“And how do I do that?” I ask.
“Just don’t take no for an answer. Do some of that kinky stuff you guys like.” She winks. “I don’t know, be creative. You know him better than I do.”
I mull over her advice, wondering if it could work.
“Thanks, Alanna. I don’t know how you do it, but you always make me feel better.”
“Oh trust me…” She takes another sip of her drink. “When I’m through with you tonight, you will be feeling much better. I hear some margaritas calling our name.”
Chapter Ten
Victoria
The next morning, I glance at the alarm clock and groan. It’s already past nine, which means I missed Gabriel this morning. I make a mental note then and there that I really need to find a real job now. But first, I have something more important to do today.
It’s ten minutes to noon when I arrive at Gabriel’s office. I chat with his secretary Margie for a moment, and she informs me he’s out but will be back shortly. She gives me a conspiratorial wink as I sneak into his office to wait for him.
As I sit in his chair, attempting to be patient, I feel like there’s a giant knot lodged in my throat. Because I can’t stop wondering what will happen if he rejects me today. I really don’t think I can handle that possibility.
But then I remember the last time I came here to do this, and how passionately he took me then. My breathing calms and when I look down into my hands, I realize that I’m instinctively tapping the riding crop against my palm.
The door swings open, and Gabriel walks in, pausing when he sees me in his chair.
“Victoria, what are you doing here?”
I swallow my nerves and try to muster up a smile. This isn’t exactly the warm welcome I was going for. Even though my confidence is wavering at this point, I decide to follow through with my plan. Because deep down inside of me, I know we can’t keep going on like this. Whatever Gabriel has going on at the moment, I need to know that he still wants me too.
“Just thought I’d pay you a little visit, handsome.” My voice isn’t nearly as seductive as I’m going for. “I brought you a gift,” I say, holding up the crop in my hand.
When he doesn’t move, I saunter over to him, letting him drink me in with his gaze. Despite the frown on his face, his eyes are hooded, and I take that as a good sign. But as soon as I put my hand on his chest, he stiffens. An odd look flashes through his eyes before he places his hand over mine, effectively stopping me.
“I’m sorry, Victoria, but I can’t today. I have some important meetings.” His tone is stiff, dismissive even, and something else that sounds vaguely like anger.
Still, I refuse to take no for an answer. I slowly pull up my skirt to reveal my new garter and lace panties, hoping I can tempt him that way. “We can be quick.”
“Victoria,” he admonishes me, his voice harsh, “please don’t embarrass yourself. I said I can’t.”
What. The. Fuck.
My heart lurches in my chest, and I can’t contain the horrified look on my face as his rejection sears through me. He’s never said anything like that to me before. And beyond all reason, I can’t see the point in talking this out right now. I feel my legs, along with my wounded pride, running for the door. Just as I’m about to make my escape, his hand wraps around my arm.
“Victoria,” he rasps. “Wait.”
His voice is laced with regret, but I don’t know why. In the back of my mind, I wonder if he’s just afraid of causing an embarrassing scene in his office. The thought is enough to send me over the edge. Before I can get control of myself, I turn around and slap him.
“Don’t. Touch. Me.” I hiss.
I can’t believe how feral I sound. And apparently he can’t either because he’s actually gaping at me.
I run out the door and directly into the crowded elevator that’s just about to close. It takes everything inside of me to wait until I make it onto the street before I burst into full blown tears, but I do. As I shuffle down the sidewalk with everyone staring at me like a lunatic, my cell phone starts ringing in my purse. I know it’s Gabriel, but I have no desire to talk to him right now, so I put it on silent and hail a cab.