ourselves and now you want to fuck us even more with this video?!  I want out.” Mandy was backhanded for her troubles and sent sprawling to the floor, with Colby stalking her. “P-Please, I don’t want to do this…”

Oh, she was going to do this or Colby would take care of this loose end.  In fact, he may do it anyway and ripped her up by her blonde hair to bend her over, taking her forcefully.  Maybe next time, Mandy would think before she got involved with a fellow coworker, who was turning into a psychotic, raping bastard.

The entire time, Colby envisioned Elliana in this position, taking her ass for his own and the sounds of Mandy screaming sounded incredible.

Mandy uploaded the videos after that, doing it from a standing position with an ice pack between her ass cheeks and tears streaming down her face. Colby had really lost his mind over this. She had wanted petty revenge and a better job, maybe some respect… instead she had wound up with something much worse and she was genuinely afraid for her life. “There… it’s everywhere I could submit it.” She announced tearfully.

“Good.” He rested his chin on her shoulder, staring at the screen -her computer, her account- thoughtfully. IF Jon could get an emergency junction, the order would be sent out ASAP and then it was up to the porn providers to either argue it -which was something that happened a lot- or just submit the information requested. Either way… it was done now.

“You know, if you would’ve just been a good little girl and done as you’re told, I wouldn’t have had to punish you.” Colby crooned, kissing her shoulder and tightened his arm around her slim waist, his lips sealing to her neck. “Mmm…we’re in this together, Mandy.  There’s no turning back now, you know that, right?” She agreed to do this and she would see the plan to its fruition…or things would not be pleasant for her going forward. “Now then, on your knees…” He pushed her down to where she knelt before him, his dick semi-hard and grabbed her roughly by the back of her hair. “If you even THINK about biting me, I’ll make it to where your jaw is wired shut for life.  Now suck my dick, my little whore.”

Mandy did as she was told through tears, even swallowing just like Colby instructed and wished there was some way out of this nightmare.

~!~

Jon had NO idea about the new servers or anything, or that Colby Lopez had officially went off the deep end of spite and into vicious obsession. He had gone and filed all that paperwork, paying the fees to have it processed and pushed through to the judge ASAP. Then it was back to his place to grab a bag with some clothes and personal items, and off to the races. He had also grabbed a shower, figuring it wouldn’t hurt to arrive clean and smelling good, since Vegas heat wasn’t kind to anyone, even millionaires. He pulled up into Elliana’s drive, smiling at the sight of her out on the steps, taking in those cotton shorts. He was going to invest stock in those… 

The shorts she had on today were burnt orange.  She had gone online and got them in every color because Jon loved them on her so much.  Something about they sealed to every curve of her ass and she did love enticing her man.  No lingerie was needed with these cotton shorts.  The top was a red and orange swirl design that was strapless – a tube top with a built-in bra.  Her boobs weren’t huge and they fit snug in these perfectly.  She smiled as he stepped out of his truck and stood up on the step, her hair up in a messy, damp bun on top of her head.  After she made lunch, she took a quick shower and shaved, already knowing what was about to transpire between them.  They had to eat first and then Jon could finally have his wicked way with her and claim her body for his own again. “Welcome back.  Everything squared away?” He nodded and then lowered his mouth to hers, her arms instantly wrapping around his neck to press against him.

Jon used one hand to toss his bag up by the door before picking her up effortlessly, feeling Elliana’s strong legs wrapping around his waist. That was a familiar feeling though one he hadn’t felt properly in a long time and he returned the kiss, pouring everything he could into it. He wasn’t going to lie, there was a lot of lust in it. “Glad to see me, darlin’?” He teased breathlessly when they parted for air, stepping up and then inside the house before finally letting her down. He stepped out long enough to grab his bag before locking the door behind him. No interruptions, not after all this time.

“Always.” Elliana was a little breathless herself and could feel the hunger for him overwhelming her.  Who needed lunch?  They could always eat later on after a proper reconciliation. “I love it when you lift me up while we kiss.” She admitted, gasping when he did it again and captured her mouth, her fingers gripping as much short hair as she could.  Jon did not have to be told where to go or what to do, already heading down the hallway toward her bedroom, kicking the door closed behind him.  Elliana was a little nervous, her stomach tightening and felt him sink down on her bed with her straddling him, reluctantly pulling out of the kiss.  Then, she pulled the tube top up over her head, exposing her bare breasts to his vision and chewed her bottom lip nervously, shyly.  What if he didn’t still think she had a banging body?  What if he thought she was disgusting after all this time?

He figured she did, women in general liked being picked up and made to feel weightless, or maybe it was a princess / romance movie expectation thing. Elliana had thought she was ‘fat’ or something, until her confidence exploded and Jon liked to think he maybe had a part to play in that. She was a beautiful, vivacious woman with all the right curves and just the right amount of thick. Anything scrawnier and he would have probably broken the poor woman by now. He realized she was nervous, his gaze had been solely on those delicious tits, and he bent down, dropping a kiss on the corner of her mouth, his palms skimming up her sides until he was palming said delicious tits in each of his strong hands. “Gorgeous.” He rumbled, his mouth caressing her jawline, moving down.

Elliana had been trying to eat better, to be in better shape since Jon was a brick house and worked out almost on a daily basis.  It showed by his incredible physique and she didn’t want him thinking she was some fat slob.  That article line about a Mail Clerk banging his fat boss…was she really that fat?  Elliana pushed all other thoughts firmly out of her mind as soon as Jon began rolling her nipples between his fingers and let out a soft, low moan, her hands already sliding up his beater to push it up over his head. “Fuck, I missed you so much, Jon…” She breathed out, lulling her head back to shut her eyes as his mouth enclosed on her right nipple, making her shiver.  Warmth enveloped her that had nothing to do with the hot Vegas heat outside.

That byline on the video was just spite, Elliana was thick not fat, there was a very big difference. No pun or joke intended. “I missed you too.” More than he would ever be able to verbally express but he damn sure meant to show her with actions. The beater was tossed to the side and he began working his way down her body, fingers hooking into the waistband of those awesome shorts. “I want to taste you, Ellia.” No need for supper, he had dessert waiting on him.

His tongue hadn’t delved in her pussy in well over three months.  It’d been three months since they got back together, but…longer for sex.  Much longer.  Probably a good six months or so, which was an estimate. “Devour me, Jon.” She whispered against his lips before shifting off his lap and lay flat on her back on the bed, reaching up to take the band out of her hair.  It splayed all around her in damp waves from her shower as he removed her shorts and panties, one at a time, just to make the anticipation that much more intense.  He hovered over her, sensually kissing her lips before moving down her jaw to her neck and chest, sliding his tongue down the valley of her breasts.  Driving her mad was his goal, she simply knew it as her thighs quaked, her pussy tingling and aching to feel his tongue again.

Driving her to insanity was definitely the goal and by the time he was finished with Elliana, she’d remember why she loved his talented tongue and equally talented cock almost as much as she loved him. He chuckled against her naval, feeling her stomach instinctively drawing in and nipped at the flesh just beneath her belly button, growling when she shuddered. His thumbs were tracing slow circles against her hips, ready to hold her down as he moved lower, finally positioning himself between those spread legs.

The moment, the second, his tongue touched her already dripping sex, Elliana’s world spiraled off its axes, or so it felt like. “Oh god, Jon…” She moaned out, looking down and watching him devour her pussy with that masterful tongue of his.  Her fingers gripped his very short hair before moving down his shoulders and arms while he held her in place.  All she wanted to do was grind her pussy into his mouth to make her cum and he wasn’t letting her, wanting to go at HIS pace. “Oh fuck baby, yes…” Her hands finally flew up to bury in her hair as she writhed, her thighs trembling on either side of his face as he began driving his tongue in and out of her, making sure to add fingers for added stimulation.

All at his pace, they would not be having a wham, bam, thank you ma’am physical reunion. There would be lots of foreplay, lots of teasing… lots of delicious, exquisite torture… and then they’d get to actual intercourse. Jon smirked, adding a bit of extra strength and forcing her to remain perfectly still outside of the tremors and shuddering her body could not help but perform. “Like that, darlin’?” He rumbled, keeping his lips near her clit just to send vibrations throughout her most sensitive zones. He was rewarded with a low moan and more quaking. He was going to take that as a ‘yes’ to his question.

“Jon…J-JON!” She cried out, feeling her first of many climaxes crash over her like a tsunami wave, shaking her body to its foundation.  Her body was coated in a fine sheen of sweat and trembling from the aftermath of the intense orgasm.  And Jon wasn’t done yet, yanking her to where her backside was on the edge with him knelt in front of her.  Her pussy was already sensitive while he continued pleasuring her greedily.  Maybe this was his way of paying her back and making her realize what she’d lost all those months ago. “I…I…I…JON!” This time she shrieked out, which didn’t happen often as another flood of hot juices flowed into his mouth, his growls of approval only intensifying the moment. “Y-You’re turn…”

“I’m not finished yet, you’re still able to talk, darlin’.” By the way she stammered and stuttered, and was breathing heavily, he figured he was at the very least… two more orgasms away from total near passing out. Jon had, because he needed his hands to add to the overall pleasure, let go of her hips so she was able to grind and move all she wanted. “I think you’ve got a bit more left to give, Ellia, don’t you?” He sucked her clit between his lips, vibrating his tongue against it and then had to place his palm on her lower stomach before she jacked his nose and jaw with her pubic bone.

“N-No…no god, please, I can’t take…anymore…!” Even as she said those words, her pussy continued moving up and down his tongue, grinding herself against his mouth as another climax began to build.  He growled and that was all she could take, crying out hoarsely.  Forcefully, Elliana crawled away from him, shaking her head because if he kept going, if he kept pleasuring her, she would pass out before they could get into the actual lovemaking. “Breathe…I need to breathe…fuck…” This man was going to kill her!

Smirking, Jon pulled himself back up onto the bed, kneeling there with his hands resting on his thighs as he just stared at her hungrily. He ran his tongue along his lips, still tasting her sweetness and his darkened eyes narrowed slightly. “Need some water, Ellia?” She was red, breathing like she had run a 10K and looked like she had as well, it was delicious. He nodded when she couldn’t answer, getting to his feet and heading for the kitchen. No good if she wound up dehydrated before they got to the next round. “Here.” He came back naked, his cock enjoying being free from its confines and passed over the bottle. “Better?”

Downing half that bottle in a few gulps, she capped it and tossed it to the side before rising to her knees, capturing Jon’s lips in a slow, sensual kiss.  She managed to lead him down on the bed and swung her leg over, straddling him, the kiss never breaking. “Much.” She murmured once the kiss broke, rubbing her nose against his and began gliding her still wet, aching pussy up and down the length of his pulsating cock. “It’s my turn to taste you, baby…lay back and enjoy…” It wasn’t a request as her lips trailed down his jaw to his neck, nibbling his Adam’s apple before venturing down his chest, leaving a trail of fire behind.

Yeah, Jon figured he would let her have a turn, though… if he were being honest, tasting her had left his cock begging for attention. He was already slick with precum, just from pleasuring her. That was what this woman did to him. All he had to do was taste her and he was raring to go, the connection on ALL fronts was undeniable, even after everything that had happened. Tucking his hands beneath his head to lace his fingers together, Jon watched as she worked her way down, noting she was taking a lot of time on his abs. “Is that what you really missed, Ellia?” He teased, his voice coming out a husky rasp.

She smiled up at him with twinkling forest green orbs and didn’t answer at first, finishing up with his abs before gliding her nails down his sides.  He shivered and it made her smile widen more at the effect she had on him. “Mmm, there’s not a single INCH of you I didn’t miss, baby.” Elliana assured him in a purr, lowering her head further to start gliding her tongue along the crevice of his legs, nibbling his thighs, paying attention everywhere except his twitching, pulsating cock.  She could feel it twitching and started stroking it to give it a little bit of attention while she teased and nipped his muscular, strong thigh. “Don’t worry, the only place you’re cumming is inside of me, but I want a little taste, a sample, of you first.” Without preamble, her mouth began gliding up and dock his shaft, treating it as if she was sucking a popsicle.

Chapter 44

Mouth. Pussy. His cock couldn’t always tell the difference but before coming over here, while in the shower… he had handled some business, just to ensure that his stamina was where it should be, he wasn’t popping his cork just by a little tongue. His hands twitched, tempted to grab hold of those long, silky tresses but he had forcefully held her down while he feasted, he should probably return the favor since she couldn’t overpower him. “Fuck all, woman!” He growled when he felt her warm hand cupping his balls, pretty sure his dick had just twitched a bit violently in her mouth.

Just to add more stimulation, much like he had, not only was she fondling his balls while suckling on his tip, but she was humming too.  It sent vibrations throughout his big, chiseled body, much like he’d done with his growling against her pussy earlier.  Payback was a bitch sometimes, but it also reaped benefits too.  Once she was sure he couldn’t take anymore, and he was on the verge of exploding, Elliana pulled her mouth away, nuzzling his cock with her nose before snaking her way up the length of his body. “Want me to ride you like a stallion, baby?” She purred against his lips, kissing him and wasn’t the least bit surprised when he rolled her, somewhat roughly, to lay on her back with him hovering over her. “Or not.” She giggled up at him, rather enjoying his dominance and caressed his chest with her hands while staring up into his eyes. “Take me Jon, make me yours again.  Only yours…”

“Only mine,” He growled, pressing his forehead against hers, their eyes locking as he positioned himself against her slick, inviting folds. “And only yours.” If he had told her that sooner, maybe they would have travelled a different path and things wouldn’t be so grim outside of this bedroom but… no point in dwelling on what might have been’s. They were here now and he made their physical reunion complete -FINALLY- by sliding home, stopping only once he was fully sheathed inside her receptive body. It was like everything clicked back into place and Jon began kissing her, trying to convey what he was feeling because words couldn’t express it.

Home, Elliana thought, holding onto him for dear life as her feet planted on the bedding to spread her legs wider for him.  Jon was slow, methodical in his thrusts, wanting this to last as long as humanly possible.  She didn’t blame him, she didn’t want it to end anytime soon either. “Jon…” She breathed out in a breathless moan, bringing his lips right back to hers to kiss him with equal fervor and passion.  Elliana more than felt what he did in his kisses and she wanted him to know she felt the same way – sometimes, actions spoke far louder than words.  Only when they needed oxygen to breathe did the kiss break and their eyes remained locked, foreheads pressed together as Jon drove in and out of her, a little harder and deeper with each thrust, slowly making love to her.  Colby had nothing on this man, even when Jon was being slow and sensual and she was a fool to think otherwise in the past.

Custom made just for him, from the tips of her toes to the top of her head and everywhere in between. Their connection, their chemistry was undeniable, off the charts, and he had missed her, in all ways, admittedly… quite a bit in the bedroom once they got back together minus the sex. He had screwed up before by not telling her the things he should have early enough, he had unwittingly let doubts and fears plague her and that had opened a door that they were still struggling to close. Never again. “I love you, Elliana.” He whispered, brushing his cheek against hers.

“I love you too, Jon, so much…” Elliana moaned out, feeling his hand slid down her leg to hitch it up to curl around his waist, opening her up even more.  Colby would never, ever be in this position with her again.  This position, this spot in her life, was filled by Jon and had been from the very first night they spent together.  The first date, followed by incredible, mindblowing sex that scared her.  The lavish gifts he bestowed on her all at once – all to help her.  Elliana vowed right then and there not to question Jon because he did love her, he did want to be with her and he was proving it in every slow, powerful thrust he produced inside her receptive body.  He wasn’t shagging her like normal, he was taking his time to properly make love to her, showing her with action he meant what he said.

Eventually Jon changed their positions, so he was spooning her almost, though they were definitely not sleeping. He dropped lazy kisses along her bare shoulders, one hand kneading her hip as she moved back to meet each gentle thrust. The other hand was intertwined with hers, resting above their heads on the pillows. Even at this slow pace, his entire body was layered in a fine sheen of perspiration and trembling almost as if he had run a marathon. Sliding from her hip, his fingers found her bundle of nerves, stimulating her even further. “You’re shaking.” He said softly in her ear, teeth nipping at her lobe.

‘Duh’ wasn’t the right comeback in this particular moment as Elliana nodded, whimpering at how amazing it felt being with Jon like this again. “S-So are you…” She could feel him trembling against her, both of them close to reaching their end. “I-I’m close…I’m so close, I can taste it…” She gritted out, turning her head to catch his lips with hers and moved her pussy against his fingers while meeting his thrusts, their bodies syncing as one, moving as one.  Elliana could not remember the last time between them, or any time for that matter, being this CONNECTED and intense.  It was not only off the charts, it was soaring to a different stratosphere.

They had been apart for what felt like an eternity on top of holding back from sex when they did reconcile. Yeah, this definitely was different from all the many times before. Maybe because they both realized what they had been about to lose, or because their connection, their bond was so much stronger. Probably both. “Cum for me, darlin’,” His lips were on her neck, suckling and biting gently as he felt her body beginning to quake, his own responding in kind. The build-up leading to their rapidly approaching climaxes guaranteed it was going to be beyond intense. “C’mon Ellia, I’m not going to be able to hold on much longer.” He was about to flood her.

His voice had gone lower and grittier than normal.  Jon was talking through his teeth and she cried out, feeling that familiar spring in her belly.  It truly was amazing how many times a woman could cum in one sitting when it came to sexual relations. “There!  Jon!” Elliana cried out louder, his name echoing around her as her hot juices flooded him and soon after, he exploded like a volcano inside of her, filling her to the brim with his seed.  Jon was thrusting like a madman, trying to get every ounce, every drop he could, out of both of them.  Elliana sagged to the bed in his arms, releasing his hand to drop her arm at her side and closed her eyes, trying to breathe all over again.

“Fuck…” He groaned when it felt like his body had just finished dehydrating itself, pretty sure he was going to be feeling it as soon as the euphoria faded. He didn’t pull away from her, just allowed his body to relax into hers without crushing her. “I feel better.” There was a hint of humor in his harsh voice, pressing soft kisses along her damp skin. Actually, he could have died right now and it would have been happily. “You going to make it darlin’?” He moved, rolling her onto her back and stared down into her face intently.

Tears were in her eyes from the intensity of their bout and she nodded, beginning to laugh softly. “I feel better too.” Despite everything that happened in the past 24 hours with Colby and Mandy, being with Jon again set her world straight again.  The sparkle and life was fully back in her emerald eyes and her face was glowing, reddened by the exertion Jon put her body through. “Come here.” She pulled him down on top of her, wanting to feel his weight and hugged him close, burying her face in the crook of his neck.

Jon let her revel in whatever it was she was feeling until he felt her tap his shoulder, rolling right back off of her and onto his side again. He watched as Elliana rolled so she was facing him, lazily tracing a finger along her curves. “You look happier.” The light was back in her eyes completely, not just the occasional twinkle. It was like all her doubts and fears had been finally put to rest and they both were well aware that a physical connection usually heightened the other more emotional ones. “Good.” He kissed her. “I like you better when you’re happy.” She was less prone to panic attacks and depression that way.

“I’m sorry for my craziness lately.  You’ve been so patient and understanding with me.” Elliana brushed her lips against his and caressed his bearded face, scooting closer to where she draped a leg over his, wanting to be close to him. “You know, even during our first go-around, which was amazing, it wasn’t anything like we just experienced.  That was…on another level entirely.” Would they be able to reach those kind of levels and heights again?  Only time would tell. “I love you and I feel completely with you now that we’re fully intimate again.” Sex was a HUGE part of a relationship – it showcased emotional and physical connection more than anything else.

“So you felt it too, it wasn’t just me then?” Jon felt relieved actually that it hadn’t just been him. That would’ve meant he was either in need of an MRI or he was more emotionally invested in this relationship and considering everything they had gone through over these past six months…. Yeah, that would have been bad all around. “You’re not allowed to cut me off, Ellia, just for the record. I will tie you down and have my way with you if you ever try.” He was mostly teasing. “Not that tying you down doesn’t sound like fun, because it does.” Black silk ropes… because he wouldn’t want to harm her in any lasting way, wrists and ankles tied down with just enough slack so he could move her, yeah. Sounded good.

“Just like dripping me in diamonds does too?” Elliana remembered that conversation vividly because Jon’s eyes had sparkled while talking about it.  Just like now. “Oh no, don’t get any crazy ideas, Jonny boy.” The look on his face told her it would happen.  She would have to deal with it and rolled her eyes, the smile never leaving her face. “Fine – drip me diamonds then as long as you make love to me, I don’t care what you put me in.  And for the record, tying me up DOES sound like fun, but not as fun as tying YOU up.”

“Tell you what, I can compromise,” Jon’s eyes were sparkling right now, both in amusement and a dash of something wicked. “I get you, in all your diamond covered glory and I will let you tie me up.” Of course, they would have to establish ground rules, such as his ass being off limits but other than that…. He was game. “We can negotiate while we eat,” He was pulling her out of the bed now, smirking when she groaned. “Oh no, Ellia, you’ll need the energy because we are FAR from done. Up woman, Jesus… You’re all limp and boneless.” Which was his fault and he was proud to admit it and he scooped her up into his arms.

“Mmm, I love it when you carry me.” Elliana murmured, leaning her head against his broad shoulder and kissed it, caressing his chest with her free hand.  She limp and boneless because she was completely relaxed.  There wasn’t a stressful bone or muscle in her body.  Her and Jon had finally reconciled intimately after a very long six months, but the wait had been more than worth it. “And I accept your compromise.  You can cover me in diamonds and, in turn, I get to tie you up with some silk scarves or handcuffs.” She grinned at his arched brow and softly kissed him as he set her down at the table. “And after I have my way with you, you can have your way with my diamond covered ass all you’d like.”

“Seriously?” Jon’s eyebrows rose as a smile spread across his lips. Hell. Yes. Of course, he’d have to get his hands on enough diamonds, but he could manage it. Borrowing them for a price wouldn’t be a problem. Providing he could get through explaining that expense away with his financial advisor at tax time with a straight face.  Setting Elliana down, he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her into him and kissed the top of her head. “Deal. My ass is off limits however.” Because there were lines, lines that were never meant to be violated. At least not without a LOT of liquor, maybe even a lot of drugs, and a gallon of baby oil. Even then, probably not.

She laughed at his ‘ass’ comment and shook her head, now looking disgusted. “I would NEVER go after your ass!  What do you take me for, Jonathan?  Some kinky sex goddess?” She rolled her eyes when he smirked at her and smacked his arm, kissing him to shut whatever comment he was about to say up. “Not that your ass isn’t worth going after, because it is, but I don’t like ass play when it comes to sex.  I just want to kiss and lick you from head to toe, drive you a little crazy…”

“That sounds like it’s going to drive me more than a little crazy, darlin’,” It sounded like pure torture actually, and his deflated cock gave a sad half-twitch at the thought. Yeah, he definitely needed to fuel up for another round. “I’m game.” He winked at her, slapping her ass. “Now, what’s for dinner, my kinky sex goddess?” He was going to get that put on her new name plaque when they went back to work. Maybe not in English though, this way very few people would know what it said.

“Chicken alfredo with broccoli and bacon bits in it.  Very, very good.  I found the recipe online and whipped it up, so I just have to pop it in the oven and it’ll be done in about an hour.” Elliana opened the fridge and took it out, preheating the oven before setting it on the counter. “We have an hour to kill, so what do you wanna do until then?” She asked, once she popped the food in the preheated oven and turned to stare at Jon, walking over to straddle his lap. “Because, personally, I want you to fuck me in every room of this condo and we have time for another round before dinner.” Nipping his ear and neck, she felt his cock harden beneath her and moaned in satisfaction. “Bend me over this table, baby.”

Chapter 45

Jon was going to regret this, he knew it, even as he was bending her over said table. This was almost like the time at his place… she had brought over Chinese and he had bent her over prior to dinner. But they had been having a LOT of sex and it had been a LONG six months. Did the use it or lose it thing apply to sex? Probably. “Jesus…” Even after the sex they had just had, she was still tight, he loved this woman. His massive hand gripped the back of her neck, gently pushing her face to the table while his other hand pulled her hips up.

Six months was A LOT of time to make up for and they weren’t even scratching the surface yet.  Elliana would fuck him as long as her body could take because the feeling of his cock inside of her, driving in and out, was unlike any other.  How she longed for this, to feel him consume her all over again.  Every hard, powerful thrust was met with her own, pushing back against him, forcing them both into submission once more.  She would never forget that night as his place, after he’d been gone for a straight week and took her right at his kitchen table, just like he was doing now.  Dominating her.  Claiming what was rightfully his. “Jon, please…PLEASE!” She begged in a hoarse cry, lifting her leg to plant on the chair to open her up more to him as his thrusts increased in speed and power.  This would not last much longer and she ignored her thighs screaming out for her to rest, determined to see this through to the end.

Yeah, his own thighs were calling Uncle and threatening to blow out. He was going to have to look up exercises for these areas that were cursing him out, and up BOTH their protein intake, just because they had a lot of time to make up for and muscle issues were for real. “Christ, you feel so fuckin’ good Elliana,” He growled, bringing an open hand down sharply on her pert, bouncing ass and then rubbed the red welt he had left behind. Jon delivered the same attention to the other cheek, admiring the matching red spots he had created before bending down to run his tongue up along her spine.

Nothing else mattered except this man exploding inside of her.  Elliana did not care about Colby Lopez or Mandy Rose of the sex tape, or the photos they had…none of it mattered to her.  At the end of the day, she had Jon; she had what Mandy wanted and strived for.  A man, who happened to be wealthy and financially secure, not to mention drop dead gorgeous, who loved and respected the woman he was with.  He treated Elliana like a queen, despite what she did to him.  Jon was a rare breed and Elliana would do everything in her power to keep him satisfied and happy.  A happy man at home beneath the sheets and in life, in general, wouldn’t try to find happiness elsewhere.  He wouldn’t need a reason to cheat or leave.  Before long, Elliana came harder than their first bout, only because her body had FORCED it and she shrieked out Jon’s name in her release, the intensity making her shudder.

Her climax triggered his own and considering how long he had held out earlier, Jon was a bit surprise to find himself roaring as he flooded her. He was fairly certain that she was going to spring a leak and he would need to replace her table. “Ellia!” It came out a gritty rasp, his breath catching in his throat as her inner walls clamped down on him, milking him for all he was worth and then some. Bit by bit, he began to loosen his hold on her hips, inwardly cursing at the slight bruising his fingertips had left.

WHAT A WHORE!  Mandy listened through the door as Jonathan Good sexed up Elliana in her condo!  This was supposed to be her!  Now, she was Colby Lopez sex slave and if she didn’t do exactly what he wanted, he beat the hell out of her and raped her!  How did Mandy get herself in this predicament?  She had come here to talk to Elliana, to tell her everything about Colby and what he was planning, but now…no.  She would pass.  This whore needed a life lesson and Jon would soon realize the error of his ways being with the fat chick.  Snorting, Mandy took off and raced home in tears, her heart breaking because she really thought her and Jon had something special.  Now she was coming to the daunting conclusion he was using her to get back at the fat ass.

If Jon would have known what Mandy had discovered and then thought about said discovery, he would have agreed with her. Then he would have apologized for leading her on, though in his defense, he had never given her any indication that they were anything other than sex buddies. He had been very clear on that, just venting frustration and he would NOT be making her his next girlfriend. ”Smells delicious, darlin’,” He was FAMISHED, he eyed his naked, food bearing woman. “I could eat you again, twice.” He smirked.

“Food first.  We need sustenance and then you can eat me all you’d like.” Elliana winked at him, making their plates completely naked and set his down in front of him at the table.  It was wiped down, sanitized and she had gone to the bathroom to clean herself up, washing her hands as well. “You know, you’re the only man I’ve ever felt…comfortable enough with to go without clothes on.” Cooking naked, Elliana never thought she would do something like that. “I don’t feel self-conscious when I’m with you, Jon.” Taking a bite of food, after blowing on it since it was piping hot, she groaned at the first taste and felt another wave of contentment wash over her.

“That’s a good thing, darlin’,” He was stirring his, getting airflow to all of it to cool it down. It smelled heavenly and his stomach was not being mindful at all and gurgling from hunger. “You worked up my appetite.” He teased, though he made sure his junk and that hot food were separated by the table top. “Maybe don’t cook bacon or other fried foods naked though.” He’d hate to see her beautiful body marred by grease scars. “We’ll know in the morning, about an hour after the courthouse opens, if our emergency order was permitted and pushed through. They’ll have twenty-four hours from being delivered it to respond.”

“Okay.  If it did, that’s great, but I’m not going to worry about it.  I know it’s bad it’s out there, but…there’s nothing I can do about it if the website is going to be a dick and fight us on it.  No sense in worrying or crying over spilled milk, you know?” Elliana’s whole demeanor had changed now that she was back with Jon completely and not just dating.  They were in a full-fledged relationship and since he already knew what she’d done, and it was out there, he wouldn’t leave her over it.  Since he was the owner of the company she would be working at shortly, as soon as it opened, there was no reason to worry about getting fired for misconduct or pornographic situations.  She ate with gusto, blowing on her food the best she could, but Jon’s appetite wasn’t the only one that spiked.  Hers did too.

Well, obviously she hadn’t posted the video herself so there was no reason to fire her for what was obviously a case of ‘revenge porn’. The firm had dealt with several of those kinds of cases and usually won, the penalties for this kind of crime were becoming quite severe so for Mandy and Colby to knowingly be doing this… they had balls, or they really thought they had nothing left to lose. “Regardless, I’ll have it down.” He promised, knowing it didn’t bother her right now but if someone ‘recognized’ her, she’d find herself wishing she was a nun and lived in a convent.

Reaching over, she squeezed his hand with a soft smile and nodded. “I know you will, Jon.  I trust you.” She did not see the grimace cross his face upon hearing those words and went back to eating happily, not having any idea what was going through her man’s head at the moment.

~!~

“So, the firm or new company is set to reopen in one month.  Are you taking the job or not?”

“Yeah, I am.” Elliana had no reason not to, especially knowing what she did, but since she was sworn to secrecy, she couldn’t tell Kairi.  Nobody could know until the day it was revealed, which would be the day the firm reopened.

“Do you have any idea who the new company owners are or anything?”

“No, none at all.” Elliana hated lying to her best friend, but hopefully, Kairi would forgive her.

All things considered, Kairi was probably overdue to take a few for the team. She had sort of helped put Elliana in the mess she was in now. well, the Web site part, not the Lopez, she wasn’t taking credit for the ‘goodbye fuck’, ever. “Mmm, well, they can’t be any worse than what we’ve already dealt with, right? I mean, nobody is worse than the previous management.” Before Jon had ‘restructured’ and put Elliana in charge. Lopez running everything had been dark days for the firm. “Jon’s smart doing this, I’m glad he’s got his head out of his butt, but he SUCKS at running a business.”

Here was hoping he didn’t suck at running this new business since he had bought out his own company, or at least that’s what it looked like on paper.  Joe owning 20% and everything.  Elliana really wanted to tell Kairi everything, but she knew Jon would be very upset with her if she did.  He was currently at the gym, working out, or so he said.  Jon did tell her to get ready for a surprise tonight.  It’d been a week since he filed the emergency paperwork for the video to come down, but they were running into problems because the video had been uploaded to MULTIPLE sites.  That meant they would have to go through each individual site to have it shut down and it was taking a lot longer than he anticipated. “I agree, hopefully the new owners are better.”

“They will be,” Kairi said cheerfully, refusing to believe things could get any worse. They had been at the bottom, someone had tossed them a shovel and they went a little deeper but she was hoping that the bad times were over. “You’ll see.”

~!~

Jon was actually working on the case. The case he technically had a lot of fingers in for a bunch of different reasons. He had been a spiteful ass and now Elliana was paying for it. That had been the original intention, he hadn’t taken very well to being cheated on… if it had been ANY guy but Colby Lopez, the man who had gone out of his way to make Elliana’s life miserable, maybe he would have handled things better. As it was… he hadn’t. He hadn’t been the bigger man, he had been a stupid, pain fueled jackass and now he was scrambling around like a headless chicken trying to right the wrongs he had created. This ‘take-over’ was one of the things he was doing to try setting things right.

When Mandy was subpoenaed for the video uploads, she wasn’t the least bit surprised and didn’t bother telling Colby.  Why?  The man wouldn’t help her any.  Thankfully, he had left her alone after she’d done his bidding and hopefully, it stayed that way.  If only Elliana knew the truth about her knight in shining billionaire.  Snorting, Mandy shut her laptop off and looked around her one bedroom loft, which was above a bar, silent tears rolling down her cheeks.  Colby didn’t even know the truth.  Nobody did.  It would all come out though in court because Mandy was fed up with lying.  Jon had tried contacting her and she flat out refused to speak to him without her lawyer present.  Her friend from the firm, Sonya Deville, was representing her for the upcoming trial…where all would be revealed, including what Jon had done.

Mandy Rose was really, really a giant pain in the ass. Jon was tempted, and it shamed him to admit it even to himself, that he had briefly considered the possibility of having her murdered or something. Or kidnapped and made to rethink her life choices. Something. Anything. He already knew what was coming, what was going to happen. He’d wind up fined or something by the courts, maybe, since he hadn’t MADE Mandy do anything so much as suggested she should, and HE hadn’t uploaded the video… but that didn’t worry him. What he was worried about was what happened with Elliana when she found out the truth. He should have told her. “Fuck…” He muttered, running a hand over his head.

Something was going on with Jon.  He wasn’t himself and Elliana could sense something big was coming.  She didn’t know if it was good or bad, but he’d been spending A LOT of time on her case.  Granted, he was her lawyer and that was his job, even though she wasn’t paying him to do it, but Elliana was feeling a little neglected.  Did he find someone else?  Was he not happy with her anymore?  Assumptions is what got them into this mess in the first place, so Elliana would not go down that road again.  Instead, she decided to entice her man to make him happy, to keep him satisfied.  After making a wonderful steak dinner with all the fixings, Elliana waited for him to show up and had a black mid-thigh robe on.  Underneath…she was literally dripping in diamonds.  The top was connected to a thick diamond choker.  It was a sequined, rhinestone chain bra with absolutely nothing covering her nipples.  They just…laid over her breasts and the bottom was a matching sequined, rhinestone thong.  Elliana was not a fan of them, but she remembered Jon saying a time or two how delicious her ass would look in one of them.  If that was what it took to keep her man, she was willing to try just about anything and had just finished setting the table when he knocked on the door.  Taking a deep breath, Elliana walked over to answer it, after looking through the peephole and opened the door, inviting him inside with a soft kiss. “Dinner’s ready.  I hope you’re hungry, handsome.”

Not really but Jon also knew better then to not feed his body, he’d start losing muscle mass and be a giant walking flesh sack. Not happening. “I am, darlin’,” He bent down to kiss her again, taking in the black robe. “And what’s underneath the robe?” He reached out to toy with the ties of said robe, smirking when she slapped at his hands. “No? Really?” He mock pouted at her, letting it slide off his face when Elliana simply shook her head. “No fun Ellia.”

Chapter 46

“Dessert is AFTER dinner, mister.  Now park it.” She ordered, pointing at the set table with long stemmed candles lit on it in candelabras.  There was gentle lighting to set the mood and she could see the questions adorning Jon’s handsome face. “Relax, I have a surprise for you, but it’s AFTER we eat.” Winking, she waited for him to take a seat and made his plate, giving him a long, sensual kiss full of promise and lust before making her own plate.  Jon had gifted her beautiful dangling diamond earrings, so she was currently wearing those to add to the whole ‘dripping with diamonds’ effect he wanted.  Elliana just hoped he enjoyed what she bought and pushed the nervousness aside, refusing to have doubts now.

Jon wasn’t sure if eating was a good idea, his stomach was now bubbling with curiosity and guilt. He noticed she was finally wearing the diamonds he had bought her. She’d put them in and then take them out, saying they were too dressy for her casual attire. She could be wearing blue jeans, a tank top and sandals with those earrings and look perfectly dressed for any occasion as far as he was concerned. “Dinner… made me a plate… you’re wearing your earrings… is it my birthday?” He teased, knowing damn well it wasn’t though he did the mental calculations on times and dates, just to make sure it wasn’t a special day for them or anything, just in case.

“No silly, I just wanted to do something nice for you since you’ve been working extra hard on my case.  Now no work talk.  Eat your dinner and then I have a surprise for you.” Elliana ordered with a grin, feeling a little better about herself and Jon was starting to act like himself again.  The diamonds were beautiful, but they were dangly and did NOT go with casual clothes at all.  If he bought her diamond studs, that would be an entirely different story.  Elliana wouldn’t ask him, however, and was grateful for any gifts he showered her with.  They ate in companionable silence, the steak was done to perfection, the baked potatoes as well with the steamed vegetables smothered in butter.  Once they finished, Elliana kissed Jon softly and ordered him to go lay down in bed while she cleaned up.  The bedroom was also lit up with a few candles and had mood lighting; there was even silk sheets on the bed and…silk scarves tied to each side of the headboard.  Once she finished cleaning, Elliana took a deep breath and went to the bedroom, seeing Jon sitting on it with his dress shirt halfway unbuttoned. “So handsome, I do believe we had a deal and, I don’t know about you, but I didn’t forget about it.” Taking his hand, she placed it on the tie of the robe and let him give a tug as it slowly opened to reveal her dripping with diamonds vision. 

This was the moment of truth. 

Would Jon approve or hate it?

For the first time since he was probably sixteen, Jon’s jaw was on the floor. All he could do was stare. The way the room was lighted by the candles and the mood lighting, those diamonds shimmered and shined with every breath she took, every slight movement. Diamonds, Elliana was dripping in diamonds, and had silk scarves tied to the bed, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to let her tie him up right now, a bit preoccupied with tying HER up and making her squirm while wearing those diamonds. He reached out, letting one lone finger caress those ‘panties’ of hers, the side of his mouth curving up into a wicked smirk.

They were rhinestones, but still looked damn close to diamonds and Elliana had rolled with it.  The way Jon devoured her visually from head to toe sent warmth throughout her body.  She shivered at his finger combined with the ‘diamonds’ caressing her slick sex. “Do you like me dripping in diamonds, baby?” She crooned, stepping closer to him as the robe fell to the floor at her feet, her hands already pushing his dress shirt off to pool around him on the bed. “How’d I get so lucky to have a scrumptious man like you in my bed every night, hmm?”

“Definitely those thick thighs and bouncy ass, darlin’,” He drawled, reaching around her to cup that ass with both hands, drawing her close enough to bury his face in her soft, warm stomach. Jon groaned, beginning to kiss his way up, mindful of the diamonds dangling from her neck and breasts. “Do you have any idea what I want to do to you right now?” The timing for his thought was terrible, it was actually really bad, he wanted a picture, just to remember this moment forever and stood up. He stepped away from her and just studied her for a long moment, committing how she looked to memory. There would be NO pictures. “On the bed.” He ordered, hands dropping down to his belt buckle. “Now, Ellia.” His kinky sex goddess glittering and resplendent in diamonds.

Chewing her bottom lip at his low, gritty voice, Elliana could not help except obey his command and slid on the silk sheet covered bed, laying down with her head resting on the pillow.  The candlelight gave her body a luminescent glow and the ‘diamonds’ glittered, making her most intimate parts shimmer up at him.  They were like beacons calling out to Jon and he answered, slowly crawling up the length of her body until he hovered over her. “I love you.” Cupping his bearded face, she brought his mouth down on hers to passionately and sensually kiss him, taking her time to taste him.  While they kissed, his hand delved down to start gliding, with part of her diamond panties, up and down her clit.  That was a whole new sensation and it wasn’t particularly bad either.

Now, Jon was aware these weren’t real diamonds. Real diamonds were expensive as hell and finding something like this… well, that was also expensive as Hell. This little get-up of hers was better than anything he had been thinking and he sincerely prayed it was now part of her bedroom wardrobe, and already planned on buying her more as soon as he found out where the Hell she had gotten it from. Mindful not to scratch her with one of the ‘diamond’ edges in an uncomfortable place, he very carefully guided a tassel of them from what potentially constituted as panties up her already glistening sex, watching the show he was putting on intently. That. Was. Hot.

If Jon wasn’t careful, he could seriously hurt her by cutting her and, thankfully, he was being mindful of that.  She moaned softly, letting him know what he was doing felt good.  Incredible, in fact.  Her hips bucked a little when he inserted two fingers inside of her, making her gasp out somewhat sharply and shut her eyes, gently moving with him. “I take it…you approve of my surprise, baby?” She asked breathlessly, hearing him growl in her ear as he continued fingering her, making her writhe on the bed right against him. “I-I wanted to do something for you…to show you how much I love you…” Since he’d been distant from her lately – they hadn’t had sex in almost a week prior to tonight, which was out of character for them.

In his defense, he had been extremely busy. Trying to get in touch with Mandy, trying to sort out scenarios in his head on how this could play out between him and Elliana. Serving notices to the various web domains that now had that lovely video of Colby and Elliana fucking in their already vast porn collections. And guilt… guilt was keeping him from sex because he felt so slimy and unworthy, he was going to taint her with it. Providing she didn’t jack him up once she found out what he had done. “I already know how much you love me, Ellia,” He rumbled, his eyes moving to hers though he never stopped pumping his fingers in and out of her, crooking them to brush against her G-Spot with each motion. He was just hoping that love would hold out. “But I do appreciate it, darlin’.” Very, very much, he was sure she could tell, he was fixing to burst through these dress slacks.

After teasing her and tasting her, Jon finally removed the rest of his clothing and, instead of removing the ‘diamonds’, he simply slid right home inside of her. “God, I missed you…” She moaned out in satisfaction, gripping his shoulders and felt her walls already caving in around him.  Elliana wondered if the ‘diamonds’ were scratching his dick every time he plummeted in and out of her, watching his face to see if there was any pain.  There wasn’t, just sheer euphoria and ecstasy. “Jon…” His mouth captured a nipple between the ‘diamonds’, swirling it around his tongue before doing the same treatment to the other breast, his thrusts slow and methodic, neither in a hurry to end this.

Jon was making sure to keep those diamond tassels on her diamond panties away from both their junk, and he was occasionally moving them out of the way. Neither of them were getting sliced open in their sensitive zones today. Though he was also looking down every few seconds, just to see those diamonds moving and glimmering along with them. “We should have done this sooner… you have no idea how gorgeous you are right now… shimmering and glittering,” The diamonds were merely an accent for her naturally beautiful body, highlighting and emphasizing all the curves he already adored. His gaze moved to the silk scarves and his lips curved into a wicked smile. “How do you feel about being tied up, Ellia?” Technically, it was supposed to be him… but… either way. His mind tossed up an image of him straining with those things, being tied down, and this glittering goddess riding him.

Bringing his mouth down on hers as he slowed his thrusts, Elliana kissed him just as slowly and sensually, pulling back to stare up into his electric smoldering blues. “I trust you.  Whatever you wanna do to me, Jon, I’m game.” He didn’t need to be told twice and pulled out of her to position her further up on the pillows, her arms already lifted to be put in place.  Screw the compromise, if her man wanted to tie her up and have his wicked way with her, if that made Jon stay with her, Elliana would do it without complaining.  He ordered her to yank on them to test the durability and she complied, smiling up at him at the satisfied expression on his face. “Now what, baby?”

“Now you lay there and relax, enjoy the ride,” Jon teased, grinning evilly down at her. If he would have known that she what she was thinking, how she viewed this, as her doing whatever was necessary to keep him, he would have left her ass there and gone out to living room to pace a hole in the floor and probably have a good ranting fest. It should’ve been the other way around, him doing whatever necessary to keep HER. He pulled back onto his haunches, his cock standing proudly at attention as he studied her. “What should I start with?” He murmured more to himself, running a finger down the valley between her breasts and to her naval.

For what seemed and felt like hours, Jon took his time to thoroughly explore every thick, beautiful inch of Elliana’s body.  He even untied her, flipped her on her stomach and tied her back up again.  Elliana didn’t fight any of it, swimming in a pool of ecstasy and desire.  It felt amazing having this man pay attention to her after going a straight month with barely nothing.  It was somewhere in the early morning hours when Elliana finally cried out for Jon, climaxing for the umpteeth time while riding him.  The diamonds were long gone, he had taken them off her, stripping her down to bare skin at some point.  Collapsing on top of him in a sweaty, exhausted heap, Elliana whispered she loved him before passing out, her face buried in the crook of his neck.

“I love you too, darlin’,” He rumbled in her ear, not that she heard it. Even asleep, she was breathing heavily and he smiled, gently rolling her so she was laying on the bed. He propped himself up on his side, elbow on the bed, and simply studied her. “I don’t deserve you but I love you.” He had a feeling when all was said and done, love wasn’t going to be enough. He had forgiven her for cheating on him with Colby Lopez but he was pretty sure she was going to view his forgiveness based on his knowledge of what he had done. Groaning, he bent down to kiss her still damp temple before falling onto his back, bringing both hands up to scrub down his face.

~!~

The day of the trial had arrived.

Elliana was a ball of nerves because she had to testify against Mandy and Colby, recalling everything that happened.  Hopefully, the judge would see she was the victim of this situation, even though she was consensual screwing Colby in her office…she did NOT know about the videotaping going on.  That was a huge invasion of privacy and against the law since it wasn’t consensual.  Jon explained to her all scenarios that could happen and most of them fell in her favor.  The judge could toss the whole thing out the window and call it a day, but Jon didn’t think that would happen.  Dressed in a dark blue sleeveless dress that went to her knees and flared out a bit, Elliana braided her hair to hang over her shoulder to keep it out of her face.  She wore diamond studs in her ears, which Jon bought for her shortly after the ‘diamond’ lingerie surprise she gave him.  Everything jewelry wise was diamonds.  She also had a matching necklace on that had a ‘floating’ diamond attached to it, which went with the studs perfectly.  Slipping her black open-toed heels on, Elliana made her way out of her bedroom and grabbed her purse with keys and wallet inside, heading out to the courthouse.  Jon would meet her there; it wouldn’t look good for them to arrive together and she understood that.  She left her cell phone at home because they weren’t permitted inside the building.

Jon had been completely honest when he had given Elliana all the likely scenarios that could happen and their outcomes. She would be found the victim one way or another, it was just not likely to be from what she necessarily thought. He was already at the courthouse and in the hall when Elliana arrived, having just spoken with Mandy’s attorney and the judge. He looked grim though it had nothing to do with the outcome of the case so much as what was likely to be brought to light. The grimness matched his attire, black, form fitting suit and tie, today was just a dour day.

“Jon doesn’t look happy at all.  I wonder if the outcome won’t go in your favor, though I can’t imagine why it wouldn’t.” Kairi was there, of course, for moral support and looped her arm through Elliana’s, keeping her voice down. “Look who else decided to join the party.” She side-eyed none other than the scumbag himself, Colby Lopez, who was dressed in a crisp grey suit with his hair pulled back.

Great.  She did NOT need Colby here when she gave her testimony. “Any way we can boot him out of here before I take the stand?” Now the butterflies in her stomach had erupted into something else entirely.

“I don’t think so, but don’t worry about him.  You go up there, tell the truth about what happened and let the chips fall where they may.”

Nodding, Elliana needed the encouragement from her best friend and hugged Kairi before reluctantly walking over to sit down next to Jon. “Everything okay?” She asked him quietly, seeing the grim expression on his face and frowned.

Chapter 47

This was a public trial so anyone could technically come in and watch and some of these people were here for their own hearings and whatnot, so they were just waiting and watching until their turn came. Jon wished he could have Colby kicked out, but he couldn’t, and the smarmy wink the other man shot him told him Colby knew it as well. “Yes.” He said quietly, looking down into her face and offered her a half-smile though there was nothing happy with it. “The judge, I’ve dealt with her before. She’s sympathetic to people in your situation.”

“That’s good, then.” Elliana knew better than to grab his hand or touch him in any way, not until they were out of the courthouse and in the privacy of one of their homes. “Please don’t look so grim, Jon.  Everything is going to be fine.” Why was she the optimistic one suddenly?  Shouldn’t it have been the other way around?  Elliana was always a pessimist and smiled, chalking it up to Jon’s influence and how happy he made her. “I love you.” She whispered to where only he could hear and he half-smiled down at her, both turning when the doors to the courtroom opened. 

Mandy looked like HELL, her blonde hair haphazard in a messy bun, dark circles were under her eyes and she was in a waitress’s uniform, from the looks of it.  It was splotched and splattered with god knows what and the woman looked ready to keel over.  Elliana ALMOST felt sorry for her…until she remembered what the cunt did and immediately turned to fold her hands in her lap, refusing to feel an ounce of sympathy for the blonde.  She put herself in this situation and now she would pay the consequences.

“All RISE for Honorable Judge McMahon.”

Linda McMahon walked out and took her seat at the podium, nodding at each of the attorneys before eyeballing the blonde waitress, arching a slow brow.

Even Mandy’s attorney looked thoroughly embarrassed by her appearance.

Colby had made sure to pay Mandy one last visit the night before, reminding her what was at stake and what would happen if she crossed him.  Needless to say, she didn’t sleep well, had a 5 AM shift and rushed down her on her extended lunchbreak for the hearing.

“Well…” Judge McMahon was not pleased with this woman’s attire and overall appearance. It did not bode well for her since she was the defendant here. “I believe we have a dress requirement.” No sandals, no tank tops… “And you, Ms. Rose, just barely meet it.”

Mandy blushed, lowering her head. She didn’t care what she had done, NOTHING warranted the way she was being treated now by Lopez. She hadn’t even done anything of her own volition. It had been MEN pressuring and promising her, or coercing her as Colby was doing now. “I’m sorry your Honor.” She whispered hoarsely.

“Your Honor, my client was at work, trying to make a living for herself, so you shouldn’t fault her for the way she’s dressed since she’s on her lunch break.” Sonya Deville defended, seeing how shaken up her client was and wondered what could’ve happened since they had spoken about this yesterday. “Given what this trial is about, I don’t think dress code should be a factor here.”

Judge McMahon scrutinized the woman for a moment or two, finally nodding. “Very well, I will let it slide this ONE time, Counselor.”

“Thank you, Your Honor.”

“Now then, I understand the Plaintiff would like to testify against Ms. Rose for the…” Linda had to clear her throat. “Defamation?”

Elliana blushed, lowering her eyes and really hoped the color in her cheeks diminished.  This was thoroughly embarrassing, but it had to be done if she was to receive any justice for what Mandy Rose and Colby Lopez did to her.  Jon nodded at her, gesturing to the stand and Elliana took a deep breath before rising from her seat, heading up to the seat before swearing oath to tell the whole truth and nothing except the truth.

It was Sonya Deville’s turn first, naturally. “Is your name Elliana Long?”

“Yes it is.”

“How old are you, Ms. Long?”

“I am 30 years old.”

“And how long have you worked for Mr. Good?” She gestured to Elliana’s attorney.

“It was 3 ½ years before I resigned.”

“Uh huh and why did you resign from Good Law Incorporated?”

Elliana lowered her head, shutting her eyes. “Because of personal animosity and feelings.”

Now they were getting somewhere. “Against who, Ms. Long?”

“Colby Lopez and Mr. Good.”

“Is it true that Mr. Lopez was your former boss prior to Mr. Good demoting him within the company?”

“Yes.”

“And isn’t it true that Mr. Lopez FIRED you for insubordination from your position within Good Law Incorporated?”

“N-No…that’s not…”

“Answer yes or no, please.” Sonya cut her off.

“But…”

“Answer the question now.” Sonya ordered, her beady eyes narrowed on the Plaintiff. “Do not forget, Ms. Long, you swore an oath to tell the WHOLE truth and nothing BUT the truth today.”

“It’s complicated…”

“YES. OR. NO.”

It wasn’t insubordination though! “Will you let me…”

“Your Honor, the Plaintiff is refusing to answer my question.”

Linda looked down at the woman indifferently. “Ms. Long, answer the question.” Sometimes, she felt like she was in a courtroom full of children.

Sighing heavily, Elliana folded her arms in front of her chest and squared her shoulders, seeing the smirk curving Sonya Deville’s face.  She wanted to slap her silly for it. “No.”

“No?”

“You heard me, counselor.” That ruffled Sonya’s feathers a bit. “I said no.”

“But according to this report,” Sonya waved it in Elliana’s face obnoxiously. “You WERE fired for insubortination.  So you’re lying to me and the court?”

“No, I’m not.”

“Then why does this report say otherwise?”

“Because Mr. Lopez lied about the reasoning behind my firing.”

“Which was?”

“Telling Mr. Good the truth.”

“The truth about what?”

“What was really going on in his company – the corruption that was happening at the hands of Mr. Lopez.  I basically threw Mr. Lopez under the bus to Mr. Good, who was his boss at the time, and Mr. Lopez fired me for it.”

“No other reason?”

“No.”

“And is THAT why you were brought back – excuse me, HIRED back on as Mr. Good Executive Vice President?”

“I EARNED that job title, Ms. Deville.” Elliana had to take a deep breath to calm down because she was two seconds away from launching at this lawyer and going to jail for it.  Part of her would’ve gladly done so.

“So you say.”

This bitch was asking for it!

“Prior to your ‘earned’ position as Executive Vice President, you were merely a personal assistant for Mr. Lopez,” Sonya had come prepared, raising an eyebrow as she flipped through the papers attached to the clipboard in the crook of her arm. “You have no education in law, no license to practice it obviously, so what exactly IS your qualifications to be the EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT of a law firm?”

“Objection your Honor, this has no bearing on what we’re here for.” Jon said, standing up. Well… it could but it didn’t.

“Based on what we’re here for today, I’d say how she acquires her jobs is VERY relevant.” Sonya fired back crisply.

“Overruled, I’ll allow this line of questioning. Counselor Deville’s question stands. Ms. Long will answer it.”

“Considering I ran that law firm, practically, at the insistence of Mr. Lopez…”

“Answer the question, Ms. Long.”

“I am, you’re just not giving me the time to do so.” Elliana retorted swiftly, folding her arms in front of her chest.

Sonya narrowed her eyes at this whore, snorting derisively. “Moving along, then…” Dropping it wouldn’t hurt Mandy any since the court just witnessed what an insubordinate little bitch Elliana was anyway.

“No, I don’t want to move along.  I want to answer your question, if you give me the time to do so.”

“Counselor, allow her to answer the question.” Linda wanted to hear this.

Sonya gritted her teeth and nodded. “Yes, Your Honor.”

Elliana felt triumphant and proceeded to lay out exactly what her day-to-day routine was while being Colby Lopez’ personal assistant.  This did not look good for Colby, nor the company in general, because she had, just as she said, ran the place by herself.  The managers had all been too far up Colby’s backside to really care about the state of the company.  If Elliana hadn’t been there to oversee things, forge signatures and whatnot, the place would have been in trouble in months while Jon was on hiatus.  When she finished, Sonya did NOT look happy and the judge simply stared down at her.  Elliana could have sworn she saw a HINT of admiration in the judge’s eyes before the woman looked away and clasped her hands in her lap.

Fuck, what was Sonya supposed to do now? “Moving on…” She waved all of that off dismissively. “Isn’t it true you had sexual relations with Mr. Lopez AFTER you received your promotion?”

Now things were becoming hairy. “Yes, I did.”

“And isn’t it true you went on a website called WhatsYourPrice.com and met up with him on there?”

“Yes.”

“Why don’t you elaborate what exactly this website involves?”

Elliana proceeded to explain exactly what it was about, being completely truthful.

“So, why did you go on this site, Ms. Long?  Surely you were making more than enough to make ends meet at the law firm?”

Elliana cleared her throat, shaking her head. “No, I wasn’t.  Mr. Lopez made sure none of the assistants ever got raises and even stripped us of our benefits and gave us horrible insurance on top of it.”

Now the judge was more intrigued, raising a slow brow.

“And where was Mr. Good during all of this?”

“He was gone.” I’m sorry Jon, she thought sadly, knowing she couldn’t lie in the court of law about this situation. “Colby Lopez and the other managers were running things in his absence.”

“So, Mr. Lopez signed off on the benefits being canceled on the assistants, which is highly illegal, I might add?”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you report this to anyone, Ms. Long?  I realize you are not the only assistant there, but since you WERE running things…” Sonya adjusted the glasses on her face. “Didn’t you feel it was your responsibility to address these horrible work conditions?”

“The owner of the company was nowhere to be found and we were scared of losing our jobs because, unfortunately, we needed them at the time.  I needed mine at the time to survive.  It still wasn’t enough though, which is why I went on the website because I needed to make some quick cash.”

“Who put you up to the website?  Who told you about it?”

“A friend of mine and I’m not at liberty to say who.”

“Even if I demand it?”

“I won’t do it.  You can send me to jail if you want, but I’m not giving out a name.”

Sonya smirked wickedly. “There’s no need for threats, Ms. Long.  We already know who it is anyway.  Your ‘friend’ Kairi Sands, correct?”

Elliana didn’t say a word, wondering how the HELL Mandy managed to get that kind of information.

“That is her, correct?” Sonya pointed at the woman sitting right behind Jon in the booth with smarmy smile on her face. “Your friend, right?”

“No comment.”

“Ms. Long, you need to cooperate with me or else…”

“Counselor, there’s no reason for her to divulge that information – get to the point now.” The judge ordered, sick and tired of the bantering back and forth.

Sonya pursed her lips tightly together while Kairi quietly snickered behind her. “Moving on…”

Jon was mulling all of this over in his mind, finally reaching where Sonya was heading and inwardly groaned. It was brilliant. It wasn’t true but it was brilliant, and Elliana’s obvious irritation with the lawyer wasn’t going to help when she also realized where this was going.

“If I may return to one thing… you were making minimum wage, no benefits, and you then turned to this web site for ‘quick cash’?” Sonya summed up, hearing Ellliana’s cautious yes before nodding her head. “WhatsYourPrice.com is a classified as a dating service and explicitly states that it does not allow prostitution or escort services. Did Colby Lopez ‘pay’ you for a date?”

Oh here they went.

“He was going to, but I told him at the end of the ‘date’ I wouldn’t take his money.”

“And why is that?”

Elliana shut her eyes, knowing this would be hard for Jon to hear and felt tears building, needing to stay strong.  She was the victim here, damn it! “Because I slept with him.  I wouldn’t take his money after we had sex.”

“And why is that?”

“Because I’m not a whore, Ms. Deville.”

“Language, please.” Judge McMahon cautioned, nodding toward Elliana to encourage her to continue.

“My apologies, Your Honor.”

“Now, I understand you also went on a ‘date’ with Mr. Good on this website.” Sonya smirked back at Jon, seeing the slight anger on his face and turned back to the Plaintiff. “Is that true?”

“Yes.” It was another cautioned answer.

“And did he pay you for the ‘date’?”

“Yes, he did.”

“Did you two have sexual relations during this ‘date’?”

Fuck, what did she do?  She told him not to pay her for it, but he wound up doing it anyway!  And then he bought her a car on top of it! “I did not take his money, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“Yes or no, Ms. Long, did Mr. Good pay you for the ‘date’ off the website?”

“Yes, but…”

“So, you took money from Mr. Good, after having sexual relations with him, but yet, you denied Mr. Lopez when he offered to pay you, after sexual relations, because you are not a…excuse me, Your Honor, whore.  So how is it different between Mr. Good and Mr. Lopez?  Why was Mr. Good’s money fine to take, but not Mr. Lopez?  Do you sleep with all of your clients on the website, Ms. Long?  Perhaps you’ve made sex videos with other people besides Mr. Lopez!”

“OVERRULED!”

“My apologies.” Sonya bowed her head at the Judge, though her body language indicated she was pleased with this. “I have no further questions.”

Judge McMahon rubbed her temples, eyeing Elliana before looking at Jon. There were no laws regarding people who were intimate together from representing one another in court but she sure wouldn’t have done it herself. “Mr. Good, you may proceed.”

Jon nodded, standing up and adjusted his tie. Sonya Deville was a mega-bitch but a damn fine lawyer. He remembered her now, she had handled a few of these cases herself, she would know where to attack. He just couldn’t believe her plan of attack. Make it look like Elliana was a money hungry, power grabbing whore. “Darlin’,” He flashed her a charming smile, ignoring the tittering from the people in the courtroom. “Relax, breathe. I missed having breakfast with you.”

“Mr. Good…” McMahon’s tone held a note of warning. “I realize it’s been a few years since you’ve been in my courtroom but I assure you, the rules haven’t changed.”

“My apologies, your Honor.” He said looking directly at Judge McMahon, throwing her a wink. “I’ll try to behave.”

He hadn’t changed a bit and her eyes narrowed. “Proceed.”

“Ms. Long,” He switched gears. “Why did you stop taking money from me?”

“Because we started seeing each other.”

He did not miss the ‘duh’ in her tone. “And I have not once paid you for sex, correct? Those diamond earrings don’t count either.”

Sonya pursed her lips, sideways eyeing the jury who all looked amused by his warm, friendly banter with Elliana. She hated Jon Good. He was able to disarm and charm people. He could have actually made a proper career as a lawyer if he hadn’t been such a worthless ass.

“That is correct.”

“And Colby Lopez did not pay you for sex, correct?”

“Also correct.”

“You went out with,” He began reading a short list of her dates, not that many and then glanced at her. “None of them paid you for sex, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. Now that we’ve established Counselor Deville’s slut shaming tactics are false-“

“Counselor Good!”

“I’m sorry. Counselor Deville’s assumptions are false.”

Sonya really, really hated him. He was a MAN playing on the slut shaming card from a woman against a woman.

Chapter 48

Thank god for Jon!  Elliana was on the verge of having a meltdown after being accused of making other sex videos with her clients.  Sonya Deville was cutthroat and RUTHLESS to the core.  Elliana answered a few more questions about her relations with Colby, which Jon already knew all about them.  He had questioned her prior to this trial to make sure she was ready for the barrage of questions coming her way.

“The night of the sex tape, which for the record, I had NO idea it was being filmed, Colby Lopez came to my office.  He said he wanted me to sign something for inventory, so I did because that was my job.  Then he started sweet-talking me and then…confronted me about my relationship with Mr. Good.  I didn’t deny it.  He started getting closer to me and, even though it was consensual, he seduced me.  He called it a ‘goodbye fuck’, his words, not mine.” Elliana explained, looking perfectly calm and content because showing nerves would ring alarm bell’s in the judge’s and jury’s heads.  Jon had trained her well for this, even with the little time they had spent together recently. “If I would have known he had Mandy Rose film us having sex in my office, I never would have allowed it to happen, seduction or not.”

“Are you still seeing Colby Lopez?”

“Hell no, I’m not and never will again.”

Jon grinned at that answer and nodded. “No further questions, Your Honor.”

“Ms. Long, you may leave the stand.”

Thank fuck, Elliana thought, stepping down from the podium and sat down next to Jon, who called his next witness.

“I call Colby Lopez to the stand!”

The courtroom began murmuring and even Elliana didn’t expect this from Jon, her emerald eyes wide.

Colby slowly stood up, aware he was being called to the witness stand because of a summons he’d been sent, and straightened his tie before reluctantly going up to swear in.

“Mr. Lopez, how are you? I feel like we haven’t talked in… well, since I demoted you.”

“Counselor Good…”

“It’s been awhile, Jon.” Colby answered patiently, his brown eyes guarded.

“And you have a new job now, correct? What is it you do these days?”

Colby cracked his neck, eyes closing briefly. “I am a bus boy.” Oh how the mighty had fallen.

“So, you went from running a law firm to being a mail clerk, and now a bus boy. When Ms. Long found she wasn’t able to make ends meet on her wages -which were assigned by you I might add-“

“Technically by you, you signed off a blanket seal of approval when you hired me.” Colby interrupted, feeling smug.

Ah yeah, he had. “For the record,” He turned and surveyed everyone present. “I have since rectified that mistake. Back to the questioning, when Ms. Long was unable to make her bills so she turned to unconventional sources to earn money. Have you considered the same? Done the same?”

Colby once again shut his eyes, blowing out a breath. “I have…tried.” He had to keep his cool with Jon or else the man would chew him up and spit him out.

Elliana silently hoped Jon destroyed Colby on the stand.

“What do you mean ‘tried’?”

Colby really hated Jonathan Good and wished the man would keel over. “I have gone on the same website as Ms. Long, where I FOUND Ms. Long, but…I was unsuccessful.” It was the truth.  He had put himself out there, but thanks to a scorned woman, who wanted sex from him instead of a date, and Colby refused her, he had gotten a bad reputation on WhatsYourPrice.com.

This was too good.  Elliana was thoroughly amused watching Colby Lopez squirm like a fish on a hook on the stand.  She glanced over at Mandy, seeing the woman refused to make eye contact with Colby and wondered what that was about.  Weren’t they supposed to be partners?

The fact that this psycho rapist was trying to sell himself just made Mandy feel sick. The very idea of that Web site was sick. If not for that site, these three wouldn’t have connected the way they had and NONE of them would be in this mess, now would they?

“Have you tried making money in any other ways?”

“No.”

“Not even pornography?”

There it was. Colby’s nostrils flared. “No.” He could answer that honestly enough, it wasn’t HIS name on the accounts. “I haven’t.” He stressed the ‘I’.

Elliana’s eyes narrowed at that emphasis because she hadn’t either.  This was Colby’s fault for having his partner, Mandy, film their sexual encounter in her office!  Now they were using it against her and Colby had made Mandy put her name on everything, leaving his dirty hands unsoiled.  He was smart, Elliana would give him that much credit and not much else.

“Did you know about Ms. Rose filming the two of you having sex?”

Colby refused to tell the truth under oath and there was no way to prove otherwise. “No, I didn’t.”

“Mr. Lopez, you are aware lying under oath is against the law, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Are you now?”

“No.”

Jon narrowed his eyes slightly.  Colby was lying through his teeth! “So, when Ms. Rose is called to the stand later on, and I ask her if you knew about the filming prior to your…sexual relations with Ms. Long in her office, her story will match yours?”

If she knew what was good for her and didn’t want Colby coming after her, the whore would lie just like he did. “Yes.”

Colby had something on Mandy, it was obvious the way the man glanced in Mandy’s direction and her head remained down, refusing to make eye contact with either of them.

“Objection, Your Honor, what does this have to do with anything?” Sonya demanded, rising from her seat.

On the contrary, this had EVERYTHING to do with the reason they were here. “Overruled.  Continue, Counselor.”

Sonya snarled quietly and sat back down, wrapping an arm around Mandy’s shaking shoulders.

Jon’s had a personal issue here and he knew damn well he was going to wind up going to jail for a very long time if Mandy decided to send him packing. He wasn’t aware that she hadn’t posted those videos UNTIL Colby had made her, he just knew he had told her to do it and voila, here they were. Now he was trying to prosecute her ass and he was involved. “Why did you fire, Ms. Long?” They would go back to that, finish laying the foundation of the whole smear campaign, which was essentially what this was.

“Because she was inadequate at her job.”

“How so?” Jon pressed, folding his arms in front of his chest. “According to my documents here from the firm, she was an exceptionally hard worker and did everything for YOU, Mr. Lopez.  She did YOUR job while you did…what exactly?  Besides try to take my company from underneath me?”

“Counselor, that is an accusation…” The judge warned, though she was interested in this part of the trial. “No accusing, continue.”

“My apologies, Your Honor.” Jon nodded toward her. “Isn’t it true that Ms. Long did 99% of your job while you were in power at Good Law Incorporated?”

Colby gritted his teeth to the point of gnashing. “Yes.” He mumbled, not loud enough for anyone except Jon to hear.

“I’m sorry, what was that again?  I didn’t quite HEAR you.”

“YES, DAMN IT, YES!”

Jon grinned. “That’s better.” Just the outburst he was hoping this scumbag would perform. “You have some anger issues, Mr. Lopez, did you know that?”

Damn right he does, Mandy thought scathingly, trying like hell not to run out of that courtroom because her anxiety was through the roof.

Jon was trying not to smirk, this was going so well and he was beginning to feel marginally better. Was it wrong he was about to try pinning everything he could on this jackass? “So, if Ms. Long was doing 99% of YOUR job, how was she inadequate?”

Colby zipped his lips, folding his arms over his chest. He knew where Jon was leading this.

“Because if she was inadequate doing YOUR job, then that is YOUR fault, is it not?”

“We were all just following YOUR example, Mr. Good.”

Ouch, Jon flinched. “I deserved that.” He admitted with more grace then he felt.

Elliana hated admitting it, but a lot of this was Jon’s fault for being a horrible leader to the firm.  She loved him with all of her heart, but sometimes, Jon didn’t think things through and that was one of the scariest things about him.  He was unpredictable.

“Nevertheless, she was NOT inadequate at her job, so why don’t you tell the courts the TRUTH about why you really fired her, hmm?”

Colby did NOT glance up at the judge because he could feel the woman’s eyes boring into him and swallowed hard. “I just told you…”

“And you’re lying.”

“Counselsor…”

“Your Honor, with all due respect, he IS lying.  He fired Ms. Long because she told ME, the OWNER of the company, the truth about a certain case we were dealing with.  Mr. Lopez did a plea bargain for him after I specifically told him NOT to.  We don’t bargain with child molesters or abusers or murderers of any kind and he went behind my back to do it anyway.”

“BECAUSE YOU WEREN’T THERE DOING YOUR DAMN JOB!”

“Mr. Lopez!” Judge McMahon shouted, hitting her gavel to bring order to the court. “One more outburst and I will hold you in contempt.  Do you understand me?”

“Y-Yes ma’am…” Colby really had to cool his temper and narrowed his eyes at Jon, who looked happy as a clam. “As I said, you weren’t there doing your job, Mr. Good.  It fell to me to make the call and I still think I made the right one.  Children are a dime a dozen and…” He cringed as soon as those words came out of his mouth.

“Oh REALLY now?”

“No more questions, your Honor.” Jon said, making great effort not to smirk. He didn’t have to ask or say anything else. Lopez had JUST buried his own self with that comment and he had to wonder how many of the jurors were parents, aunts and uncles, or grandparents. Yeah, that wouldn’t settle well. “Your witness.” He informed Sonya, winking at her as they passed each other.

Well Mr. Lopez had really set himself up for a mighty fall, Sonya had no use for Lopez. If there was any way to spin this so he took the blame for everything, she’d count that as a win for her client and maybe it would be enough for Good to back off.

Sonya’s questioning with Lopez went well enough, she supposed, though he did admit to working with Mandy and having sexual relations with her.  As far as knowing about the video, Colby had lied again to save his own skin.  That was fine.  Sonya knew the truth would come out in Mandy’s testimony and this scumbag would be going to jail, regardless.  Reluctantly, the time had come for Mandy to be called to the stand and she swore under oath to tell the truth and nothing but.  Mandy planned on doing just that, deciding she would be taking both Jon and Colby down with her since she would be going to jail.  Sonya had already warned her ahead of time it was a huge possibility since everything was linked back to her as far as posting the videos online.

Sonya had also been hoping to gain some leniency for Mandy, by painting her as a victim of two money hungry, power grabbing men who were using her for spiteful revenge against another women. She knew McMahon was fair, but she was also stern, but since this would wind up being decided guilt wise by the jury… she was hoping they would be her ace in the hole. Whatever they decided, McMahon would abide by and set the punishment accordingly. “Ms. Rose, could you please clearly state what your position at the firm was when Mr. Lopez was in charge?”

“I was a general secretary.”

“And when he was fired and Mr. Good returned?”

“He made me his personal assistant.”

“Well, that sounds like his M.O.” Sonya said lightly. “Promoting women to positions beyond what they were potentially qualified for. Would you say you were qualified to be his personal assistant?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“He’s… very demanding.”

Elliana narrowed her eyes at that comment from Sonya, clenching her fists in her lap and had to take a few silent breaths.  She DID qualify to be the Executive Vice President – she EARNED that spot in the company!  Calm down, Elliana, don’t let her see she’s getting a rise out of you, she thought, mentally coaching herself, and kept a neutral expression on her face.  Her eyes were pure acid, however.

“When did you and Mr. Good start having sexual relations?”

“After I told him about Ms. Long’s infidelity with Mr. Lopez.”

“Mmmhmm, and that was the reason you took the photos and video?”

“Yes.  I didn’t think it was appropriate to be having sexual relations in the office, where other people work.”

“I understand that perfectly.” Sonya agreed, looking down at her clipboard for a split second to make sure she had all the facts straight. “What was Mr. Good’s…reaction to the photos and video?  Did you show him both at the same time?”

Mandy hesitated. “No.  Only the photos at first.  When he came to me a few days later, it was after hours and…he asked if I had any other solid proof.  Because photos can be photoshopped, he said.  So, I took my phone out and showed him the one minute clip of Ms. Long and Mr. Lopez having sex in her office.” She should’ve deleted, looking back, after showing the evidence, but at the time, she was also working with Colby.

“And what was Mr. Good’s reaction?”

Mandy blushed, lowering her eyes. “He – um…he took my phone and tossed it on his desk, it was in his office, and…kissed me.  Then we…had sex on his desk.” In other words, Jon had bent her over and fucked her raw.

“I see.” Sonya wished her client wouldn’t have said that because now she didn’t look any better than Elliana, unfortunately. “Was it consensual?”

“Yes.”

Now, here was the part Sonya had wanted to get to. “Was that the only time you and Mr. Good had sexual relations?”

“No.  I thought we were in a relationship for a little while, actually.”

That hurt to hear as Elliana shut her eyes briefly and could feel Jon tensing beside her.

“Did Mr. Good ever ask you to do anything with the video and photographs you took of Ms. Long and Mr. Lopez?”

This was why Mandy didn’t answer Jon’s calls and text messages because he didn’t want her spouting the truth. “Yes he did.”

Elliana blinked, looking over at Jon and could see his face slowly turning red.  Was it true?

“What specifically did he ask you to do?”

“At the time we were together, he asked me to post the video and photographs online to various porn websites.”

“So, he wanted to demoralize her?”

“Yes, and humiliate her because she had cheated on him with Mr. Lopez.”

Sonya was very proud at how well this was turning out and smiled encouragingly at Mandy. “And did you do as he asked?”

“No, I didn’t think it was right.”

Now it was Colby’s turn to be thrown under the bus and called out for his part to play in all of this. “So, why did you decide to post the video recently?”

Mandy swallowed hard, tears forming in her eyes. “I…”

“It’s all right, Mandy, nobody is going to hurt you here.” Sonya spoke quietly to her, holding her hand up at the judge to give them a moment.

It was afterwards she was scared to death of because Colby would come for her after this testimony.  She was sure of it. “It wasn’t my idea!” She cried out, burying her face in her hands and began to sob.

“Whose idea was it?”

“H-He said if I didn’t…do it, he would…hurt me…” Mandy choked out in between breaths and the entire courtroom was completely silent. “He DID hurt me anyway!  H-He raped me and told me if I said anything to anyone and didn’t do what he wanted, he would…kill me!”

Sonya swallowed hard at how distraught and frightened her client was. “Who, Mandy?  Who did this to you?  Who threatened you to put that video online of Ms. Long?  Give me a name, please.”

Mandy looked up, tears sliding down her cheeks freely. “Colby Lopez.”

And the entire court exploded as jurors began whispering to each other and the people in the seats behind them started talking loudly about this. Jon simply pinched the bridge of his nose and kept his head down while Judge McMahon banged her gavel, crying out for order in the court.

Chapter 49

“We will take a 30 minute recess.” McMahon announced once quiet had ascended again, looking very stern. “Mr. Lopez, you will remain within this courthouse, with a police escort until the thirty minutes are up.” Because while there was no evidence other than this woman’s declaration, she wasn’t having him disappear until they got to the bottom of this. She was seeing this trial lasting longer than a day. “Counselors’, please escort your clients to the east rooms for privacy.” Separate rooms at that. “And you, Mr. Good,” She pointed a finger at him. “You and I will be having a discussion soon about your right to practice law in the state of Nevada.”

Considering he HAD told Mandy those things, but she hadn’t done it… Jon wasn’t seeing jail time but a stiff fine, an ex-girlfriend and his license to practice law revoked. “Yes, your Honor.”

Just the way Jon had reacted to Mandy’s confession and testimony told Elliana all she needed to know.  She did NOT want to be in the same room as him right now.  There was so much anger flowing through her veins at the moment, all she wanted to do was deck him in the face.  Instead, she stiffly stood up from her chair and followed him to one of the east rooms, squaring her shoulders.  Once the door closed and it was just the two of them, Elliana shut her eyes to quell the anger, slowly turning to face him.  The guilt on his face spoke volumes and Elliana felt her stomach tighten, tears forming in her eyes. “It’s true, isn’t it?  Everything Mandy said out there about you…it’s true.” She did not bother questioning it and kept her voice carefully neutral, watching him slowly nod. “You were going to demoralize me because of what I did?  That’s the type of man you are?  You would demoralize and humiliate a woman you’ve slept with?  Good to know.” She stepped back when he took one forward, shaking her head. “Don’t come near me.  I don’t want to anywhere near you right now.” He was making her physically ill just being in this room alone with him and felt hot tears slowly cascade down her cheeks.  NOW she understood why he’d been working late hours on this case.  He was trying to cover up his mistake with Mandy and to save his own skin!

“What I did was wrong, Elliana,” Jon said quietly, knowing this was the part where karma came and kicked him right in the balls for being a bastard. “I was hurt and spiteful. I gave you all these nice things, took care of you, and I thought I fixed things when I made it clear I wanted to be exclusive. When she showed me you were cheating, even after we agreed to see only each other…. I lost it. I know that’s not a good excuse, but it’s the truth.” Oh yeah, she hated him. He didn’t blame her a bit, he hated himself if he were honest.

Elliana didn’t hate him.  She was very angry with him, but she could never hate him.  Honestly, she didn’t blame him for being hurt and spiteful, but…this had taken it to another level. “So, what happens down the road when you get spiteful and hurt again?  Because it’s going to happen since no relationship is perfect,” That was just a fact of life. “What happens if you get pissed at me again, Jon, hmm?  You gonna have someone else you FUCK put that shit on the internet, or ask them to do it?!” She was TREMBLING with barely contained rage and shook her head sadly at him. “Why didn’t you tell me?  Why weren’t you honest with me about this?  Do you really think I enjoy being BLINDSIDED by your former whore?!”

“Well, Ellia, if you don’t plan on cheating again, I don’t see myself getting spiteful.” Jon said calmly, refusing to raise his voice even as she railed at him. “I can take a lot of bullshit, but you fucked the guy who tried destroying your career AFTER we got together exclusively. So yeah, I got spiteful. And no, I don’t think you enjoy being blindsided, nobody does.” She could call Mandy any name in the book she wanted but when it came down to the bare bones of it, she wasn’t really any better than Mandy. Their key difference was Elliana had sold herself on a Web site and Mandy had illegally filmed and photographed. He didn’t give a flying fuck about Mandy.

Did he really just say that to her?  Did he actually just say those poisonous words to her? “Don’t worry about me cheating again.” Elliana was fed up and done.  She had done everything in her power, EVERYTHING to build trust with him again, to make up for the mistake she made with Colby.  It was never going to be enough.  Jon had known about this video even BEFORE they got back together and didn’t tell her.  He kept the truth from her and lied to her just as much as she did him!  Taking the diamond studs off, she set them on the table, along with the watch and necklace, shaking her head sadly. “I will pack up your shit and leave it on my doorstep for you to pick up.  After this trial, I never want to see or hear from you again, Jon.  You could’ve told me the truth AFTER we got back together, but you didn’t.  You thought it wouldn’t come out, that Mandy wouldn’t become spiteful, just like you, and post that video for the world to see.  Congratulations, I think you two deserve each other.  Excuse me, I need some air, Counselor.” Storming past him out the door, Elliana didn’t stop until she was outside and pressed her back against the building, feeling her heart shattering in her chest.

Except Mandy hadn’t posted the video because he had asked her too. Mandy had never had any intentions of posting the video until Colby Lopez had forced her too, via violence and rape. That was Jon’s legal way out of trouble but there was nothing to be done about the personal life issues this had just brought down on him. He had warned her from day one he was a moody, unpredictable person. It was why he had put her name on shit when he had bought it for her, just so he couldn’t take it back. And now, the one thing he actually WANTED to take back… he couldn’t. “Fuck!” He bellowed, planting his fist through the table.

“Ellie, honey…” Kairi had seen Elliana storming out of the chamber and followed. “I am so sorry.” She whispered, seeing the heartbreak on her best friend’s face.

“I…I did e-everything…e-everything I could to m-make it up to h-him and h-he couldn’t even t-tell me the t-truth!” Elliana kept her voice down, though she was sobbing heartbrokenly and hugged Kairi tightly, her tears soaking the woman’s neck. “I-I’m done, Kai.  I-I can’t be with s-someone like that…”

Kairi just crooned to her, nodding in agreement silently and stroked her back.  Jonathan Good was a bastard for doing this to her friend!  Granted, she knew Elliana wasn’t completely innocent here, but he could’ve told her the truth when they first got back together about the tape!

By the time court was back in session, Elliana’s face was tear-streaked, her makeup somewhat messy and she had no fucks to give, sitting there with her arms folded in front of her chest.  She did not care what happened today as long as she could walk out of the courtroom and go back to her condo to lock herself up for a few days.  Depression was about to rear its ugly head again and Elliana also decided it was time to go talk to someone, a therapist, as much as she didn’t want to.  It had to be done after everything she’d been through.

Jon had known about the video, yes. He hadn’t known about it being posted until it had hit the Internet. He probably should have come clean then and he didn’t, now he was paying the price.  He set down besides her at their table, looking straight ahead. From his peripheral he could see the mess of her face, Yeah, he had done that. He wasn’t feeling overly proud of himself right now.

“All rise for the honorable Judge McMahon.”

The entire courtroom got back to their feet while Judge McMahon entered the chamber and sat down.

“Court is back in session.” She said grimly, surveying the room and her eyes landed on Elliana for a brief moment.

Elliana had a stoic, neutral expression on her face, not looking at Jon or anyone besides the judge.

“Counselors, do you have any other witnesses?” Judge McMahon asked, after banging her gavel to restart court.

“No, Your Honor.” They both answered at the same time.

“Very well, then.  In light of the new information we’ve discovered, we have no choice except to continue this case for another day…”

“Your Honor…” Elliana stood up from her chair, holding her hand up and ignored everyone’s looks shot her way.

Linda wasn’t expecting this and raised a brow. “Yes, Ms. Long?”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to say something regarding this case.”

Now normally, Linda wouldn’t allow this, but the woman intrigued her, so she decided to let it slide this once. “Proceed, Ms. Long.”

“Thank you, Your Honor.” Elliana turned to face Sonya and a distraught Mandy Rose. “I’m sorry for what Colby did to you, Mandy.  Nobody, man or woman, deserves to go through what he put you through.” Colby was currently being held behind bars due to punching one of the police officers. “I-I don’t want you to go to jail because of me, because of my mistake.  This is my fault and all I want is the videos taken down.  As long as that happens, I will be fine with it.” Turning back to the judge, she cracked the barest hint of a sad smile and continued. “Your Honor, I’m asking you and the jury to take into consideration what Mandy has gone through.  She was threatened and raped by a man she thought she could trust…a man I thought I could trust at one time.  Anyone, under that kind of duress, would do what she did because it’s all about survival in this world, when it comes down to it.  You do what you have to do to survive, to live.  I understand that more than probably anyone here and I don’t want her to suffer anymore.  She doesn’t deserve it and I feel, truly, she didn’t want to do this because she would’ve done it when Mr. Good asked her to, which she didn’t.  It took being threatened and sexually assaulted to put that video on the Internet and I understand that now.  Thank you.” Taking her seat, Elliana felt Kairi squeeze her shoulder from behind and did the same to her hand, once again avoiding looking at Jon.

“Well now…that was…unexpected.” Judge McMahon had never, in all her years of being a judge, had the Plaintiff speak on behalf of the Defendant before. “Are you sure you want leniency on her, Ms. Long?  She committed a crime, even if it was under duress and threats, it’s still a crime against you and the law.”

“I know that, Your Honor, and I’m 100% sure about this.”

“Very well.  The jury will now convene privately to discuss the outcome of this trial and we’ll meet here tomorrow at 9AM sharp for the results.  Court is adjourned.” The gavel went down and Elliana grabbed her purse, not speaking a word to Jon on her way out with Kairi by her side.

“Are you sure that was the right thing to do, Ellie?”

“Yes.  After hearing what Colby did to her and what Jon asked her to do, I’m convinced Mandy didn’t want to do what she did.  It wasn’t done maliciously, she just wanted to show Jon proof of it and when Colby found out she had the video made, he acted on it.  I don’t want her to suffer anymore, like I said.” Elliana did have a heart and it bled for Mandy Rose, especially after hearing Colby had sexually assaulted her.

“Thank fuck that man is behind bars and I hope he goes to prison for what he did to her.”

“You and me both.”

Colby was being held for now, without bail, and had his own court date coming up so there was that. Jon didn’t bother trying to chase Elliana down, knowing right now she wanted nothing to do with him. He didn’t blame her, he barely wanted anything to do with himself right now. Given that Mandy had committed a crime, he knew she was probably going to be fined, or put on some list for a year, maybe probation. All things considered, not bad. He took the note a court assistant came bringing him, sighing when he opened it. He had his own meeting with Judge McMahon this afternoon, that would be fun.

Linda McMahon was not happy with Jonathan Good, but…she could not reprimand him for what he did either.  Technically, even though he asked Mandy to break the law, she hadn’t done it on his behalf.  She had done it on Colby’s due to violence and sexual assault.  So all Jon received was a tongue-lashing the likes of which he’d NEVER had in his life.  Linda ordered him to take more classes because it was obvious he had no idea what being a lawyer and fighting for the little people was about.  By the time Jon left there, he felt several inches shorter and like his balls had been ripped off, but at least he could still practice and be a lawyer.

~!~

The next morning, the jury found Mandy Rose guilty, but did not sentence her to prison for her crimes.  She was heavily fined, however, and ordered to take counseling classes to help cope with what happened to her.  Also, it would take time, but all the videos would be taken down of the sex tape and Mandy agreed to hand over all of the copies she had made.  There were 5 in total.  Elliana was satisfied with that, shaking her head when asked if she wanted restitution from Mandy for what happened.  She denied it, knowing the woman was struggling at the moment financially and she knew how that felt.  Court was adjourned and Elliana stood up, not bothering to say a single word to Jon on her way out. 

“Elliana, wait!” It was Mandy running up to her, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I don’t know how to thank you for saving my ass in there…”

“Okay…” Elliana didn’t know what else to say to the blonde. “I will say one thing.  He’s all yours now.  Enjoy, hopefully he doesn’t get spiteful one day and break your heart into a million pieces.” Then, she walked away and didn’t start crying until she neared her car…the Nissan Rogue he had bought for her.  Why did this hurt so much?

Mandy frowned, not wanting anything to do with men after what happened to her and took off to head back to the diner for her late shift.

“So… how are your balls?”

“Shut up, Joe.” Jon didn’t have a set anymore. Linda McMahon had ripped them off and used them to make a new gavel. He had retrieved his shit that Elliana had left out on the porch, knowing she didn’t want a damn thing to do with him and he didn’t blame her. Of course in his head, his mind was informing him how unfair she was being. She had cheated on him, had a ‘goodbye’ fuck, and he had forgiven her, eventually. Then the other part of his head reminded him that there had been a gap between all those events and he just needed to be patient.

Chapter 50

Despite what happened between her and Jon, Elliana refused to go back into depression and tried to keep herself as busy as possible.  Against her better judgment, she DID take the job at the newly opened firm, with all new management, new policies, insurance, everything.  It was COMPLETELY different and the atmosphere was very friendly.  However, she didn’t take the Vice President position and opted to be a regular assistant again.  The pay cut sucked, but at least she would be paid what an assistant regularly makes.  Elliana wouldn’t struggle anymore and be able to make ends meet with a little money left over to spare.  She was putting the website and everything behind her, including Jonathan Good, since he was never in the company anyway.  He was there the day of opening to wish everyone well, explained the circumstances in what he did and then left.  Some things truly never changed.  Jon hadn’t learned his lesson that well, apparently, but it was none of Elliana’s business.  He wasn’t her concern anymore and she did her best to avoid him as much as possible when at work, which was easy since she was just an assistant.

Jon wasn’t there physically but nothing happened in that firm that he didn’t know about. He couldn’t be there physically, he had a million fucking classes he had to take and then get certificates for to send to that damn judge. McMahon hadn’t taken it easy on him and he got why. He had really screwed up. Getting back with Elliana became the last thing on his mind as he put his focus into completing this crap and managing the firm remotely. It was interesting to see how people acted when they thought he wasn’t there.

Before long, three months passed by in the blink of an eye.  Colby Lopez was sent up the river for 10 years – 5 years on good behavior.  Judge McMahon really was too kind to him.  Jon had even hired on Mandy to the firm as a mail clerk, paying her double what the diner she’d been bussing at did.  He felt terrible for her part played in the whole sex video mess and figured this was the best way to make it up to her, to set things right.  Elliana didn’t care what Jon did as long as he stayed away from her and remained professional whenever they did have to speak.  Almost all the people from the old firm, besides the corrupt assholes, were asked back and business was booming with case after case.  

Elliana vowed never to take any handouts again as long as she lived, wanting to work for what she achieved in life.  The condo was up for sale and she’d moved into a two bedroom house, which wasn’t as nice as the condo, but it was within her living means.  She also sold the Nissan Rogue and sent the money back to Jon via courier without a name or address on it.  It was cash too, no check because he could easily rip that up.  Elliana meant what she said; she wanted nothing to do with him and got rid of everything that reminded her of their messy, dishonest relationship, if it could even be called that.  The ‘diamond’ lingerie was one of the first things to be thrown out as well.

The cash had been donated to charity, in her name. She’d eventually receive the tax forms associated with it to claim on her taxes, whenever her mail caught up with her new residence. Elliana made it abundantly clear that she was done with him and honestly, Jon was too worn out to bother chasing her. They had both fucked up royally and he was going to be punished for his probably for the rest of his life. It was what it was, he’d just pull up the big boy pants and remember now why he had never bothered with women outside of their more obvious and basic uses. Relationships never lasted, not for people like him anyway.

The thing was Elliana knew she screwed up the moment she ended things with Jon.  There was no getting him back; they had both made mistakes with each other and their relationship had been built on a lie.  Elliana didn’t want to be with someone who didn’t trust her and it was obvious Jon didn’t.  Why else would he keep the sex tape hidden from her?  That should have been one of the first things that came out of his mouth once they were back together and happy again.  Happiness wasn’t for someone like her and Elliana’s heart was shredded to pieces, her trust broken.  Now she knew what Jon felt like when he saw those photographs and that footage of her and Colby together.  Her therapist made it clear she hadn’t forgiven herself and, until she did, Elliana would never be happy again in her life, not entirely.  Severing ties with Jon was the only way to mend what was left of her heart and to piece the shambled pieces of her life back together again.

It was the first Christmas party of the new law firm.  Reigns Good Law Incorporated.  Jon made sure to put Joe’s name first, just to sell the notion he had bought the company.  It was a clever coverup.  Elliana didn’t want to go to this party because Jon would indeed be there, but…Kairi convinced her since they had friends at the firm.  Elliana hadn’t reverted to wearing black again, but tonight she would since she didn’t feel particularly festive.  It was a simple sleeveless velvet black dress that went to her knees, hugging her curves and showing off her legs.  Kairi did her hair in some kind of crazy hair style that had about a thousand bobby pins pushed into her skull.  It looked nice and elegant when it was said and done.  Pulling on her black heels, Elliana took a deep breath before walking out the door of her house, locking it up.  She had a new Nissan Rogue she had leased and was currently making payments on it.  It was black and beautiful, she fell in love with it the moment she saw it at the lot.

“It’s been over a year since the trial and you two split, Ellie.  I’m sure Jon isn’t going to pay much attention to you tonight.” Kairi assured her, not realizing how much those words actually stung.

“Yeah, you’re right.”

A few minutes later, they were headed toward the firm for the Christmas party.

Kairi would be right. Jon had come prepared to mostly ignore Elliana’s presence outside of societal niceties. They hadn’t spoken more than a handful of words to each other since their split and her shift in jobs. Obviously, Joe and his lady were coming to this, and Joe had made a big joke about the entire thing, especially when he had had to be fitted for a ‘monkey’ suit. “You’ll be with me the entire time, I’ll make sure nothing is geared towards work. Just remember to-“

“Not be myself. I could pretend to be you, but then I’d be a miserable prick.”

Jon laughed despite himself, smiling as he straightened his tie.

Arriving at the party, Elliana was starting to have second thoughts and shook her head, whipping out her phone to text Kairi.  Even after over a year, it still hurt to be without Jon.  There was nothing to really celebrate at all.  Sure, she had a decent paying job and a beautiful home, a nice car, but…Elliana missed him so much. I’m bailing.  Can’t do this tonight.  Talk soon, love you. Pulling out of the parking spot, she nearly backed into a limousine pulling up to the front of the building and slammed on her brakes just in the nick of time.  Instead of continuing on, she watched as Jon stepped out with a busty blonde on his arm, along with Joe and who appeared to be his date for the evening.  Jon had moved on and she really needed to do the same.  Maybe it was time to look for a different job or maybe moving out of Vegas all together would be the best thing for her to do.  Elliana ignored her phone going off, knowing it was Kairi and backed out of the parking spot before heading back home, silent tears sliding down her cheeks. “This is your fault, remember that.” She muttered to herself, angrily wiping her tears away while continuing to drive.

“What’s your name again?” Jon asked out of the side of his mouth.

“Evie.” She shook her head, trying not to laugh. “Jenna’s cousin.”

“I remembered that part.” He could practically feel Jenna laughing at him from her place on Joe’s arm. This was not amusing.

“Just smile and you’ll be fine.” She whispered, squeezing his arm. Free food and a free dress, sure she’d do her cousin a favor and come as this bear’s date. He’d be great looking if he wasn’t so gloomy looking.

“Merry fucking Christmas to me.” Elliana muttered, hating this time of year and downed another shot of Vodka, filling it up instantly.  Her phone lay prone on the table and Kairi had sent her a couple shots, just to be a dick, of the party to see how grand it was.  It looked like it.  Jon didn’t spare any expense to show his employees a good time.  She picked up her phone again and went to the contacts, eyeballing the numbers staring back at her.  There it was – Jon’s number.  Jonathan Good – Handsome.  She had put his name as the pet name she called him and was never able to delete it, even after all this time.  It’d been 16 months tonight since she left him because of the trial and Mandy’s confession.  Not a day went by she didn’t think about him, even after selling the condo and the car, getting rid of all the jewelry and lingerie…Jon had bought her different colored rhinestone ones after surprising him that night.  Frowning, she walked over to stare out the window and flipped her phone in her hand repeatedly, his number still staring a hole through her.  Shaking her head, she tossed it aside and went to down another shot…and then another…and pretty soon, Elliana had numbed the pain in her heart temporarily.

She also sent a text message to Jon.

This is my resignation, you handsome son of a bitch!  I’m moving and I’m never coming back here!  Vegas sucks!  Merry fucking Christmas!  Hope yours is better than mine!

Of course, Elliana passed out shortly after sending that and her phone died during the night since she didn’t plug it in.

Of course. Why was it, that when one of them got drunk and had enough, they sent a text? Jon stared at it, mulling it over. The last time, he hadn’t gotten it due to breaking his phone. They had met each other at a bus stop literally right outside the Apple store. He would have gone to her as soon as he had gotten that text. Now… now he wasn’t so sure. If this followed the pattern… she’d run from him, hold out on him, they’d rinse and repeat. Sighing, he slipped the phone back in his pocket. He pulled it out and typed out a sentence. Deleted it. Pocketed it. Did it again. “Damn her.” He snarled, tempted to throw the phone but he didn’t. She was drunk. He’d ring her up tomorrow. Fools that they were.

~!~

Elliana had a hangover from HELL.  Vodka was a bad idea, very bad.  She didn’t remember passing out and looked at the bottle, seeing nearly the whole damn thing was consumed.  Her bloodshot eyes went wide, not believing she drank all of that by herself.  No wonder her head felt like it was being jackhammered repeatedly and her stomach twisted violently.  Groaning, she bolted to the bathroom to empty all the Vodka out of her system, violently emptying her stomach into the toilet.  Christ, what the hell was she thinking getting THAT drunk?  Her phone was dead and currently charging, still completely off until the battery had enough juice to power up.  Elliana had gotten that far before running to the bathroom.

“I bet that hurts.” Finding her house and getting in had been easy enough. He could have probably paid someone to break in on his behalf but… it had been awhile since he had put his lockpicking skills to use. Jon set down the bottle of water and Tylenol he had taken from her cupboard on the sink. She looked absolutely miserable and he bet if she wasn’t vomiting chunks she would have given him a good what-for. As it was, when she began hurling for round two, he crouched down to hold her hair back. “Do you remember texting me?”

What the HELL was Jon doing here?!  How did he get in her house?!  Elliana was too busy retching to demand these answers from him and didn’t bother pushing him away, thankful he was holding her hair back.  She had taken the bobby pins out, which were strewn all over her living room carpet at the moment.  Pulling back, Elliana took the towel he handed her and wiped her mouth off, pressing her forehead against the porcelain bowl as tears continued falling down her cheeks.  She HATED throwing up.  Then, it dawned on her what he asked her and her eyebrow slowly shot up almost to her hairline. “No…I did?” Why couldn’t she remember that?  Oh god, did she drunk text him?! “Fuck…” Vomiting did not make her head feel any better.

“Yeah, you did, darlin’,” He sighed, passing over the water so she could swish and spit in the toilet. Next he reached for her toothbrush and paste, passing it over as well. “Let’s see…” Jon tugged his cell out of the front of his jeans. “This is my resignation, you handsome son of a bitch!  I’m moving and I’m never coming back here!  Vegas sucks!  Merry fucking Christmas!  Hope yours is better than mine!” He read word for word, an eyebrow raising slowly. “For the record, today is Christmas.” And here he was, the handsome son of a bitch that he was, helping her with her hangover.

“I sent that?” Elliana blinked, groaning as she tossed the toothbrush and paste aside to throw up all over again.  It took a little while, but she finished and pulled back, wiping her mouth for the second time.  There was nothing left in her stomach – she was sure of it. “G-Give me a minute, please.” Pushing herself up to her feet, Elliana took the paste and toothbrush from him a second time to finally get the vomit taste out of her mouth.  Once she finished, Elliana did not feel much better and walked out of the bathroom, popping the aspirin with water Jon handed over next. “I-I don’t remember sending that text, Jon.  I’m sorry.” She mumbled, scrubbing a hand down her face and had to sit down, plopping on her couch. “How did you get in here anyway?  Or was I an idiot and left the door unlocked?”

Chapter 51

“No… it was locked, darlin’.” He dug in his other pocket, pulling out a lock pick set wrapped in old, faded leather. “No damage was done to your door or your lock, though if you want to call the police… it’s still technically breaking and entering.” McMahon would probably be happy to send him to jail for a night or two, even after completing all those classes and whatnot, she was miffed with him. Might’ve had something to do with the flowers he had sent after the last class had been finished. “You sent that last night, and against my better judgment, here I am.” Because obviously they weren’t doing good things for each other. “You want me to whip you up something greasy for that hangover?” He offered, sitting down on the opposite end of the couch, but perched on the edge. He didn’t like this house, at all. Or her new car. Or her lesser position. “Are you really moving?” He asked quietly.

This man was full of surprises, even after all this time. “Is that myth true about greasy food being the best for hangovers?” Elliana watched him shrug and heaved a sigh, leaning her head back to stare up at the ceiling. “I’ve been thinking about it.  There’s nothing here for me anymore and I actually looked up some places in Arizona.” There was no way she was going back to Texas and she definitely didn’t want to go anywhere without dry heat.  Elliana had gotten used to it and wasn’t sure she could live in any other climate, but she was fed up with Vegas.  She even made sure her home didn’t have the Red Rocks in her backyard or anywhere near her. “In my drunken, idiotic stupor, I definitely jumped the gun with that text.  I’m not ready to resign yet, but if I’m moving there, I’ll have to.”

“Yeah, you will.” Jon said softly, studying her thoughtfully. His firm operated in Vegas and the only time they ever allowed working remotely was when a case took a lawyer away from Las Vegas. Or when there were training things or conferences. She sounded pretty definite and he stood up, running a hand through over his hair. “Anything I can say to change your mind, darlin’?” He asked after a long moment, not bothering to look at her because he was pretty sure that both seeing and hearing the ‘no’ that was coming wouldn’t do him any favors. Coming here had been stupid, he was stupid.

Was he asking her that as a boss for his firm or was he asking her as Jonathan Good, her ex-boyfriend and former love of her life? “I…” A groan escaped her as a zip of pain blasted through her brain and she pinched the bridge of her nose, tears swelling in her eyes. “Fuck, I am never drinking again.  Or I’m cutting myself off after a few because this is ridiculous.  I can’t even have a conversation without being in pain right now.” Elliana sighed heavily and stood up from the couch slowly, rubbing the back of her neck. “I haven’t given it much thought.  I don’t really know what to do anymore.  I’m not happy and I need to change something in my life or else I’m going to be a miserable bitch for the remainder of it.  And life is too short to be THIS miserable.”

She was in pain and he felt like a tool, shaking his head. “Let me make you something greasy, you got bacon out?” A bacon sandwich, the bread would help her stomach settle and with a little bit of grease… yeah, sure. “Or I can get out of your hair.” Which was royally fucked, she looked beautiful, even though she had been hurling her guts out not that long ago and had looked like a weird caterpillar with the way her body had violently scrunched with the heaves. She was too hungover for this conversation and he was pretty sure neither of them could handle any more damage between them.

“Jon, why are you here?  Is it the text message or is it something else?  I think after everything we’ve been through, it’s time for some straight honesty, don’t you?” Elliana’s blunt nature had reared its ugly head and she didn’t care, taking a few sips of the ginger ale she took out of the fridge.  Some of her curves were gone due to not eating nearly as much as she used to. “A cheeseburger with bacon does sound good.” She conceded with a sigh, leaning back against the counter and folded her arms in front of her chest. “Before you start cooking for me, I need to know why you’re here.  You could’ve ignored the text message and left me alone, but you didn’t.  You’re here, lockpick and all.  So tell me why.  I don’t remember sending the text message, but I do remember thinking about doing it prior to my alcohol-induced coma.  Here’s my truth – I missed you, it’s Christmas and I’m alone and I have nobody to blame except myself for that.  I was feeling pity for myself.  It was a fucking pity party.  So there’s my truth.” Brutal honesty.

“Of course I’m here because of the text. If you can remember what you did with your cell,” He wasn’t aware it was on the charger, he figured she had probably lost it or something in her drunken stupor. “You’ll see it.” He was setting out stuff for burgers, in the morning, on Christmas Day. This was the most jacked up Christmas ever, ignoring her ‘before you start’ order. “You said you were moving, called me a handsome bastard, and bashed my beloved city all in the same message.” He had to take a minute to get used to her kitchen, frowning slightly. “Do you ALWAYS run when you get depressed?” Because he couldn’t wrap his head around it. She had tried selling her cars the last time. She had left her job the last time and this time around, she had demoted herself. This time she had moved and was planning on leaving state. The woman was a runner.

“Excuse me?  What are you talking about?  What do you mean I run?  I don’t run from anything and I never have in my damn life!” Elliana groaned, knowing yelling was not a smart thing to do because of her stupid throbbing headache. “I need my phone.” She went to go grab it out of the living room off the charger, seeing the battery was at 20% and decided that was enough, seeing she had a text message she hadn’t read yet.  It was a response from Jon to her. “What’s on the text message, Jon?  If it’s something bad, I don’t want to read it.  I just don’t need anything negative on fucking Christmas.” Even though this holiday royally sucked and she hated it. “Just…tell me what it says, please.”

“Nah, you can open it.” He snorted, wondering which of them was in denial more. She was a runner. She had admitted it the first time around. She got panicked and she just went on autopilot, removing herself from situations. She ran from him after cheating with Colby and staying on that site after she had promised she’d quit. She had ran from her job to avoid him. She was running now. she had told him how much she loved Vegas, how it had been a dream to live here, not she was running because she wasn’t happy here anymore. Had he, their relationship, really screwed her up that bad? She had been living as a pauper, selling herself eventually just to make ends meet, but she had loved living in Vegas. Now… not so much.

Just because Elliana took herself out of uncomfortable situations and made life a little easier for people – she was a runner?  She didn’t demote herself, Sonya Deville made a valid point in court.  What qualifications DID she have for that coveted position in Jon’s company?  She didn’t go to college or anything, she only had a high school diploma and that was it!  Sighing, she left him alone and sat down on the couch, contemplating to read the text message or just delete it.  Closing her eyes, the headache was starting to go away, so she took a chance and opened the message, her eyes glued to the screen.

I miss you. The Red Rocks aren’t as brilliant as they used to be. The night time skies are lackluster, even with a million stars shining down. I miss us. I should have told you about the video, and I know sorry will never cover what I did. That doesn’t change how I feel about you. Christmas is just another lonely day -I’m pretty sure that line is from some old country Christmas song but it’s true. Don’t leave.

Silent tears slid down her cheeks while she read the text message over and over again, feeling the plea in them.  Jon didn’t want her to leave.  Jon missed her as much as she did him.  If he didn’t love her, he wouldn’t be here right now cooking a greasy meal for her hangover.  The video didn’t even matter to her anymore.  Elliana looked up and into her kitchen, seeing him bustling around and wiped her tears away, knowing what she had to do.  Jon had her heart captive; he was the only one she wanted to be with despite what happened between them.  He was the reason she had contemplated leaving Vegas and moving away to Arizona, leaving the firm, all of it.  Slowly standing from the couch, her headache was slowly going away, thanks to the aspirin, and her stomach just felt…empty instead of nauseous.  Nausea was one of the worst feelings in the world to have.  She leaned in the doorway of the kitchen with his back turned to her and cracked a small smile, folding her arms in front of her chest. “I miss us too.” She confessed quietly, loud enough to where he would hear her and took a deep shaky breath, waiting for his reaction.

“Yeah?” Jon’s voice was cautiously optimistic as he focused on what he was doing, though his hand holding the spatula hesitated for a moment before flipping the patty he had made. He looked at her, just turning his head and studied her thoughtfully. “I don’t want you to leave Vegas, Elliana. Or the firm.” He wanted her to stay, here with him, and forgive him for being a colossal dickbag. He just wasn’t sure how to word all that without coming off as either really pathetic or a stiff prick. Well…. Now that he thought about it, pride wasn’t getting him anywhere either, was it? “I want you back, darlin’.”

“I never should have left you in the first place.  I was just hurt and confused by everything.” Her pride had taken a beating and, at the time, Elliana didn’t know how to make things work with Jon.  Now, looking back, she realized she could have if she wouldn’t have run away from him, from what they had. “It doesn’t matter anymore.  Nothing matters except I miss you and…I love you.  I never stopped.  And you’re right, I do run away from things and situations that make me uncomfortable or don’t set right with me.  But I’m done running unless it’s WITH you.  I was wrong for the way I treated you when all you did was react to what you saw.  You were pissed off and hurt – I did that to you and I don’t…blame you for asking Mandy to post that video.  If it was me, and the person I loved was fucking someone else on video, I probably would have done the same thing.  But if we’re going to do this again, Jon, I need to know you forgive me.  I need to know you trust me completely and there’s no more secrets and lies between us.  If we can’t be completely honest with each other and trust each other, there’s no way for this to work.  And I don’t want you to tell me you trust me just because it’s what I want to hear.  I want you to tell me how you TRULY feel.  I have no more secrets and lies.  And there’s no reason to forgive you because you did nothing wrong.”

“Elliana, you did this the last time. You NEEDED to know I forgave you and trusted you and I’m not doing it again. We’re not doing it again. We’re going to wind up stuck in a pattern, darlin’. Every time one of us fucks up,” And he was sure there would be plenty more of those because that was just how life was. “I don’t trust you not to run.” He was glad she had admitted she did it but that didn’t mean it was going to change, not overnight. “Just like you probably shouldn’t trust me not to do something incredibly stupid.” The only saving grace had been that Mandy hadn’t done it because he wanted too but because Colby Lopez had made her. It turned out Mandy Rose was a better person then the rest of them. How messed up was that? “I won’t lie to you, I want complete honesty, but I think we both need to earn trust with each other.”

That was something even she couldn’t deny.  They really did need to earn trust with each other.  If there was one thing they did wrong in this relationship, it was not establishing any kind of trust, any kind of foundation for it.  Jon didn’t trust her though not to run.  He didn’t fully forgive her last time for what happened with Colby either.  So, what was the point in fighting for this if they couldn’t establish some kind of trust with each other to build on?  Elliana wasn’t expecting it to happen right away; it would take a lot of time and effort on both their parts…and she wasn’t sure if her heart could handle anymore hurt.  Anymore pain. “All right…” She really did not feel good at all.  Hangovers sucked. “I don’t know how we’re supposed to do that though if you won’t at least forgive me for what I did, Jon.  That’s my problem with building and earning trust with you. How are we supposed to do that when you won’t forgive me completely?  The trust thing I understand and I agree with you on, but…forgiveness is different.  I know you said you did forgive me back then, but…I don’t think you fully did because it was too soon.  We got back together too soon after what I did to you.” Now, it’d been over a year, back then it’d been 6 months. “You tell me how you want to do this, to earn trust with each other, if you won’t forgive me.  Because until you do, we CAN’T earn and build trust with each other.”

Chapter 52

“No, darlin’… no…” Jon shook his head, realizing now where she was coming from. She thought he had withheld information about that video because he didn’t trust her, hadn’t forgiven her and he groaned, rubbing his hands down his face. “That wasn’t me not trusting or forgiving you. I did trust you and I had forgiven you. The reasons I didn’t tell you about the video wasn’t… wasn’t because of you, Elliana.” God, all this time that’s what she thought. He was a fuck-up. “Darlin’… Ellia, that wasn’t you, that was me. I was… I was ashamed of what I did. There was no excuse for it, at all, even as badly as I was hurting. I’ve been a shitty boss but we’ve defended dozens of these kinds of cases. I’ve made it mine and the firm’s personal standard to defend women and children, and then what did I do? The very thing I stand against, and I did it to the woman I love! I didn’t tell you because I could barely look at MYSELF in the mirror I was so disgusted.”

She frowned, seeing now for the first time just how much he’d been beating himself up over this situation.  He did forgive her for what she’d done.  She had assumed, again, because she too was a fuck-up. “Okay new rule: There is no more assuming on my end or you beating yourself up mentally and emotionally.  We need to TALK these things out and I realize I didn’t make it easy for you after the trial.” She had run away, just like he accused her of, instead of staying and working things out.  TALKING.  Communicating.  Not able to stop herself from doing it, Elliana stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist to hug him close, knowing he needed it right now.  He’d been ashamed and disgusted with himself over the decision to ask Mandy to post that video.  Elliana completely understood that and really wished she hadn’t spent the past year, essentially, punishing them both. “I’m so, so sorry, Jon…I-I had no idea how you were feeling about this and I should’ve stuck by your side, regardless of that stupid damn video!”

“Well… maybe not stuck by my side…. But definitely not staying away all this time, darlin’,” He went to plant a kiss on the top of her head and thought better of it, releasing her. “Go get a shower, I’ll finish your food and when your head and stomach settle… we can talk.” When she looked at him with almost a frown, he rolled his blue eyes. “I love you. You stink.” Though now he knew what HE smelled like when he went on a bender… he made a mental note not to be doing that.

“Gee thanks!” She was smiling though, rolling her eyes and nodded at him, doing as she was told.  A shower sounded really good, actually.  She smelled her armpit and went green around the gills, not realizing she was sweating the alcohol out of her system.  Christ, she DID stink!  Poor Jon, she thought with a chuckle, starting the sprays and stepped inside.  Honestly, she missed her condo, but this house was more for her than the life of luxury.  She also missed Jon’s incredible shower and tub, sighing as she began washing her hair.  It was down past her backside now, she really needed to get a haircut immediately.

Jon was whistling as he finished making ‘Christmas Breakfast’, greasy ass bacon cheeseburgers, just what the doctor ordered. He hadn’t realized what a weight he was carrying around, one that was different then just missing her and wanting her back. He HAD been ashamed of himself, disappointed in himself, and now… now it was still there but not as crushing, as stifling, as it had been before. It took him a moment to realize he was whistling that damn Christmas song, some woman sang it… Brenda something. Why he was thinking about that, was beyond him, it was just now stuck in his head.

“God, do I feel better!” Elliana announced, walking out of the bathroom with steam rolling behind her, a towel wrapped around her body.  Her hair was wrapped in another towel on top of her head as she pulled it off to start drying it on her way to her room.  Her headache was gone and she no longer smelled like rancid alcohol.  Tossing the towel behind her, Elliana didn’t realize she hit Jon with it and moved to her dresser, keeping her back to the door while pulling clothes out to dress.

Jon turned so his back was to her, clearing his throat to let her know he was there. As much as he wanted to ogle her thinner -AGAIN damn it- frame, he knew better. There wasn’t sex in the cards, not anytime soon. He wasn’t about to rush into that, knowing sex heightened feelings of intimacy and all that, but given they were just now talking… yeah, no rushing. Down boy, he mentally coached, beginning to think of Linda McMahon and down it went. That was horrible. “Uh, breakfast,” Such as it was, he had done a quick egg scramble to go with said burgers. “is ready, darlin’.” Some women gained weight when depressed, she dropped it… he wasn’t sure why but he didn’t like it on her.

Elliana had dropped the weight partially due to depression, but she had also started eating better.  Being called fat didn’t set well with her and, the more she looked at herself in the mirror, the more she saw a fat person instead of thick. “Okay, I’ll be out in a second.” She smiled over her shoulder at him, agreeing with his sentiments of no sex.  Elliana wondered if there were cobwebs in her vagina since she hadn’t had sex with anyone in the past year.  Not since Jon.  She heard him walk away from the door and wondered briefly if he still thought of her as beautiful with her thinner figure.  The thickness was still there, just not as much.  Shrugging, she pulled on a black spaghetti strapped camisole with matching cotton shorts, brushed her hair out and made her way out to the kitchen. “Smells good.”

She was always going to be beautiful to him, regardless of her size, even if those shorts did not fit the way they once had. If she was happy with how she looked, then that was what mattered. “Should… I’m a pretty decent cook.” He teased, setting out two plates -he cooked it, he was eating too damn it- on her tiny table and then examined the equally small chair, raising an eyebrow. Maybe he’d sit on the floor, it wasn’t like he was a tiny man by any means. He had loaded her plate with the burger and eggs, knowing food would help soak up any nastiness going on in her stomach and eggs were his go-to for quick and easy on hangover days. “Feeling any better?”

“Yeah, I am.  The shower really did help and my headache is gone.” Her stomach gurgled and growled, making her sigh as she picked up the burger to take a large bite out of it, groaning at the taste. “Oh my god…” She spoke after chewing and swallowing. “It’s been SO long since I’ve had a burger.  I put myself on a stupid diet and forgot what the taste of actual food is like.” Salad…lots of salad and fruit smoothies mixed with kale.  It was disgusting, but she had to lose weight somehow. “I probably shouldn’t be eating this, actually, but I will since you cooked it for me.  Thank you, Jon.” Another bite went down, she was in heaven with the greasy food and her stomach already felt better.

“Why shouldn’t you eat it?” He asked curiously, his other eyebrow rising to meet the other that was still cocked as she launched into what he assumed was an edited explanation. “Darlin’… you can eat whatever you want and lose weight, you don’t have to live on salads.” He said after a moment, testing his weight out on the chair. It was sturdier than it looked. He began eating as well, watching her intently. “You just need to eat less calories than what your body uses in a normal day, and exercise doesn’t hurt.” And how did he know this? Because on occasion, he liked to cut before then bulking back up.

If anyone would know about how to take care of themselves and their body, it was Jon.  The man worked out nearly every day, rarely missing a day in the gym. “I have been exercising.  I bought a treadmill and I’ve been doing some of those exercises on the DVDs.” She didn’t feel comfortable in a gym, not wanting others to see her chubby backside. “I know it’s stupid, but…ever since I saw that video of me and Colby with the title ‘Mail Clerk Has Sex with Fat Boss’…I realized just how overweight I was and that’s why I went on a diet.  I didn’t realize how big I was until it was shown to me.” Elliana didn’t appreciate the thickness her body had and wanted it all gone, not realizing just how much Jon LOVED her thickness.  She really didn’t understand how Jon could find her so attractive and want her when he could have any woman on the planet, even women with perfect hourglass shaped figures.

“Elliana, you’re not fat.” Why couldn’t she see it? “If you’re going to lose weight, do it for your health darlin’, not because some jackass is blind and doesn’t realize how beautiful you are, just the way you are.” He said gently. “When Mandy posted that video, she was doing it because she was forced to and Lopez was being a jackass.” Lopez was also serving time in prison where he was probably being ass raped by a ‘thick’ man named Bubba or something. That made him snicker. “Besides, when those videos were pulled, they sent stats with them, as gross as it is for you to probably hear, to learn, there are a lot of men out there who like a woman who has meat on her bones. Bony, skinny broads are so 90’s.” That last bit was a joke.

“My ass is…”

“Perfectly plump and bouncy.”

“And my chest is…”

“The damn near perfect size, not too small and not too big.”

“And my thighs are…”

“Thick and delicious, you have any idea how hot you look in those shorts you have on now?”

That made her blush furiously. “You always did like me in these.”

“Love darlin’, not like.  Looooove you in those.”

“Fine, fine, LOVE me in these.” She emphasized the word with a soft giggle, looking down at the burger and then up at him. “So, if I were to start gaining my weight back again, you’d be okay with it?” Honestly, dieting sucked and she did miss her curves.  She was nowhere near stick figure and some of her curves were still in tact, but she had lost at least 20 pounds or more since her and Jon split up.

“I love you regardless.” Jon said promptly, honesty was his best friend these days. He had always considered himself a fairly honest sort of guy, then that video shit and yeah…. He had had to relearn to be blunt, brutal -most of the time anyway- and keep his nose clean because he would NEVER make that mistake again. “If you start packing on a few chins, I might speak up. Same if I can start counting ribs. But as you are now, or with the weight back, I love you. But what I think isn’t going to matter until you can look at yourself and be happy with what you see.” Body issues stemmed from a person and had to be conquered there first. He knew that too. He had hated seeing himself when he was younger, scrawny and weak…ugh.

“You are such a jerk!  Pack on a few chins, as if!” There was no malice in her tone, only playful jeering and the smirk on her face just showed what he said didn’t offend her. “Well then, if you start packing on pounds and look like Tubba Bubba, I may speak up too.  Because that body of yours is far too gorgeous to let go, Jonny boy.” Elliana winked at him and took another bite out of her burger, savoring the taste.  It was so damn good.  She ate the rest of her meal, clearing her plate and stood up from the table, seeing he had finished before her.  The man never did know how to savor a meal. “I’m cleaning up.  You cooked, I’ll clean and then we can talk some more.”

“Actually darlin’,” Jon ran his hand along the back of his neck, frowning slightly as he glanced down at his plain black wristwatch. “I can’t stay much longer. I promised Joe and Jenna that I’d come over for Christmas dinner.” Probably a good thing he had a huge appetite, that burger and eggs had been like… an appetizer or something. “You want to come?” He doubted she had plans, not if she had been hiding away with depression. “Or are you supposed to meet with Kairi?”

Of course he had plans!  It was Christmas Day after all. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Jon.” Elliana shook her head, not about to put herself in an awkward situation and didn’t expect Jon to choose her over the people who had been there for him over the past year. “No, Kairi went home for the holidays to be with her family.” They were skiing up in the mountains somewhere and she had invited Elliana to go, but she had declined, just wanting to spend the holidays alone.  She never thought she would reconcile with Jon. “You better get going then, or you’ll be late and traffic is probably hell since it’s a holiday.” She turned back to doing the dishes, rinsing them to put them in the dishwasher.

“Why is it not a good idea?” Jon asked, knowing he shouldn’t press but he was going too anyway. His original Christmas plans had been to spend them drinking seriously laced eggnog with his cell phone hidden and off, watching old Christmas movies on the television. Joe hadn’t really given him a choice, not about to let Jon mope and be depressed on the holiday. And, Joe was expecting a kid so… good times all around he supposed. “Joe and them like you.” That was also true. Joe hadn’t been very amused with Jon’s shining scumbag example either.

“I appreciate the offer, but…we still have to work things out between us and I don’t think it’d be a good idea to go to your best friend’s house with you until things are…settled between us.” It wouldn’t look good and Joe probably secretly hated her because that was what best friends were supposed to do – hate on their best friend’s exes. “It’s Christmas, I don’t want to ruin anyone’s holiday by showing up uninvited.” That was downright rude, especially on this particular holiday. “Go on, I’ll be fine.  We can talk later or something.”

Joe wasn’t a traditional friend but Jon wasn’t going to press the issue either. He had probably thrown her day off as it was, breaking in the way he had, seeing her hurling her guts, feeding her… but then again, they had also accomplished some, what should he call it, they had made some progress. Considering they hadn’t spoken in a year, he was going to call today a success.  “All right,” He stared down at her intently, reaching out to brush his fingers against her wrist. “Is it all right if I call you later?” That was just weird, asking that after the morning B&E he had committed. “Maybe send a semi loaded with Christmas presents?” That was a joke, though in truth, he would have done that once upon a time. Now he knew better. She couldn’t be bought, that tended to overwhelm her, when he went balls to the wall.

She smiled at that, knowing he would do it if she allowed it and slid her hand into his, nodding. “Yeah, I’d like that.” Honestly, she didn’t feel up to being around a bunch of people since she was still suffering from a hangover. “If I’m sleeping though, don’t panic and I’ll call you whenever I get up.” Something told her she would be sleeping the day away since she hated Christmas.  It was never kind to her and she had spent a lot of them alone.  Today would be no different, due to her stubbornness, but Jon had plans and she wouldn’t ask him to choose between her and his friends.  That wouldn’t be the way to start off this new beginning between them…even though they hadn’t really established one yet.  Time would tell if it progressed or floundered.

“All right…” Jon didn’t like leaving her by her lonesome, not on Christmas, even though that’s what he had planned on doing himself. He highly doubted that she would appreciate him dragging Joe and Co. over here, no bad idea. But… he could send flowers, and carolers… maybe a Christmas dinner delivered, that’d be all right, right? He’d think on it. “Try not to drink anymore, darlin’. I don’t usually make morning house calls.” He dropped a lingering kiss on her forehead, inhaling her scent before heading for the door. This was progress… they could do this and do it right this time.

“Jon?” Elliana walked over to lean up, kissing his cheek softly and let her lips linger a little longer than they should have. “Merry Christmas, handsome.” He groaned on his way out the door and she waved at him, shutting the door behind her.  It was the right thing to do.  Even though it was Christmas Day, and she would spend it alone, Elliana had to atone for her mistakes and move on.  She watched him drive off from her window and frowned, wondering if she would hear from him or if this was just a fluke.  Sighing, she shut her curtains and kept the lights off, turning her television on to watch something.  Anything to get her mind off what just transpired.

Chapter 53

Jon was in a much better, improved mood for the rest of the day. They were talking. They had cleared up a misunderstanding from his inability to speak up and clarify… this was good. Of course Joe noticed the change in his disposition but Jon just hemmed and hawed around it, not about to jinx anything. That and he wasn’t sure if they were going to be a ‘they’ or a ‘we’ as it were. Maybe they would find out that friendship was all they could really offer each other. But he already knew that wouldn’t be enough, not for him, not with her. When it came to Elliana, Jon knew his heart was only in it for all or nothing.

“I swear to god, after a year of you moping, this smiling shit is kind of weird.”

“Shut up…”

“Joseph, leave him alone!  He must’ve met someone.” Jenna knew that look anywhere and smirked at the slight blush that crept up in Jon’s cheeks. “HA!  I called it!  I knew something was different about you.  Preggo instincts, you know.  I think this kid is psychic or something.  Soooo…who is she?  And when do we get to meet her?  And why the HELL didn’t you bring her here on Christmas Day, Jonathan?!”

Joe just sat back with a big grin on his face while his very pregnant wife gave his friend the third degree, trying hard not to laugh and failing.

“Because we’re not together.” Jon said, which was honest enough. “And she doesn’t need to be overwhelmed by you two.” He then began rubbing Jenna’s massive stomach. “Three, sorry.” He teased, looking up into her face since he was sitting in a chair. “Or four, you sure it’s not twins?”

Her response was to smack him upside his head. “Are you calling me fat, Jon?”

“I’m calling you radiant, beautiful, and moderately large.”

She hit him again, but she was also laughing. “It’s good to have you back. Joe’s right, the mopey shit was getting on our nerves.”

“Hey!” He whined, stopping with the belly rubs. “That’s not what he said.”

“Well, it’s what I meant.” Joe teased, winking at his wife. “All right, we’ll set the table, Jenna. You sit down and we’ll get it since you cooked.”

“Ah yes, two handsome, virile men to do my bidding. Off with you slaves.”

Joe had known Jon a long time and he knew better than to start snooping in the man’s private life.  If Jon wanted to tell them who this was, or whatever had the smile on his face, he would.  It was obvious he was trepidatious over this new woman and Joe would not make it worse for him, especially on Christmas Day.  He just hoped this lasted because the man did not do moping and depression very well. “I’m happy for you, bro, whoever she is and I really hope it works out for you.” That’s all he would say on the subject and clapped Jon on the shoulder with a smile before setting the table.

~!~

Yawning, Elliana slowly opened her eyes when her cell phone began ringing on the coffee table and it took her a few seconds to get her vision to unblur.  Just as she thought, she slept the whole day away and glanced at the clock, seeing it was after 9 PM.  Great.  At least her hangover was pretty much gone, that cheeseburger from Jon had hit the spot, but now she was hungry again and groaned.  Too bad nothing was open tonight due to the holiday.  Stupid Christmas! “Yeah?” She answered, stifling a yawn and rubbed her eyes.

“You got to go answer your door, darlin’,” Jon sounded amused, guessing she had been sleeping because her voice was husky. Thank God Vegas did not get ‘cold’ like other parts of the States or else those poor delivery guys would be miserable. He listened patiently as she did, hearing her confusion when she opened the door. “I figured you were either going to heat up something from a can, or sleep… so… I ordered you dinner.” He said after a long moment, hearing the rustling of bags. “I hope that’s okay.” He was stuffed like a turkey right now, pretty sure he had replaced his abs with a Christmas gut, Jenna had overdone it on the cooking.

“What the…?”

“Miss, I need you to sign this for me.  And don’t worry about the tip, it’s already been taken care of.”

Of course it had.  Jon spared no expense when doing something for her and all this delicious smelling food was just the beginning, she had a feeling. “Where do I sign?” She scrawled her signature on the paper and wished the man a Merry Christmas before shutting the door. “Hold on, Jon.  There’s A LOT of food here, oh my god.” Setting the phone down, she put it on speaker and could hear him laughing on the other end, shaking her head. “You’re such an ass.  A thoughtful, loving ass.” What all had he bought her for dinner?

They hadn’t spent a Christmas together, he had no idea what she liked to eat. So he had done the holy trinity: ham, turkey and goose. Not like, whole birds and a big ham of course, and then sides… plenty of sides. And a wine. “Hey, door again.” He smirked, just as her doorbell rang. This time it was carolers. Jon had to struggle not to laugh when he heard her curse him out under her breath but she was a good sport and let them sing the one damn song. Then she was back in, resuming unpacking those food bags. Her doorbell rang a third time and Jon was pretty sure she was going to reach through the cell and choke him. “Last one, I promise.” When she opened it, there he was, with a Christmas wreath. “Tada!”

How could she be mad or annoyed at him for putting a smile on her face?  The wreath was around his neck, so she grabbed the bottom of it and pulled him down, giving him a kiss he would not soon forget. “There was a mistletoe on it.” She fingered the top of the wreath with a grin, talking against his lips and snuck another peck before taking the wreath off his neck to hug him tightly. “I was hoping you wouldn’t leave me hanging with all this food to eat by myself, handsome.” Elliana was silently hoping he would come to her tonight just like he did and shut her eyes, breathing him in. “I missed you so much.” She didn’t just mean that day either – it’d been a long year without him in her life.

“Ditto,” He was smelling her again, finally gripping her gently by the forearms and pushing her back to study her. “You look better.” She looked like she had slept well, and he could smell the food. “I have no idea if that company is any good but it does smell good.” He had maybe room for dessert… it had been a few hours since Christmas dinner followed immediately by passing out on Joe and Jenna’s couch. He blamed that on Jenna, she had accepted it with a smirk. “Come on, where do you want this?” He waved the wreath. “On the door or inside somewhere?” Why had she kissed him? He was trying to be a gentleman, she was making it hard.

She kissed him because it was an incredibly sweet thing for him to do and she wanted to do it.  Elliana longed to feel his lips against hers again, even if it was for a brief moment.  It was enough for the time being. “You can hang it wherever you want.  I don’t have a preference.  I’m gonna go make a plate and I’ll get you some dessert since I know you already had dinner.” Grinning, not realizing she read his mind, Elliana went to the kitchen while Jon was left with the huge wreath and made them some plates.  Would he stay over with her?  Was it too soon for that?  Probably, definitely…and she still wanted to sleep in his arms.  This reminded her of when they first got together and it made the butterflies in her stomach flutter wildly.

Jon would not be staying over, not unless he was on the couch or something. They hadn’t even made it past the video/shame/addressing how it hadn’t been her but him thing until today… he didn’t even know where they stood. You could love someone and not be with them, he knew that for a fact. He had spent this past year loving her from afar and trying to drink that shit away. Obviously, it hadn’t worked out for either of them.  All he knew was he didn’t want to make the same mistakes they had already done before, they couldn’t keep yo-yoing like this, all it did was break something in each of them a little further. “What the fuck is that?” He asked, wrinkling his nose down at some weird red sauce. “Don’t eat it… if you poke it, it looks like it may attack.” There was no way that was cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce was made with real cranberries. This looked like a weird Jello.

Real cranberry sauce was disgusting and far too tart for Elliana’s taste.  She grinned up at him, slicing a big helping of it to go with her turkey and ham. “Mmm it IS cranberry sauce, but from a can.  My favorite.  I don’t like real cranberries.” She shrugged at the disgusted expression on his face and finished making her plate, handing a slice of pumpkin pie to him with some whipped cream on top. “Come on, we can eat in the living room and talk while we eat.” Grabbing her fork, she lead the way to the couch and sat down, setting her plate on the coffee table.  The food was still piping hot and cold – they had used special containers to keep the food as it should be.

“So… restaurants serve fake cranberry sauce… that seems like bullshit.” He had paid for THAT? He really hoped the rest of the food was real and not some weird, cheap imitation that moved of its own volition. There was no way, he watched in a mixture of fascination and disgust as she brought a wobbly spoonful to her mouth and actually ate it. “I never realized… how disgusting you are…” He was teasing, mostly. Even his mother, who had been dirt poor, had never served him that shit and he bet she probably had gotten a couple of the years from food boxes. That or she had swapped it for something else. “I think I know why I don’t like Jello… it moves. Food shouldn’t move.”

“You really are a weird guy, you know that?” Elliana commented, after swallowing the bite of cranberry sauce with turkey. “Even if YOU don’t think it’s good, I do and this is delicious, so thank you.” Another bite down and she even wiggled her plate to make the cranberry sauce move, laughing at the look on his face. “Okay, okay I’m done teasing you.  Now eat your pie.” They ate in companionable silence again, each in their own thoughts and once again, Elliana cleared her plate before setting it aside, feeling like she may blow up. “If I implode, I blame you, handsome.”

“Oh no, you don’t get to blame me because you overdid it.” Jon laughed, having ate his pumpkin pie slowly, just to make sure he did actually have room. Jenna’s food was deceptive, it looked so delicious but it had sat heavy. Wicked woman and her wicked cooking. “I just provided you with options, that’s all I did.” And now she’d have plenty of leftovers for a few days, though if she did wind up sick, he was blaming it on that wiggling mass of weird red she had just ingested. He got up and took care of their plates, making sure to rinse them before retrieving the bottle of wine he had ordered to go with her meal. He found her glasses quick enough, poured two measures and then rejoined her out in the living room, holding out a glass to her. “Merry Christmas, darlin’.”

“Merry Christmas, handsome.” Elliana clinked her glass to his gently and took a sip, knowing one glass of wine wouldn’t hurt her.  Her hangover was gone and it wasn’t like she would down the entire bottle.  No, she had learned her lesson with her alcohol-induced coma and would never do that again.  Hopefully.  Maybe.  She leaned her head against the couch, curling her legs beneath her and decided it was time for them to really talk things out. “So, where do you want to start with hashing everything out?”

“I don’t know yet, I was just taking the time to enjoy the fact that we’re actually sitting here, peacefully.” Because it had been a very, very long time since they had done so, a very long time for him since he had felt completely at peace. “Do you want to try again?” It would either be third time’s a charm or third time you’re out deal for them, and he had a feeling they both knew it. This was make it or break it.

Elliana shut her eyes as soon as he asked that question and took a large sip of her wine, trying to keep her emotions in check.  She had assumed wrong with him again.  She had assumed he didn’t trust her to tell her about the video, when that wasn’t the case at all. “I love you and I want to be with you.  We need to communicate better, though.” A LOT better. “We need to talk things out when we’re bothered by something instead of holding it in.  I need to work on not jumping to conclusions right off the bat and assuming things about you.  What you’re thinking and feeling, for example.  And you need to work on your impulsiveness.” He was extremely impulsive, especially when someone wronged him or pissed him off. “We do have issues to work out, but a lot of it stems from miscommunication.  So, if we’re going to do this one more time, we both need to agree we have issues and work on them together.  I want all of you, Jon.  You already have all of me and you have all along since the night I walked into that restaurant and saw you from the website.  And I’ve been miserable without you,” Damn it, the tears were starting as she took another long sip, clenching her fist in her lap. “I’ve missed you so much.”

Jon rifled around in his pocket, finally pulling out a black bandana and offered it to her after getting her attention. “I agree with you on the communication bit. I’m working on the impulse thing.” For example, today… he hadn’t sent her a semi trailer loaded with Christmas presents and he had been really, really tempted too. Linda McMahon and her stupid classes and conferences she had made him go too had probably helped with all that, though she still didn’t find him amusing. Probably shouldn’t have sent her a Christmas wreath. “Hey,” He reached out to take Elliana’s hands, squeezing them gently. “We don’t have to be miserable, darlin’.”

If he would’ve done that, she wouldn’t have minded because that was who Jon was.  She wanted him to work on his impulsivity when it came to his temper.  That was what she meant – not showering her with gifts and showcasing his wealth.  Though, if he bought her another condo and car, they’d have to have a discussion.  She squeezed them in return, nodding, and ignored the bandana for the moment, just enjoying having his hands in her own. “I’m so sorry, Jon.  I’m sorry for everything – for not putting my faith and trust in you, for lying to you and cheating on you with that piece of shit.  I’m sorry for running away from us when I should have at least heard what you had to say.  I promise you right here and now – no more running.  I’m not going to run from you anymore, from us.  And I know it’ll take time for you to believe that.”

Jon’s response was to pull Elliana across the way and onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. Leaning in, he nuzzled his nose against hers before feathering his lips down her cheek and finally to her mouth. “We’ve got this, Ellia.” He whispered against her mouth. “I’m sorry for what I did, for Mandy and what I asked her to do. There was no excuse for that.” And he had learned his lesson, he hoped. “We can fix what we broke, Ellia.”

“You said that before, remember?  Outside of the Apple store while I was waiting for a bus because I couldn’t drive either of the cars without feeling guilty.” Elliana reminded him with a small smile and pressed her forehead to his, feeling his hands stroke her back soothingly.  They could fix what was broken.  Anything broken could be fixed, right?  Was there too much damage between them though?  She sighed softly, needing to believe with her whole mind and heart they could fix this and finally be together. “I forgive you, Jon.” He was right, there was no excuse for what he did, even if he’d reacted from her cheating. “They do say third time’s the charm.” It was her turn to kiss him, pouring every ounce of feeling into it and moaned softly at the taste of him. “I’m all yours, handsome, for as long as you want me.”

“Good.” He rumbled, a genuine smile -not a half smirk, or a crooked grin- spread across his face. “Remember that, because once we clear the year mark, I’m going to try putting a ring on it.” Because the way he figured it, if they could manage to actually make it a year, they were good for life. The first time had been because he hadn’t clarified what he had thought about them being together and exclusive and her cheating. Second time was his deception, or withholding the truth as it were, and her running from him.

He was serious.  He wanted to marry her one year from now.  He wanted to marry her, period.  Elliana smiled back at him, wondering what it would be like to be Mrs. Jonathan David Good and felt a blush creep up in her cheeks.  Maybe Christmas wasn’t that bad after all. “You won’t have to try because I’ll accept once you do ask me to marry you.” She informed him, shifting on his lap to get more comfortable and kissed him softly, no urgency or rush in it.

If all worked out the way they wanted, Jon would propose to her on Christmas Day next year.

However, fate had other plans in mind for the couple.

Chapter 54

“Please, please no, please…” Elliana was trembling while sitting on the toilet at work, clasping her hands tightly in front of her while waiting for the results of the pregnancy test she just took. “Fuck…” Getting up, she whirled around and began emptying the contents of her stomach again, groaning.

Four months.  It’d been four months since her and Jon had gotten back together, on Christmas Day, and things had been incredible with him.  They hadn’t jumped right into sex, waiting three months, like last time and Elliana had surprised him with another ‘diamond’ negligee.  He claimed, after they were finished, it was evil of her to drip herself in knock-off diamonds when he wanted to actually do it with REAL diamonds.  Jon hadn’t done it yet, but Elliana had been waiting for the surprise to come.  This was NOT the surprise she planned on, however.  Elliana had completely forgotten to go back on birth control.  It had slipped her mind with everything else going on and trying to build her relationship with Jon again.  They didn’t use condoms because Jon was under the impression she was on birth control…and when they were first together, she was.  The second time, even.  But after she walked away from him, after the trial, Elliana never went to get another shot because she had sworn off men and sex altogether.  Now, it was coming back to bite her on the ass and Jon was probably going to leave her high and dry.

“Hey, I know it’s occupied, but you’ve been in there a long, long time.” Kairi rapped on the door, frowning when she heard Elliana muttering under her breath. “Elliana? Everything okay in there?” It was probably that damn Chinese she and Jon liked to devour at least once a week. Jon and Elliana being back together was good for them both, they were happier and Elliana was doing so much better mentally. Not to mention, Jon really wasn’t the kind of guy you wanted to be walking towards when he was scowling. He had scowled a lot when him and Elliana had been split up. She just hoped this time, they could make this work or SHE was leaving them both, along with Joe and Jenna because that’s what responsible third-wheels did, they left. Or at least that was the joke the trio now shared. She had made friends with the couple at that Christmas party, Joe was not what she had expected from the ‘owner’ of the firm, or whatever he was and Jenna was… Jenna. “Elliana? You’re starting to scare me. Do you want me to go get Jon?”

“NO!” Elliana DEFINITELY didn’t want Jon coming in here and seeing her in the state she was in.  Her curves were back, she had packed the weight back on she lost while depressed and she looked very good.  Right now, however, she was in a state of panic and couldn’t stop crying, unlocking the door to yank Kairi inside, trembling like a leaf.  All she had to do was point at the sink, which showed a POSITIVE pregnancy test, the plus sign clear as day.

“Oh fuck…”

Yeah, that was a big ‘oh fuck’. All Kairi could do was just gape at that damn pregnancy test. “Are you sure…?” She asked weakly, wondering if this was a joke. “Like maybe a false positive or something?” Because Jon and Elliana hadn’t been back together that long, not in the overall grand scheme of things and given their track record, she wasn’t sure what impact a baby would have on their relationship. When Elliana gestured to the trash can, she wasn’t surprised at all to see another test in there, wrapped in toilet paper, but the small end peeking out had the same plus sign showing. “Oh boy…” She reached out to hug her best friend, rubbing Elliana’s back.

“W-What am I going to do, Kai?  Jon and I never…talked about this…” Her birth control had been the reason for no condoms and she spaced it like an idiot!  They had been completely honest and truthful with each other since they got back together.  Nothing was kept secret, but how was she supposed to tell him something like THIS? “Oh god…” Tossing her cookies had become second nature to Elliana, or so it felt like, as she emptied the contents of her stomach yet again, knowing there couldn’t be much left since she’d barely eaten today.  Kairi held her braid back and crooned soothing words to her, trying to assure her everything would be fine with Jon.

She didn’t know ifs he was trying to convince Elliana or herself.

“I-Is he still here?” Kairi nodded and Elliana frowned, taking a deep, shaky breath. “Okay…I’m gonna go tell him I have to go home because I’m sick.  I’ll tell him tonight when we see each other unless he wants to stay away from me since he’ll think I’m sick.” Telling him at work was NOT an option.

“Don’t you think you should just ask him to come with you?” Kairi asked hesitantly. She knew they had this ‘open and honest communication’ policy these days and she thought it was a great thing considering how not being open and honest had been their downfall, twice. “It’s Jon, if he thinks you’re sick, he’s going to come with you just so he can spoon feed you chicken noodle soup and stuff.” Because that was just Jon, at least when it came to Elliana.

Groaning, Elliana knew her friend was right.  Jon would come home with her…and maybe that was the best thing. “Okay, I’ll ask him to come home with me.  I’ll tell him I need to talk to him about something and it can’t wait.”

“Good idea, want me to come with you?”

“Thanks, but…I need to do this on my own.  And I don’t think I have anything left in my system to throw up.”

Kairi wrinkled her nose. “Thanks for that information.  Didn’t need to know that.”

Elliana chuckled, shrugging. “We’re best friends, we share everything.”

“Yeah well next time, you can leave that part out.” They hugged and parted ways with Kairi going out to lunch with Aleister Black, her new boyfriend, and Elliana headed toward Jon’s office.

She rang her hands together, so many different scenarios floating through her mind on how this could go down.  What if he didn’t want the baby?  What if he abandoned her and she was stuck being a single mother?  Tears formed in her eyes as Elliana put one foot in front of the other until she was in front of Jon’s office door.  Raising a hand, she knocked on it and heard him shout ‘come in’, tentatively opening it.  Jon was on the phone talking to someone and gestured for her to wait a minute with his finger, nodding at the person on the other line.  Elliana didn’t’ bother speculating what that could be and sat down, taking silent deep breaths to keep herself calm.

“Well, I understand that Mrs. Levesque,” Linda was such a bitch, referring her DAUGHTER and SON-IN-LAW to his firm. As if he’d be able to refuse the libel case they wanted his firm to handle. He swore to God McMahon only did this shit to spite him, and of course, there was the part of him that realized that Linda also recognized him as a good lawyer. Even if he was cocky and unorthodox at times. “Of course, Ma’am. I’m going to transfer you to my receptionist, and if you’ll give her what time and day is most convenient for you, I’ll be happy to meet with you and your husband to discuss this further.” He crossed his eyes, letting out a slow breath before finally nodding. “Yes, ma’am, looking forward to it. Bye.” And he hung up, shaking his head. “Judge McMahon thinks she’s hilarious. I bet it’s because I didn’t send her a spring bouquet this year…”

Now, one thing they both agreed on was to leave their personal business out of work.  No fornicating in offices or anything like that.  No PDA of any kind, they were supposed to be completely professional.  Today was NOT one of those days to follow the rules, however. “Jon, I REALLY need to talk to you.  It’s very important and…we need to leave and go either to my place or yours.  Now.” Elliana wasn’t giving him an option and stood up from the chair, paler than usual and her heart was pounding furiously in her chest. “Sorry.  Please?”

“Darlin’, how important is very important, because I have a meeting in an hour with…” Jon trailed off, really looking at her and frowned. She looked… sick. Pale as snow with splotches of red and he swore her shirt front was a bit damp, cocking an eyebrow. She was trembling and her hands were fidgeting with the front of her work top. “Elliana?” He stood up and walked around the desk to stand in front of her, reaching out to take her hands in his. He could FEEL them shaking in his, the frown deepening. “Darlin’, are you sick?” He asked quietly, bringing one hand up to press his palm against her forehead. “Did something happen?” He then asked when she had shaken her head no. God, he felt his stomach plummeting, wondering if she was rethinking their relationship.

“T-This is VERY important, Jon, okay?  Please reschedule your meeting.  I know you can do it.  I’m so sorry, but…we HAVE to talk about this NOW.  And no, I’m not sick.” Elliana felt nauseous though and hated the feeling, trying to keep the tears in her eyes. “T-This is not something to discuss here at work.” She was scared to death, more so becoming a mother than anything because Elliana never wanted children.  They were not in her future when she looked ahead.  She didn’t even know if Jon wanted kids or LIKED them for that matter. “I-If you can’t reschedule, I-I’ll just go home and wait for you t-there…” Staying at work wasn’t happening, not with how she felt and her morning sickness had kicked into full swing.

She was fucking turning green. Jon always thought was just an expression but no, her skin tone definitely had a weird greenish pallor to it. He picked up his phone and hit a button on the switch. “Reschedule my meeting please, Samuel.” Who was the best assistant a man could ask for, Samuel was loyal and honest, and had told Jon flat out to pull his head out of his ass and keep it there. “I am not taking any calls or visitors for the rest of the day nor is Ms. Long.”

“Got it sir.”

“Thank you.” He hung up. “Let’s go.” Maybe to the doctor’s… she looked ready to either vomit or have a panic attack.

Nodding, Elliana followed him out of the office and ignored the curious glances shot their way.  Everyone in the firm knew they were together, but again, they had agreed no PDA.  Today, she had zero fucks to give and leaned against Jon when his arm wrapped around her shoulders to pull her close, a few tears sliding down her cheeks.  Once they were in one expensive Jaguar, black, Elliana buckled up and leaned her head back, taking deep breaths in through the nose and out the mouth. “I love you, Jon.  I need you to know that, okay?” Her voice cracked and her eyes shut, swallowing hard because she had a feeling she was scaring the hell out of him now.

“Okay, Ellia, you’re scaring the hell out of me right now,” Jon said, trying to sound calm, completely unaware that that was literally what she was thinking right now. “You’re not… you’re not ending things with me, are you?” He felt only a bit relieved when she shook her head no. Would it be bad to ask if she was cheating again? Or did she have something terminal? His hands gripped the steering wheel tighter. “Do I need to take you to the hospital?” He was so proud of how steady his tone was.

“No.” Elliana had to pull it together and clasped her hands tightly in her lap, the tears finally falling freely. “I-I discovered something…today and I need to talk to you about it in private…at one of our homes.  It’s not…life-threatening, but…god, I don’t even know where to begin to tell you this…” Not in a car, definitely not here just outside of work either. “Drive to my house, Jon, please.  I swear, as soon as we’re there, I will tell you everything.”

That didn’t help at all. Jon’s mind was racing with possibilities and he wasn’t sure how he felt about any of them. As soon as he was in her driveway, he put the Jag in park and was out of the car, walking around to help her out. Silence reigned as she unlocked the door, he noted her hands were still shaking and it took her a few tries. Hell, was Colby Lopez getting out of prison early? No... he would have been alerted to that since he was the lawyer who had prosecuted that bastard. Once inside, he guided Elliana over to the couch and sat down with her, placing his hands on her knees. “What is it, darlin’?”

,

“I-I’m so sorry, Jon…I-I thought…” Elliana couldn’t meet his eyes, placing her hands over his and could FEEL his trepidation, sense his fear and it broke her heart.  I can do this, I can tell him and I’m prepared for whatever reaction he gives me, she thought, mentally coaching herself, and took a big deep breath, slowly looking up to meet his electric blues. “When we – um – when I left you the last time…I…” God, what if he thought she was trapping him with a kid?!  Christ… “I didn’t get my shot.  My birth control shot.  There was a lot going on and I just didn’t get it.  I swore off all men and relationships, so I didn’t see the need for it anymore.  And then we got back together and…it slipped my mind, Jon.  I swear to you, I didn’t mean for this to happen!  It’s only been four months and…” She was having a panic attack, her breathing accelerating at an alarming rate along with her heart rate. “Oh god…oh fuck…” If she didn’t breathe, she was going to end up hyperventilating.  Jon made the mistake of grabbing her by her shoulders and demanding to know what she was trying to tell him.  She finally just…blurted it out…in a scream. “I’M FUCKING PREGNANT, OKAY?!”

“Oh Jesus Christ, is THAT all?” Jon was currently not operating on full mental capacity right now because out of every scenario he had imagined -and they were all pretty dire- that had not been one of them. Hell, it hadn’t even crossed his mind because the way she had acted indicated that it was something bad. He didn’t really have a stance on kids either way so… “Okay, that’s… not what I meant to say.” She had just screamed about being pregnant, she’d forgive him a mouth mistake. She was pregnant. On the bright side, ‘is it mine’ hadn’t come out, and it hadn’t even crossed his mind, so yay? “You’re panicking because you’re pregnant? Or how I would react?” He had his lawyer face on, still trying to decipher how he felt about this news.

“Considering we’ve only been back together for 4 goddamn months, I figured there was a very GOOD reason to panic!  We never discussed this!  We never discussed kids and I don’t even know if I WANT kids!” Standing up from the couch, Elliana began pacing to try to get rid of the nausea, not believing how he was reacting. “I-I forgot to get back on my birth control after we got back together.  You should be furious with me!  Hell, I’M furious with me!”

Chapter 55

“Well I’m not furious with you,” Jon felt strangely calm, maybe it was because Elliana was doing enough panicking for the both of them. No sense in him running around all helter skelter when she clearly had that covered. “Shit happens, and I could have wrapped it at any time and I didn’t.” Even with the belief she was on birth control, Jon had known there was that small margin of error where she could have wound up pregnant. With any other woman, he would have wrapped, doubling up as it were, with her… not so much. “Sit down, darlin’…” His eyes were on her stomach, knowing she wasn’t far enough to show and maybe that’s why he was so calm about this. He didn’t feel anything about the baby, the egg? Was it an egg still? Because there was no physical evidence it was there. He was more concerned for her state of mind.

“B-But we never talked about this and…I-I should have gone back on the shot or pill…” She alternated because sometimes the shot made her feel sick and dizzy afterwards whereas the pill didn’t.  Elliana sat down and took several deep breaths while Jon retrieved some water for her. “T-Thanks…” She took a few sips of it and set it down on the coffee table, smoothing her hands out on her skirt before finally looking up at him.  The tears hadn’t ceased yet and there was absolute terror in her eyes. “W-We’ve only been back together for 4 months…and we just started having sex again a little over a month ago…” They’d been going at it like rabbits, actually; it was no wonder she was knocked up now that she thought about it. “Do you – um – how do you want to handle this?  D-Do you want the baby or…?”

“I have never honestly given children a thought.” Jon admitted, which probably sounded bad but it was the truth. Not even with her. He could see himself marrying her, spending the rest of his life with her, but children had never entered those pictures. He imagined it had to do with his own childhood on top of the fact that at his core, Jon was a fairly selfish person. Elliana knew he was too, she knew he could be selfish and mercurial, and she accepted those things about him. He was working on them, she deserved better than a selfish, moody prick in her life. But a baby, children in general, those required that the self be put last and the child be put first. “Do YOU want a child?” Baby didn’t sound right, not when she wasn’t even showing and his eyes flicked to her stomach again.

She smiled sadly up at him and shrugged, rubbing the back of her neck. “Never gave it much thought, honestly.  Kids were never in my future, though.  I never really saw myself as a mother.” It wasn’t surprising to her Jon had never thought about children and there was nothing wrong with that.  Some people just didn’t think about kids for their futures.  Hell, he was a billionaire, who could do anything he wanted, go anywhere in the world at any time he wanted, so of course he wouldn’t think about having children. “I honestly don’t know if I want a child or not.” She was being honest with him and looked down, twirling the ring on her middle right finger absentmindedly.

“Well, you’re not very far along, you have time to think. WE have time to think.” Jon leaned back into the couch, running a hand down his face as his eyes closed. She could, if she wanted, get an abortion done within the next month or so, which gave her plenty of time to assess her options. Or, she may decide she wanted to keep it, in which case he would support that as well. “Whatever you want to do, darlin’, I’ve got your back.” He said finally, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees, staring at Elliana intently. “If you don’t want to keep it, I’ll be there with you through it all. If you do, I’m still here.”

“Even though we’ve only been back together 4 months?” That was no time at all.  They had no time to just be together – sex for a little over a month was nothing.  And now they were in a situation because neither thought of the consequences that went with unprotected sex.  Placing a hand on her flat stomach, Elliana shut her eyes and wished she knew what to do, what the right decision was.  What if they had this kid and it tore them apart?  Kids were A LOT of work.  There would be no more going to the Red Rocks, making love under the stars or traversing around Vegas.  Was she really willing to give all of that up for a child she didn’t even know if she wanted? “I think I should make a doctor’s appointment and make sure that I really am pregnant and it’s not two false positives.” That would be a blessing if they were. “W-Will you go with me to that appointment?  After they confirm it, we can decide what to do then.  This isn’t just my baby and I want to make this decision with you.”

“That’s fine,” He nodded, moving to crouch down between her legs, taking her hands in his and squeezed gently. Jon had a feeling when this finally properly hit him, when he was alone and didn’t have to worry about hurting her feelings or sending her into a panic, he was going to get SMACKED with the realization. He had no idea what a doctor’s visit was going to do outside of maybe show a small little sac and an embryo, was that right? “Do you want me to set something up? Something private?” By private he meant a personal doctor, who was paid well to keep shut and do his damn job thoroughly, not one of those worn out, underpaid clinic workers.

Elliana suddenly jetted forward and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, almost to the point of cutting off his air supply, needing his strength and comfort. “I love you.” She whispered in his ear, feeling his arms encircle her to pull her even tighter against him and loosened her arms just a little, massaging the back of his head with her nails.  This man wanted to marry her one day, would he change his mind now that she was pregnant?  Maybe getting rid of the baby was the right thing to do.  She refused to lose Jon over this and pulled back to softly kiss him. “And that would be nice if you did.  I was just gonna go down to the women’s clinic and get it taken care of, but if you want your doctors to do this, I’m all for it.”

Jon heard women’s clinic and his mind was back in Ohio, remembering his mother going to places… ‘women’s clinics’ and it just made his frown deepen. Tired, underpaid clinic workers and people of all sorts in the waiting rooms, in the doctor rooms, he shook his head. “I’ll set you up with a personal physician Ellia,” Someone who would treat her with respect and not belittle or try to sway whatever decision she made. He could easily remember condescension from nurses when he was younger, he’d be damned if he seen the woman he loved go through that shit for what was already a hard choice. “I love you.” He knew she needed to know that, that he loved her no matter what.

~!~

Within a day, the pregnancy was confirmed.  Elliana was around 5 weeks along, which would pinpoint around the time they had started having sex again.  Jon’s private physician, Doctor Hofstader, did not mess around or judge, especially when Elliana told him she was thinking about having an abortion.  He simply told her she had to do what was best for her and left it at that.  She had until the end of her first trimester to decide what she wanted to do, which was at 12 weeks.  She had a little over 6 weeks to go until the deadline to decide if she was keeping the baby or not.  Jon meant what he said, he was beside her through everything and offered support when she started crying at the confirmation.

“I don’t know what to do, Kai.” Here they were, sitting at their favorite coffee shop, like old times, with Kairi sipping coffee and Elliana stuck with tea.  She couldn’t really hold anything else down due to horrible morning sickness, which was both in the morning, afternoon AND night.  Morning sickness should’ve been called ALL DAY sickness! “I’m torn between keeping the baby and aborting it.  Jon says he loves me and will be there for me, regardless of my decision, but…something is telling me if I keep it, it’s going to destroy us.”

“Yeah, that would be that little voice in the back of your head that tends to lead you into trouble, usually with my help.” Kairi said dryly. She didn’t know what to think about this situation. She had tried putting herself in Elliana’s shoes and wasn’t able too. She and Black were ALL over the birth control situation on both ends. Babies were not in her future anytime soon. “Or are you just afraid of the impact a baby will have on your relationship since you two haven’t been back together for very long?” She’d imagine Jon would step up regardless, the man had had a single mother as a parent from her understanding, she didn’t see him letting that happen to his own child, regardless of the circumstances of its birth.

“That’s definitely one worry of mine.  Like you said, we haven’t been back together that long and we’re in a really good place.” Why did things have to go to shit just when everything was damn near perfect?  Elliana really wished Kairi would’ve told her something useful instead of just being supportive.  Like what would SHE do in this situation.  Of course, she didn’t ask because it wasn’t really her business and she was blossoming in a new relationship with Aleister.

A few days later, the ultrasound was scheduled to look at the baby and make sure everything looked good with Elliana’s uterus.  Jon was meeting her there due to an emergency meeting at the last minute at the firm.  She told him not to worry about it and headed over, taking a deep breath as her name was called from the waiting room.  After she was stripped and a hospital gown was put on, they inserted a wand inside of her vagina that had a camera attached to it.  It was called a vaginal ultrasound; they had to be done when the baby was less than 8 weeks along to get the most accuracy. “Wait, what is that?” She asked, pointing at the little moving blip on the screen and frowned.

Doctor Hofstader smiled. “That’s the heartbeat, Ms. Long.  Here, listen.” He turned it up and the room suddenly flooded with the sound.

“Oh my god…” That was her baby’s heartbeat.  Their baby.  A human being she created with Jon.  It was alive and the heartbeat sounded very strong, according to the doctor.  Tears slid down her cheeks as Elliana stared at the screen, completely mesmerized and took the tissue the doctor handed to her.

“Did you still want to schedule the abortion, Ms. Long?” They had discussed on the phone prior to setting this up, but Doctor Hofstader wanted to make sure everything looked good with her uterus and insides before proceeding.

Elliana felt her heart clench painfully in her chest at the thought of destroying the life inside of her and slowly shook her head. “No.” Whether Jon stayed or left, she had made her decision the moment she heard the heartbeat. “I’m keeping the baby.”

~!~

Jon had never been more grateful for work than right now. He had promised to be supportive regardless of what decision Elliana made. However, the more he thought about it, the more uncertain he was. He knew a child changed everything. Hell, they might not last as a couple due to a baby being thrown in the mix but that didn’t mean they couldn’t co-parent successfully, that was something thousands of people managed to do.

If she decided to go through with the abortion, he would be there with her as much as she would allow him. He would never let her go through that alone. But he had known as soon as he opened his eyes this morning that he couldn’t be there to see her face when she made the DECISION. There was just something about being there, seeing and hearing her announce it, that made his stomach clench violently.

So he focused on this last minute, urgent meeting. Or tried too. Mostly he succeeded and when he floundered once or twice, Samuel was right there to bring him back to his A game. When it was over, he dismissed Samuel from the conference room along with the clients and just remained at the table. He buried his face in his hands.

When Jon didn’t contact her for a couple days, Elliana began to worry he was done with her.  They hadn’t gone more than a couple hours without at least saying hello to one another and Jon hadn’t been in the office at all.  She hadn’t had the chance to tell him what her decision was regarding the baby because he was avoiding her.  Was he running away like she had done to him in the past?  Sighing heavily, Elliana tried focusing on her work and groaned when her stomach started rumbling, immediately getting up to rush to the bathroom to empty the contents of her stomach.  Morning sickness truly was a bitch!

Jon was a fucking coward. He had ran for the desert, for his beloved Red Rocks and the solitude. He knew he owed Elliana a giant explanation, a serious ass kissing, and then he would have to gracefully take any punishment she wanted to dish out. He showed up at her door in just jeans and a t-shirt, carrying a bouquet of flowers and praying she answered. He would deserve it if she didn’t. He was surprised, and relieved, when she did, knowing damn well these flowers weren’t going to get him out of trouble. “What did you decide?” That had NOT been what he was intending to say first. “Christ, I’m sorry Ellia…”

Frowning at the flowers, Elliana looked thoroughly confused, not a hint of anger in her eyes and stepped aside to let him in.  She blinked at his blunt question and shut the door behind him, walking over where a plastic small toilet basket with a fresh bag inside of it sat near the couch. “Well hello to you too.” One week.  Jon hadn’t spoken to her for one week and she figured he needed time to digest everything going on.

Chapter 56

“If you’re here to break up with me, just know I will be taking you to court for child support, unless you want to sign your rights off to this kid and be done with it.” She yawned, not in the mood for games and placed her hands on her stomach. “What are the flowers for anyway?” What she should’ve asked was where the hell had he been for a straight week with NO communication at all?

“Okay, first of all, fuck you.” Jon said flatly, his apologetic tone completely changing to ice. “Second, I panicked and went to clear my head, thanks for answering the question. Third, fuck you again, Elliana.” Her response to him finally having a ‘running moment’ of his own, that was very brief and he had come back to make things right, was to tell him she was going to take him to court? He could already see the co-parenting thing happening, unless Elliana turned out to be one of those women… who jumped the gun and reacted out of anger, who poisoned the kid against the father, he had seen that happen to both men and women in their line of work. “The flowers were for you, to hopefully butter you up before I got to the apology and explanation.” He didn’t give a rat’s ass about the flowers now, his eyes on her stomach. She wasn’t having an abortion. Relief tempered with fear washed through him.

“Considering you haven’t spoken to me at all in a week, I figured you were done with me.” It HAD only been 4 months since they got back together and this baby had thrown a wrench into everything.  It didn’t matter, she still wanted it and nothing else mattered on this planet.  Not even her relationship to Jon, which was on the verge of ending just by the way he reacted to her words. “You couldn’t even send me a text saying ‘hi, how are you?  Feeling better?  I love you.’ Nothing, Jon, NOTHING.  So, excuse the hell out of me for jumping to that conclusion!” Groaning, she immediately grabbed the waste basket and started hurling all over again, losing track of how many times she had done this today alone.  This past week had been hell on earth on her mind and body.

Jon was there instantly, rubbing his hand in slow, soothing circles along her back, knowing his words were harsh but it didn’t matter. They had agreed on total honesty and those were the first honest words that had come out. She wasn’t exactly lightening her verbal blows either. Even if she had been joking, the court thing would have struck him shitless. Even with all his wealth, he knew damn well that statistically, fathers were raped in courts. “I was afraid you’d decide you wanted the abortion.” He confessed quietly when she was done throwing up. “If you had, I would be there with you for it, but… I didn’t want to be there when you made up your mind, and I was too much of a coward to come find out like I should’ve.”

Slowly looking up, after she was finished, Elliana reached for the tissues that were on the coffee table and wiped her mouth off, tears in her eyes.  God, she really hated throwing up! “I’m sorry.” She whispered, knowing her sense of humor was sometimes too dry for her own good. “I-I’m keeping the baby, Jon.  I heard the heartbeat and…that was it for me.  I can’t kill a human being we created together and that’s exactly what I’d be doing.” She wasn’t getting any younger either, a couple more years and she wouldn’t be able to have babies, more than likely. “I was going to have an abortion, but…not anymore, so…”

“Good,” He whispered, helping her up and pulled her into his arms, burying his face in her hair. This was a human they had created, and even through all the ups and downs, he had still loved her. He had realized that day that he couldn’t live with himself if they killed a piece of them, their baby. That was why he hadn’t wanted to be there, to see her face when she made that decision, because that memory would forever haunt him and he didn’t want it tainting how he felt about her. He went to kiss her and then stopped, wrinkling his nose. “Sorry…” He wasn’t kissing her just yet. “Can’t they give you anything for the vomiting, darlin’?”

“They gave me some nausea pills, but…I’m being stubborn and haven’t taken them yet.  I don’t want to harm the baby, even though the doctor said it wouldn’t…” Elliana was being extremely cautious, worry in her eyes and stood up from the couch to go wash her mouth out with listerine.  She also brushed her teeth quickly to get the rest of the taste out of her mouth before going back to the couch, where she had been camped out most of the week. “You can kiss me now if you want.” Jon chuckled, pulling her against him again and this time plundered her lips with his, moaning softly. “I missed you.” She smacked his chest. “Don’t you EVER disappear like that on me again.  You really had me worried and stress isn’t good for me right now, Jonathan.” Elliana lost count how many times she called and texted him, figuring he was on a beach somewhere without his phone or on his yacht. “Thank you for the flowers.  They are beautiful.”

“Hey, take the pills, vomiting like that isn’t good for you or the baby either, especially if it lands you in the hospital from dehydration.” Jon could play that card right back, though he had the sense to look sheepish. He had deserved that rebuke and then some. “I will never disappear on you again, at least not without checking in first or something.” He then amended, feathering kisses along her jaw. He was careful not to jostle her around or anything, knowing at any second he could get puked on. “Are you able to eat? I could make you something with bacon-“ She went green and then… he was wearing puke. He just stared down at her, his blue eyes widening as he looked down at himself. Thank god these were just normal, everyday clothes and not his expensive, tailored business wear. “So…. No on the bacon, and please take the pills. You don’t know better than the doctor and they wouldn’t have given them to you if the risks outweighed the benefits, darlin’.”

Listening to her man, Elliana popped two of the nausea pills the doctor prescribed her, having picked them up from the pharmacy, just in case.  About an hour later, she was feeling much better and no longer wanted to throw up every 5 minutes, much to Jon’s relief.  Hers as well. “Sorry about throwing up on you…bacon, the smell of it, makes me queasy now.” She smiled sadly, knowing she wouldn’t be able to eat bacon cheeseburgers anymore until after the baby was born.  Thankfully, Jon had fresh clothes here as well as shower stuff, so he’d cleaned up and felt better instead of smelling like vomit.

“Apparently so does the thought of it, are you sure that kid’s mine?” Jon teased, then groaned when she socked him right in the gut. “Babe… not cool.” Because he couldn’t retaliate right now, she might either piss or puke on him and he had a feeling he was going to wind up getting them a lot when their little tyke was born. “So… we have a lot to talk about, Ellia.” Like, living arrangements, how they were going to do this because he had no intention of ‘breaking up’ with her, like she had thought when he had first come in. “And whether or not you want to wait until Christmas for your wedding proposal or just fast forward to… now?”

Elliana really needed to learn not to eat or drink when Jon opened his mouth because she never knew what was going to come out of it.  Her water went ALL over the place as she spit it out…all on him too. “O-Oh god!” She wheezed, coughing since some of it went down the wrong pipe when she inhaled.  Water coming out of the nose didn’t feel good either.  Jon cursed a blue streak, standing up and ripped his shirt off, tossing it aside while she continued coughing up a lung. “I-I’m sorry…what?” They were only together FOUR months!  Had he LOST his mind?! “Fuck, that burns…”

“Yeah, that’s… kinda gross, Ellia.” He peeled off his formerly clean and dry fresh shirt and used it to mop up his face and his hair, wondering how she had managed to get him like a super soaker. “You okay?” He gave her time to recover from the water incident, raising one eyebrow slowly. “Darlin’, even though I was a royal jackass this week, I love you and I hope you still love me, and I still eventually plan on marrying you but… we could move eventually up.” Mm, that didn’t sound any better either, now she was going to think it was because of the baby, which was partially wrong. “Don’t… don’t think this is because of Jon Good the Second,” He smirked. “I want to marry you regardless. Today, tomorrow, Christmas…”

“Of course I still love you, what kind of asinine question is that?!” Elliana really hated her hormones and took a deep breath, placing her hands on his bare chest and stroked his shoulders. “I didn’t expect you to come right out and say it.  I know you planned on proposing to me at Christmas.  Sorry I sprayed you like that.” Again, only this time it was with water and not vomit. “I’m sorry for my outburst.  I’m not feeling like myself and the doctor said it’s going to happen because of my hormones going haywire.  I’ll try to…tone it down though.” The last thing she wanted to do was scare him off. “We practically live together already.” Either she was staying at his house or hers, though it was mostly his, if Elliana was honest.  Jon HATED her house. “Yes, I’ll marry you.  And you never know, you could be a girl maker, Jonny boy.”

“Jonathan Good the Second will also work, I’m flexible.” Jon said it with a straight face, enjoying the way her mouth gaped for a second as she tried to sort out if he was serious or not. He smirked, flashing her his crooked little grin before gently pulling her back into his arms. “Let’s try this again, yeah?” He murmured, the last time she had puked all down his shirt front, he was bare chested this time… that would suck. Bending down, he brushed his lips against hers. “So, you’ll marry me? Right now? Go to a chapel and get married to me with an Elvis officiating it, darlin’?” They could grab Kairi and Joe as witness and be Mr. and Mrs. By 6 PM.

There was no way in hell they were naming this child after themselves.  That was just arrogance personified and Elliana would never want to do that.  She wasn’t a fan of JR or the Second or anything of that nature. “You want to marry me TODAY?” This man was full of surprises and Elliana wasn’t sure how much more she could take.  Sure enough, he pulled something out of his jean pocket and handed it to her.  How had she missed that?  It was a black velvet box and she looked up at him, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes before opening it.  Staring back at her was possibly the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen in her life.  It was the same kind of stone he had gotten her for a ‘paperweight’, only cut down quite a bit.  It was surrounded by diamonds and amber gemstones.  It was obvious Jon had this custom made and he probably even designed it himself.  The stone was set on a platinum band – white gold didn’t compare to this metal. “Jon…” She whispered in awe, swallowing hard as he took it out of the box and set it to the side, taking her left hand in his while staring into her eyes.  It was no surprise when she started crying.

Bismuth Geode, they were expensive enough uncut but to get one sized down and trimmed to something fairly respectable… even he had stopped to think about that kind of price tag. Totally worth it however, he would never look at Bismuth without thinking of hers and not a day had gone by that he hadn’t regretted tossing that ‘paperweight’ the way he had, knowing he had shattered the damn thing when it had hit the cement below. “Is it still a yes, Elliana?” He asked quietly, lowering himself to both his knees before her, because he worshipped this woman. Puke and all. “I will never hurt you again, Ellia. I will never run from you or do anything that causes you pain. Marry me?”

She couldn’t speak and just nodded her head instead, tossing her arms around his neck before he could even get the damn thing on her finger.  She didn’t care about the ring.  She only cared about and loved the man giving her the ring. “Yes.” Elliana whispered in her ear, not trusting her voice at the moment and pulled back to accept a passionate kiss from him, cupping his face in her soft hands. “A million times yes, handsome.” She mumbled against his lips and felt him lift her from the couch to hold her against him as he stood to his feet, her legs encircling his waist.  Jon pulled back long enough to take her left hand once again and this time slid the ring on her finger, where it sparkled and shined. “Make the arrangements for a chapel, without Elvis.  I’d like to at least get married in a normal chapel instead of one of those over the top character ones.” Hopefully, she had something white or ivory in her closet to wear for their wedding.

“I’ll handle it. I’ll call Joe and Kairi, and I’ll make sure it’s… well, as close to perfect as it can be, okay?” Jon was grinning from ear to ear, happiness radiating off of him. She had said yes and he had not expected the burst of warmth that had flooded throughout every fiber of his being. “I’ve got to go, darlin’, I’ll text you the details as soon as I get it set-up.” He had to go change, he was already texting Joe. He was going to order a million bouquets and get them some crazy honeymoon suite to hide in away from both their houses. “Can you drink champagne?” He knew that one drink every so often while pregnant wasn’t considered ‘bad’ for the mother or baby, but he was concerned about her stomach issues.

“One glass won’t harm anything.  The doctor said since I like to drink wine, a glass every so often won’t hurt.  I probably will just take a few sips anyway.” Elliana informed him with a soft smile, also feeling that warmth rushing through her and chewed her bottom lip. “Jon…” She walked over to him and stood on her tiptoes to softly brush her lips against his. “I love you.  And I’ll try to look my best since I’m not sure if I even own anything…” He pressed a finger to her lips and told her to hold that thought before quickly exiting the house.  She watched him out the door, wondering what was going through his mind and what plans he had in store for them.

Within twenty minutes, Kairi was letting herself in, practically bouncing with excitement and Jenna was with her, her own baby boy with Joe’s parents for the day. “So, we’re here to take you shopping with Jon’s credit card.” She flashed said card. “He said to spare no expense and he’s supposed to be texting you soon.”

Chapter 57

Jon had decided since Elvis was out of the question, there was only one person he wanted to officiate. “Please?”

“No.”

“Pretty please?”

“You have to do better than that.”

Sighing, Jon knelt down in Judge Linda McMahon’s driveway, clasped his hands together and pouted up at her. “Please?”

She snapped a picture, smirking. “Of course, Mr. Good.”

As soon as the old broad sent him that picture, he forwarded it to Elliana with a ‘will this old hag do?’ and a grin emoji.

~!~

“Oh my god…” Elliana could not stop laughing and flashed her phone at the girls, who were trying to help her pick out a suitable wedding dress at a bridal shop.  It was only 10 AM and she was shopping for a damn wedding dress!  What the hell was going on with her life lately? “Jon got Judge McMahon, of all people, to officiate for us.”

“That…is…PRICELESS!  He’s on his KNEES, BEGGING her to do it!” Jenna crowed, snatching the phone and giggled loudly. “Oh my god, you HAVE to send that to Joe!”

“I-I don’t have Joe’s number…”

“I know it, I’ll do it.” Jenna chirped, sending her husband that picture of Jon.

Not even a minute later, this response came through: Who’s dick did he have to suck to get HER to do it?

Elliana rolled her eyes, taking it all in stride and continued looking through the dresses, finally spotting the one she’d been searching for.  She took it off the rack and immediately went to the dressing room, thankful the nausea pills had kicked in.  She didn’t feel sick at all and it was a blessing. 

The girls were excited as they waited for her to try the dress on, both grinning from ear to ear.  They couldn’t believe Jon and Elliana were getting married, after everything they’d been through.  Kairi just hoped Jon wasn’t doing all of this because of the baby – getting married because of a pregnancy wasn’t the way to go. 

Stepping out, Kairi gasped while Jenna started crying, gushing at how beautiful Elliana looked.  The dress was an A-line rhinestone sweetheart sequined and strapless that went to floor length and zipped up the side.  It had a tulle material and was white with silver being the sequins and rhinestones.  Elliana chose this dress for one reason and one reason only – she looked as though she was dripping in diamonds. “This is the one.”

“Jon is going to lose his mind when he sees you, girl!”

“I really hope Joe brings some kind of smelling salts because he very well may faint.”

“And you BETTER use his damn card,” Kairi insisted, smiling brightly as she and Jenna fawned over that dress. She knew she wanted to touch it but she didn’t want to mess anything up, that was WAY beyond her paygrade and Elliana looked like a Queen in it. Made sense, it fit, she was Jon’s Queen. “Oh now you need shoes…”

“She’s going to take it.” Jenna informed the saleswoman, smiling slightly. “Do you guys know where we can get smelling salts?”

“Down the street maybe, at the spa?”

“Sounds great. Shoes to match the dress, whatcha got?” Joe and Jenna hadn’t gotten married, she saw no reason too even though he had proposed at least a dozen times now. She was happy where they were though she didn’t begrudge anyone a good wedding, especially Jon and Elliana.

When all was said and done, Elliana had gone all out for this with rhinestone heels and diamond jewelry.  A diamond choker, dangling earrings that weren’t too gaudy, but still made her shine, a bracelet and even an anklet.  She was decked out in diamonds, though the girls were curious why she chose the gemstone of all things.  Her wedding ring wasn’t a diamond, it had diamonds in it, but it wasn’t a straight diamond like so many others.  If only they knew just how expensive the Bismuth was.  It was far more valuable than a diamond.  The girls took her to the spa down the street to be pampered and her hair was done up in curls that were pinned on top of her head in a crown.  Kairi picked out a beautiful diamond crown to go with her jewelry that nestled gently on top of her head.  She really did look like a queen when all was said and done, her nails and toes French manicured and pedicured.  So far, no more nausea had erupted, but Elliana had her pills on her just in case.

Jon had arranged for them to be married in the only place he could think of that suited them both. Jon had paid out the ass to have this done and the fact that he had been able to pull it off… he amazed himself sometimes. He got himself a nice suit, took Joe to the barbershop with him and they both got pampered a bit. “You told Kairi where, right?”

“Yep. She’ll get Elliana there, without telling her. I’d imagine Jenna will help blindfold her or something.’

“Don’t do that… the sensory disorientation might make her vomit.” Jon wasn’t even joking.

Joe sent that to Jenna, just in case.

He had utilized Judge McMahon to make sure they had the proper permits for this, knowing damn well he wasn’t going to get fined on his wedding day, that would just be a bad omen. Taking a deep breath, he checked the time. “You don’t think she’ll run on me, do you?”

“Probably, you’re a scary guy.”

“That… is not helping. You’re not helpful, Joe.”

“Jon, relax… she’s not going to run. Even with all your issues, you two were made for each other. Everyone can see that.”

Elliana had been expecting to go to a chapel in downtown Vegas, one of the nicer ones without Elvis impersonators or any characters for that matter.  What she WASN’T expecting is being blindfolded by her gal pals.  Jenna assured her it would be fine because of the nausea pills, whistling while putting the blindfold over Elliana’s eyes.  She was careful, not wanting to muse anything up and tied it very gently.

“No peeking, it’s bad luck.”

“Sure it is.” Elliana muttered, not buying that for a second and squealed when Jenna pinched her. “All right, all right!”

Kairi giggled, not believing what Jon had done for her best friend and could only imagine what all would be at the location.  Elliana would probably either pass out, which wouldn’t be a good thing for a bride on her impromptu wedding day or cry all of her makeup off.  Either way, this was going to be an evening to remember, especially since Jon had set it up to where they would be married during the sunset over Red Rock Canyon.

It was a bit of a drive to the Red Rock Conservation Park and Kairi felt relief when they were waved through by the park ranger, who was beaming. Obviously Jon had pulled a very eccentric billionaire move and bought the entire damn park or something. How he managed this on such short notice… she could only assume that it was because of his name, power and money. She idly wondered how her life would be different if she had those things and then shrugged it off. She was happy just to be a part of this fairytale, even if it was a small role, because her friend deserved this.

“Okay, we’re here.” Jenna said quietly, lightly tapping Elliana’s hands when she tried reaching for the blindfold. “No, we’ll help you out and there, it’s just a bit of a walk.” Once outside, she watched as Elliana inhaled deeply and cocked her head, obviously trying to place where they were. She knew soon enough, Elliana would be able to guess without seeing. The lack of the city sounds, the fresh air, the smell of the rocks being baked by the early evening sun, those were all things that she bet were ingrained in Elliana.

“Can I look?” Jon asked, having been made to turn around when Joe announced they were here.

“No.” Judge McMahon slapped the back of his head with her Bible. “You may not.” She smiled slightly. “My but she is breathtaking.”

That. Old. Crone.

Unbeknownst to Elliana, the dress she chose, along with the diamond jewelry, glittered in the slowly setting sun over the Red Rocks.  Just the smell alone…Elliana felt her stomach tighten and knew exactly where they were, her breathing becoming a little heavier.  Did Jon really set something up in the Red Rocks?  Of course, with how many times she’d been here, especially with Jon, it HAD been ingrained into her system and she knew exactly where they were.  She just didn’t know WHERE in the Red Rocks. “Please, can I look now?” She practically begged, the suspense killing her and slowly felt the blindfold removed from her eyes.  A soft gasp escaped her as Elliana looked at the sight before her, her breath stolen and her hand immediately went to her stomach, tears stinging her emerald eyes.  Don’t cry, don’t cry, she mentally coached herself, in absolute awe at everything.  The flowers were gorgeous, bright orange, yellow and red, a mixture of different ones, including roses.  Up the small hill she had to trek in her two inch open-toed rhinestone heels, with the help of Kairi and Jenna, stood Jon under a white canopy with the Red Rocks as their background.  A single tear slid down her cheek the moment Elliana locked eyes with her soon-to-be husband and Kairi handed over a bouquet of orange, red and yellow flowers, mostly roses, for her to walk down the aisle with.  Jon had thought of everything.

Well almost everything. When Jon was finally allowed to turn around, his heart lodged in his throat and he had to clear it a few times. Linda had given him a knowing smirk and he had flipped her off behind his back, his eyes on his soon to be wife. He noted the heels and made a mental note to definitely carry her out of here, though the effect of the diamonds was not lost on him. Diamonds, of course, or rhinestones, whichever, but she had chosen something that she knew appealed to him. Just like he had picked out the most perfect spot for this moment that he could think of, because it was for her and Elliana loved the Red Rocks. “Darlin’,” He was relieved when his voice didn’t come out a croak or break once she was standing before him, reaching out with a shaking hand to brush his knuckles along her perfectly made up face.

“You look lovely, dear.” Linda said with a smile, moving to stand at the small podium they had been allowed to bring. On it lay the marriage license and everything else that they would need to sign. Her eyes roamed the three people gathered, nodding. It was appropriate, as odd as that seemed, that this be small and intimate, even though Jon was sometimes larger than life. “Shall we begin?”

Her breath was stolen away at the site of Jon in a crisp black tuxedo with an amber colored shirt beneath to accent the flowers.  His hair was groomed to perfection, along with Joe, whose long black hair was pulled back in a tail at the nape of his neck.  Luckily, it was 70 degrees outside in April, so she didn’t blame Jon for wearing a tuxedo since that was somewhat unseasonably chilly for Vegas.  She leaned into his touch and beamed at Linda, still not believing Jon had convinced her to do this. “Thank you for doing this for us, Your Honor.”

“Not a problem, dear.”

Emerald never left electric blue as Linda proceeded with the prenuptials, both parties reciting what Linda had written for them.  It was traditional vows since they really didn’t have time to come up with their own.  When all was said and done, just as the last bit of sun shined down on them, they were pronounced husband and wife as Jon drew Elliana into his arms and dipped her, passionately kissing her in front of their friends.  They were officially Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan David Good.

Kairi and Jenna blew bubbles from the small white vials they had procured at one of the many shops they had frequented today, doing their best to coat the newlywed couple in them. Joe was busy taking pictures and film with his cell phone since camcorders and the like were not allowed on the grounds but cell phones were. He had even gotten some of those weird cell phone attachments that enhanced the camera lens to something almost as good as a professional camera.

“Mmm…” Jon rumbled against his wife’s lips, the thought of that -his wife- making him smile even more if it were possible. “I love you, Elliana Good.”

“And she loves you too. I need you both to sign these papers before it gets any darker.” Linda was laughing, reaching up to wipe away a few tears.

Grinning, she rubbed her nose against his and giggled at Linda’s demand as Jon reluctantly pulled her back up on her feet.  Together, they signed the certificate as well as the marriage license before Jon yanked her against him, plundering her lips with his again.  She wrapped her arms around his neck, not caring about getting mussed up and felt Jon scoop her in his arms, telling her to wave bye to everyone.  They weren’t having a reception since this was all last minute, but Jon had made sure to plan their wedding night down to the very last detail.  A long, black stretch limousine came into view as Elliana’s eyes widened before looking up at her husband, seeing the impish gleam in his eyes.  She had to remember and keep reminding herself she just married a billionaire…her life was about to change forever.  The driver opened the door for them and Jon carefully set her inside before climbing in after her.

Well they weren’t having a reception but Jon had gotten a reservation for some fancy restaurant for Joe and Jenna, Kairi and her man, his way of saying thank you on such short notice for doing this for them. Judge McMahon, he had paid out the ass plus that picture, to get her to permit this and officiate since the timing was… really, really insane and hectic. And she was personally filing all the paperwork on their behalf just so she ‘knew it would be done’ since Jon was an ‘airheaded idiot’. Such a lovely, kind woman.

Once that door was shut behind them and the privacy window was up, Jon pulled his new bride onto his lap, sideways so he didn’t mess up the beautiful dress she had on. “All mine,” He murmured, cupping a hand behind her head and claiming her lips again, planning on doing more than just kissing her before this night was over. Was it possible to explode from happiness? He felt like he just might. Elliana was his in every which way possible.

“All yours.” Elliana whispered as soon as the kiss broke, massaging his shoulders through the jacket and shirt he had on. “This was the most incredible day of my life.  I don’t know how you managed to get us married at the Red Rocks, but it was absolutely perfect.” The doubts, the uncertainty about their future…it was all gone.  The simple diamond band on her left ring finger signified she was his in every way possible.  She was his wife.  It went perfectly with the Bismuth Geode he had proposed to her with earlier that morning. “So, what else do you have planned for us tonight, my dear husband?”

“You’re probably going to laugh and ask why, but I booked us a proper honeymoon suite complete with five service hotel service. There’ll be luxurious gift baskets, a spread fit for royalty, the works, darlin’.” It was silly because he was rich and he had his own near mansion, but… this was them being catered to and just enjoying each other without being surrounded by ‘home’.

The price Jon paid on that website was the best money he’d ever spent in his life because now he had a love that would transcend time and last forever.  She was not only the mother of his child, but now…she was his wife.  Sometimes the price one paid in life had its benefits and Jon had never been more sure of anything in his entire life, even with all the obstacles they had to overcome.

In the end, the price was worth every damn penny.

The End.