Reckless (Bertoli Crime Family #2) (29 page)

A ringing sound caused me to jump. My desk phone.

It's him!
I thought angrily, nearly choking on a mouthful of jelly donut.
It's that womanizing jerk.

Really, I had no clue if it was him calling, but I convinced myself that it was.

Don’t answer it.

I knew I shouldn't have. I'd ignored his calls to my cell all day. But for some reason, I couldn't help myself. I wanted to let him know that I was pissed off.

I quickly swallowed the rest of my donut, and after a deep breath, I snatched the phone.

I filled my voice with the nastiest venom I could muster. "I don't want to speak to you ever again!"

"Victoria!" my mother's voice snapped.

"Mom," I breathed in shock. At this time in my life, my mother was the last person on earth I wanted to have a conversation with. “What do you want, Mother?”

Her voice rose several octaves. “What do I want? What do I want?! Do you have any idea how much shame you’ve put on this family or how much trouble you’ve caused for me?”

“Seriously, Mom? We haven’t spoken in ages, and this is what you choose to call me about? Like, how was I supposed to know that you were married to Tyler’s father? We don’t even talk!”

She acted as if she didn’t even hear me. “You’ve caused me so much embarrassment, Victoria.”

“You’ll be happy to know that Tyler and I are finished,” I cut in, not willing to listen to any more of my mother’s crap. “He’s a womanizing asshole, so you’d better watch out for James. It probably runs in the family.”

I slammed down the phone.

“The nerve of that woman,” I muttered angrily. How she got a billionaire to ever marry her, I would never know.

“Victoria!” Christine called from her office. “Get in here. NOW.” There was no doubt about it, the witch meant business.

I held in a sigh as I quickly brushed the donut crumbs off of my desk and prepared to go face Christine and muttered, “my life is over.”

I
should call it off
,
I thought to myself as I was riding home from work.
End it right now and cut my losses.

The way Victoria left the restaurant and had been ignoring my calls said that she was probably considering the same thing.

It’d be for the best,
I tried to tell myself
. I can’t even think around her. She drives me crazy with lust. I can’t have that. Since Candice, I’ve always been in control.

The fact that I’d sacrifice my position at my own company for a girl I’d only known for a short while? It was insane. My pride was one thing. I hated being told what to do by anyone. It’d always been one of my faults and I’d learned to accept that. But knowing you were fighting a losing battle and continuing to fight anyway—that was plain stupid.

It appeared that Brad wasn’t too keen on any legal battle, and if I put my pride aside, neither was I.

I thought about Brad and the options he laid out for me.
Maybe I should just cave in to my dad’s demands
, I thought.
Let Victoria go and pretend to be what my father wants me to be.

The thought hurt as a sharp pain lanced through my chest. Even the
thought
of leaving Victoria hurt. I hated it. Fucking hated it. She made me feel weak.

I suddenly had the overpowering urge to see her, to make things right. Feeling that I was making a big mistake, I dug out my cell and speed-dialed her number.

No answer.

It had been the same thing all day.

If I wanted to get a hold of her, I was going to have to be a bit more direct.

"Jonathan," I called to the front of the limo.

"Yes, Master Locklin?"

I ignored his mistake of calling me master again, my mind on Victoria.

"Turn this thing around and take me downtown. There's someone I need to see."

"
F
inally the day is over
," I muttered in relief as I grabbed my things. I couldn't wait to go home to my rat hole of an apartment and kick back. My feet were killing me. Walking around in 3-inch heels all day will do that to you.

Too bad I won't have Tyler to rub them for me,
I thought sourly.
Or have the luxury of relaxing in his loft.

Though I wasn't superficial by any means, that was definitely something I’d miss . . . his beautiful loft, being chauffeured around in a limo, the wining and the dining.

Johnathan was right. Walking out the door and never coming back again would’ve been the best thing I could’ve ever done for myself. I was just too blind to see it until now.

The problem was that my feelings didn’t quite align with what I was trying to tell myself. I felt like I was under a black cloud that was stealing all my sunshine.

"It will pass," I muttered to myself. “Before long, I’ll forget a Tyler Locklin ever existed.”

After making sure everything in Christine’s office was in order, I made my way outside the building.

I’d only gotten two steps out of the front door when a familiar Limo pulled up.

Oh no.

I started to turn away and walk as fast as my sore feet could carry me, but the back door swung open and I went weak in the knees at the sight of Tyler climbing out.

He was dressed in his normal business attire, the outfit most likely costing more than my rent. He had a determined look about him. Even though I was angry as hell, I had to admit—he looked sexy. Fucking hot.

Run
, I urged myself.
Run and don’t look back.
But I couldn’t move. My feet were rooted in place.

“Hey,” Tyler greeted me.

I let out an explosive breath. I was so captivated by the image of him that I’d forgotten to breathe.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded, trying to sound as bitchy as possible but failing. “I don’t want to talk to you.”

Even with it being dusk out, I could see the ever-mischievous sparkle in Tyler’s eyes. “You sure about that?”

“Yes, I’m sure. Get lost,” I said, but my words didn’t sound convincing at all.

Tyler chuckled and then his expression became serious just as fast. He gestured at the limo. “Get in,” he growled, his deep voice filling me with dread and excitement all at once.

I hesitated for a moment, my mind filled with turmoil.

You can still walk away.

“Now!” He added. “We need to talk.” My body tingled at the sexy, guttural sound that seemed to promise retribution and pleasure all at once.

Before I knew it, I was moving past him and into the limo, thinking to myself,
I’m making a big mistake.

“
S
o this is
your
office
?” I asked in disbelief.

Tyler had brought me to his office, nestled on the top floor of the Armex headquarters. The view, which had wall-long windows, was absolutely spectacular. The skyline twinkled in the background, crowded with hi-rise buildings.

In the middle of the room sat a large, cherry wood desk and a giant-sized leather chair that looked inviting. The chair almost reminded me of a throne.

Made for a King.

The whole room had a luxurious feel. Swanky and high class.
I could learn to love working in a place like this
, I thought.

The little office Christine had me working in was a dilapidated hovel compared to the splendor before me. Tyler stuck both hands in his pocket and grinned, amused by my awe. “You like it, don’t you?”

I walked over to the glass window and peered out at the breathtaking skyline. “How could I not? It’s stunning.”

“I’m glad you do. It’s the best view in the entire building.” His intense gaze made goosebumps rise on my skin. I averted my eyes back to the skyline.

“This is beautiful,’ I breathed.

“Not as beautiful as you.”

I rolled my eyes. “Stop it.”

“Don’t bait me then.”

That wasn’t my intention in the least. “I wasn’t baiting you.”

God, he makes me want to kill him
, I thought,
and
screw
him at the same time.

I turned away from the window and crossed my arms. “I bet you thought that two-bit waitress at Bixby’s was beautiful too.”

Tyler sighed. “Come on. Why are you acting so pissed about that? It was nothing.”

“So did you and Brad find a resolution to our—your problem?” I asked, changing the subject. I didn’t want to keep talking about the waitress. He was right, it was nothing.

Tyler shook his head. “No. In fact, he was pretty useless.” A shadow passed over his face. “Let’s not talk about that right now.”

“Well, I’ve decided not to put in my notice with Christine,” I announced suddenly as I watched for Tyler’s reaction.

He was silent for a moment.

“Why?” he asked finally.

I walked away from the window and circled his office, eyeing all the exquisite details before stopping at the side of his desk. “Because I realize that I’d probably be making a very big mistake. I’m lucky that Christine didn’t fire me. I still don’t quite understand that one. If she had, who knows where I’d be?”

Tyler scowled. “You’d be lucky? You said she treats you like shit, remember?”

“I’d rather be treated like shit than to fall in love with a guy, only to find out that he’ll cheat on me once he’s bored and finds another desperate chick to warm his bed.”

“Is that what you think will happen with us?”

“I
know
that’s what will happen. Your past speaks for itself, and I ignored everyone’s warning for far too long,” I said firmly. I couldn’t believe what I was saying, and it was hard to keep my legs from trembling. “In fact, I don’t even know why I agreed to come here. You’ve all but told me with your body language that you’re uncomfortable with me quitting my job and coming to work for you anyway.”

Silence filled the room as we gazed at each other. Tyler made the first move, walking over to his chair and sitting down. He pushed himself back away from his desk, spreading his legs out wide.

The way he looked in that chair, so masculine and inviting, almost made me want to jump him right then and there.
He looks like . . . a boss. The fucking King of the World.

He titled his head as he studied me, his eyes glittering. “I think you need some convincing.”

My mouth was dry as I tried not to stare. He was really turning me on. “Convincing of what?”

“That I’m not what you think of me. That I’m serious when I say that I want to be with you.”

I snorted. “Please.”

“I’m fucking serious.” Tyler motioned at me. “Come here.”

“Are you crazy?” I demanded. “I’m not going anywhere near you.” It pissed me off at how unconvincing I sounded, and it was hard not to tremble beneath his gaze.

“Fuck!” Tyler cried out randomly, grabbing at his sides, his face seemingly twisting with pain. Without thinking, I rushed around his desk to his side and placed my hands on his shoulder. “Are you okay—”

Tyler suddenly straightened in his seat and smiled up at me, his eyes sparkling. “Gotcha.”

I swung my palm at his face, but he was quick to react, catching my wrist inches away from his cheek and pulling me into a hard, lingering kiss.

I broke away with a gasp, my chest heaving, my limbs trembling uncontrollably. “How dare you!”

Tyler smiled up at me, unperturbed by my faux rage. “Oh, I dare.” He spread his legs out wider. “I dare you to have your way with me.”

My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the challenge in his eyes. The man was serious. He was challenging me to do whatever I wanted with him, however I wanted.

I should slap him,
I thought, and I actually did it this time. I slapped him across the face. His head whipped to the side and he slowly turned his head back to face me, letting out a mocking chuckle.

"Is that the best you could do?"

I slapped him again, harder this time. I even managed to leave a red mark on his cheek.

Tyler was still unfazed by my efforts, laughing harder. "You hit like a bitch."

That's it!

I jumped into his lap, straddling him, and pulled his tie around his neck, choking him.

"Wanna’ talk shit now?" I snarled in his face, choking him with his tie. "Not so funny now, huh, bad boy?"

Tyler ignored my best efforts, pulling me in for another kiss that left me dizzy and wheezing against his neck.

I smacked him for the third time, my breathing ragged. "I didn't say you could touch me!" I snapped, majorly turned on. Down below, I could feel his hard on pressing against me. It made me wet, wanton with desire.

I jumped out of his lap, my gaze furious. Tyler eyed me with amusement as I turned around and snatched open one of the drawers in his desk, looking for something I could use on him.

I dug through a couple of drawers until I found a spare tie he had tucked away. I quickly snatched the tie out and went around to the back of Tyler's chair. I grabbed his arms and pulled them behind the chair, tying his wrists together.

"What do you think you're doing?" Tyler asked. His voice was tinged with excitement, sending a thrill through my body.

“Just shut up and sit there.”

Deftly, I undid his loose tie from around his throat and wrapped it around his eyes, blindfolding him.

"There," I muttered when I was finished, surveying my work.

Here was this sexy, handsome, powerful man sitting right in front of me, bound and tied. Ready for me to have my way with him. I wanted to jump him. Right then. Right there. And have glorious, hot and steamy sex. But that just wouldn’t do. I needed to vent some frustration.

What are you doing, Victoria?

I ignored my annoying conscience and pushed Tyler out and away from his desk and into the middle of the room.

"You've been a very, very naughty boy, Mr. Locklin," I purred, circling Tyler's chair.

Tyler tilted his head to the side, trying to get a lock on my position. “I have?"

I didn't answer, and instead, stooped to take off my heels. I took one of them, a glittering red pump, and stepped in front of him. I gently pressed the stiletto into his chest and ran it down, ripping the fabric of his shirt.

"Uh, Victoria?" Tyler's normally confident voice sounded slightly nervous. "What are you doing?"

I giggled. "Punishing you."

"Well, shit, can you do that without ripping up my clothes? That shirt was five hundred bucks."

I grinned, though I knew he couldn't see my expression, grabbing a hold of either side of his shirt. I jerked as hard as I could, and a ripping sound filled the room as the material came apart in my hands, leaving him bare-chested.

"You're going to be sorry for that," Tyler growled.

I moved forward, grabbing him roughly by the hair, and tilted his head back so that his neck was exposed. I ran my tongue up his neck, watching his body shiver with anticipation, all the way to his ear and then whispered, "Didn't I tell you to shut the fuck up?"

Running my hands down his bare chest, I pressed my lips against his neck, kissing gently, repeatedly. Tyler’s lips parted to let out a deep groan, the sound causing tingling within my nether regions.

My hands continued down his chest to latch onto his bulge. He was already rock hard and throbbing, straining against the expensive slacks, screaming to be let out. I could feel a soft moistness on my fingertips. His precum.

Messaging him through the soft material, I kissed up his neck to his lips, biting gently on his lower lip, sucking on it. I sunk my teeth into his flesh, pulling it back gently and then letting go.

“Shit,” Tyler moaned. “That’s fucking sexy—”

I darted my tongue into his mouth, interrupting him, and swirled it all around, enjoying the taste of him. As we tongued each other, his cock seemed to swell even more in my hands. By this time, my panties were soaked.

I suddenly wanted to taste him. I broke off our passionate kiss. He moaned in disappointment, his breathing ragged and heavy. Still holding onto his cock, I rose out of his lap and lowered myself to my knees.

His bulge was huge, making my mouth water and filling me with anticipation. Slowly, teasingly, I undid the belt. A second later, I had his pants down around his ankles, staring in amazement at what had brought me so much pleasure in days past. Precum oozed out of the tip, running down his long, thick shaft.

I moved in close, blowing on it gently. Tyler’s whole body shivered. I lapped my tongue at the tip of his head like a kitten lapping at milk. He shuddered again.

“Oh God,” he groaned. “That’s not fucking fair.” He struggled with his binding. “Untie me.”

“I’ll do no such thing,” I growled, squeezing his cock for his disobedience and watching more precum ooze out. “You dared me to do what I wanted to do with you, didn’t you?”

“I did. But—”

“Well then shut up and let me vent my frustration!” I grinned. I was totally loving this.

“You’re going to pay for this,” Tyler warned.

I ignored him and stuffed his cock into my mouth, taking as much of the shaft down as I could. Tyler groaned, his whole body trembling. I went up and down, slurping and sucking while massaging his balls. I started to use both hands to stroke his long cock as I moved my mouth in tandem with my stroking. Slurping sounds filled my ears as the taste of sweet, masculine meat tickled the back of my throat.

“Oh, fuck me,” Tyler groaned as I gobbled his cock like I was mining for come.

After a few more furious slurps, his shaft grew impossibly hard in my hands and his balls tightened, signaling he was ready. By now, his whole body was shaking, and his breathing was coming out in short gasps.

Payback time.

I pulled back, releasing him, his cock snapping back against his rock-hard abs with an audible thud.

“What the hell are you doing?” Tyler demanded, his voice strained and filled with panic. “I was about to blow my balls out.”

I chuckled and rose to my feet. “Paying you back.”

“Fuck this.”

With a roar, Tyler tore out of his bindings with brute strength and jumped to his feet. His cock swayed to and fro, and he ripped the tie from around his eyes. His eyes cut into me like daggers, filled with wrath. I knew right then that I was in serious trouble.

Oh shit.

I tried to scramble away as fast as I could, but I didn’t make it two steps. Tyler grabbed me roughly by the arms, spinning me out in front of him. The heat from his body enveloped me as he pressed into my back. Below, I could feel his hard, throbbing cock rubbing up against my ass.

"I told you, you were going to pay," he growled into my ear, his breath hot on my neck. I nearly swooned in his grasp, my body temperature rising to unbelievable levels.

"But you dared me to have my way with you," I protested in ragged little breaths.

"Fuck that,” Tyler snarled. “You played dirty. Now it's my turn."

I had to admit, I wanted it badly. My whole body was burning, trembling with anticipation.

I couldn’t believe how badly I wanted to feel Tyler’s cock inside of me. More than ever before. I’d turned into a hungry cock whore, eager to please. It’s true what they say, make up sex was the best sex.