“Ms. Blair. How lovely to meet you,” he said in a voice that could only be described as deep and ethereal, the tone a husky statement of dark and filthy things to come.
The tone was entirely different than before. Seductive. Then, he’d been condescending from minute one. Now, he needed something, even if he’d refuse to admit it.
I stood still, caught in a dark web.
Get it together.
Now he smirked. “Hmmm…”
A single syllable yet hot, so hot that I shivered.
He took a step closer, coming so close the air was compressed.
“While you’re right in that I do have women trailing behind me like lapdogs, I assure you I don’t shit money. I have all I need. And as far as a whip, I’ll be the one wielding the thick leather strap.”
CHAPTER 3
Christian
The majority of people rubbed me the wrong way. Almost anyone who knew me learned very quickly that I accepted no fools, tolerated no insolence, and had zero patience for stupidity.
However, it was rare that upon simply meeting someone, especially a beautiful albeit disheveled woman, that there was such instant dislike emitted from both parties.
She was the exception.
Vanessa Blair.
As I studied her face, the reality of being overheard didn’t turn her into a bumbling mess in front of me. The fact she held her own, refusing to back down, her eyes flashing with obvious hatred intrigued me.
And few people did.
Was I an arrogant bastard as she’d so aptly described? Absolutely, and I accepted that designation with pride, but there was something deeper about her repulsion. Something almost personal.
I stood where I was, my hands in my pockets and my eyes firmly locked on hers.
There was something about her that… something familiar I couldn’t place.
“Hmmm… Interesting. If what my office manager shared with me is true, you certainly don’t have everything you need if you require my services to hunt down a suitable wife.”
Her tone was haughty, her smile as if she’d caught me with my pants down.
A laugh formed just below the surface. “Touché, Ms. Blair, or may I call you Vanessa?”
“Ms. Blair will do. I’m not certain how I can help you. In fact, I don’t think there’s a woman working for me who will agree to your terms.”
“You’ve yet to hear my terms.” I could see my reputation had left little to be desired according to her.
She tipped her head as her office manager returned to the reception area, giving me a deep scowl before disappearing down a hallway. Her employees were loyal. I wondered if she knew how lucky she was by having a barracuda standing behind her.
Then again, I could tell Vanessa could easily stand on her own.
“Hmmm… I can only imagine. Whips and chains daily?”
At least I could laugh. “Hardly. However, I would prefer discussing the terms in private if you have the time.” Yes, I’d barged in, demanding an appointment, and Vanessa’s depiction of me during her tirade had been almost completely accurate.
I never took no for an answer and anyone who dared try was either placed on my shit list or ignored. But here I stood. I’d spent hours looking at the internet, making a few discreet calls to various firms who I thought could provide a decent service. I’d learned quickly unless I was shopping for a whore, I wouldn’t find what I was looking for.
Then I’d somehow stumbled onto Perfect Pairing’s website and intrigue had been born.
