Byron-4 (16 page)

“Honey, you can say it. Submissive. And I’m guessing that you are only a sexual one, not a lifestyle sub. Hum, I would imagine that Byron, as a dominant, would want to think he can order you around. Don’t let him. He needs to be shook up now and again. Oh don’t look at me like that, Morgan Grant. Did you think I didn’t know he owns that lovely club on High Street? I’m his mother, aren’t I?”

“I don’t think...I was under the impression...does Byr know you know about...his, how shall I say, sexual preferences? Because I’m pretty sure he thinks you don’t.” Morgan grinned as she asked her mother-in-law.

“I have no idea. Nor do I care. Now, Taylor, I do have a question I’d like to ask you, if you don’t mind. Tell me what a ball gag is and what it’s used for.” The table erupted in laughter.

Taylor didn’t understand, but didn’t see any problem telling the elderly woman everything she asked. Taylor did wonder, however, if she had been storing up the questions for some time, because she seemed to have a lot of them. By the time they were finished eating, it was past time to get back to the office.

Morgan sat in the back seat with her on the way back. “I’m not sure what you are planning, but Nickolas told me to offer you whatever you want to come and work for him. He said whatever. If you knew my husband, you’d be surprised. He’s the tightest man I’ve ever met when it comes to money. Well, except for the boys and me. I once saw him berate Byron for three days because there was a twenty-eight cent mistake on his checking account and he wouldn’t call the bank and demand an audit.”

“I’m moving back to my home state. I’m not cut out for here. But I thank you. I’ve been...I don’t belong here. I need to try and start again, sort of become someone no one knows about. Understand?”

“Yes, I can understand, but it doesn’t work. Trust me, Taylor, I know. And if Byron has anything to say about—”

“He doesn’t. I was a quick lay, nothing more. And I would appreciate it if you would just let it go. There is nothing between the two of us, only mutual sexual gratification.” Taylor looked up in the rearview mirror in time to catch Margaret looking at her strangely.

Taylor wasn’t staying. They couldn’t make her; at least, she didn’t think they could.

If they wanted her help, then they would have to play by her rules. They pulled up in front of the building and talk about what may or may not happen in the Grant offices came to an end, at least for the moment.

There were three Federal Agents there when Taylor stepped off the elevator. Also, there was Devin and another woman Taylor didn’t know, Nickolas, and Byron. The only person she saw was the latter man.

“Before you begin, I’d like a word with Taylor please. I promise this won’t take long.” He walked slowly to her.

Taylor could see that his nose was swollen and his eyes had the beginnings of bruises under them. She really had broken his nose. She felt bad, but would do it all over again if he thought she was a push over. When he was within several inches of her, she looked up at him. Christ, the man was an Adonis. She didn’t know whether to touch him or run from him.

“Byron, these men really need to talk to—”

“Give him a few minutes, Devin. I believe he does have a few things to say to her before I have my own little talk with him.” Taylor glanced over at Margaret and glared.

Damn it to hell, did everyone have it out for her?

She led him to Nickolas’ office and waited while he shut the door. She was suddenly nervous and she wanted to pace. She noticed that she did that a lot lately and wondered why. Then he moved closer and she took a step back. He kept advancing; she kept retreating until she hit the desk behind her.

“How does your ass feel? Is it tender still?” His whispered question made her moan. It was out before she could stop it. “I’ll take that as a yes. I’m sorry I grabbed you. I’m sorry that I yelled at you. I had all these things I wanted to say to you. I was going to wow you with my apologies. But now that you’re here, all I can think about was having you the other night. The way your body fit under mine and the way you tasted on my tongue. My cock sliding down the back of your throat when you sucked me... Christ, I’ve had to jerk off four times in the last twenty-four hours just to be able to remember to breathe right. Will you, Taylor, will you let me kiss you?” Her own breathing was difficult and her pulse was pounding. She didn’t want him; she didn’t need him either. But her body had other ideas. Her hand, the treacherous thing, reached up and curled itself around his neck and pulled him toward her mouth.

~CHAPTER 16~

Byron moved slowly, wanting to savor her. His heart had nearly leapt out of his chest when she touched him. But he still moved slowly. He wasn’t blowing his chance to be close to her again. She moved a step forward and he wrapped his arms around her and gathered her to him. Taylor felt wonderful in his arms, warm and soft. When he felt himself wanting to press her down on the desk and take her, he pulled back. He smiled when she whimpered.

“Taylor, come home with me tonight. I want to make love to you in a bed. I want to feel you wrapped around me again. Maybe if we get this out of our systems, we can move on with our lives, don’t you think?” She stiffened and pulled away.

He let her go. It was hard, but he also took a step back from her. His cock ached and when she glanced down at it, he nearly groaned. He was too busy trying to not pounce on her to notice that she was pissed.

“Tell me, Byron, is that the only thing you think with? I told you, no more. I want you to stay away from me. I’m sure that once I’m gone, you’ll be able to work me out of your system, as you put it, without any problems. The notches on your bed will grow exponentially then. If you’ll excuse me, I have things to do.” He didn’t grab her this time—he wasn’t completely stupid—but he did step in front of her—from a distance. “Damn it, I’m trying to say I want you. What the hell is wrong with being honest about it?”

“Oh, I have no problems with you being honest, but don’t begrudge me for being so as well. I don’t want you. I don’t want you near me, touching me or inside me. Leave.

Me. Alone. Clear enough for you?”

She stormed past him and out the door. He rubbed his chest. He felt like something important had just happened and he wasn’t so sure it was a good thing. Frowning, he sat in the chair and looked after where she had gone. He didn’t even see his mother walk in several minutes later. Nor did he realize she was there. It wasn’t until he looked at her that he realized she was smiling.

“Well, what have you figured out? You know, of all my sons, I knew that it would be the hardest for you. You never needed anyone, not even me most of the time. And before you deny it, let me finish. You were seven when I realized it for myself. Your father knew right from the start. I’m a little slower I guess. It was when you fell from the tree in the front yard, do you remember it?”

“Yes. I was trying to get the paper airplane that Dad had given me. We had made it together and he let me draw the design on it. And I do need you. Every day of my life.”

“You’re a sweet boy. But what happened that day, Byron? Do you remember? What did you do when you fell?”

“Mom, I’ve gone over this with you before. It was just silly for me to walk all the way home in order for you to take me all the way back to the hospital when I was less than a mile from there. I got there just fine and they set my arm. What does that have to do with this?” He wasn’t sure what any of this meant, and was glad she didn’t ask him.

“You wouldn’t let them call me until they had made sure it was broken. You told them if it was just a bruise that I’d tan your hide for making a big deal out of nothing.

As it was, I didn’t get there until you were nearly plastered up.”

“Yes, and if I remember correctly, you still tanned my hide. Mom, why are you bringing up a broken arm that happened over twenty years ago?” She smiled at him. It wasn’t a smile that he liked seeing on her. It was sad and seemed bittersweet to him. And he could see the tears starting to gather in her eyes.

Before he could move forward in his chair to take her into his arms, she stood. So did he.

“Taylor can make you the happiest man on earth if you’d let her. She isn’t stupid, nor is she a freak like she seems to think she is. And as a partner, I see great things for the two of you if you set your minds to it. If you love this girl, then you’d be a fool to let her go. When you figure it out, let me know.”

Byron dropped back into the chair. Love her? Hardly. She made his life a living hell most of the time. He had never met a more contrary, stubborn woman in his life. Love her? He would just as soon never love if loving Taylor Bennett felt like this. She was opinioned and sexy and had a body...no, he meant that she had a mean streak down her back...he had hurt her. He couldn’t really blame her for defending herself when he had started it. He rubbed his chest again. He didn’t love her. He simply wanted her. That was all. His mother had it wrong, just like him not needing her. That was just silly; he loved his mother and needed her.

He stood again and walked out of Nicky’s office. Love her indeed. He was nearly home when he realized that all he had been thinking about was Taylor. He decided that he had had enough, wasting time on a woman that wanted nothing to do with him.

When he got home, he turned on the television—really loud. Of course he couldn’t love Taylor. They would probably kill each other within a week if they were together.

He found himself not knowing what was going on with the program that was on and turned the TV off. He looked around his house. He had bought it several years ago because he needed the extra space to work.

The house was beautifully decorated. He had paid a fortune for someone to come in and make it look “homey.” She had done a good job, but he knew that it didn’t have the same feelings he got at his mom’s house or at either of his married brothers. There was the usual furniture—couch, love seat, coffee table, and lamps. But the room lacked sticky finger marks on the end tables and toys on the floor. The kitchen was state of the art with every new appliance known to man, but he couldn’t remember the last thing he had cooked in it. He had used the microwave to heat stuff up, but hadn’t cooked anything since right after he bought it. The bedrooms were the same way. Well, except for his bedroom. There, he was at home in his house. The bed was made for his tall frame and the mattress was thick and firm. His furniture had been a gift from his mother now that he remembered and it was perfect for him—large and heavy, clean lines and straight angles. He realized it wasn’t a home, but a house.

The building out back was nearly seventeen thousand square feet of work area and a shipping dock as well. He spent more of his time there than in the house. He had even had a cot put in there and a small kitchen. That place reflected more of him than this house. He wondered what Taylor would think of his house. He wondered if she would make it a home.

~~~

“Miss Bennett, you are simply not listening. You cannot leave that job. We are launching a major investigation on information that you’ve provided us. You leaving would be dangerous to both you and the mission. At this point, I will take measures to make sure you cooperate.”

Agent Felix Fenton had been talking at her for the past three hours. No matter what she said, he wouldn’t listen. Devin had long since given up on trying to plead with her, and Nickolas had gone home frustrated and a little pissed off. She still wasn’t sure what he had to do with any of this, but right now she didn’t care.

“What are you going to do, put me in jail, prison? Gee, won’t that get me fired? I have given you everything I have on this stupid thing. I’ve been cooperative—okay, I’ve been semi-cooperative. I’m leaving here on Christmas Eve and by Christmas morning, I plan to be on the beach walking along the shore. I’m going home. I have to work out my two weeks’ notice and I need the money.”

“Two weeks’ notice? What...are you saying you’ve already given your notice?

When? For Christ’s sake, woman, are you out of your mind? They’ll kill you.”

“For quitting? I hardly think so. Good night, gentlemen.” She started to put on her coat when the agent stood. He looked determined. Taylor took a step back and then suddenly Cait was between them.

“I’ll see her home. She’ll be staying tonight with us. Come along, Taylor. And if you don’t, I will arrest you.” Taylor started to argue, but then just shook her head. She was tired and she wanted to go to bed. Kill her indeed. She went into the outer office and noticed that all the lights were off. He had gone home.

“Taylor, I’m afraid I have to agree with the agent. The amount of money they’re talking? It could be very hazardous to your wellbeing. I think you should go in tomorrow and tell them that you’ve changed your mind about quitting.” She didn’t answer. She wasn’t really listening anyway. Byron had left. But then she didn’t know why that should surprise her. She wasn’t going to have sex with him anymore so he had done what she had asked him to.

“The Freedoms could care less about me. They barely come into the office anymore anyway. He said that he wanted to get me out of his system. Why would a man say that to a woman?”

“I’m not sure. How often do they come in together, you think? Once or twice a week, or more, do you think?”

“Less, maybe twice a month. I see them singly at least three times a week, but seldom together. I told him when we had sex the first time that it would be the only time. I thought he’d be happy to have me not clinging to him. I don’t understand men, do you?”

“I’m not an expert on them, no. But Byron is a nice guy. He works hard and he’s a fantastic artist.” Taylor looked out the window.

She wasn’t an expert either. But she did know that she wanted to get away from him. She didn’t think she could take any more heartache from the Grant men. But the thought of spending another night with Byron made her heart race and her body weep for him. She wanted him, but more, she needed him. He made her feel things that she had never felt for anyone before.

“He asked me to go home with him tonight. He said that he wanted to make love to me so that he could get me out of his system, so that he could get on with his life…so that we could get on with our lives. Maybe he’s right. He...Cait, could you take me to his house? Now, I mean?”