A Very Corporate Affair book 3 (The Corporate series) (18 page)

Lewis had calculated the level of damages he expected the judge to award, based on Graham's  last year’s accounts, and doubled it to get a starting point. I saw the opposing side take a sharp breath when Lewis gave the figure. "Please bear in mind, gentlemen, that the judge will also be awarding costs, which, as of this moment, are.." He looked at the file, "ten thousand, four hundred pounds. Now, I'm sure I don't need to tell you that pulling the top team from Pearson Hardwick into court is an expensive business, so please be aware that costs are likely to quadruple if you lose on Monday."

The opposition went pale. "I need to speak to my lawyer alone please." I pressed 'call' on my phone, and tucked it under the cushion of my chair, before following the two men out of the room.

"We must remain totally silent. Is that understood?" Both nodded. We crept into my office, and listened on Laura's speakerphone to the opposition berating his lawyer, and begging him to let him settle today. He told the lawyer that the evidence was so damning that he wouldn't have a hope in hell's chance of winning in court. He also admitted that he'd made around eighty grand out of the scam before it had been uncovered, which was the settlement figure Lewis had opened with.

After ten minutes, we went back in. I surreptitiously retrieved my phone, and ended the call. Lewis played hardball, refusing to back down to the level he would have done previously, and finally settling on 70k, to include all costs, plus the website permanently removed. Graham breathed a sigh of relief as the two opponents slunk out of the room, after signing to say that they accepted the out of court settlement. "Now I just have to get the money out of him. That won't be easy."

"This is a legally binding document. We can apply to the high court if he doesn't pay. Their bailiffs will sort it." Lewis said, shaking his hand.

When Graham had gone, he turned to me, "where did you learn that little trick? Not strictly ethical of course."

"Porenski, who else?" I smiled. "That was fantastic negotiating Lewis. Great result."

"I know a trick or two as well. Now, any news on Goldings?"

"Not as far as I know. Let me check the news." We went into my office, and I clicked on Reuters. "Barclay's CEO has resigned, looks like Lloyds is under pressure too. Nothing about Goldings. I'll give Oscar a call to make sure." I picked up the phone, and was put straight through. "Hi Oscar, anymore fallout from the LIBOR scandal?"

"Only the fact that we're snowed under with new account openings, including most of the prestige corporate ones. Think we're being seen as a safe haven. I'll be glad to get away, it's like a madhouse here."

"You know about the CEO of Barclays going?"

"Yes, spoke to him a couple of hours ago. Serves him right to be honest, they really were ridiculously greedy, and the strategy was never going to work. They are going to have to do a rights issue before this is all over, mark my words. I'll point the next CEO in your direction, maybe you can keep them on the straight and narrow."

"I'm glad to hear that you're ok. By the way, do you want a lift tomorrow night? I've got the Bentley and a driver taking Lucy and I, you're welcome to join us. We're being picked up from mine at 6.15."

"That would be super, thank you. A pretty lady on both arms. Can't think of anything nicer. Listen, I'd better go. I'll come up to your flat at six tomorrow." We said our goodbyes, and I ended the call.

"At least you can go on holiday knowing alls right with your clients," said Lewis.

"Yep, speaking of which, it's nearly five. Have you got anymore tasks for me?"

"No, go have your holiday. Have a great time." Lewis smiled, and waved as he walked out of my office. I gathered up my shopping from earlier, and quickly called Roger. He answered after the first ring.

"Hi Roger, I don't suppose you're free to drop me home? Only I've got a ton of stuff to carry, and I still need to pick up my dry cleaning."

"I'm presently waiting downstairs for you."
This is so cool.
I went straight down and dumped all my shopping with him, before zipping into the mall to pick up my cleaning and the dresses I'd had altered. Within twenty minutes, I was home, with all my gear on the sofa, where I'd asked Roger to leave it.

"You're home nice and early. Thought you might end up working late to clear everything before they let you go." James said, as he pushed a coffee towards me.

"Nope, I spent all week being incredibly organised, so unless there's a disaster, I'm off for a whole fortnight." I did a little happy dance, which made James snort. I put my cleaning away, and did some laundry, wanting to keep on top of everything. I got James to help me pull my suitcase down from the top shelf of my closet, ready for packing.

"Bit early if you're not going till Monday, isn't it?" James remarked.

"I don't care, I just want the excitement of it. I haven't packed for a holiday since forever, so I'm gonna make the most of it."

"I bet you have a list."

"Of course, they don't call me Mrs Uptight- And- Organised for nothing you know." James grinned at my obvious enthusiasm, and hooked his arm around my neck, pulling me to him so that he could plant a wet kiss on the side of my forehead. Smiling, he went off to pour out a glass of wine each.

"Are you eating here tonight?" He called out.

"No, I'm seeing Ivan tonight, so I'll probably eat with him." James returned carrying two glasses, and handed one to me. "Heard anymore from Janine?"

He shook his head, "No, and I don't expect to. It's time for me to move on, and find someone nice. There's got to be a woman out there somewhere."

"You won't have much trouble, the girls'l be tripping over their tongues when you strut down to that pool in your shorts."

"Doubt it, but thanks for the compliment." He looked embarrassed. "Have you loaded up your kindle?"

"Yup, loads of trashy chicklit, and a few murder mysteries as well. Gotta keep myself busy by the pool." I was interrupted by Ivan calling. "Hi babe, how was your day?" I chirped.

"Long and boring. All that's kept me going was the thought of tonight. I bought new batteries, and everything.." I caught on to what he was talking about. With James sitting opposite, I couldn't exactly say too much.

"Excellent news, are we eating at yours?"

"Yeah, my housekeeper made a roast. You need to keep your energy levels up for what I've got planned. Shall I send Roger over? Are you ready now?"

"Yep, give me five minutes for a quick shower, and I'll be sorted. See you in a bit."

Ivan pulled me into a strong embrace as soon as I stepped out of the lift, pushing my hair back gently, he kissed me deeply, his tongue stroking mine, as the dogs danced around our feet, desperate to say hello too. I bent down to pet them, rubbing their soft little heads as they happily wagged their tails. "I wasn't sure if we'd be going to Sussex tonight," I said.

"I'm going down tomorrow. I wanted the swing at my disposal," he smirked, "plus of course, I'm gonna have two very boring weeks, so I'll make the most of you while I can." He poured some wine, and pushed a glass over to me.

"I'm sure we'll talk on the phone, text and email. I'm not going to Outer Mongolia you know. You could always hop on your jet and come and join us, then we won't have to go two weeks without any sex."

"Hmm, quite a tempting offer. I might surprise you." He pulled two plates of food from the warming drawer of his oven. "The girls have already had theirs, so don't listen to any lies about not being fed today." He placed a roast chicken dinner in front of me, poured some more wine, and sat down to eat his. Both dogs immediately positioned themselves at our feet, looking hopeful.

"Spaniel eyes are so difficult to resist," I mused.

"That's what they depend on. I wonder if it would work for me too," he said, widening his eyes, to give me a puppy dog look. The effect was rather spoilt by his sapphire irises glittering in the early evening sun.

I smiled, "Not really, they need to be chocolate button coloured to fully elicit the sympathy vote. Yours are too blue and sparkly. Besides, you're going to eat your fill, then have as much sex as you can handle. Exactly what else could you possibly want?"

"That sounds great. I just wish I was the one taking you away, seeing you so excited to be off for two weeks. I wish it was me that could laze around reading beside you, although to be honest, I'm just thrilled that we're lovers again. I love it when you answer the phone all happy and call me 'babe'."

"Mm, I like it too. I wish it was just us two going away as well, but there'll be other holidays. I might see about taking a long weekend when you're in France, that's if you want me there," I added.

"I want you there for the whole two weeks. I love spending lazy time with you. I'm hoping little miss here won't try and swim to Africa this time." He looked pointedly at Bella, who wagged her tail in response.

I slipped the two dogs the remainder of my chicken, and took our plates to the dishwasher. Ivan scooted around the island to capture me in his arms. I could feel his hot breath on my neck, as he whispered something in Russian. "What did you just say?" I asked.

"Nothing much, just something I'm practising. Now, more wine? Or straight to the pleasure room?"

"How about a quick drink on the terrace? Let our dinner go down before we start bouncing about." He took my hand, led me outside, and pulled me onto his lap. It was a beautiful, warm evening, and the river shimmered below us. I sipped my wine, before placing the glass on the table, and running my hands over his strong shoulders, and into his silky, dark hair. He pulled me into a kiss, pressing his tongue into my mouth in a gentle, but possessive movement. He pulled away to put his glass down, then wrapped his arms around me, his hands roaming over my back as if they were searching for a bit of bare skin to stroke.

"Come, I don't want to wait any longer. I want to see you naked, and feel your desire. I want to see you desperate for my cock." He was using his phone sex voice. I turned to mush. He led me into the apartment, and along the corridor to the pleasure room, carefully closing the door behind him. He threw off his shorts and vest, and lay on the bed. "Strip for me, please." He picked up a remote, pressed a button, and the room was filled with the strains of Savage Garden.
Insatiable? Good choice.

I stripped slowly, turning it into a show for him. I let him have  glimpse of a nipple before covering it again, and coyly flashing my freshly waxed pussy, turning as I pulled my knickers down. Ivan lay on the bed, lazily stroking his cock, and watching me intently.

"Bend over, I want to see your pussy from behind." He purred the command, but it had an authoritative edge. I complied immediately, opening my legs slightly to give him a better view.

"You look so beautiful," he said softly, "tonight, will you let me restrain you? Make me feel as though I own you, body and soul?"
He wants to own the world.

"Ok, but if I don't like it, you promise me you'll stop?"

"Of course. I never want you to feel uncomfortable. Tonight is for your pleasure as much as mine." He slid off the bed, and walked over to the cabinet to retrieve a pair of leather cuffs. "Stand up please." I did as he asked, and watched in the mirror as he cuffed my arms behind my back. When I was secure, he kissed his way down my shoulder, pausing only to cup my breasts in his hands, holding them with the gentlest touch. I could feel his breath on my back, as he kissed his way across to the other shoulder. I shivered with anticipation, feeling myself get hot and slick.

He stood behind me, watching in the mirror as one hand caressed its way down my body to slide rhythmically over my clit. I could feel his erection digging into my buttock as he looked mesmerised, watching himself pleasuring me.

"Can you see how much your pussy likes this? How wet it's getting for me?" I could see his fingers glistening with evidence of my arousal. "I think it wants my cock."

"Oh god, yes please." I was shamelessly horny for him.

"Not yet baby, I want to feel your desire. I
need
to know you desire me, and only me."

"It's only you," I whispered, fascinated by the sight of him watching himself. He pressed his fingers to my lips.

"Taste how much I turn you on." I sucked on his fingers, tasting the musky sweetness of my own juices, before he withdrew them, and sucked on them himself. He turned me round, and kissed me again, before dropping to his knees, and burying his nose in the apex of my thighs. He inhaled deeply, "you smell so good." He guided my legs a little further open, and slid his middle finger into me, curling it towards him, to tickle my spot. With his other hand, he parted my lips, to gently suck on my clitoris, which was twitching and throbbing wildly.

He must have felt the familiar quivering of my impending orgasm, because he stopped abruptly, withdrawing his finger, and leaving my clit engorged and bereft.
So this is your game?
"Don't you need a hard fuck first? You know, to get you ready?" I asked.

"No. I had a wank before you arrived. You're not getting fucked that easily baby." He purred. He bent me over the bed and caressed my bottom, lingering on my anus for a while. I could see his erection straining, and wondered how long he was going to hold out, before he gave me a good fucking.

He padded over to the cabinet, and pulled out some toys. I felt something cool and smooth slide into me. "Try and hold that in place." He murmured. It kept feeling as though it was slipping out, no matter how much I clenched my inner muscles around it. Ivan kept sliding it back in, but it was too smooth to provide any friction. "You're too wet and turned on to hold it, aren't you?"

"Yes, I need your cock."

He chuckled, "all in good time baby." With that, he rolled me onto my side, the dildo slipping out onto the bed. He slid it back into me, before pressing a vibrator onto my clit. I arched into the welcome sensation, desperate to reach an orgasm to relieve the tremendous pressure building inside me.

He took it away.
Bastard.
I cried out in frustration, as my orgasm melted away. I tried to rub my legs together to get some relief, but Ivan had other ideas. "You want my cock?"