Indecent Invitation by Piper Stone

Chapter 15

Bristol

I stood on the deck, gazing out at the ocean, the morning light casting a shimmer across the water. Sadly, I still felt as if a black cloud was on the horizon.

Lies.

I would never forget my mother’s condemnation of lies. She reminded me that while no relationship is perfect, the ones beginning with a subterfuge of any kind were destined to fail.

Perhaps she was right.

Maybe I should heed her advice.

But the truth was I’d not only fallen in love with the rugged man with eyes the color of the lightest sapphire, I’d come to like as well as respect him. Although he’d come clean to his family, that didn’t mean we could continue our charade. He had his world and I had mine.

I no longer knew what to do, which wasn’t like me.

In the two weeks since the accident, he’d changed even more, helping his father weed through the ugliness that had enshrouded the corporation. He’d worked tirelessly late into the night, sharing ideas for improvements as well as overseeing the possibility of new contracts. He’d asked for my advice, using my expertise to guide them into making certain global changes with their contracts.

Our passion had increased, his needs bordering on sadistic, but I could tell he’d locked a part of him away, as if fearful of getting any closer. Maybe I’d done the same thing, relying on our insane chemistry to form a more significant bond.

Right now, it was all about saving the Powers Enterprise.

While the stocks hadn’t completely rebounded, they were on the way, allowing for a brighter future. Yet even though I could sense satisfaction in him from helping to save his father’s legacy, he wasn’t himself, as if the decisions he was forcing himself to make had wrapped around his soul.

As far as our wedding, he’d been the one to call it off, saying he’d wanted to give me more time.

In truth, he’d been right.

Maybe marriage wasn’t in our best interest.

Given his father had removed all codicils regarding marriage, there was no remaining requirement. The great William Powers had even given his blessing to our engagement, as long as we were in love. Were we? I liked to think both of us felt the same way, but I was no longer certain. I remained by his side, enjoying spending time with Ashley as well as making the home, our home, something special.

But I wasn’t certain about what the future would bring.

At least Bridgett had learned the truth about her father. While I could only imagine that the news had crushed her, maybe she’d find a way of healing. While somewhat surprising, Chase had remained by her side even though she was still facing criminal charges. I’d been surprised the damning evidence the Feds had was all about actions she’d taken, all discovered during their investigation. While her initial activities had been severe enough, the fact she’d convinced a mechanic to tamper with the brakes could force her to spend time in prison.

I took a deep breath as I walked through the house, smoothing down my dress. Later this morning was the beginning of a celebration, a rebirth of a portion of the company. There were no additional black clouds hanging over the Powers name.

At least for now.

I found Houston on the deck, leaning over the railing, his eyes glued to the rolling waters. He’d spent more time outdoors than I would have ever imagined, but the quiet time seemed to give him a sense of peace.

A growl slipped past his lips as he turned to face me, shaking his head as his heated gaze fell to my high heels then back to my face. “You look good enough to eat.” Reaching out, he snagged my arm, dragging me against his chest.

Every time he spoke, shivers trickled down my spine. “Be careful, handsome man. We can’t be late.”

“I get to decide.” He lowered his head, nipping my earlobe then inhaling. “You’re wearing that perfume again.”

“Your favorite? Yes, of course. All in an effort to tempt you.”

“Well, it’s working.”

I pushed away, giving him a mischievous look. “You seem tense. Are you happy about this?”

“I’ve had to make some tough decisions. At least my father has listened to my advice, which actually surprises me.”

“What’s going on with Bridgett?”

Houston half smiled. “Chase hired the best attorney in the industry. Given her grief about her father, whatever time she’s forced to serve will be minimal.”

“I’m glad for both Chase as well as Bridgett.”

“Yeah, it’s funny to see my brother in love but I’m happy for him. Now, I have a question for you.”

“Okay. Should I be sitting down?” I laughed, although I could see he was serious.

“If I returned to Atlanta, working my old job, do you think you’d want to return?”

I thought about his question. I’d thought seriously about returning, but I wasn’t certain what I would have to look forward to. “I love it here, Houston. I’m not going to lie. The ocean. The gorgeous weather. Even the house. But I don’t want to be here without you. I don’t know about Atlanta. In truth, I’m still angry about what happened. I still don’t know how Chase found out.”

“Didn’t you tell me that everyone has a price? It would appear your former boss did as well. However, they aren’t the only firm in town.”

“That depends on who you talk to. I’m just not sure what’s best for me at this point.”

Sighing, I could see a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I understand.”

“Why? Are you thinking about going back?”

He took a deep breath, glancing away for a few seconds. “I have. There’s no more investigation. From what I was told, the Feds officially closed it. Chase is really stepping up to the plate and doing a damn good job. At some point, maybe we’ll be able to mend the rift between us. Only time will tell. He’s talented and my dad seems to appreciate what he’s bringing to the table. Hell, my dad had even established more permanent funding methods for the small businesses he loves so much.”

“And Riley?”

“Oh, he’s going to get all the acclaim he deserves in about an hour. I think he’ll become the powerhouse of the company. Anyway, it was just a question. We should go.”

“Why do I feel like you have something up your sleeve?” I hated the moment of tension between us. We weren’t getting any closer, only further apart.

Grinning, his eyes twinkled. “Because you know me too well.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

As he brushed a strand of hair from my face, his thoughtful look returned. “You’ve made me very happy these last few weeks. You’ve also forced me to realize that there’s more to life than money. That being said, I’ve decided to give a portion of my trust fund to my dad’s favorite charity.”

I slid my arms around him, tilting my head. “You really are a marshmallow inside.”

“Who told you that?”

“Ashley.”

“I’m going to kick her ass.” He lowered his head, pressing his lips against mine. “I think we can be a few minutes late.” As he captured my mouth, pulling me onto my toes, a shudder shifted down my legs.

His kisses were more passionate than anything and as he slipped his tongue past my lips, I moaned into his mouth, my body on fire. Just the feel of his fingers was enough to ignite the flames until they were white hot, searing every inch of my skin.

He ground his hips against me, causing an immediate reaction, my nipples fully aroused and my pussy aching. As he rolled his fingers down my side, I shuddered, lights flashing before my eyes. He dominated my tongue, exploring the dark recesses of my mouth as if it was for the last time.

His actions became brutal.

Unforgiving.

Demanding.

And I loved every second of it.

As he crumpled the hem of my dress, tugging it up my thighs, the light breeze wafted across my skin creating goosebumps. The second he slipped his fingers under the thin elastic of my panties, I pushed against him one last time in some crazy effort to break our connection.

He was having none of it.

Breaking the kiss, he dragged his tongue across my lips then whispered a command. “Remove your panties.”

“We’re going to be late.”

“We have time. Do it.”

His commanding tone sent another wave of shivers through me. Taking several deep breaths, I slipped my hands under my dress, sliding the thin lace down my legs, struggling to pull them away from my heels. The smile on his face was barbaric and when he swung me around, pushing me hard against the railing, I issued a series of whimpers.

“I need to remind you to be a good little girl and that you belong to me and no one else.”

His words were thrilling and when I felt the first hard crack of his hand against my bottom, I lifted my head, savoring the moment as the wind wafted across my face. The scent of him was exotic, filling my nostrils until I was lightheaded.

Houston smacked me several times, moving from one side to the other, the sound of his palm slapping against my skin melodic, filling me with excitement. I couldn’t stop whimpering as the stings turned into pain, electricity shooting down the back of my legs.

“Oh… So mean.”

“Mmmm…” he huffed. “You will learn to obey my every command no matter what I ask.”

“Yes. Sir.”

The words came easily, as if I’d always belonged to him. He continued the rough spanking, taking his time to cover every inch of my bottom. Heat increased, spreading to every limb. I was breathless, barely able to let off strangled moans.

And still, he refused to stop.

I clung to the railing, my hands aching and my ass cheeks now on fire. He wanted me uncomfortable during the presentation. The dark and dangerous man wanted to ensure that my cheeks remained flushed, my blood pulsing.

“Five more. Then I fuck you.”

His filthy words were even more powerful than before and as he delivered the last five, each one harder than the one before, I fell into a moment of pure euphoria. Nothing existed but the two of us. There were no worries, no fears of the unknown. Just the moment that I would remember for the rest of my life.

When the round of discipline was finished, I didn’t move. I couldn’t move. A series of moans bubbled to the surface as I heard him unfastening his pants and when he pushed his throbbing cock against my bruised bottom, I let out a ragged scream. Another wave of colors splashed in front of my field of vision as he kicked my legs further apart, rubbing his fingers up and down my hot, wet pussy.

“I’m hungry,” he murmured then pushed the tip of his cock against my swollen folds. After sliding his cockhead just inside, he moved his hands over mine, forcing our fingers to entwine.

The hard thrust forced both of us to gasp and when he growled as he pulled out, slamming into me again, I closed my eyes.

“God, yes. So good,” I managed.

“So damn tight. I could fuck you for hours.”

“Then do it.”

He chuckled in my ear as he pounded into me, the force shoving me against the railing. I was lost to the pleasure, uncertain what day it was or if I even cared. The way his cock filled me, my muscles expanding to accept his thick shaft was raw and wonderful. Within seconds, I was shoved into utter bliss, my entire body tingling as an orgasm surfaced, taking its time to slide up the insides of my legs before shooting into my pussy.

“Oh, yes. Oh. Oh!” The climax caught me off guard, the explosion of sensations stealing what was left of my breath.

“That’s it, baby girl. Come for me. Come hard.” His growl was husky, the vibrations of his voice skittering into every cell and muscle. I couldn’t get enough of this man. I wanted every inch of him.

His body.

His soul.

And his heart.

As the orgasm shifted into a massive wave, catapulting over every inch, I could no longer focus or even think, the ecstasy all I’d ever wanted.

His actions became more brutal, the man fucking me long and hard, driving me onto my toes. He was so powerful, so dominating. So handsome.

I could tell he was close to coming, his breathing coming in ragged pants. After biting back another cry, I squeezed my muscles, pulling him in even deeper, the throbbing now more intense.

“Fuck. You are… Beautiful,” he huffed. “And mine. Mine!”

When he threw his head back and roared, all I could do was smile.

Except that a single tear slid past my lashes, trickling down my cheek slowly.

An ugly reminder.

This wasn’t real.

I’d never thought I’d be with a man like Houston, but now I couldn’t imagine my life without him.

Such is life. We want the things we can’t really have.

Or at least shouldn’t.

We’d started with a lie.

Not a fairytale.

An indecent invitation that had sparked a fury, but the fire would always remain between us. Two lost souls who’d found each other through Dark Overture.

Maybe it was time to say goodbye.

* * *

I stood quietly in the back of the room, happy to see Riley getting the accolades Houston had mentioned. There was excitement in the air. The combined press conference was a planned event, complete with a lavish party immediately afterwards. Everyone who was anyone had been invited. The dreaded press filled the room, along with several prominent members of the military. Then there were A-list corporate moguls, a few celebrities, and several politicians. This was a full-blown effort to reestablish the Powers’ reputation.

Champagne was being served by a well-dressed waitstaff in crystal flutes, canapes of caviar and salmon offered in giant silver trays. Everything was gorgeous and meant for the rich and famous.

Which didn’t include me.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to announce that the contract with Powers Enterprises has been signed. Together we’ll move into the next generation, protecting our beautiful country.” The general shook William’s hand, grinning as several photographs were taken.

The entire audience clapped, photographers snapping picture after picture.

After William shook hands with everyone involved, he moved to the podium, glancing over at Houston. “Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how pleased we are to be a part of this incredible opportunity. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank my son, Riley, for his tireless work on perfecting the chip. Without his brilliant design, none of this would be possible.”

Riley seemed surprised, yet I could sense a moment of eagerness for the future.

“And I’m very happy to announce that Riley will be taking the position of vice president of Powers Enterprises. In addition, I’d like to take the opportunity to let everyone know that as of next week, this old man is retiring.”

There was a combination of gasps as well as applause.

William held up his hands, grinning from ear to ear. “Don’t worry. I have the right man following in my footsteps. Chase Powers will provide the leadership we need moving into the future.”

I found myself shifting closer, pushing through the crowd so I could clearly see Houston. This was the decision he’d been toiling over. When he caught my gaze, he smiled then winked.

“With Houston as CFO, I think it’s a good time for me to work on my golf game. Now, it’s time to enjoy the party.”

As the laughter and congratulations flowed, Houston walked toward me, the same grin I’d seen before on his face.

“CFO, huh?”

“Well, it suits me better than day trader. Don’t you think?” he asked as he wrapped his arm around me, grabbing a glass of champagne as a waiter walked by. He lifted it, waiting for me to do the same. As we both took a sip, the same wonderful feeling remained from before.

I was tingling all over.

“Mmm… A man with a title. I think that’s sexy as hell.”

“Oh, you do, huh?” When he tugged my panties from his pocket, I groaned, the heat on my face increasing.

“You are so bad.” I scanned the people around us, praying they didn’t notice.

“Yes, I am. I needed a little good luck charm. I think they worked.” The man dared to pull my panties to his face, taking a deep whiff.

I closed my eyes, shaking my head. “What am I going to do with you?”

“You have plenty of time to decide. It’s time to go.”

“We’re not staying for the party?”

“I have more important things to tend to, like keeping you in line.” He took our glasses, casually placing them on one of the tables then grabbing my hand. “Besides, we’re going on a short trip.”

“What? Now?”

“I have a business meeting in a couple days in Palm Springs, but I thought we could take a little time and sightsee.”

“You? Sightsee? Not a chance.”

As he tugged me toward the door, he gave me an even more powerful explosive look.

The man was planning on ravaging me.

As soon as he pulled me to the car, he opened the trunk, allowing me to see that he’d already packed for the two of us.

“You had this planned,” I said in passing, my heart skipping several beats.

“I did.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it wouldn’t have been a surprise,” he huffed. “Get in. Only a couple hours and we’ll be there.”

“What’s to see in Palm Springs?” I asked coyly as he opened the door, ushering me into the car.

Leaning over, he pressed his lips against mine, barely darting his tongue inside. “You’re going to have to wait to find out. But if you aren’t a good and patient girl, I have no issue pulling over somewhere and reminding you.”

He laughed as he closed the door and I could swear the man was whistling as he walked around to the driver’s side. What the hell did he have up his sleeve?

He ceremoniously removed his jacket, ripping off his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. When he donned his sunglasses, I could swear the man looked like a movie star.

After jumping in, he found an old rock station on the satellite radio then turned his head slowly, squeezing my leg until I shivered. “Buckle up, baby. You’re going for a ride.”

And a ride it was. He’d purchased not only a Mercedes for me to drive, but one powerful Charger as well. Today was all about the sportscar. As he rolled up the highway, pushing not only the limits of the hemi but the speed limits as well, I’d never seen him so joyous. It was as if the weight had been yanked off his shoulders and tossed away.

He insisted we stop for lunch at a tiny Mexican restaurant. The food was delicious, the margarita incredible.

And the man someone I could fall in love with all over again.

By the time we were within the city limits, I was relaxed, singing to whatever Bon Jovi or Whitesnake song popped up on the music selection. He took his time, showing me parts of the city, even stopping at several small shops along the way.

I was floored by his actions as well as his easygoing attitude.

The heat of the day was oppressive but as the sun began to lower, he shifted onto the highway again.

Destination unknown.

Less than twenty minutes later, he made a turn and I barely had time to notice the sign.

“What? A tram? To where?”

As he cut the engine, the same devilish smile crossed his face that I’d seen countless times before. “The sunset at the top of the mountain is beautiful. There’s this perfect place that allows you to see the entire city. I haven’t been there in years. I thought you’d enjoy.”

“Then let’s go.”

I was surprised that there was no one else waiting to board the tram. It was obvious he’d already paid for the ride in advance, allowing us to breeze through to the steel car without any hesitation.

“Enjoy your ride.”

The employee closed the doors, leaving just the two of us inside. I moved toward the side, taking several deep breaths. My thoughts had been all over the place, but I’d honestly convinced myself it was best to move on. The jerk of the tram as it was rolled forward made me laugh nervously. “I’m afraid of heights.”

He inched closer, flanking my side. “Don’t worry. It’s perfectly safe.”

The way he remained close as the tram started its trek up the cables, the incredible mountains coming into view within seconds was heartwarming. Yet there was a stillness to him that confused the hell out of me.

“This will only take a few minutes,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.

“What a crazy thing we’ve shared,” I finally said after a few seconds.

“Yeah, I know. I didn’t know what to expect.”

“Did you find what you were looking for?”

“Absolutely, and much more.”

When he pulled away, I felt nothing but cold inside, trying to pretend that there wasn’t a continuous ache. If only this could be the perfect ending to a fairytale.

“I need to say something to you,” he said quietly, tugging me around to face him. “What we’ve shared has been amazing.”

“But?”

Chuckling, he took my hand into his, my left hand, rolling his finger around the gorgeous diamond he’d given me at the start of the adventure. “But…” He allowed the single word to trail off as he slowly removed the ring from my finger.

A rush of emotions crowded into my mind and heart and almost instantly tears slipped past my lashes. I could barely watch as he shoved the ring into his pocket.

“But what?” I struggled to say, no longer able to look him in the eyes. He knew this couldn’t last. Neither one of us were fools. We’d entered into a fake relationship under false pretenses. That didn’t make for a happy relationship on any level. There would always be questions.

There would likely always be lies.

“But…” he repeated before dropping to his knees.

“What are you doing?”

“You are so damn hardheaded,” he huffed as he pulled a tiny black velvet box from his other pocket. He pulled my hand closer, running his fingers across my knuckles. “I’ve been a fool but that stops here. I’m not letting you out of my life, Bristol Winters. You are everything I’ve ever wanted, and I can’t imagine spending a day without you by my side. The other ring wasn’t about love. This one is.”

As he opened the box, my entire body trembled. “I don’t…”

“I wanted to do this right. Will you do the honor of becoming my wife?”

A flash of images rolled into my mind from the day we met. The quaint jazz bar. The plane ride. The horrible dinner.

And the fact he’d saved my life.

“Yes. Yes!” There was no other answer. There was no other choice.

I was desperately and madly in love with him.

The moment he slid the ring on my finger, the rush of emotions was almost too much to take. He stood, staring into my eyes, his twinkling from the gorgeous sunlight shimmering in through the bank of windows.

“I love you, Bristol. I think I have from the moment I laid eyes on you.”

The tram swayed as it arrived at its destination, but I wasn’t certain I gave a shit about the majestic view.

All I cared about was the man who held me in his arms.

“I can’t believe you did this,” I whispered.

“Mmm… I’m not finished.”

Pulling away, I pressed my hand against his chest. “What have you done?”

“Do you trust me?”

I cocked my head, brushing the tip of my finger down the side of his chiseled face. “With my life.”

“Remember that,” he said, growling in such a deep tone that I shuddered to my core.

He took both my hands, pulling me toward the door, the same damn rebellious smile on his face. After disembarking, he eased his arm around my waist, walking us up a set of stairs.

There was no way to describe seeing his entire family waiting on the platform. The area had been decorated in ribbons and flowers, the wind tickling through them. There was even the sound of bells, the beautiful ring floating toward the heavens.

“What is this?” I managed, looking from his father’s face to Ashley’s. She was beaming, tears already streaming down her face.

“This is our wedding, my lovely bride to be.”

“How did you manage?”

“I have my ways,” Houston laughed as we walked closer.

Ashley held out her hand. “Come with me.”

“Go.” Houston pushed me forward.

As his family gathered around, I was struck by how close they seemed to be, their words of love and congratulations not what I would have expected.

But then again, my soon to be husband had managed to save a corporation.

Why not the entire family?

Ashley led me to a sparse restroom, the ugliness of the steel stalls and concrete floor actually making me smile.

When she held out my dress, the one I’d purchased as part of the ruse, I had no idea what to say.

“You deserve to have a special day,” she said in such a revered whisper I almost burst into tears.

“You are amazing.”

“Nah. I’m just a Powers girl. A friend of mine allowed me to believe in love. I thought I’d return the gesture.” She winked, her smile remaining.

As she helped me into the dress, taking her time to make certain every button was in place, the small train fluffed and in position, all I could do was smile.

When she was finished fixing my makeup and hair, adding a small spray of flowers on top of my head, she squeezed my arms.

“Someday, you’re going to have to tell me the real story.”

I glanced into the cracked mirror, studying our combined reflection. “What story?”

“Uh-huh. I know my brother too well. But you can keep pretending.” Her smile genuine, she took a step away. “I have one more surprise.”

The beautiful bouquet she pulled into her hands was exactly what I would have chosen.

“They’re gorgeous.”

Winking again, she placed them in my arms. “Just like the bride. Welcome to the family, Bristol.”

Every bride envisions their wedding day.

The music.

The flowers.

The dress.

The reception.

And the man.

On this day, as I walked onto an expansive deck overlooking a lovely city, the mountains highlighted by the warm glow of the ebbing sun, I realized that dreams were not always fantasies, but could be made real.

If we allowed them.

When I took Houston’s hand, gazing into his eyes, the dark clouds finally disappeared.

We’d started this wild ride with deception.

We were ending it with a promise.

And I was happy to belong to a man who I’d thought had no soul.

The End