Stolen (The Madame X School of Sex) (9 page)

“Would you say that if you knew Mr. Lavin was asking about you the other day, I wonder?” Anya smiled craftily when Casey swiveled around to face her. “Well, that got your attention, didn’t it?”

“Mr. Lavin asked about me? What did you say?” Casey narrowed her eyes. Anya was quirky enough to do just about anything.

“He just asked how long you’d worked here. If he had known we hired you he wouldn’t have waited so long to start work on his new campaign, I’m sure.” Anya smirked.

“I’m sure he was just making polite conversation.” Casey tucked a stray curl behind her ear and tried to look nonchalant.

Anya leaned against the file cabinet and crossed her long legs. “I think he’s trying to find out more about you without being totally obvious. I told him you were twenty-six, single and in desperate need of getting laid.”

Casey gaped. “You did not actually say that?” She supposed it could be worse, although Anya made her sound about as exciting as a cloistered nun. Not that she’d be far off the mark. When was the last time she’d had a date?

“No, but I should have. He obviously likes you even though you give him no encouragement at all. The man is gorgeous and he stares at you whenever he thinks no one is watching. I even like the way he says your name.
Cassandra
,” she purred, rolling the “r” the way Andre did. Anya let out a dramatic sigh and popped another pastry in her mouth.

“It’s ridiculous. And embarrassing. No one calls me Cassandra. I’ve always just been tomboy Casey.”

“It’s sexy, especially with his accent. You should give him a chance.” She shook her head, seemingly perplexed that anyone would want to hide from a handsome, rich man.

“Are you kidding me?” Casey whispered. As he walked by, she scanned him from the top of his head to the bottom of his leather-clad soles. Despite all the time they’d spent talking, she still blushed every time he said hello. To her chagrin, he seemed determined to do so every time he came in. No matter who else was around or what was going on, he sought her out. She suspected he enjoyed watching her get flustered.

“A man like that is exactly what you need in your life. Shoot, a man like that is exactly what
every
girl needs in her life.”

When Andre turned in their direction, Casey spun around in her chair. Heart pounding, she peeked over her shoulder a few moments later, just in time to see his back disappear into a conference room.

“The only reason he stares at me is because I’m always dropping things or tripping in front of him. He’s probably just trying to stay out of my way.”

Anya chuckled. “Yeah, there was that time you spilled coffee all over yourself just because he said hello. That was pretty bad. But other than that, it’s been harmless stuff. He seems to like you all tongue-tied and klutzy.”

Casey rolled her eyes as she recalled all the times she’d embarrassed herself in his presence. At this point it was best not to even keep track.

“Anya, men like that date supermodels and actresses. Not broke, fashion-challenged receptionists, okay?” She looked down at her plain, beige, cable-knit sweater and brown tweed skirt. Both items had been purchased at the thrift store three blocks from her apartment. She ran a hand gently over the soft, nubby fabric of her sweater. It was usually one of her favorites.

Casey glanced at the conference door again. No matter how nice he was, she couldn’t forget they were from two different worlds. Andre Lavin probably spent more money on toilet paper than she did on clothes. The thought made her a little sick.

“Well, apparently he never got that memo because he seems very interested in getting to know you. So what are you afraid of? Are you worried that if you let your hair down a little he might actually ask you out?” Anya reached over and pulled the clip from Casey’s hair. The long, brown strands tumbled over her shoulders.

“Hey!” Casey tried unsuccessfully to grab it back before giving up and twirling her hair into a low bun. She secured it with a rubber band. “I am not afraid of anything.”

There’s no reason to fear something that could never happen. Andre Lavin asking me out is about as likely as a spaceship full of Martians landing on the lawn outside.

“I just hate having my hair all over the place. Some of us are trying to be professional.” Casey focused on typing up a memo. Maybe if she just pretended Anya wasn’t there the other woman would give up and leave her alone.

“You’re trying to be invisible. Besides, you know very well I’m talking about more than just your hair.” Anya pulled Casey to her feet and surveyed her from head to foot.

“If you would take the granny bun down and lose those outdated clothes you would actually be hot. And of course get a better bra.” She cupped Casey’s breasts, pushing them up higher on her chest.

Casey stood stunned for a moment before jumping back so fast she bumped into the filing cabinet. “Anya! What are you doing? Are you feeling me up?”

“Don’t complain. This is probably more action than you’ve had in months.” Grinning triumphantly, Anya crossed her arms. “I knew you had a good figure under those shapeless clothes. If I had a perky rack like that I would just walk around in nothing but a bra all day.”

Casey laughed despite herself and plopped back down in her chair. “It’s official. You are truly insane, you know that?”

“I may be crazy but that doesn’t mean I’m wrong.” Anya reached around her and hit the red button on the multi-line phone that sent all calls to the recorded greeting.

“What are you doing?”

“I am going to help you. And you are
not
going to say no. Think of me as your fairy godmother.” Anya grabbed Casey’s hands and pulled her up, a wicked gleam in her blue eyes. “We don’t have time to really shop the way I want over lunch break but we can at least get you some new makeup or something. I’ll get one of the other assistants to cover the phones.”

“Oh no. I don’t like where this is going,” Casey groaned. She’d learned the hard way that when Anya got in one of her moods it was best not to fight it. She was like a tornado. You either took cover or let yourself get swept up in the chaos and hoped for a gentle landing.

Besides, it was probably better if she wasn’t here when Andre finished his meeting. He would come over to say hello and she’d inevitably do something ridiculous or embarrassing. So far, he seemed to think she was just clumsy. If he ever figured out the real reason Casey was so awkward around him he’d run the other direction.

Or worse, feel sorry for her.

“Let’s go shopping on Sunday. I assume you already have a dress for the Preview Gala?” Casey nodded reluctantly. Normally she avoided social events like the plague but the company’s annual meeting was mandatory, even for nobodies like her. She could only hope she didn’t trip over her own feet or worse be forced out on the dance floor. Parties were only fun for social butterflies like Anya.

For shy, awkward people like her, they were a special brand of torture.

“Well, after the Gala is over we’ll go shopping for your new wardrobe. No more bulky sweaters and dowdy skirts. We have to play up your assets.” Anya rubbed her hands together gleefully.

“Am I going to regret this?” Casey crossed her arms over her chest. Images of her dressed in revealing club clothes floated through her mind. The other woman had great taste but she was much more outgoing. Anya wouldn’t be uncomfortable in a skintight miniskirt or a blouse that showed a ton of cleavage but those things were Casey’s worst nightmare.

Anya pushed her lips out into an exaggerated pout. “Have a little faith. I know what I’m doing. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?”

* * * * *

“I’m not sure about this new slogan.” Andre Lavin rubbed his hands roughly over his face, trying to erase months of stress. He was so tired he almost felt intoxicated but seeing his dream come to life was worth a thousand sleepless nights. “
Living the Lavin Life
. It sounds like a rip-off of a cheesy pop song.”

James Lawson, owner of Mirage Advertising Agency, patted him reassuringly on the shoulder. “Wait until you see the presentation. The campaign we’ve generated is youthful and high energy. It’s exactly what you need for a launch into the American market.“

“I hope so.” He’d already seen presentations for two alternate slogans and they were no closer to capturing the essence of what he was about than the current one. As much as he liked the Mirage Agency, if they couldn’t deliver what he needed he would have to go elsewhere. Firing his agents wouldn’t be fun but he hadn’t reached this point in his career by being soft. He did what had to be done even when it wasn’t easy.

As the eldest son of Nicolas and Stefania Lavin, he really didn’t have to work. He and his younger brother Philippe were considered two of the most eligible bachelors in Europe. This was due in part to the considerable inherited wealth left to them by their late father, a French financier, as well as the impeccable bloodline bestowed on them by their mother, a direct descendent of the now deposed Italian royal family.

There were so many who’d thought the pampered son of an aristocratic family didn’t have the fortitude to run a successful business. Some were still waiting for him to fail. If Andre had his way, they were in for a long wait. He’d waited his entire career to launch his international campaign. He wouldn’t see it derailed for any reason.

Not even friendships.

“I have the production figures. We’re in good shape.” Jason Gautier, his business partner and best friend, appeared at his left side. His blond hair was cut into a short, spiky do, more for ease and comfort than style. His friend had been accused more than once of having a calculator for a brain and a cash register for a heart. Success was his life’s blood. It was one of the things they had in common.

“Fantastic. Do we still have that conference call with the bank this afternoon?”

“Actually, there was a mix-up. We’re supposed to be on that call in about ten minutes.” At his glower, Jason shrugged apologetically and crossed his arms. “Don’t shoot the messenger. How do you want to handle this?”

“Gentlemen, I think I have a solution.” Law waved over his assistant, a stunning Eastern European woman with short, dark hair. He whispered something in her ear and she turned and sashayed off.

Law glanced at his watch. “We don’t have anything major booked for next week so if you’re planning to stay in town through the weekend, we could reschedule.”

“We were planning to fly back to Milan tonight…” Andre trailed off as they left the conference room and Cassandra entered his line of vision. His cock filled as if happy to see her again. He cursed softly and turned away, giving himself time to calm down.

It was like this whenever she was around. His reaction made him feel like a lecher, especially since from a distance she resembled a fairy child more so than a grown woman. But she was one hell of a woman.

Ever since he’d first seen her three months ago, he’d battled this borderline obsession. He knew her every expression, the way she tilted her head when listening or pursed her lips when she didn’t agree with something. Her skin was very pale and coupled with her curly, dark hair, was incredibly striking. She was delicately built, petite with slim hips, but he knew from their conversations she was no pushover. She might look fragile but she had a backbone of steel.

Then to see her today on her knees before him,
Dio
. It’d be weeks before he could look at her without imagining the scenario as it had played out in his mind. He’d imagined her leaning forward and tugging down his zipper. Her tiny hands cupping his length as her full lips stretched around his cock. It had taken all his willpower to beat back the surge of lust and help her to her feet when everything in him wanted to keep her on her knees.

Andre turned at the sharp nudge in his side. Jason lifted his eyebrows in inquiry before stretching to see over his shoulder. Andre stepped forward blocking his view. He wasn’t sure what drove the protective instinct, but in that moment he didn’t want his friend anywhere near her. Jason viewed women like candy. He wanted to sample every flavor available as often as possible and he was handsome enough that seduction came easily.

Jason frowned. “I was just saying our schedule is flexible enough that we can stay until Monday. Unless you’re intent on flying back tonight.”

Law rubbed his hands together. “I’m sure we’ve mentioned this before but our annual company Preview Gala is tomorrow night. We showcase our most high-profile campaigns from the prior year and do a few sneak peeks of current projects.”

Andre stilled. “A company meeting? Do all of the employees usually show up?”

Law nodded slowly. “Yes, it’s mandatory for employees. Even if it wasn’t, I’m sure they’d come anyway. We put on quite a party. If you’re going to be in town, it would be an honor for you to drop in. Then, I’ll have our designers rearrange their schedules to accommodate you on Monday afternoon.”

Andre wiped a hand over his face to stifle the silly smile he feared he was wearing. He was going to see Cassandra this weekend. He’d been trying to get closer to her, coaxing her to talk to him and had shared as much about himself as he could without pushing too hard.