Page 16 of Carnal Risk

“Because these are things that remind us we’re alive. Sex. Fear. Anticipation.” Garrett had had enough of pretending. Fuck it. I’ll apologize to Lars later. He stood and walked behind the sofa. Placing his palms on her shoulders, he steadied her before she had a chance to move. He knelt, bringing his lips to her ear. “Here at Emerson Industries we strive to bring customers face-to-face with the mind-blowing rush they want. Sometimes it’s a high-tech operation that requires calculated strategy. Sometimes it’s as easy as ramping up technology in a way to let Mother Nature provide the high. Stratospheric skydiving suits and helmets, to experimental polymer surfboards. We understand needs, enabling that rush. We push boundaries.”

“I’ve read about your company, how you built it,” she challenged.

“But you haven’t felt it, have you, Selby?” he pressed, his lips brushing against her ear. The subtle scent of her perfume teased his nostrils. Her fingers glided up over his and he knew he had her. He would make her understand, teach her. She’d breathe in the rush of the high, and never be the same.

“Mr. Emer…Garrett,” she began. “I can’t…I don’t do the things you do. I just can’t.”

“But you want to feel it. That rush from base jumping or from riding a wave. We all have our own threshold of how much is enough, how far we’d go. Tell me, Miss Reynolds, do you really want to learn about our culture?”

“But of course I do,” she quickly responded.

“What’s enough for you? Where’re your limits? How do you get your rush? Hacking into places you shouldn’t be? No, no, no, that’s much too easy,” he breathed. “Singing in front of a live audience? Is that where you come alive? Grinding your ass into my cock the other night? Did that do it?”

“I didn’t mean to…we need to talk about that.”

“Yes, I think we do, because I know you’re capable of pushing the envelope, too, sweetheart. I want to feel you tremble, Selby.” Garrett placed his lips on her neck and heard her sigh. He dragged the tip of his tongue behind her ear, tasting her skin. His dick was hard as rock, but he’d take her only after she trusted him, after she learned why this company was so damn important to him. “That rush you feel right now. That’s what I’m going to teach you. In the bedroom and out.”

“Who said we’re going to…?”

“Limits. Boundaries. They’re all meant to be bent, sometimes even broken. And I suspect we’re going to break a few together.” Garrett slipped his fingers over her lapel, gliding his hands across her collarbone. Her head lolled back against him, her eyes closed. He smiled at her acquiescence. Jesus, it shouldn’t matter what she did, but there was something about her. “Tomorrow, we’re going to rock the shit out of this board meeting. You’ll do this for me and then we’re going on a personalized tour. Participation isn’t optional.”

“Participation?” Her head snapped up and he laughed. Refusing to let her go, he brought his lips to her neck once again and spoke softly against her skin.

“Ah, ah, ah, Miss Reynolds. Rule number two. I make the rules. Just consider this employee training. I promise,” he paused, “to keep you safe. You can trust me.”

“I don’t know if I can…”

“You can and you will. After the meeting, you’re all mine.” Garrett stood, removing his hands from her shoulders. As he made his way to his desk, he observed her blink in disbelief. He picked up his cell and texted security to come to his office.

“I think I should get going so I can come in early tomorrow,” Selby said. Standing, her eyes fell to her bare feet. She glanced to the bathroom and then to Garrett. “Um, can you bring me my shoes?”

“Leave them. You shouldn’t risk getting glass in your feet. Here.” Garrett went to his cabinet, and took out a clean pair of socks and slip-on sandals. “They’re a little big but safer than getting a chunk of glass in your foot. Not sure I’m up for surgery this late at night.”

“Really, I think I’ll be fine.”

“Rule number two,” Garrett said with a smile. “I promise to get you your shoes back after I have housekeeping clean up the mess.”

Selby sat down on the couch and slipped on the socks. He reached for her feet, gently placing them into his sandals.

“You’re right. They are a little big.” She laughed. “That and I don’t want you doing surgery. No offense, but I don’t think my heart will take another episode with the scissors.”

“How’s your hand feel?” He reached for her hand and carefully lifted it, inspecting the bandage.

“I’m fine. Thank you again. I’m sorry.”

“Just remember the rules and we’ll get along fine.” Garrett brought her palm to his lips and kissed it. “Until tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow,” Selby repeated, unable to take her eyes off him.

“Hey, Chloe.” Garrett’s gaze moved toward the door. Selby tugged her hand out of his as the security guard approached. “Selby, this is Chloe. She’s going to help see you to your car. She may even have a pair of sandals downstairs that will fit you.”

Garrett gave a sly smile as Selby jumped to her feet, the flush on her cheeks caused by the sudden intrusion. Aware that she was capable of taking over some of Evan’s responsibilities, Garrett had to admit that he needed her. With Evan gone and an investigation to come, he couldn’t afford to lose sight of his company’s interests.

Chapter Eight

Selby had barely slept, replaying the scene over and over again in her mind. The sound of his commanding, sensual voice soothing her as he took care to clean up the shattered glass. His masculine scent entrenched in her senses. The memory of Garrett’s body heating her skin was both erotic and terrifying all at once.

A night of restless sleep hadn’t hampered Selby’s professional routine. She’d woken early, gone to the office and had Garrett’s secretary prepare dossiers. Impeccably dressed, she checked her face in her compact mirror and dabbed at the circles under her eyes. Aside from the light gloss on her lips, she wore little make-up. Closing her eyes, she breathed out the nerves that threatened her control.