Hooked

Book 1

By

KB Winters

Copyright © 2015 KB Winters

Published By: BookBoyfriends Publishing LLC

Copyright and Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination and have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2015 KB Winters

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of the trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Contents

Copyright and Disclaimer

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

More from KB Winters

Acknowledgements

About The Author

More from KB Winters

Plush A Billionaire Romance

What The Luck

Fate Interrupted

Timeless Passion

Hooked (Get it free!)

SEAL’d Perfection

One

I stared at the computer screen and cursed my shitty luck. I had two days before my rent was due and the scarce money in my account wouldn’t even cover half of it.

“Should’ve taken that roommate offer,” I whispered and brought my hand up to chew on the end of my thumb fingernail. It was a nervous habit, and getting kicked out of my small apartment was nerve wracking enough.

I’d exhausted what little money I’d saved just to afford the security deposit and rent for the first three months while I searched for jobs. I didn’t have a car, but in order to be close enough to walk to the companies I’d applied to, I had to choose an apartment in a more expensive area. I’d hoped that by now I would have obtained a full-time job—but I’d only managed to secure a few hours per week at a coffee shop in the neighboring building. Luckily because I lived next door, whenever someone couldn’t show up to work, I got first dibs on their hours. Still, it wasn’t enough and desperate times were calling for even more desperate measures. Calling my parents was not an option, and I was an only child in a brand new city so I didn’t have any siblings or close friends to depend on.

It was either this—or nothing.

“I can do this. It’s just like dating, right?” I muttered to myself as I clicked ‘Accept’ and moved on to create a profile.

I blanked when it got to the portion for me to fill out how much compensation I was looking to receive. I had a job interview in two days, but it wasn’t guaranteed I would even be hired. Could I really do this? Was I really trying to find a sugar daddy?

“Goddamnit, Riley. Stop being such a pussy and just finish it.”

I sat up straight and reached out to grab the bottle of wine that was sitting on the desk beside my laptop. I put it to my mouth and took several deep swigs before wiping my mouth with the back of my hand and setting the bottle back down.

I quickly typed up the first words that came to my head, praying that it would be enough to attract someone’s attention.

“Okay, it’s done,” I muttered standing. “Just walk away and let it do its thing.” That was definitely easier said than done, but I forced myself to step away from the computer and decided a nice long bubble bath and a glass of wine was just what the doctor ordered. After putting in almost one-hundred job applications and having five interviews, I was still jobless.

Maybe a bottle of wine would be more appropriate.

“Fuck it, I’m taking a bath.”

One hour and two glasses of wine later, I finally felt calm and relaxed enough to check the website to see if I’d gotten any bites. I was prepared for a few awkward messages, but I was not prepared for the nearly twenty messages my profile had garnered. Taking another big gulp of wine, I clicked on the first email. It only took a glance to see that that man wasn’t the type of person I wanted to meet.

‘2 possible arrangements I am looking for.

1) SPH for an hourly rate or

2) You bring a group of friends to my hotel while I am in your area and I will buy whatever drinks you and your friends’ request.

I will then be your naked bartender for the night where you and your friends can have a good time drinking and laughing at my small penis. I will do whatever you ask to entertain you and your friends.’

“What the fuck?” I said aloud. “Is this guy serious?” I went through and clicked on his profile, my eyebrows rising as I saw the picture of him. Balding, overweight and noticeably older was not something I thought I could handle.

I made a decision then and there to only accept men that were at least within fifteen years in age. Sure that meant that the men might be almost forty, but forty was the new thirty…right?

‘How are you sweetheart? You want to meet for coffee to talk?’

That one didn’t sound too bad. At least, until I checked he’s profile and saw that he was looking for that one special woman to dominate him and walk on his back with heels.

“Aren’t there any normal men on here?” I exclaimed. The next few messages were more of the same and I was beginning to lose hope until I reached the last one. It had come in while I’d been reading the others.

‘Hi Riley,

Your exotic look and confident attitude caught my eye. I'd love to hear more …

Alexander’

The message was short, but to the point. A quick click on his profile and my mouth fell open in shock.

The picture was not of a balding grandfather type, but of a very good-looking thirty-five year old business owner. I leaned closer to the computer screen and scrolled through the rest of his profile.

Apparently, he was a self-made millionaire who owned his own business and due to a very busy schedule, had no desire to date. Instead, he was looking for a ‘mutually beneficial arrangement’ with someone who held no expectations of romance or permanency. All of it sounded great—perfect even.

Maybe too perfect.

I sat back in my chair as my hand hovered over the mouse. What were the odds that a man under forty, who was rich, was using this website to prowl for a sugar baby—especially one that was apparently over six feet tall with supermodel good looks? It wouldn’t be uncommon for people to lie on dating websites—then again—this website wasn’t like the others. People were specifically looking for a certain type of partnership and at this point I was just desperate enough to try.

I cracked my knuckles before typing up a quick response.

‘Thank you. Maybe we could meet somewhere and get to know one another?’

He responded immediately.

‘Meet me at Talula Coffee House. Tomorrow, 7pm. ~ Alexander’

“Fuck,” I breathed out and replied as fast as I could. ‘Perfect! See you there’

I hadn’t expected him to want to meet me so soon. Didn’t the guys on this site want to email back and forth for a bit to make sure I wasn’t some crazy stalker psycho? But then, this guy Alexander probably wanted sex right away. That thought made me pause before clicking on his pictures again.

It was seriously unfair for a man that attractive to only be looking for a girl for hire rather than a wife. Then again, if he were looking for a wife, no doubt the other woman would either be a supermodel or come from a well-to-do background with family connections in all the right places. A man like that definitely wouldn’t be looking for a recent college graduate living in shitty housing with no car and no job. I seriously wondered what was wrong with him.

As far as looks go, I knew I wasn’t ugly—but I also wasn’t some super model. I had boring brown eyes and was a bit paler than I’d liked. My one vanity was my thick chestnut-hued hair that fell to the middle of my back. I knew it was my best feature—aside from my breasts. They were fuller than most people would expect for someone my size, not that I was unnaturally thin—I was relatively average in every way and I was more than self-aware enough to admit it.

I’d never had any problems finding bedroom partners, but I knew I wasn’t quite in this man’s league. Hopefully tomorrow I wouldn’t make a fool of myself.

Two

Huddled by myself at a table in the back corner, I waited for the illustrious Alexander to show. I was nervous to be meeting in such a public place when the topic of conversation would be less than a simple getting-to-know-you type of conversation. I’d decided to skip the coffee and order tea as I was already wired enough. I’d barely slept a wink. I was too busy thinking about what Alexander could really be like. Maybe the blurry but attractive picture wasn’t even really him. What if he was really an overweight—

“Ms. Riley?”

The sound of my name made my look up and into the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. Unable to speak, I just looked up dumbly, taking in the six plus feet of hard-bodied man that towered over me.

Ocean blue eyes were set under dark eyebrows and slightly messy dark brown hair. He had a slight shadow of hair gracing his cheeks and chin and my hands itched to touch and feel.

“Hey,” he said, smiling down at me. “You are Ms. Riley, correct?”

“Yeah, I mean, yes!” I finally found my words while standing up and sticking out my hand. “Nice to meet you…Alexander…?”

The other man’s lips turned up in an amused smile. “Yes. Please call me Alex.” He pulled out the chair across from me and sat down. His movements were calm and self-assured, all of the things that I myself, did not feel right then.

“Oh, okay. Then just call me Riley.”

“Alright then, Riley.”

We sat for a few minutes, neither speaking. I couldn’t help but occasionally look up at him from beneath my long eyelashes. He didn’t seem to be uncomfortable at all, taking small sips of his beverage while the small smile never left his lips. When I glanced again and our eyes met, I quickly looked back down at my own drink, my cheeks heating slightly at the palpable feeling of chemistry in his gaze.

“So why don’t you tell me something about yourself.”

The sound of that deep voice made me snap my gaze back up to that intense blue gaze. “Well…there’s not much to say really.”

Alex chuckled. “Oh, I somehow doubt that.”

I swallowed thickly and licked my lips. My eyes widened slightly as Alex’s gaze followed my motion.

“Well, I graduated a few months ago—“

“From university, yes?” Alex interrupted. “Your profile said you are twenty-two, but forgive me for saying this—you don’t look as if you’d just completed an undergraduate degree.”

My lips turned down into a small frown. I was used to people questioning my age, but it still was annoying when someone pointed out my baby-faced looks. “I’m not a liar. Do you need to see my license for me to prove it?”

Alex held up a hand. “No need for that, I assure you. I just don’t want to get caught in a scandal involving underage girls searching for sugar daddies on the internet.”

Wow. Okay. My ire calmed somewhat. I could understand his point, especially if he really did own his own business.

“Plus, most women would love to appear years younger than their true age,” Alex said as he put his hand back on the table. “Regardless, as long as you are legally able to consent, then I have no concerns.”

“Oh, okay then,” I said. “So…how should we…?”

“Well, I suppose we should talk shop and decide if this is truly something for you.”

“I…uhm…” I trailed off. I wasn’t completely comfortable with what I’d even proposed on my profile, but the thought of being evicted was a powerful motivator. Maybe the best thing would be to just be honest. “I’m not really sure how to start the conversation about…”

“About the arrangement?” Alex finished for me. I nodded my head and forced myself to meet his gaze. “Your profile stated you were looking for someone to help with your more practical financial needs, correct?”

“Tha—yes.”

“And you are not opposed to providing more than mere conversation, also correct?”

I paused before nodding in agreement.

“I see. So perhaps we should start by figuring out whether or not you find me attractive and wouldn’t be opposed to being intimate with me.”

Instead of being put off by Alex’s frank words, I felt more at ease. When a large warm hand covered my own, I felt a little zing of pleasure travel through my body starting at the point of contact. The feeling was strong enough to make me gasp and I doubted Alex hadn’t noticed the effect his touch had on me. True enough, when I focused again on his blue gaze, his eyes seemed to burn with want.

It made something powerful inside of me clench.

I wasn’t a virgin by any means, but my relationships had been few and far between with the occasional one-night stand here and there. I enjoyed sex and wasn’t prudish about getting it from someone I wasn’t committed to.

“If you are worried about me not being attracted to you as well, I can also assure you that it won’t be an issue.”

I coughed to clear my throat. “What do you mean?”

“I mean I find you more than just…a little attractive. And if judging by your reaction to my touch, I would hazard a guess that you feel the same.” Alex smirked. The hand on top of mine tightened its grip and I almost whimpered at the thought of that powerful hand holding other parts of me.

Never before had I been so powerfully drawn to someone. It was a bit disconcerting—especially as it was with a man I would possibly be sleeping with—for money. Speaking of which—

“You’re right. I really am attracted to you,” I admitted. “I also want to be honest with you in that I need financial help right away…like today.”

Alex withdrew his hand and I almost flinched at how much of a shock it was to my system to not feel its warmth.

“Are you in some kind of trouble?” Alex’s voice turned suspicious. “Is it drugs or—“

“Oh God, no!” I shook my hands. “I’m not on drugs or anything.”

“Then why—“

“I have to pay my rent by tomorrow or I risk getting evicted.”

Alex’s gaze softened. “Oh, is that all? That won’t be a problem. How much do you need?”

I sat back in my chair. This guy was unbelievable. First he turned me on, and then accused me of being a druggie and now he simply asked me how much money I needed without a second thought? “Is that all? Are you freaking kidding me? You accuse me of being on drugs and then scoff at my problem like a…like a jackass.”

“I apologize, that wasn’t my intention. I simply thought to protect myself in case you—“

I stood up interrupting him. “Protect yourself? You’re some rich and powerful guy and I’m an unemployed woman living alone in a new city and you thought to protect yourself?”

“You would be surprised how many women pretended to be in trouble hoping to get something more permanent from me,” Alex said. He stood up as well holding out his hands as if to soothe my anger. “I didn’t mean to imply that you were one of them, so again, let me apologize. Please, sit down and let’s continue talking.”

I wanted to tell him off even more before stomping out, but I needed the money desperately and I could tell he was being truthful. I didn’t doubt that other women might try to get something out of a man who apparently had a gazillion bucks and looked like a god—and that understanding—plus my financial situation made me slowly sit back down.

“Fine, but next time—don’t assume things.”

“I will try to keep my assumptions under lock and key. I promise,” he said with a small smile. “Now, as I said before, providing you with help today would not be a problem. It might even be more helpful for you to provide me a list of financial items you need assistance with so I can see how many funds you’ll need monthly.”

“Oh…uhm, I suppose I can do that. I mean, I won’t need help forever and I don’t plan on buying anything crazy,” I said.

Alex smiled and leaned his head to the side. “You didn’t strike me as the type looking to buy the latest Chanel bag or a Rolls Royce, but that’s still good to hear. As for my intentions, I am looking for sexual exclusivity. Today, we will not exchange certain bodily fluids, however, I will ask you to go get tested and obtain a clean bill of health.”

My head spun. “Ok, but what about you?”

Alex chuckled. “Astute. I will also provide you with the necessary paperwork on my end.”

“That…that works fine for me, but what if you decide you want to date someone? Will I just get like a text message or…?”

Alex crossed his arms over his chest. “I assure you that it’s highly unlikely. In the event that one of us wants to end our arrangement, a face-to-face conversation should suffice. I’m all about consent and respect and I would expect for you to be the same.”

“Of course, I just wanted to be sure…” I trailed off as I shrank down in my seat. Somehow I felt even worse about this arrangement than I had when I was contemplating it alone in my apartment.

“I’m not trying to make you feel bad, Riley. I just want to make sure that the terms of our agreement are understood up front in order to head off any uncomfortable situations.”

I nodded, but said nothing in response. I was too busy trying to keep the butterflies in my stomach from exiting via my mouth.

“Why don’t we do this,” Alex said. He leaned down and opened his briefcase. I glanced down wondering if he was carrying money like rich people did in the movies. I saw some papers and a few folders, but nothing green. Alex pulled out a blank sheet of paper and a pen before straightening up and sliding them across the table towards me. “I want you to write down your monthly expenses.”

My eyebrows shot up. “All of them? Like…even food?”

Alex chuckled deeply. “Yes, food is a necessary expense I believe. Write down your estimates, and don’t be conservative. Total them up and leave your phone number on the bottom for me to contact you later on today. If I find the number doable, I will text you with an address to meet me at.”

I balked. “An address to…”

“To a perfectly public, non-sleazy hotel. Just because I’m paying, doesn’t mean I have any desire to slum it at some random interstate hotel. I believe The Barrington should have an available room.”

Alex was noticeably amused though I didn’t find it even the least bit funny. I was still trying to work out whether or not this was a good idea, but figured giving him my phone number wasn’t too big of a deal. Random guys at the club had been given more for a lot less.

Moreover, The Barrington was the most expensive hotel in town. Most times you couldn’t even get one of the cheapest rooms there without spending nearly a thousand dollars per night. I should know—I’d attempted to stay there when I first arrived in town and almost had a seizure when I saw the price of the cheapest room. Hell, my rent was cheaper.

“Fine,” I bit out finally. I reached out to take the pen out of Alex’s hand and tried to ignore the shiver of warmth that slithered up my spine as our fingers came into contact. I saw Alex’s smile turn into a smirk and I had to bite down on the rude remark that wanted to burst from my mouth. Instead, I decided to exaggerate my bills slightly. Maybe it would be unwise to do, but I couldn’t help myself.

I was known to be a bit spiteful.

Alex stayed quiet while I scribbled down the various amounts I had to pay per month just to stay off the streets. I threw in a couple hundred extra overall and mentally chalked it up to taxes and miscellaneous expenses. At the bottom I did as Alex had asked and put my cell phone number. After I was done, I took a deep breath and folded the paper before sliding it over.

I’d thought that he might read it right then, but instead he folded the paper even smaller before placing it inside his pocket.

“Go home and relax. I will look this over and if I believe this to be a mutually beneficial arrangement, I’ll text you in a few hours.”

I was surprised, but tried not to show it. I simply nodded and stood up from my chair.

“I would like to ask though, that you please remain one-hundred percent sober. I refuse to have anything impede your consent.”

“Oh, okay. I can do that. No problem.” I didn’t have any desire to argue the point. The thought of having alcohol right then wasn’t the slightest bit appealing. “Should I wear anything special if you text or…”

He stood up, making me step back slightly with the realization of just how much taller he was than me. It was a disconcerting yet highly arousing feeling. I didn’t like feeling this off kilter with someone I’d only just met.

“Just make sure to shower.”

I looked up. “Do you…should I, like, shave or—”

“Trust me when I say, Ms. Riley, you are perfect just the way you are,” Alex said, his voice a little deeper than I remembered it being before.

I knew my cheeks were bright red and flushed with blood, and I wanted to cover them with my hands. As if sensing my embarrassment, Alex swiftly came around the table, the palm of his large hand cupping my cheek. My eyelids slammed closed as his heat bled through into my skin. I could smell his cologne, spicy and heady as his uber-man scent swirled around me. My lips parted slightly as if to draw in more of that taste, and I opened my eyes to see his gaze fixated on my lips.

“Perfect,” he whispered. Alex’s thumb curled around until it was resting against the skin of my bottom lip and I held my breath. The temptation to draw that digit in was almost too much and I had the fleeting thought that if he didn’t text me later, then at least I’d have something to masturbate to later that night and maybe even for the next few weeks.

The sound of glasses clanking broke the tension, and I had to bite back a whine as his hand fell from my cheek. I swore there was a red mark where his heat had branded my skin and I had to fight to resist the temptation to run my own hand over that same cheek.

“I will text you in a few hours, Riley,” Alex said. He took a step back and it was like whatever magic that had kept us in our own world was broken.

I blinked as the sounds of the coffee shop came back into my hearing. I shook my head slightly as if clearing the fog from my mind.

“Great, well…I’m going to go,” I replied with a nod. “Thank you for your time Alexander.”

“Please,” Alex intoned, placing a strong hand on my shoulder before I walked away. “Call me Alex.”

With one last gulp, I walked to the exit. I had a lot to think about over the next few hours.

Three

I paced the floor of my bedroom. It had been four hours since I’d met Alexander at the coffee shop next door to my apartment building. Rather than go straight home, I’d walked a few blocks in the other direction just in case he’d tried to follow me. I needn’t have worried. As soon as he stepped out of the coffee shop, a car was waiting for him and with one final nod to me, he and the car left in the direction of downtown.

I’d felt a bit silly walking around the block just to be sure no one was following me, but I had reasoned that a woman could never be too careful. Now back in the safety of my own apartment, I could properly freak out about the entire exchange.

Alexander was tall, well-spoken and gorgeous to boot. How a man like him had gone without getting hitched to some long-legged goddess was impossible to understand. Maybe he had a small penis? His well-tailored slacks had made it difficult to discern his size at a glance. I was doubtful though. I figured if he had a less than average-sized cock—that wouldn’t stop any woman from wanting him.

Plus, he had long fingers anyway.

Maybe he was terrible in bed? Or maybe he just had a shit personality? After all, he did almost accuse me of being on drugs which couldn’t have been any further from the truth. I’d never so much as taken a puff of a cigarette in all of my short life. I wasn’t too keen on being accused of something by a complete stranger.

Even with that, I couldn’t deny the sexual tension between us. I could practically taste it. His ocean blue eyes made me tingle as if their gaze was tangible and Alexander’s dark messy hair looked soft making me want to run my fingers through it. It was undeniable—we had chemistry.

A lot of chemistry. And I had wet panties to prove it.

Sleeping with Alexander, barring any major awkward findings, would no doubt be a very pleasurable experience. Then again, realizing that I was doing it for money…maybe not so much. I wasn’t sure what the difference between a sugar baby and a hooker was. I mean if you get paid for sex, that’s a hooker—a prostitute. I did some googling, but all I could figure out is that not all sugar babies slept with their guys—though it was rare to find a man who just wanted company and conversation. More than likely, if a man was willing to pay for just companionship, he’d probably choose someone who was way more attractive than me.

The sound of my phone beeping stopped my restless movement and I glanced over to where the phone sat innocently on the coffee table. I looked at it, unsure if I was ready to see where my fate lied this evening. The beeping came again as a second message came through and I knew I needed to stop being a coward. With slightly shaking hands, I slid a finger across my phone screen.

‘Meet me at The Barrington. Penthouse Suite. 9pm.'

'Don't bother going to the front desk. The passkey for the elevator is 4993.'

I stared at the phone screen unable to believe what I was reading.

"The penthouse suite?!" I rushed over to my desk and plopped down in front of my laptop. I tapped my foot impatiently as I waited for it to load. I needed to see what I was—"Holy freakin’ shit."

I fell back against my chair as I saw the price per night for the room. No, it would be more accurate to call the suite a condo. It was larger than my entire apartment and definitely cost more. He must be really rich. I hadn’t quite believed it at first—but now I was sure of it.

And now was the time for me to either put up or shut up.

Four

Walking into the ornate hotel lobby was almost surreal. I’d showered after receiving Alexander’s text messages, paying special attention to thoroughly clean and trim the most pertinent areas. He’d said he didn’t mind, and I’d never had a guy turn me down for sex just because my legs or pussy were unshaven—but still I’d done it anyway. I was kind of glad he didn’t mind. Shaving and primping could’ve been a hassle—especially on such short notice. And if I wasn’t going to get the guy with my model good-looks, then at least I’d tempt him with my admittedly delightfully curvy physique.

My mind was drawn back to my surroundings when I reached the elevator. My eyes widened as I noted the richly decorated doors that looked to be trimmed with gold. Although I’d worn one of my nicer dresses, I still felt horribly underdressed. I could swear that everyone was looking at me with disdain, as if they knew I wasn’t one of them.

Maybe they could sense broke.

The elevator dinged and I jumped slightly, wringing my hands together as I stepped inside, sighing in relief when no one else joined me and the doors slid closed again. I looked down at the panel trying to find the button for the penthouse suite. I pressed the button labeled, ‘PH’ and when prompted, punched in the code that Alexander had texted me.

The ride up was unnerving. Every muscle in my body tightened and tensed—ready for action. I am really doing this. Just like a hooker. A high paid one at that.

The elevator doors finally opened and it was more than a little anti-climactic when I wasn’t immediately swept off my feet. Instead, the sound of jazz music floated to my ears and despite my best judgment, I started to relax.

“Please come inside, Ms. Riley, and make yourself comfortable.”

I stepped out of the elevator and tried not to fidget when the doors slid closed behind me. I looked in the direction that I’d heard Alexander’s voice coming from, but the elevator doors had opened up into what seemed to be the living room whereas his voice had come from one of the rooms connected by a door frame.

“I told you to just call me Riley,” I said in response taking a few more steps into the room. The décor wasn’t something I’d ever put in my own apartment, but it definitely looked expensive. Still, it was almost pretentious and obnoxious about how expensive it had to have been.

“I know, the décor here is atrociously bourgeois, but I didn’t want you to think I was going to drag you to some hotel out of a slasher flick,” Alexander said as he walked into the room from the door on the right. “I also didn’t think you’d appreciate coming to my house as we just met for the first time today. However, should you choose to continue our arrangement after this evening, I’d want us to move our meetings to there. I’d much rather spend money on more pleasurable things than gaudy furniture.”

I found myself giggling. “You know, I was thinking the exact same thing about the furniture and decoration in here. It’s…nice, but…”

Alexander chuckled. “It’s painful. A bit like running through town waving hundred dollar bills and screaming how rich you are.”

“Precisely.”

“Yes well, my family does like to show off,” Alexander sighed. He walked over to me and held out his hand. “Champagne?”

I nodded, taking the flute from him and followed him over to the couch. “I thought you said you didn’t want anything impairing my ability to consent.” I took a sip of the champagne, my eyes fluttering at the cool, crisp flavor of it. When I refocused back on Alexander, he was staring at me with a look of what could only be called hunger in his eyes.

Rather than pounce, Alexander took a sip of his own champagne, swallowing and nodding as if approving of its flavor.

“That was more so while making your choice to come here. While you may of course, revoke consent at any time, I figure you agree to our arrangement for this evening by showing up. Speaking of which…” Alexander placed his glass on the coffee table in front of them before getting up and walking over to a small enclave that contained a desk and laptop. I tried to surreptitiously glance over, my eyes tracing Alexander’s figure from behind and definitely enjoying what I was seeing.

Especially that ass—

“There it is.”

I tore my gaze away as Alexander turned around. I took a large gulp of my drink, barely tasting the sweet liquid as he returned to his seat beside me on the couch.

“Take this,” he said holding out a small, plain white envelope. I stared at it. It wasn’t thick so I knew it didn’t contain cash…unless it was full of five-hundred-dollar bills. Did they even make bills that large?

“What’s this?” I asked taking the thin envelope. I opened the flap and peered inside.

“It’s a bank card for you to use. I’ve already deposited five-thousand dollars onto that card for you to use to pay bills and do whatever else you need to do.”

My gaze snapped up from the envelope back to Alexander.

“Five thousand?!” I was completely flabbergasted. “But the bills I calculated only came to around three grand.”

Alexander waved his hand. “You gave me a very conservative estimate that barely accounted for the most obvious of miscellaneous things. However, you never know when something could happen and you’d be in need of extra funds, especially when you are uninsured.”

“Oh,” I looked back down at the envelope. “That’s true, I suppose.”

“Moreover, you will want to pay off student loans as quickly as possible in order to not only build up credit, but also decrease your debt to income ratio. That will come in extremely handy should you decide to purchase a car in the next few months or years. I included the paperwork in the envelope for setting up online payment and transfers so you can also transfer the money over to you own account. Regardless of how much is in the bank at the end of the month, I will continue to deposit five thousand until the end of our arrangement.”

Alexander finished his speech and took another sip of his champagne while I sat in shock. Essentially he was offering me a life of not being in a rush to find any job, but actually one that I might want. It seemed too good to be true.

“What’s the catch?”

Alexander tilted his head as if the question confused him. “Catch?”

I frowned. “Yes, catch. There has to be a catch to all of this. You’re a rich guy who could probably have any girl you want, and a more attractive one to boot. I’m just an average looking girl with, maybe above average hair on a good day. Why would you want to spend sixty-thousand dollars a year on me?”

Alexander paused a moment, his eyes hungry, staring at me. “I find the way you demean your own looks slightly disturbing, Riley. You’re right—I could probably find a woman who is above average in the looks department, but below average in every other way that matters. I don’t want a gold-digger looking for me to finance her purse or shoe addiction.”

“Oh.”

“And believe me when I say, I’ll definitely be getting the better end of the deal with you,” Alexander said cryptically before setting down his champagne flute and sliding closer to me. “I find you incredibly beautiful and the fact that you called me on my shit in the coffee shop only made me want you even more.”

I sucked in a sharp breath and swallowed hard. The hand holding my champagne flute started to shake, and I wisely leaned over to set it down on the coffee table next to Alexander’s empty one. I’d barely finished straightening up when my lips were swept up in a frantic kiss.

My eyelids slammed shut at the feeling, and I felt my body melt as strong arms wrapped around my waist pulling me into a warm chest. Alexander was an excellent kisser, not too aggressive or wet. I’d always been really into kissing and responsive and I knew I was probably making embarrassing little noises as he plundered my mouth. My hands that had been immobile with the shock of being so thoroughly and expertly kissed soon moved to bury themselves in that thick luscious hair that had antagonized me from the start. I wondered if his chest had the same dark soft matting. If so, I’d be in heaven.

When our tongues met, I sucked in another breath at the shock of pleasure pulling his hair to deepen the kiss. I wanted to feel him everywhere—I wanted to climb him like a fucking tree. Never having been one to sit back and be a passive participant in sexual activity, I let my boldness guide me and pushed forward, making Alexander move back until I was straddling his lap. The position was one of my favorites and I groaned as his two large hands slid under the hem of my dress and gripped my ass. The thin silk panties I wore did nothing against the incessant heat of Alexander’s skin and I knew they were soaked just from the build-up of excitement.

I pulled my head away. “God I’ve wanted to do that since the coffee shop,” I panted. When I felt his lips lightly caressing my neck, I leaned my head back further in a silent invitation. “Oh, that feels good. Be careful not to leave marks though. I have a job interview tomorrow.” I sighed happily as he placed a soft kiss against the side of my neck and I scratched my fingers lightly against Alexander’s scalp.

“Me too,” he admitted, moving on to bite lightly at the tendon in my neck. He placed a light sucking kiss on the spot before pulling his head back up. “As soon as I saw your picture on the website, I knew I had to have you under me.”

I grinned. “Well, technically I am over you right now.”

Alexander chuckled. “I can easily fix that.”

Before I could even think about what that meant, I found myself lifted into the air as Alexander rose from the couch. I wrapped my legs around his lower torso and let out a small shriek. I wasn’t the biggest woman, but I wasn’t used to people just picking me up like it was easy. It made me think of all the other ways he could use his strength.

“Fuck.”

“Ah ah, such a beautiful young lady shouldn’t be using such vulgar language,” Alexander admonished with a smile.

I leaned down caressing his lips with my own. “Fucking fuck me fucker.”

Alexander’s eyebrows rose. “That was actually quite impressive.”

“College education,” I whispered before kissing him again. I mused that I could get addicted to his kisses. I began to tense and release my leg muscles, rocking up and down slightly in his arms. I was feeling restless and needy—“Stop talking, more action.”

He obliged, walking swiftly but carefully around the coffee table and going to the left side of the living room where there was another door. I paid no attention to the décor in the room, too busy with my tongue dueling with Alexander’s. I could hear him starting to respond to my noises with his own growls and groans. It was like a spark had been ignited and I no longer cared about the connotations of sleeping with Alexander after he’d given me a card full of money.

All I cared about was having him over and inside of me.

Finally, Alexander’s knees hit the bed sending both of us falling onto one another, with me below. The new position pushed us together tight enough for me to feel his hardness and I was secretly happy to note that it felt substantial and very hard. I knew by now that my pussy had to be slippery wet and my thighs spasmed with the need to rub together to scratch that deep itch.

I moved my hands downward, enjoying the broadness of Alexander’s muscled back until I could clutch at his ass and pull us closer together. The groan he let out was intense and I shivered needing to take things to the next level. When I pulled my head away, I smiled softly and ran my nose along Alexander’s cheek in an affectionate gesture.

“Alex…” I trailed off. My voice was hoarse from need and I ran my hands back up to get a grip on his t-shirt. The material was extremely soft and I briefly thought that the shirt probably cost a few hundred bucks. I pushed the thought away before pulling up. “Take this off, I want to see you.”

My request was immediately answered as he leaned back and pulled the shirt over his head throwing it carelessly to the floor. I noted his chest with interest. It was surprisingly free of hair, but that only served to accentuate how in shape he was and I ran my fingers across his pecs briefly skating across his nipples. I pulled my hands away and grabbed the bottom of my dress intending to pull it over my head, but Alexander’s hands on mine stopped the motion.

“Keep it on,” he said, voice deep with passion. His hands once again slid under the dress and lightly traced the lace lining of my panties. “But these can come off.”

“You’ll have to move then so I can get them down my leg.”

Alexander’s smile turned into a smirk. “Who said they’d need to go down your leg?” He went from tracing the fabric to gripping both sides of it and I had a brief thought of how hot this would be before the sound of ripping fabric assaulted my senses.

“Fuck,” I breathed out. My hands were gripping the edge of Alexander’s pants and with that final move I went from just gripping to trying to rip the jeans off of him. With a dark chuckle, he obliged leaning back and over in order to slide his pants and briefs off leaving himself gloriously bare to my ravenous gaze.

If I’d thought his pecs were wonderful, they couldn’t even stand to compare to the odes I wanted to write about his cock. It was long and thick, the head purple with blood and when I reached down to grip it—it was hot, with skin as soft as silk wrapped around a hard and rigid core. It was a shame we still had to get tested, I would have loved to suck his length into my mouth and taste its juices.

“Next time baby,” Alexander said as if reading my thoughts. He pulled back and reached into the drawer beside the bed. He pulled out a condom and opened it, sliding it over his cock. “This time though, I need to get inside of you. Now.”

I nodded, opening my thighs wider—unashamed by my nakedness. “Yes.” My hips twitched as he licked his finger and then I felt it trace the outside of my pussy lips. I shook my head against the bed. “Don’t tease.”

The feelings of blunt pressure against the hungry lips of my pussy made me keen and arch my back. I’d never been so keyed up so quickly and so completely before. We’d barely had any foreplay and I was ready to go. When the pressure was more insistent, I couldn’t help the whine that broke free from my throat.

“Oh my God,” I cried out. My muscles drew tighter as I waited to be filled completely.

“That’s it, baby. You’re doing so well,” Alexander praised. He propped himself up with one arm beside my head. His other arm was between us as he held onto his cock keeping it lined up with my quivering entrance. “You’re so perfect for me.”

I gripped Alexander’s shoulders, my blunt nails digging in as I felt him press deeper, the head of his cock breaching me and sliding between my slick lips.

“Jesus Christ, you’re so fucking big,” I whined, shifting my hips. It was intense in a way I’d never experienced, but I wasn’t sure if that was because Alexander was so much bigger or if it was just him in general. Or maybe it was the fact that I was about to get fucked for money. Lots of money. And all he had done was rip of my panties. I’d never had sex with clothes still on. Even when drunk, I’d always managed to get completely naked. It was thrilling especially with him being completely bare for my appreciative gaze.

“I know baby, but it’ll feel so fucking good when I’m inside of you, won’t it?”

I nodded, my eyes fluttering closed with the idea of being fully possessed and owned by this man’s cock. He shifted and groaned as his hard chest pressed against my heaving bosom.

“My cock will touch parts of you that no other man has ever—or will ever touch.”

His warm breath skating over my ear made me shiver in pleasure. His words set me on fire, and I could have sworn my body temperature increased by several degrees. I was sweltering and out of breath, but I wanted more.

I scratched my nails down Alexander’s sweat slickened back until I could grip his ass again. “Fuck me.” I pulled hard, crying out when Alexander’s shaft slid in a few inches deeper. When he resisted, I cried out again in distress only to be shushed.

Alexander pulled back until he could once again connect our lips in a heated kiss. “Just let me do this for you. Trust me, Riley.”

I opened my eyes and gazed up at him. We’d just met, but I somehow knew he wouldn’t hurt me. I released my grip on his ass and once again trailed my hands up his back until they were wrapped around his neck. I relaxed my body and nodded, giving my consent. It was freeing to give him total control of my pleasure.

Alexander smiled. “Thank you.” He brought one hand up wrapping his large palm around the back of my neck while the other shifted over to grip my hips. His body tensing was the only warning, before he shifted forward, hard cock plundering my core.

It was like being taken apart and put back together again all in an instant. “Fuck—I can’t—”

“Just go with it. Let yourself feel,” Alexander panted as he reared back before snapping his hips, seating himself again.

My body was on fire and my cries echoed in the relative silence of the room along with Alexander’s satisfied groans and growls. My eyelids slammed shut again as something in my body tightened further. It felt like everything and nothing I’d ever felt before.

I felt alive.

“Fuck, wanted to do this the moment that I saw you,” Alexander growled into my ear. His grip on my hip tightened as his thrusts gained even more power. “Wanted to lay you across that fucking table and fuck you just like this.”

It was too much. I whined, my nails gripping deeper as every muscle in my body locked up. My back arched and I threw my head back with a yell as bright lights flashed behind my eyelids. Vaguely I could hear Alexander murmuring passionate words, telling me how good I was and how good I felt, but I couldn’t respond. All I could do was pant loudly and go where my body led me.

“Jesus.”

I realized that Alexander’s thrusts, smooth and perfect, had never stopped and I keened at how sensitive my body was now to his touch. My hands shot up to grip the strands of his hair when I felt a hot mouth panting against my breast. Even through the fabric of my dress and bra, I could feel it and it was almost too much.

Without warning, he released the back of my neck with a growl. The abrupt feeling of him pulling out completely made my gasp. Before I could utter a word, I found myself flipped over onto my front. My breath left me in a sharp exhalation when Alexander’s weight pressed me down further and I turned my head groaning when my chin was gripped in a strong hand.

“I’ve got to—” Alexander leaned down and took my lips aggressively as he slid deep inside of my again. My cries of pleasure were swallowed down and I reached around gripping the back of Alexander’s neck as I lost myself again in the feel of him.

Alexander was pounding into me making the bed frame slam against the wall. The sound echoed through the room and I had a moment’s thought of it disturbing the other hotel guests before my mind closed down and I arched again in climax.

“Oh God,” I breathed in awe. I moved my hands to trace Alexander’s face. The look in his eyes was enough to take my breath away again. Never before had anyone ever looked at me with such focus and want. He made me feel desired and beautiful—

“You are beautiful,” Alexander groaned, as if reading my mind. His thrusts slowed slightly as he gazed down at me. “I love seeing you like this. I want to put that look of pleasure on your face every fucking day and night.”

I moaned at the thought.

“I want to be the one you fantasize about when you’re alone,” Alexander continued burying his face in my neck and softly nipping at the sensitive skin there. “Want to fuck you until you can’t take anymore and beg me to make you come again.”

That was it. I clutched the sheets tightly as I threw my head back again, a shocked cry ripped from my already abused throat as my body tightened in climax. This time though, I could feel the vibrations of Alexander’s groan as his hips slammed in twice before pressing in tightly with his own orgasm.

It was unbelievable. Never before had I come so many times with one partner and just from intercourse. I’d had multiple orgasms from foreplay and fingers, definitely, but never from the movement of a cock inside of me. I groaned softly as the quaking in my body slowed to a few twitches. I could feel the rise and fall of Alexander’s body as he panted on top of me. His head was still somewhere near my collarbone so I couldn’t see his expression.

It didn’t matter though, not after all of that. I was content to relax and let my body ride the wonderful feelings. I closed my eyes and drifted off, my body still tingling with electricity from the feelings Alexander had produced.

Five

I moaned as I returned to the land of the living. My body ached deliciously and I smiled at the burn of my muscles as I stretched them out. I smiled as I thought back over the number of times I came last night by Alexander’s hand or cock. He was absolutely delightful in the sack as he was a very attentive lover. After we had fallen asleep from the first time, I’d been woken up to kisses trailing down my spine though he hadn’t gone any farther with it until I turned my head to kiss him.

That time, he’d taken me while lying on our sides, my back to his front. His thrusts were powerful, but slow and steady—more like love-making and less like fucking. I’d melted into his arms, taking every thrust and moaning continuously until I was struck mute with my climax. The feeling of Alex’s arms wrapped tight around me as his body thrust again and again before finding its release was amazing. I’d drifted back to sleep fairly quickly after that.

I rolled over expecting to see Alexander, but instead, I was greeted by a quiet, empty room. I blinked before sitting up and looking out the door to see if Alexander was in the living room. I was disappointed to hear only silence coming from the other room, and I pushed the covers back preparing to get out of the bed. The shame of having slept with him for a fee, only to wake up alone was starting to creep up on me until my eyes fell upon the envelope on the side dresser. On top of it was a note.

‘Riley,

I apologize for not being with you when you wake up. There was an unexpected development at work and I had to go into the office early. There is room service for breakfast in the living room and I extended the check out until 3pm so take your time getting up. I will text you later.

Alex’

The note made me feel better. At least he had a legitimate excuse for not being there. I picked up the envelope and walked into the living room. True to his word, there was a tray of food on the coffee table and when I lifted the lid, the smell of bacon and sausage filled the air. There were also waffles, fruit and steaming hot coffee.

“I could get used to this,” I said to myself. I helped myself to a good portion of everything and turned on the TV. I couldn’t afford to relax for too long—I still had my interview at two that afternoon to think about. Even with Alexander’s generous help, I still wanted to find a job. I was young and had no doubts about my future. I planned on doing something I enjoyed, but I also knew that getting to that point would take not only time, but I’d probably return to school later on down the road.

Unfortunately that meant that I needed to take whatever I could find for now until I decided what I wanted to go back to school for. Graduate school wasn't cheap, and I wanted to return sooner rather than later.

"Right, time to get going, Riley" I said aloud and stood up from the couch. "And maybe you should stop talking to yourself sometime this century before someone thinks you're crazy."

I shook my head before searching around the living room for my shoes. After locating them, I slid them on and gave the room one final look before pressing the button for the elevator. I tried not to look at anyone as I walked through the lobby, sure that they would be able to tell that I'd slept with someone for money. I’d slipped the envelope into my purse before I left in order to hide the evidence. Regardless, I did feel a weight lift from my shoulders at the idea of paying not only my rent—but also the rest of my bills for the month without worrying about whether or not I'd be able to eat. Maybe now I'd even have time to get out and join the other part-timers from the coffee shop when they had their regular night outs downtown. I was sure they probably thought I was a snob since I'd always turned them down before.

When I unlocked the door to my apartment, I peered inside immediately feeling a sense of relief. Although the hotel suite had been much larger than my place, it was also too much, and I felt once again at home amongst my things. I felt even more relaxed and decided that rather than freaking out and over-preparing for this final interview, I would take some time to relax and get my head on straight. With every other interview, I’d been stressed out and anxious because I was also trying to figure out whether or not I’d be able to pay my bills the following month without dipping into my savings once more.

I walked over to where I’d hung the only two suits I owned. One was a light grey color with a knee length skirt and the other was jet black with pants that were tighter and stopped at the ankle. It was definitely the best choice and I decided that I’d give it a chance. Obviously the grey one wasn’t bringing me any luck in the job department. Last night had made me a bit brave, or maybe it was the fact that I had a backup plan in the form of Alexander’s generosity and some really great sex.

I shivered as I thought about how great the sex with Alexander felt last night. Now I really knew I was getting the better end of the deal. Money and sex with a hot guy who seemed to think I was beautiful. I shook my head. I knew I had to be wearing a goofy smile, but I brushed it off and went to shower paying extra attention to my hair where there were more than a few tangles from the night’s festivities. I also made sure to double check that there were no visible love bites anywhere. I didn’t think Alexander bit down hard enough to bruise, but I’d rather not be surprised by the interviewer pointing something out that I’d missed.

“Looking good lady,” I mused with a smile. Looking in the bathroom mirror, I tried to see the beauty that Alexander had seen yesterday. “I am sexy. I am beautiful. I am powerful. I am...obviously losing my fucking mind.”

I shook my head with a rueful grin. I didn’t have time for anymore affirmations. It was better to go ahead and get downtown in case there were any issues and I was delayed. Just because I had a backup plan didn’t mean I wanted to completely blow it at my interview. A man like Alexander—despite his protestations—would more than likely find a more permanent solution in terms of female companionship. All I could do was make sure I saved up enough money and memories to make things a bit less dire when that time came, starting with this interview.

Six

I tried not to be nervous as I walked up to the building where I’d be interviewing, but just looking at its sleek and modern exterior was enough to send my heart racing. I brushed my hands across my pants and shoulders and hoped to God that I didn’t have anything stuck in my teeth. This was the last interview I had and if nothing came from it, I’d have to circle the wagons and maybe start applying to retail jobs or rethink not going straight into graduate school. A nine-dollar-an-hour retail job wouldn’t pay the bills, but I’d have to do whatever it took.

A bump against my back made me stumble in my barely worn heels and I stuck my hands out to brace my fall.

“Oh, excuse me.”

A hand gripped my upper arm while another grabbed my waist halting my fall. I let out an exasperated breath.

“How about you watch where you’re going,” I said angrily. I pulled myself out of the other person’s hold with a furious jerk before looking up. I opened my mouth to let the person have it, but I paused when I got a good look at the person who’d bumped into me.

The person was obviously male, and a damn fine specimen at that with light blonde hair styled so that it lay gently above his brow. He had a chiseled jaw line, the type that made for interesting feelings when it was being dragged against sensitive skin. His eyes were an indescribably color—not grey, not green, and not blue—but some strange kaleidoscope of all of those colors and a few that I didn’t even have names for. He was fucking gorgeous all wrapped up in an expensive suit.

“I apologize ma’am,” he said. His smooth southern drawl made my mouth go dry and all I could do was stare. The Adonis straightened up from where he had been leaning in my direction and I had to gulp at his height. I had a thing for tall men and I wasn’t ashamed to admit it.

I shook myself out of it. “No, it’s completely fine.”

“No I insist, let me make it up to you miss…”

I gulped. “Riley.”

He smiled and took hold of my hand. “Miss Riley. I’d be honored to offer you a cup of coffee sometime.” He lightly kissed the back of my hand before reaching into the lapel of his suit and drawing out a card. “Give me a call whenever you’d like that cup of coffee.”

I nodded dumbly as I took the card from him. With one last smile, he walked around me and resumed his route away from the building. I stood and stared after him in awe. What the fuck just happened? Another hot guy offering to spend time with me was putting my past record with men to shame.

I shook my head. “Get your head in the game kid,” I whispered under my breath before turning back around and walking to the door. “Focus on one thing and one guy at a time.”

I opened the door and walked into the building stopping at the reception desk. A very attractive woman with immaculate brown hair pulled into a tight bun looked at me with a bored expression. “Can I help you?”

I bristled at the woman’s curt tone, but tried to keep my voice pleasant and unbothered. “I’m here for an interview with Ms. Crabtree.”

The other woman looked me up and down before pushing a clipboard over to me. “I’ll page her now if you would sign in.”

I leaned over and signed my name on the sheet noting with a sigh that there were six other names ahead of mine. I slid the clipboard back to the receptionist.

“Go to the elevator and take it up to the thirty-fifth floor, she’ll be waiting for you when you get out of the elevator.”

I nodded and said a quick thanks before walking over to the elevator. I pressed the button and tried not to let the anxiety take over. It was a fight I had to continue while I rode the sleek modern style elevator up to the thirty-fifth floor. True to the receptionist’s words, there was an equally attractive blonde woman waiting for me when the door opened. Unlike the receptionist, though, this woman smiled and held out her hand.

“Good morning Ms. Simmons, I’m Elena Crabtree. It’s so nice to meet you.”

I smiled and shook the other woman’s hand. “Good morning and please, call me Riley. It’s great to meet you as well.”

Elena smiled and turned beckoning for me to follow. “I want to apologize ahead of time. We had initially discussed that this would be a group interview with me and the other two hiring managers, however we have had a bit of a crisis today and so the other two and I will be called away.”

I tried not to frown. “Oh.”

“But don’t worry,” Elena said with a quick assurance. “It means better for you. Normally this would be the beginning of a long process of interviews—however, you will be interviewing directly with the CEO himself and he is very cut and dry with his decisions. Therefore, you will more than likely know by the end of the day whether or not you got the position. If he says yes, then that’s it.”

I nodded. The whole idea about being interviewed by the owner made me even more anxious, but I did like that I’d have an answer pretty much immediately. That way if it was a no, then I could start planning and putting in applications elsewhere.

“Well, that’s no problem. I’m just happy to have gotten an interview. I’ve heard great things about your corporation and I would love to be a part of it,” I said with a smile. I was impressed by how steady my own voice was.

Elena smiled and nodded. “Perfect.” I slowed as we approached what looked to be a really heavy door. “This is Mr. Maxwell’s office. He’s expecting you so please go right in.” Elena knocked on the door twice before pushing it open.

I gave her a grateful smile before stepping through the doorway. The office itself was very sleek and modern like the rest of the building. Two of the three walls were nothing but windows allowing the sun to fill the room. In front of one of the windows stood a tall man with messy dark hair and an impressively wide back. He was facing away from me as he talked softly into the phone at his ear, so I quietly took a few steps in and tried not to let my nerves get to me when I heard the door behind me click shut.

I turned slightly to look at some of the art on the wall while he finished his call. I was sure it was important business and I had no desire to interrupt him, especially as he pretty much held my future in his hands.

“I apologize for making you wait.”

My heart thudded in my chest. That voice sounded impossibly familiar and I felt as when I turned, it was in slow motion.

This couldn’t be happening. Not here. Not now.

“Alexander?”

Continued in Hooked Book 2! Available NOW!

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More from KB Winters

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Fate Interrupted

Timeless Passion

Hooked (Get it free!)

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Acknowledgements

First of all, I’d like to thank all my readers. Without you, my books wouldn’t need to exist. I truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Thanks to all of my beta readers, street team, ARC readers and Facebook fans. You girls are the best!

And a huge very special thanks to my PA, Shannon Hunt and Once Upon an Alpha. Without you, I’d be a hot mess! Thank you!

And a very special thanks to my editor, Tina, thank you for making my words make sense.

About The Author

KB Winters has an addiction to caffeine, tattoos and hard-bodied alpha males. The men in her books are very sexy, protective and sometimes bossy, her ladies are…well…bossier!

Living in sunny Southern California, the embarrassingly hopeless romantic writes every chance she gets!

You can connect with KB on Facebook and Twitter!

Or stop by her website at KBWinters.com!