Falling Into Temptation Read online

  “That is so…”

  “Convenient?” he lifts his brow.

  “I was thinking more along the lines of creepy.” I laugh jokingly.

  His mouth draws into a hard line as he stands up and stalks across the room. He stops within an inch of my body, the heat radiating from him nearly melting my core. Good God this man can be intimidating. But I refuse to back down. I can do this. I can totally do this.

  “I want you, Victoria,” he says brusquely. “Against my own will. So just tell me what I have to do to make it happen, then we can stop all these games.”

  Against his own will? What the hell is that supposed to mean?

  I feel a shiver run down my spine as he leans in closer, his hot breath caressing my skin. I want him too. But I can’t. This is a bad idea, all around. I have to stay strong. I close my eyes and catch the intoxicating scent of his cologne. Sweet and spicy. God the man smells even better than I remember.

  “I… I.. Gabriel, it’s just,” I try to formulate a sentence. But the heady scent of his cologne and his close proximity are making it impossible to think.

  And then abruptly he steps back, much to my disappointment. I was kind of enjoying our little standoff.

  He runs an exasperated hand through his hair and sighs. His face is unreadable, but it appears as though he has changed his mind.

  “Perhaps you are right, Victoria,” he says. “You should really stay away from me, I wouldn’t be good for you.”

  He turns and leaves, slamming the door behind him. My shoulders slump and I don’t know why, but I feel a sharp stab of pain at his words. Isn’t this what I wanted? Exactly what I said I wanted? So why does it feel as though all my dreams have been ripped away?

  I shake my head and sit back down at my desk. For the rest of the afternoon, I stare blankly at the computer screen, willing the email to register something, anything to distract me for a moment. But it never does. Every once in a while I glance back over my shoulder and peek into Gabriel’s office across the street. It’s empty and remains that way even when I leave at five.

  Chapter Six

  Victoria

  The next morning, I ponder as to whether I should even go back to this job. It isn’t as if I need the money that badly. I have a lot saved up so far, so what’s one job? Still, I can’t shake yesterday’s events, and a small part of me wants to see Gabriel again. Even if it is from the safe confines of my office window.

  I’m not feeling nearly as confident today, so I throw on a simple Navy blue skirt, Nautical striped shirt, and yellow cardigan. I pair it with some brown leather flats and a matching belt. I tame my hair into a bun, though not nearly as neat as the day before, and put on some makeup. I’m out the door by eight sharp.

  After stepping out of the elevator, I’m greeted once again by the sea of construction workers. Even they don’t find me nearly as appealing today it seems. I walk down the hall, opening up Mr. Berger’s lonely office once more. As I walk towards the desk, my heart skips a beat as I glance out the window and see Gabriel sitting in his office. He’s on the phone, apparently engrossed in conversation. I want him to look up, to notice me, but he doesn’t.

  Throughout the afternoon, I steal glances at him, but he never looks my way. And then at noon, a tall beautiful blonde woman appears in his office. She sits on his desk, laughing flirtatiously and touching his arm at every opportunity. She is practically throwing herself at him, and my heart sinks. Now that is probably more his type.

  Well, this is what you wanted, I chide myself.

  This should be a blessing in disguise. I am so not even close to being in his league. He was only in it for the sex, anyway. As soon as he fucked me, it would have been all over. But why should it matter? It’s not like I’m looking for a relationship anyway. And I will never look like tall, blonde legs Mcgee over there.

  That evening on the way home, I stop at the supermarket and grab a tub of Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked. All I want to do is sit on the couch, eat junk food, and watch Gilmore Girls with Alanna. But as per usual, she’s already on her way to another date when I get home.

  After I eat my ice cream and drink half a bottle of wine, which incidentally turns out to be a horrid combination, I take a long hot shower. I think of Gabriel, and it makes me angry. Why can’t I get him out of my head? I want him to want me again. But why? It can’t lead anywhere. I try to convince myself for a moment that I can just do casual with him. It’s been two years, surely I’ve learned my lesson by now. I know it’s a big fat lie, but it’s a nice thought while it lasts.

  I climb into bed a little after eight, feeling even more pathetic that I’m going to sleep so early.

  ***

  The next morning I wake even angrier. I dreamt of him all night. Damn this man for getting under my skin. At the risk of looking like a complete idiot, I need to prove a point. I’m pretty sure this is the reckless side of me coming out again, but I don’t give a damn. I spend extra time tousling my hair into perfect curls before pinning it up loosely. I do my eyes up in a smoky shadow and put on extra red lipstick. And then I slither into a silky black lace pencil dress that borders on just inappropriate enough to possibly get fired.

  I slip into my pink leopard print stilettos and glance at myself satisfactorily in the mirror. Hell, what does it matter what I wear anyway? I’m alone on my floor with the exception of the construction workers.

  I go to work with renewed determination. As I walk down the long hall of the nineteenth floor, the men stop to stare at me, unlike yesterday. It gives me a bit of my confidence back. When I enter the office, I see Gabriel across the way, sitting at his desk.

  He seems engrossed in some paperwork and I’m not sure if he’s seen me until his head shoots up. A small smile of satisfaction creeps across my face. I make a show of walking around the desk, pulling the loose pins from my hair and allowing it to cascade down my back. I sit down in the plush leather chair and kick my leopard print stilettos up onto the polished wood as I lean back. I pick up a book and begin to read.

  A few moments later, the desk phone rings, startling me. I assumed that since I hadn’t gotten a phone call in the last two days that everyone was aware of Mr. Bergers absence. I pick it up nervously.

  “Phillip Berger’s office. This is Victoria speaking, how may…” I’m cut off by the brusque voice on the other end.

  “Are you trying to get my attention?”

  Holy shit.

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I reply nonchalantly.

  “Victoria,” he snarls, “this isn’t funny. There are construction workers there. I don’t want them seeing you like that.”

  “What does it matter to you?” I reply bitterly. “If you can have lanky blonde women swooning over you all day, then I don’t see the harm in me setting a little fire under a few construction workers.”

  He laughs softly, his tone relaxing. “Victoria, are you actually jealous?”

  “What? No!” I try my best to hide my pathetic denial. Of course, I’m jealous.

  “The lanky blonde was in my office for no more than twenty minutes, not all day. And yes she is after me, but I’m not interested in her.”

  “Oh,” I mutter. “It doesn’t matter, none of my business. You can fuck who you like.”

  “Well, in that case…” His voice grows husky. “I’d like to fuck you.”

  “Um…” What can I possibly say?

  And then I hear the click of the phone. I whirl around in my chair to see Gabriel storming out of his office. What is he doing?

  Ten minutes later, he strolls through my door, locking it behind him. I stand up, shocked and immobile as he stalks towards me. He stops a few inches short of me, his eyes roving over every inch of my skin.

  My own eyes do a slow perusal of his body, of his black suit with the crisp white dress shirt. I never thought I would find a man in a suit attractive, but there is just something about Gabriel Maddox that appeals to my animalistic nature. I want to tear
those fancy clothes off of him. I want to see his powerful body naked beneath my tremulous hands.

  He steps closer to me so that his chest is at my eye level, and I still can’t look up at him. I’m afraid that one more glance in his direction and he will own me.

  He grips my chin in his hands, forcing my gaze to his. He looks ravenous, but I can tell he’s holding back. Because underneath that hunger is a hint of confusion.

  “Why won’t you look at me, Victoria?” he demands.

  “I am looking at you,” I rasp.

  “Tell me…” He trails a thumb absently over my bottom lip. “What is it about me that you are so afraid of?”

  “I’m not afraid of you,” I whisper.

  “Is it my cock?” he grabs my hand, moving it to the rock hard bulge in his pants. “Are you afraid you might actually like it?”

  His voice is mocking and confusing, and I can do nothing but stare at my palm that is now stroking that rock hard bulge in his pants. I don’t even seem to have control of my own limbs anymore. And the next time I look up at him, his eyes are half closed, his fists clenching at his sides. And I realize just how much I’m affecting him in this moment. It makes me feel powerful. Reckless me is in full swing as I grip him harder through the soft material, rubbing him against my palm.

  And then his strong thick hands are on my body, crushing me to his chest as his lips crash down on mine possessively. He tastes like mint and possession and fire, and I can do nothing but melt into his touch. I part my lips, giving him full access to my mouth. He groans in approval, his tongue exploring mine.

  Then he pulls away, staring down at me in confusion again. But it only lasts a moment. The room is a blur of motion as he pulls me down onto the couch. Before I can even recover my equilibrium, he flips me over so that I’m splayed across his lap like a naughty child.

  I feel so exposed, and I have no idea what to expect next. My stomach clenches with a sudden ache for something I can’t quite comprehend. His hand inches the material of my dress up over my hips, and I hear him groan as he fingers the black lace thong against my skin. He slides the material down slowly, stopping once it’s just below my butt cheeks. He caresses my ass, grabbing handfuls of my flesh with his strong warm hands.

  “That is a mighty fine ass you have, Miss Kelly.” His voice is thick, raspy, and sexy as hell. And it’s because of me. I still can’t seem to wrap my head around that part.

  He pulls my legs apart, stroking over my arousal with the gentlest of touches. If he’s waiting for a protest from me, he isn’t going to get it. I’m too far gone at this point. Swallowed up by the sexual tornado that is Gabriel Maddox.

  He pushes two fingers inside of me, igniting a fire inside my belly.

  “Fuck,” he grunts. “You’re so wet for me, Victoria. And I haven’t even gotten started yet.”

  I can’t even feel embarrassed because it’s true. I’m needy, panting, writhing at his touch. I have never experienced anything like it before, and I’m afraid I might combust if he takes it away now.

  “You have been very frustrating,” he says, his voice lowering an octave. “Leading me on, toying with me. I don’t like it, Victoria. That’s not how this works.”

  His fingers continue to slide in and out of my sensitive flesh, teasing me with promises of pleasure I’ll never have.

  “Do you want to know how this works, Victoria?”

  “Yes,” I pant against his thigh.

  I can almost hear him smiling as he leans down to whisper in my ear. “You do what I want, when I want, how I want. Understand?”

  Holy Fuck. Why does that sound so… erotic? I know it shouldn’t. Feminists everywhere would be completely disgusted with me. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the dominant tone in his voice. He isn’t holding me down, so I could run right now if I wanted to. But I don’t. I really, really don’t.

  “I asked you a question, Victoria.” His hand caresses my ass, a little rougher now. And then he pulls away. I arch up instinctively, craving his touch once more.

  His hand collides with my ass unexpectedly, and I jump a little at the shock of it. Did he just spank me?

  “That’s for leading me on,” he growls.

  What the fuck? I really should do something at this point. Probably get up and slap him, but I just can’t will my body to move. Something about this is turning me on in the strangest way.

  Another hard slap collides on my other cheek. It stings, but I don’t jump this time. I won’t give him the satisfaction. What the hell is he doing to me?

  “That is for your smart fucking mouth,” he growls again.

  And another slap. “That’s for teasing me.”

  And two more hard slaps. I lose track of whatever my indiscretions are, lost in the rhythm of his hands on me.

  It doesn’t really hurt at this point. In fact, I still can’t comprehend what I’m doing here, allowing this to continue. But some sick, depraved part of me is enjoying this. It feels… hot. And I am hot... burning for his touch.

  “Are you going to answer me, Miss Kelly?” he grunts. “Or shall I keep going?”

  “Yes,” I pant.

  “Yes, what?”

  “I understand.”

  Holy shit. What did I just agree to? I don’t even know. All I know is that my aching core won’t be satisfied until he’s filled me with his cock.

  “Good girl.” He strokes my thigh with his free hand. “So very obedient. I have to admit, I thought it would take more on my part.”

  His fingers are still sliding in and out of me, his thumb toying with my clit. I feel like there are a zillion little fireflies buzzing around inside of me. I want to beg him to keep going… to keep making me feel this way, even if I can’t get my release. He’s brought me closer than any man before him.

  He picks me up, carrying me to the desk with my legs wrapped around him. When he sets me down, my butt is on the edge of the desk, my legs splayed open for his attention. And suddenly, my insecurity threatens to take me hostage. He just stands there, staring at me as his hands move over my body. For a moment, his face is blank, and I bite my lip nervously.

  He runs his fingers over the thin lace thong once more, sending tremors through my entire body. And then with one swift movement, he rips it away. His face is savage as he yanks down the top of my dress, my breasts springing free.

  “Fuck,” he hisses, feeling the weight of both breasts in his hands. “I knew you’d be all natural.”

  I don’t even know what to say to that. I don’t have time to give it much thought before his hot mouth engulfs one of my nipples.

  “So soft,” he murmurs between nips.

  Oh. My. God.

  Then he does something really unexpected. He lifts me again and carries me around the back of the desk. He stands me up, half-naked with my palms up against the glass windows overlooking the city. I’m about to protest when his hands find my breasts, his hips jutting his erection against my ass. I glance nervously at the building across the way. Can anyone see us? As the sensations of his hot mouth kissing my neck take over, I stop caring. Maybe I secretly like the idea of all of New York watching while Gabriel Maddox fucks me.

  I hear him unzipping his pants behind me with one hand, and then the rip of foil from a condom. A moment later, his thick cock is pulsing between the cheeks of my ass, slowly descending to my aching center. I watch his reflection in the glass, his eyes scorching as he slides over the wetness that greets him. His touch becomes rougher as he spreads my legs further apart, arching my ass into him. He grips my shoulder tight as he begins to tease the head of his cock against my folds.

  “I have thought about fucking you in every possible way,” he grunts. “And now I want all of New York to see it.”

  I moan at his words, desperately wanting him inside of me. I arch back against him and in one swift movement, he pushes into me, stretching me. I gasp from the shock of pain that sears through me and he stills, letting my body adjust to his size.
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br />   “Shhh,” he whispers as he kisses the back of my neck. “It’s okay. Just give it a minute. You’re really fucking tight.”

  I nod and let my body relax around him. It doesn’t take long before I’m urging him to move. His hands are everywhere, stroking up and down my spine, my neck, my breasts… my wetness pooling around his hard cock. He starts to move inside of me, gripping my hip forcefully to hold me in place. The combination of pleasure and pain is exquisite. His lips caress my shoulder as he pulls back and slams into me. I can’t help the feral moan that escapes my chest. It’s been so long since I was touched by a man and never did it feel like this.

  “You like that?” he grunts, thrusting his hips harder.

  “Yes,” I gasp, my breath fogging up the window in front of me.

  His fingers move between my thighs, and he stills inside of me for a moment as he feels how drenched I am for him. And then his eyes are boring into the back of my head. I can’t tell what he’s thinking as I watch his reflection in the window, but soon enough it doesn’t matter.

  He starts pounding into me with unrelenting thrusts, heaving my body forward with every slap of his flesh against mine. My insides quiver around him as he continues to palm my breasts in his hands. I have never felt anything like the combination of his rough fucking and gentle caresses. The pressure is building deep within me and I can’t hold back my moans.

  It’s the first time I’ve had a cock inside of me that I can actually feel that edge. The one I so willingly want to dive off of. And I think I might scream if I don’t get this release. I want him to be the first person other than myself to make me come, and somehow I’m certain he won’t disappoint me. His lips move to my neck, sucking the delicate skin as his thumb finds my clit.

  “Give it to me, Victoria.”

  And I do. I give him everything as I let out a guttural scream, clenching around his engorged cock. The tremors seem to go on forever as he continues to thrust inside of me, milking his own release with a long deep growl.