The Director

1. Chance Meeting-3

He did.

“Sir, I—”

“You can call me Bryce,” I said, cutting him off.

He blushed.

That odd stirring of interest swirled in my chest. It had been a while since I’d found any quarry attractive enough. “What is your name?”

“Aaron—”

I held up a hand before he could offer his last name. “Let’s stay on a first-name basis tonight. Please sit.”

He took a seat close and his blush deepened. How hot could his skin grow under my hands? The urge surprised me. I shifted in my seat.

“That’s what they said during the damn welcome talk, anyway,” I smiled.

Aaron laughed. “I take it you don’t like these sorts of things?”

“Not at all.” The wine arrived and I poured two glasses. “I was planning on leaving.”

“With two whiskeys and a bottle of wine. I hope you weren’t planning on driving?”

Suspicion replaced arousal as I stared at him. “You’ve been watching me.”

“It’s hard not to. I’ve read about your research.” Aaron took a sip of the wine and a drop slid from the corner of his mouth.

I reached over to brush it away without thinking, watching color slide across his skin again. He was as fascinating as any specimen in a lab at that moment.

Aaron cleared his throat. “I always imagined you were some white-haired old man.”

“What do you think of the reality?”

He appeared to develop confidence as he finished the rest of the glass in one gulp. He smiled slyly. “The reality is far more intriguing. I would love to pick your brain.”

The way the word “pick” rolled off his tongue, I thought of a lot more things he could “pick” at. It was my turn to clear my throat. It had been a long time since I’d done this with a man or woman. I could find desire for both. Humans were such intriguing specimens. It was fascinating to watch the rise and fall of their bodies, feel the twitches and releases of hormones beneath my hands, taste them; no two tasted alike.

I examined Aaron more closely. “I have quite a few examples back at my home.”

“Oh, you live in town?”

“Yes.”

“I suppose that’s one way your employer can get you to go to places you don’t want to be.”

“Exactly.”

As I finished my wine, we watched each other over the rim of our glasses. Aaron was giving me a calculating look. I recognized the intelligence behind his clear eyes and knew that I had found a clever mind. That was as attractive as the way his hair fell against his forehead and his long feathery eyelashes.

“Would you be interested in accompanying me?”

“Yes,” Aaron replied without hesitation.

Let the experiments begin, I thought.

The waiter returned and I signed the check before he left. Wiping my lips, I rose as Jonas returned.

We walked out of the restaurant. The vehicle was brought around and Aaron came from behind me as Jonas opened the car door. I slipped inside the back seat and the young man joined me. Jonas closed the door and I leaned over catching Aaron off guard.

Aaron looked rather intoxicated and quite thrilled. He seemed surprised to find me much closer, but not in a bad way. I stroked his cheek and kissed his lips softly. It was a pleasure I’d denied myself for far too long … and it was quite the reward.

I leaned back. Jonas gazed at me from the rearview mirror. I would not deny myself what I wanted any longer. Reaching over, I put a hand on Aaron’s leg, sliding it up his thigh and eyeing at him as I did. His dreamy golden-brown eyes greeted mine. Passion and desire oozed from the warmth of his body.

Removing my hand from his thigh, I reached over to touch his cheek. Aaron slid close and kissed me passionately. It was far more than I anticipated and an overwhelming sensation of desire exploded in me, one I had denied repeatedly. It was a weakness I didn’t want to display before the world, especially those who knew me. I had to be in control … always.

Pulling back, I looked at his beautiful face. He looked lost and absorbed by caresses.

“Do you like my touch?”

Aaron nodded as a ragged breath escaped his gaping mouth.

I stroked the locks of his dark hair.

His brown eyes were rich with a bright spiral in the center. He had beautiful puffy, pouty lips and golden-brown skin that enticed me to kiss his neck and cheek. He tasted sweet. I wanted more.

“Yes,” he breathed in reply to my unasked question.

I exhaled slowly, with a smile. “You’re so lovely,” I whispered in his ear.

Aaron wanted to kiss me again. I wanted it too, but if I allowed such pleasure too quickly. I wouldn’t be able to control myself. I stroked a finger across his cheek. He kissed my hand. He would do for the evening.

“You have such pretty eyes,” he whispered. His voice had gained a husky quality that spoke volumes about what he was feeling.

“Don’t talk. Don’t ruin this with words,” I declared.

Aaron nodded. He was fascinated with my display of authority; most were frightened by my need of dominance.

My voice softened once more. “What do you desire, Aaron?”

He took a deep breath as I continued stroking his face and playing with the strands of dark hair.

“More than anything?” I whispered, urging him to answer honestly.

“Your affection. To be with you.”

I grinned. That was the right answer. “Then, I will give it to you, darling. Drive, Jonas …”

“Yes, sir.”

Aaron’s lips pressed hard against mine once more; it sent chills up my spine. He pushed back the fabric of my suit, undoing the tie.

I stopped him, shaking a finger over at him. “Not here …”

He settled back on the seat, fingering his dark hair, obvious desire displayed on his face, the strain of his pants, raising the fabric.

I caught Jonas’ stare in the mirror and took Aaron’s hand.

He squeezed back, placing it on his lap, his passion pushing against my palm.

We arrived.

Jonas allowed Aaron out first when he stepped away. Adjusting the tie Aaron had so hastily attempted to remove, I followed.

Jonas was quiet when he closed the vehicle door and as I adjusted the suit, he avoided my look.

We entered my residence. Immediately, Aaron stopped to admire the expensive paintings and furniture.

Ahead, Jonas opened the large white doors to allow us a sweeping view of the city. The terrace was vast. A single table for two was set up. Flowers had been arranged on a table lined with many delicious finger desserts and flavored coffee. Most events, but not all, ended with a guest at my residence and Jonas knew to be prepared. He had arranged everything this evening. I took great pleasure in his eye for detail.

Jonas came to my side as the young man was distracted by the beauty of my residence. He held out two glasses of wine as he asked, “Will there be anything else, sir?” He glanced at the young suitor with envy and jealousy. Reminding me of his overprotective nature.

“No.” I took a glass. “I believe I have everything I shall need for the evening.”

“Very good.” He moved away, closing the door to another section of the residence, leaving us alone.

“You have such a beautiful home,” Aaron said, gazing around appreciatively.

I moved away from him, onto the terrace, hoping he would follow.

He did. As he approached, I came from behind and brushed up against him. He exhaled, unable to move as I pressed close against his body. A waist-level rail fence in front of him kept him from moving forward while my body trapped him from behind.

Pushing the hair from his shoulder, I placed a wet kiss upon his neck. He smelled of fresh citrus, wild peppermint, and lavender.

“Come,” I whispered, “join me for a little dessert.” It sounded seductive, giving Aaron the wrong idea until he caught sight of the table when he turned. I pulled out a chair for him.

Aaron looked confused as I motioned him to take the seat. It was such a lovely night, why waste it?

“We have all night together; please, sit.”

Aaron came over shyly and did as requested. I leaned over and kissed the side of his cheek; it made the waiting more pleasurable to have him close and resist the desire to force him on my bed and have my way with him.

I placed the napkin by his side.

Aaron glanced up with a timid smile. The wait was making him want me even more. He took my hand and kissed it.

Taking my seat on the other side of the table, I found his gaze completely absorbed as he looked at the desserts in front of him. Taking a silver fork, he cut through a slice of rich chocolate cake and took a mouth full, as I watched closely.

“This is delicious,” Aaron said, glancing over and finding my eyes scrutinizing him. Timidly, he lowered his gaze.

It made me want him more. He looked handsome with that shade of red upon his cheeks. The blush deepened when he realized I had been admiring him.

“You have a beautiful accent,” he complimented me softly.

Now, it was my turn to blush. It always surprised me when someone brought it up.

“German?” he asked conversationally, but the huskiness of desire hadn’t completely left his tone.

“Yes.”

Aaron seemed to want to ask more about my background, but refrained. “May I ask a question?” He took a sip of wine as he awaited my answer.

Smiling, I said, “You may.”

“What do you do for a living? Um … I mean, what is your role in …” He was curious and seemed unsure of how to ask what parts or aspects of the company I was involved in. There was no doubt, however, that he knew where or whom I worked for, having been interested in my work.

Taking a sip, I smirked. “I’m a bio-chemist on some days and a surgeon on others.”

A glimmer of wonder and curiosity danced in his beautiful eyes. He wanted me to elaborate further. “What sort of role do you have? What does your company do exactly?”

I would have thought he would already know of The Company’s many exploits. They were, after all, involved in a number of projects.

“I’m in the science division. We specialize in highly advanced reconstruction of artificial limbs. Reconstructing body functions for army veterans and anyone who’s ever lost a limb. It’s one of the many aspects of the job.” I was being honest, which surprised me. Sure, I left out a lot, but I wanted to be truthful with this man.

Still, I was a bit surprised he wanted to partake in small talk. I would have thought, reading up on my research, he might have knowledge of my work, even though some facts were not public.

“Is that why you were at the convention?”

“Ah, yes. I’m one of the top scientists in the corporation, a great value to my employer. It’s a requirement to be at functions like this one.”

Aaron smirked. I thought his reaction was odd. Perhaps he thought me quite arrogant by the answer I’d given.

“You know what?” he asked.

My eyes took in everything about his lovely features, every single line and movement. His dark smooth skin was my weakness. His brown eyes gaze dreamily over at me. I was falling hard for him. And it was a troublesome realization, to discover I had a weakness.

“I think you’re just trying to impress me,” he stated instead of waiting for my response.

“Have I succeeded?” I replied casually.

Aaron smiled, surprised. “Yes.”