Penalty Clause (Risqué Contracts Book 1) Read online

  He was letting me walk away now, but I knew I wouldn’t have long to enjoy my freedom. Not when he was forcing me to spend time with him after my body just betrayed me and told Caleb how much I wanted him.

  Chapter 3

  Caleb

  Unlocking that door was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Her body heat was pulsing, her heart racing, and when I lifted my fingers from her drenched pussy and tasted her...fuck. “Mmm, you taste incredible.” Desperate to fuck her, I barely contained myself as she shivered.

  I took a deep breath and reluctantly stepped back, giving her the opportunity to escape—for the moment. I was going to have her, in one way or another, but I wanted her to make the choice.

  She reached for the door handle and twisted it, the click a deafening sound in the tense silence. Her shoulders fell in defeat before she quickly straightened, becoming rigid and lifting her chin. “I’ll work with you, Mr. Sterling. But don’t expect anything beyond a professional relationship.”

  Hearing her call me “Mr. Sterling” had my already erect cock hardening to the point of pain. I clenched my fists, determined not to break. “I’m pleased you’ve accepted my offer to be business partners. As for the other...we’re inevitable, Madeleine. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be on you.”

  She slowly turned to face me, her green eyes frigid, her expression resolute. “Don’t bet on it. You’ll lose.” Then, she spun around and marched from the office.

  My lips curled up into a feral smile. There was little I loved more than a challenge.

  ***

  Madeleine’s scent clung to me and when I got to my house later that night, I didn’t want to wash it away. Unfortunately, a freezing cold shower was the only remedy for the hard-on I was still sporting from our meeting since jacking off wasn’t going to be enough. The glass-enclosed, marble-tiled shower was big enough to fit four of me. As I stepped inside, I pictured holding Madeleine up against the wall while thrusting into her sweet pussy, or her riding me while I sat on the large bench.

  Turning the water temperature to the coldest setting, I waited until my cock finally went limp, then grabbed a black, fluffy towel, and dried off. Naked, I padded to my oversized bed, crawled under the covers, and stared at the empty spot next to me, confident it wouldn’t be long without an occupant.

  The following morning, I called for an afternoon staff meeting. My first order of business was to get my and Madeleine’s staff acquainted. In preparation for this merger, I’d cleared two floors in the building to move her company within walls I owned. Naturally, Madeleine’s office sat next to mine.

  As our employees filed into the room, I watched the door closely. When Madeleine entered, I relaxed and felt comfort wash over me. She was wearing a sexy red dress suit that hit her just above the knees, but still showcased her long legs—legs made to circle my hips while I tugged on the soft, caramel curls flowing down her back. I grew hard and discreetly adjusted myself.

  Madeleine headed for the chair at the opposite end of the table, the customary spot for the person just below me in rank. I was having none of that.

  “Ms. Connelly, you will sit beside me,” I commanded.

  She hesitated and my eyes narrowed in warning. With a quick glance around, she obviously decided to avoid a scene and made her way to the chair designated for her. She stiffly lowered herself next to me and primly folded her hands on the table, avoiding further eye contact.

  I placed my hand firmly on her thigh, my pinky and ring finger sliding beneath her skirt and resting near her center. She jumped and tried to move her leg away, but I gripped it tight, forcing her to stay put.

  I started the conference, explaining what had transpired and been agreed upon by our companies while leaving out a few details. Throughout my speech, I kept ahold of Madeleine’s leg, my fingers absently brushing her sensitive inner skin. A sweet blush had swept across her cheeks and from time to time, she squirmed, likely trying to relieve the building ache I was causing. My eyes caught hers, finding them filled with equal parts murderous intent and lust.

  When the meeting ended, Madeleine tried to pry my hand from her warm flesh in an effort to make a quick escape. Instead of removing it, my hand traveled higher up her thigh, my grip holding her in place.

  “Madeleine, please stay,” I said, deadpan. “I’d like a word with you.” My finger brushed across the fabric covering her pussy, finding it soaked through. I couldn’t resist sliding my pinky beneath the seam and dipping it into her wetness. A tiny moan escaped her perfectly kissable lips and I held back a growl of satisfaction.

  As the last person left, I asked them to shut the door behind them. Alone, I let go and sucked my finger clean. Madeleine sprung from her chair, quaking with anger and desire.

  “Mr. Sterling, that was entirely inappropriate and unprofessional.”

  I stood and grasped her around the waist, cutting off any further sounds, except a squeak of surprise when I pressed her against my body and slammed my mouth down over hers. She fought it for half a second before melting into me. Her mouth was even better than I could have imagined. I growled my approval as my hands journeyed down to her ass. Squeezing the toned globes, I lifted her and spun to set her on the table.

  Her legs immediately encircled my waist, hooking at the ankle. Digging my fingers in, I brought her pussy flush with my raging erection. She panted at the contact and I took the opportunity to sweep my tongue into her mouth, tangling it with hers and swallowing a low moan.

  After worshipping her lips until they were red and swollen from my kiss, I was finally able to tear my mouth away. Placing wet, open-mouthed kisses along the column of her throat, I whispered, “Fuck, baby. Your body was made for mine. Your hot little pussy is cradling my cock, a perfect fit. It’s going to glove me just right, sucking me into you, begging for the hardest orgasm you’ve ever had.”

  My fingers nimbly undid the little red buttons on her jacket and I grunted when I felt her silky flesh. There was nothing but her lacy, red bra covering round, plump tits.

  “I-I,” she stuttered, “Yes—oh!”

  She gasped as I lightly pinched her nipple before tugging the fabric down and latching onto one pink, distended bud. She tasted like jasmine and honey, everywhere.

  One hand massaged her opposite breast and toyed with the tip while the other continued to hold her bottom, keeping her plastered against my hard length as I rocked into her. Moving my attention to her other tit, I sucked deep, feeling her pounding pulse in my mouth. She began to cry out with each rub of my cock as I thrust my hips with more intensity. I worked her into a frenzy until she was on the edge, then bit her nipple and roughly pinched the other as I ground into her pussy. She exploded, my name flying from her lips in a scream.

  It was a damn good thing those walls were soundproof, because I had no desire to quiet her. I lifted my head and watched her come with fascination. She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. I did everything I could to resist orgasming along with her. The first time I came with her, I’d be buried inside her, fucking that sweet pussy until I branded her as mine.

  Chapter 4

  Madeleine

  I’d had more orgasms over the last four weeks than I’d ever had in my life—and not a single one was between bed sheets, self-induced, or even shared with a naked man. Ever since Caleb made me come after that first morning meeting, he’d been relentless in his pursuit of me. He took advantage of every opportunity to touch me, and he made sure he had plenty of them. It was impossible to avoid him, not when I was forced to spend so much time with him each day. I didn’t know why he bothered giving me my own office since he rarely let me spend any time in it by myself. He’d managed to monopolize all my waking hours, firmly wedging himself into my life.

  The worst thing was how my body was betraying me. I couldn’t even escape him when I was asleep. I dreamed of him every night—dirty erotic dreams where I imagined what it would be like to have him take me in countless ways. Night
after night, I woke with my hand down my panties and my heart racing. But no matter how hard I tried, I never managed to find release at my own hand. It was like he’d trained my pussy to respond to his touch only.

  I wouldn’t put it past him to find a way, not with how territorial he acted anytime another man paid the slightest attention to me. It was the strangest thing since Caleb wasn’t known for being jealous. In fact, many of his former women had tried to trap him into wanting more by flaunting other men in his face and he hadn’t responded in any way. He couldn’t have cared less and it showed. His possessiveness with me was the opposite of how he’d treated any other woman, and it was starting to get to me. It was becoming difficult not to consider the possibility of him wanting more from me than a fling of some kind.

  There I was with a rare half hour alone in my office, and I was wasting it mooning over him. The ringing of my phone was a welcome distraction and I hastily reached for it to answer the call. “Madeleine Connelly speaking.”

  “What’s this I’ve heard about you and Caleb Sterling, Maddiekins? Have you fallen prey to a notorious playboy?”

  The teasing voice belonged to none other than Brysen Mariano, the boy next door who’d been my closest friend growing up. Besides my mother, he was the only person alive who ever dared to use her childhood nickname for me. “You’re one to talk.”

  “Exactly my point! If you wanted a playboy in your life, you should have called me.”

  “Ewww. Now you’re just being disgusting.” The very thought of doing anything remotely sexual with him made me want to vomit. Brysen was the closest thing I had to family besides my parents. He was the brother I’d always wanted.

  “Have I ruined your appetite, then? Because I was thinking we could meet for lunch.”

  A quick glance at my schedule confirmed what I already knew to be true. I was booked for a lunch meeting with Caleb, just like I was every day for the last month. Today he was going to have to fend for himself, though. I needed to get away from him, if only for a little while. Maybe lunch with Brysen would help me build my shields back up again.

  “You’re buying and I’m ordering the most expensive item on the menu as payback for using that wretched nickname.”

  The sound of his laughter in my ear was soothing. “Like I’d ever let you pick up the tab anyway. And since I knew how much it would irritate you when I said it, I’ll take you to your favorite restaurant to make it up to you.”

  “You have a deal,” I agreed. “As long as you can meet me in fifteen minutes.”

  “I’ll be there,” he replied before hanging up.

  Tossing my cell into my purse, I rushed out the door of my office and breathed a sigh of relief when I saw Caleb’s door was still shut. I approached his assistant’s desk and cringed at the scathing look Julie gave me. She had taken an instant dislike to me, one I knew was based on her less than a professional interest in her boss.

  “When Caleb is done with his meeting, please let him know something’s come up and I’m unavailable for lunch today.”

  Her expression brightened, most likely because she figured this information was going to piss Caleb off. She delighted in causing friction between us whenever she could. I didn’t bother waiting for her response. Every additional minute I was in the office, I risked the chance of Caleb opening that door. I’d never make it out of here if he knew I was trying to leave for lunch.

  By the time I arrived at the restaurant, Brysen was waiting for me. At six-foot-three and all solid muscle, he was impossible to miss. Even though his inky black hair was covered by a hat with his football team’s logo on it and his chocolate brown eyes were hidden by sunglasses, his disguise didn’t fool me. I’d recognize him anywhere.

  The hostess looked crestfallen when he turned to greet me, sweeping me into a big hug and giving me a quick kiss on the cheek. “I’m glad you could make it.”

  “It’s good to see you, Bry.” I really meant it, too. More than half a year had passed since we’d last seen each other. We’d talked on the phone several times, but he’d been in the middle of a season with his team on another coast and I’d been busy trying to save my family’s company.

  The hostess led us to a secluded table in the back corner of the restaurant and I giggled at the glare she sent my way before leaving us.

  “I think you have an admirer,” I teased.

  “She’s harmless, but from what I’ve heard, the same can’t be said for your not-so-secret admirer.”

  The concern in his voice had me struggling for the right words to explain my situation with Caleb, but I couldn’t come up with anything that wouldn’t also require me to convince Brysen not to go after Caleb. “It’s complicated.”

  “That’s a bullshit response,” he hissed as the waiter approached to take our drink orders.

  “I’d like to order our lunches now,” I requested before he could walk away. Brysen and I had been here together many times before, and we always ordered the same things. My delaying tactic didn’t take long and before I was ready, the waiter was gone, leaving us alone once more.

  “Seriously, Maddie. What the hell is going on with you and Caleb Sterling?”

  “A better question would be what the hell business is it of yours and why the fuck is my woman having lunch in a secluded booth with you when she’s supposed to be with me?” The question was growled by a deep voice I’d come to know well over the last month. Caleb was here. He’d hunted me down and was now forcing his way into the booth next to me, his arm flung over my shoulder as he signaled the waiter over again. “There will be three for lunch. Add another place setting. Now.”

  The waiter ran to do his bidding.

  “Brysen Mariano,” my closest friend said as he leaned forward, extending his hand to Caleb.

  “I know,” he replied darkly, shaking his hand. “Caleb Sterling.”

  “So I assumed.” Brysen’s gaze was considering as he looked at the two of us sitting side by side.

  “How do you know my Madeleine?” The possessiveness in Caleb’s tone was blatant.

  “Maddie and I grew up together.”

  Caleb’s attention moved from Brysen to me. “You ditched our lunch plans to meet an ex-boyfriend?”

  “Not an ex-anything. Brysen is one of my oldest and closest friends,” I said, not liking the accusing look in his eyes.

  I felt the muscles in his arm relax as he took a deep breath. “You should have told me you needed to see a friend for lunch today. I would have understood.”

  “Would you really?” I questioned softly.

  “I’m sorry for all the fuss, but it turns out, it will be two for lunch,” Brysen apologized when the waiter returned again.

  “You’re leaving?” I gasped, stunned that he was abandoning me with Caleb.

  “I am,” he confirmed. “You two obviously have a lot to discuss, and I was operating under some wrong information. I’ve already learned what I needed to know just by seeing the two of you together.”

  “Wrong information?” I repeated, but it didn’t do any good. Brysen was already on his feet, ready to leave me alone with Caleb at a romantic table for two.

  “I don’t need to worry about having to kick Caleb’s ass for hurting you like all the gossip is saying will happen because he’s not going to do that. Right, Caleb?”

  “If I do, you have my permission to kick my ass. It will be the least I deserve.” Caleb’s response, on the heels of this strange turn of events, left me stunned. He’d turned my life upside down and I didn’t even know which way was up anymore.

  Chapter 5

  Caleb

  I glared at Madeleine and crowded her into the corner of the booth. She shrank back, then seemed to recognize her retreat and sat forward, her face inches from mine. Damn, I loved her feistiness. I figured all that fire would be explosive in bed. I felt myself thickening, growing from the semi-erect hard-on I was always sporting around her to a fucking rod of steel between my legs.

  I’d done my
best to be patient, to woo her, albeit aggressively, and I was done with that shit. If I didn’t fuck her soon, I was going to lose my mind. I needed to bind her to me, and I would do whatever it took to make that happen.

  I’d been picturing our life together for almost a year—the house, kids, even the fucking dog. I had never intended to wait long before working toward that goal. In fact, I’d made sure the investigator had been thorough, so I knew she had a birth control capsule in her arm. I’d checked her calendar, and, as luck would have it, she’d been due to have it replaced shortly after we started working together. I may have been a little underhanded and rescheduled her appointment out three months. She apparently didn’t notice the date had been changed, utterly dependent on her calendar to remind her of the appointment.

  I had intended to use condoms and wait until she had accepted our relationship before making every effort to get her pregnant, but now, I was considering getting a jump-start on the future I wanted for us.

  “Your woman? What the hell, Caleb?” Madeleine’s attempt at indignation was adorable.

  “Yes, baby. My woman,” I clarified. “And, my woman doesn’t spend time alone with another man, friend or otherwise. Got it?”

  She started to sputter, but I gripped her arms and pulled her forward to give her a hard kiss. A throat cleared behind us and I released her lips, looking to see the waiter had arrived with the meals Madeleine and Brysen had ordered. After he had left, I motioned for her to eat and continued speaking, avoiding any arguments.

  “I received a call from my office in Paris this morning,” I lied. “We need to take a last minute trip out there to deal with a few problems that have arisen.”

  I was going to take my girl to Europe, fuck her relentlessly, and fill her with every drop of come I had, until she was good and pregnant.

  “I can’t simply drop everything and go to Paris!” Madeleine insisted.