Bennett is not as refined as Carter, but they both have women dropping their panties easily and I think they’re used to getting their own way. I haven’t been this attracted to anyone in a long while. Or ever. I’ve always steered clear of anyone who showed sexual interest in me because fear held me back.
I’m tainted, broken beyond repair, but something about these men seems to drag me from my hidden anguish and sends me spiraling with need. A yearning that’s so foreign to me, yet perfectly acceptable for any other female. The ding of the elevator drags my attention from the thick wooden door and I find Elizabeth walking toward the meeting room pushing a trolley of coffee and snacks.
“Did you meet him then?” she questions in her thick brogue.
“Yes, he’s…” I can’t find the word to describe Carter. Handsome? Sexy? Drop dead gorgeous?
“He’s got your eye then, lassie?” She giggles and continues into the room, which is furnished with an enormous oak table and twelve chairs. I rush in behind her and shut the door.
“Do you know much about him?” My voice drops to a whisper and I can’t help smiling like a teenager.
Is this what it’s like to have a crush?
To want a man rather than fear him?
“He’s one of the richest men in London. He’s thirty-five and still single. Hasn’t been in a relationship for about ten years now at least. That’s the story going around. Not sure what happened when he was younger, but I’ve heard gossip from the girls who’ve worked with him before.” She watches me, gauging my reaction. Before I can respond the door opens with a soft whoosh and I’m assaulted by two different scents of cologne that cloak me in their masculinity.
They’re both tall, with broad shoulders, and they seem to loom over my five-foot-six frame.
“You two enjoying your banter?” Bennett’s gaze settles on me then on Elizabeth and he offers her a small smile. The blush that pinks her cheeks doesn’t go unnoticed and I wonder if there’s something between them.
“I was helping set up. Are we ready?” I question. My gaze flits between them and they nod while strolling into the room and suddenly the large area feels stifling.
Once the door closes and it’s only the three of us, I slip into a chair at the head of the table and wait for them to get seated. Carter settles in beside me and my skin prickles at his nearness. The heat emanating from him warms me and the panic that normally sets in doesn’t threaten to choke me as it always does.
“Ella, as you would have seen in the file I gave you, Carter is taking over from his father and will be working with you on all acquisitions. He’s the go-to for anything related to new properties and I have a list of areas he’d like to invest in. Also, I’d like you to do some research on the different countries where we can expand. Since you know the US quite well, I’d like a report first thing in the morning for New York. I was telling Mr. Hamilton that you’re an expert.”
Turning to the blue-eyed man beside me, I meet his gaze as it settles on mine and his mouth quirks into a sinful grin. There’s an elicit promise in his eyes and it has me wondering what it could be. If he’d show me when we’re alone.
“I guess you could say I’m an expert. I know New York like the back of my hand. Having lived there for four years, I studied the areas and I can find the hidden spots that most tourists prefer because it’s not as busy as Manhattan itself. I can certainly say I can give you exactly what you need.” As soon as the words tumble from my mouth, I stop, realizing how that sounded. Deep blue flecks shimmer with amusement, like a darkening ocean in the dim light of an evening sky.
“I have no doubt you can, Ms. Carmel. I certainly would love to see how you perform under pressure, because let me assure you, I’m not an easy man to please.” There’s so much more hidden in those few words and I can’t stop a smile from creeping onto my lips.
Flirting. It’s so new, so foreign, but with him it comes easy.
My nipples harden under the intensity of his stare and I squeeze my thighs together. The ache that flared to life at the airport when I first laid my eyes on him is back and it’s burning me like a live flame. Hot and torturous, and I want him to extinguish it.
“Great, now that we got that out of the way, let’s move on to the venue.” Bennett’s voice cuts through the desire swirling in the air between us, but nothing can diminish the yearning that has my heart racing for the man on my left.
He shifts to grab the cup of coffee on the table and the material of his suit brushes lightly against my skin, sending a spark—elicit and wicked—through me.
Lifting the coffee to his mouth, I cut a quick glance as he sips the creamy liquid. The foam that tops his coffee sticks to his lip and when his tongue darts out to lick it off I find myself chewing on my lower lip, trying to keep the moan from falling from my lips.
The response of my body to him must be obvious and my cheeks heat in embarrassment.
You’re a tainted, broken girl.
His voice screams at me through all the need and desire. And once again I’m brought back to the truth of what I am. The monster from my nightmares ensures I never forget who I am. What I am.
“Ella?” Bennett’s voice drags my attention back to him where he’s seated on my right. Shit. There’s amusement dancing across his handsome features and I realize he must have caught me watching his friend.
“Yes, sorry. I think jet lag is catching up to me,” I offer with a nervous grin.
“That’s okay, I understand. I was telling Carter you’d accompany him to the hotel. Since you’re familiar with architecture, I want you both to work closely on this deal. The owner is ready to sign; he just wants the original fa?ade kept as is.”
I nod. That’s easy. I’ve dealt with owners who find it difficult giving up their buildings.
“Yes, sure.”
“And then you can finish for the day. I’m sure Mr. Hamilton won’t mind dropping you off at your apartment, will you, Carter?” His gaze flits over to Carter and I follow Bennett’s gaze.
The man next to me straightens and sets his cup down. “Of course. I would be happy to escort you home. Are you ready?” Inquisitive eyes land on me and I nod.
Every time he looks at me I lose all power of speech, which is ridiculous. The effect he has on me is surreal, and I find that fighting it will only hurt, so I let the feeling wash over me and enjoy the flurry in my stomach. Just like a teenage girl.
“Yes, I just need to grab my purse and the file with the information of the hotel. Maybe we can get the owner to sign today.” I push up from my chair and glance at my boss, then my client.
“Perfect.” Bennett’s voice is light, not the deep rumble from earlier, and as both men stand up and follow me out of the meeting room I’m scorched by their heated gazes.
Carter