“Can I get you something to drink while you wait?”
“Um no thank you. I’m fine.”
She nods her head and returns to her desk, but does nothing but sits there and smiles at me.
What the fuck?
Just then the doors to Mr. McMillan's office opens and two older men walk out. They are of similar age. One wearing a dark blue suit, the other, grey. I’m not sure which one is Mr. McMillan though.
“I’m sorry to have to cut this short Frank, but I’ll read through the reports and get back to you ASAP.”
They shake hands and then one presses the button to call for the elevator.
“Miss Phillips,” says the man in the gray tailor-made suit as he extends his hand to me.
I stand and shake it. “Mr. McMillan. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to see me today.”
“You’re very welcome Sianna. May I call you Sianna?”
“Yes of course.”
With a wave of his hand he directs me into his office. Wow! His office takes up the entire corner of the building. He has a fully stocked bar and pool table at one end then his desk with computer at the other. In between are couches and lounge chairs and a door leading to another room, which I assume is his bathroom, off to my right.
“Please have a seat Miss Phillips and tell me what brings you here today.”
“Right well I’ll just get to the chase I guess. Mr. McMillan I am after a job at your firm. I’ve just finished my law degree and passed with flying colors as you’ll see,” I hand my result over to him, but he doesn’t take them so I leave them lying on his desk. “I’m reliable, punctual and a fighter through and through. I -“
“You’re after a position here at McMillan McMillan.” He questions.
“Yes sir.”
“Oh. Right. Sorry I was lead to believe you were here for other reasons.”
What the hell is he talking about?
“No sir.”
He leans back in his chair and takes a moment to think while staring me down. I don’t break eye contact with him which I think surprises him as he shakes his head.
“Well then I better have a look at this.”
Taking my papers in his hand I remain silent. He makes a few noises then turns the page. Again he ‘aha’s’ and ‘hmms’ as if having a debate with himself inside his head.
“Well I must say Miss Phillips; your results are outstanding to say the least.”
“Thank you sir.”
“Please call me Daniel.”
Oh my fucking god, are you serious. Being told to refer to Mr. McMillan by his first name has got to be a good sign.
“Sorry. Daniel.”
“Now you realize that if you were to work here you would have to start from the bottom and work your way up.”
“Yes sir.”
He looks at me over the top of the paperwork I handed him.
“Sorry. Yes Daniel.”
“That’s better. Okay, well let me look around the office and see what I have free. I will have someone contact you in a day or so. How would that be?”
“Are you serious? That would be fantastic. Wow, thank you so much Mr. McMillan. Thank you.”
“Please Sianna call me Daniel. All of my other employees do.”
Oh fuck yes. Now I’m being referred to as an employee. I’m so happy I think I’m going to wet my pants.
“Of course, sorry Daniel. It’s just this all went a lot better than I thought it would.”
Daniel rises from his chair and this time directs me out of his office.
Once at the door he says “Well Sianna any friend of Preston Heat is a friend of ours.”
And with that my happy bubble pops allowing plenty of room for my anger to grow.
“You know what Daniel. Forget I was even here. I don’t need Preston Heat to get me a job in this town. I can do it myself. And you know what really pisses me off?”
Daniel takes a step back as if scared of what I will do next. Yeah you better back away pal.
“The disappointing thing is that you said yourself, my grades are exceptional, so why don’t you give me a job on my own merit not because of some uber famous quarterback who wants to get into my pants.”
The timely ping of the elevator doors signal my cue to leave.
I stare Daniel straight in the eye as I wait for the doors to close.
Crossing the foyer I look back across to the young girl at the reception desk and shout out “I hope you get a nice bonus in your pay packet for that love. Thanks a lot.”
Rhi agrees to a long drunken lunch with me as I try to hide my face from the world. Everyone knows who I am now. Everyone assumes that Preston Heat and I are a couple and that we’d simply had a lover’s tiff. Oh how wrong they are.
PRESTON
Saturday is a day of rest, well physically anyway. The team spends the day talking through game plans with Coach and watching video footage of the Giants main players. Gabriel Ryder catches my eye. He’s the Giants quarterback and he’s good. Not as good as me, but the kid’s got potential. Everyone is saying that this game is going to come down to him and me and after watching his plays I can see why. The kid must have spent a lot of time over the years watching me play because he moves and reads the field the same way I do. I guess, as a team the best way to play him is to play as if we’re playing against me.
“Coach I have an idea.”
I stand and voice my observations to the whole team who demand to watch the Giants play again. They all agree with me that Gabriel Ryder is simply a younger version of myself and that this will be his weakness.
Once again, I’m hailed a hero by my teammates and coaching staff.
Coach pulls me aside. I notice Ricky move to stand near us, his back turned as if that makes his eavesdropping less obvious.
“Preston, don’t think you’re the only one with great ideas.”
I’m confused, “Coach?”
“If this kid is a younger version of you and we play our defense as if we’re playing against you then maybe it’s about time you changed your play.”
“Why? I mean I’m the best there is because of how I play. I’m not going to change that now.”
“You have to Preston. We’re not going to win if they know your game. And they do. Don’t think just because you’ve figured this out all for yourself that they haven’t figured it out too. They’re memorizing your play, our team’s plays, the same way we are. So, let’s surprise them and change things up a little.”
“As long as I still have a chance to win this game for us then I’ll try Coach.”
“That’s my boy. Now go home and get a good night sleep. Tomorrow is going to be the biggest day of your life.”
Ricky pats my back as we break for the day. “Man, I never thought I’d see the day.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You just let coach change your play.”
“Well yeah I guess I put the idea in his head so I have to accept it.”
Ricky tilts his head to the side ever so slightly and studies me for a short time as if weighing up whether he should speak next from his heart or from his head.
“Preston I have never, ever in all my years of knowing you, known you to give in so easily.”
“I didn’t give in, I’m just doing what’s best for the team.”
“Well you put whatever spin you like on it pal, but I’ve got to say I’ve never seen you accept a change in play, which affects you directly, without a fight before.”
“Maybe you don’t know me so well.”
He’s quick to challenge me, “Maybe something or someone is changing who you are, and for the better might I add.”
Maybe someone is.
SIANNA
A knock at my door wakes from my early evening nap on my couch. The media are still going on about me walking out on Preston and now they’re interviewing women on the street asking them if they’d ever walk away from Preston Heat. Of course, they all say no and think I’
m mad, but they don’t know him the way I do. They don’t know the list of demands neither of us seem to be able to live without.
“Who is it?” I shout before I take a look through the peephole.
One word is spoken from a deep, familiar voice from the other side of my door.
“Preston.”
Oh fuck.
“What do you want?”
“I want to come inside so that I can talk to you please.”
Oh my god. My heart is racing. I don’t honestly know whether I’m angry with him or glad that he’s here. Fuck he looks hot too. Tight blue jeans look painted onto his legs while a black t-shirt, which looks stretched beyond its capabilities, covers his perfect torso.
He smiles at the peephole and a part of me melts inside.
Removing the security chain from my door I’m greeted with a tall, dark and devilishly handsome quarterback who produces a bunch of red roses from behind his back.
“What are they for?”
“This is me saying sorry for pushing you too far. Can I come in please?”
I stand to the side and allow all six foot five of lusciousness to enter my apartment.
“I thought you’d be angry with me considering my actions last night plastered your name all over the media once more.”
“Forget about that. My name is going to be in the media whether I like it or not. If they can’t find something real to say about me then they make it up, that’s why I’ve stressed the point with any girl who is seen on my arm, and there hasn’t been many, to be wary when in public.”
I think I understand his need for control in the outside world now. It’s not only his reputation he’s trying to save, it’s that of the woman who stands beside him also.
“I get that.”
“So, tell me where I went wrong with you. I thought we had fun the other night.”
“Yeah we did.”
Preston takes a seat on my couch and turns my TV off. It’s nice to know he wants my full attention so I grab a couple of beers from the fridge and make myself comfortable.
He jokes as I approach him.
“You know you look hot in sweats and a t-shirt.”
I can’t help but giggle. “Thanks. You know I applied for a job today. Even got to sit an interview with the head of the company.”
“That’s good. How do you think you went?”
“Great actually. Couldn’t have gone any better until he told me that any friend of Preston Heat’s is a friend of his.”
“Oh. I see. I’m sorry, but sometimes the perks of knowing me aren’t perks at all.”
“It’s not your fault. I just wish I could get a job based on my merits, not because of who I happen to be fucking.”
Preston chokes on his beer as he tips the bottle up. Once he’s cleared his throat he asks for clarification.
“So, we’re still fucking are we?”
“Well I’d like to be more than just fuck buddies, but I have to be clear where I stand when it comes to sex.”
“Sianna look I really liked what you did the other night, but I desperately want to touch you and well that’s usually the way it works. I’m all for you being the dominant one in the bedroom, but as a man I need to be able to make you quiver under my touch too.”
His gentle words melt my hardened heart.
“Did I make you quiver?” I ask.
“Yes,” he says as he scoots along the couch to get closure to me.
The interesting thing is that he’s closeness doesn’t scare me. In fact, I think I want him to be closer to me. He makes me feel safe while in his presence. Man, could these feelings of security be real? It’s been so long since I’ve had them I’m really not sure.
He leans forward to kiss me, but I hold him at bay.
“Preston, I had a really bad experience with a guy a few years back now and ever since then I have needed to have control over what goes on in my bedroom. If we are to go forward with any kind of relationship, then I’m going to need you to give me time to adjust to your needs too. Do you understand me?”
“Yeah I guess. Do you understand my needs?”
“Yeah I’m beginning to see why you not only need to watch your own back but you need your partner to watch it for you too.”
“Being one of the most popular guys in the world can be a curse sometimes, but there are ways around it.”
“In the world?” I question smugly.
“Yeah the world. There’s not too many people who don’t know me babe.”
“I didn’t know you.”
“Yeah but when you did find out who I was, you quite happily sucked my dick.”
“I sucked your dick because your friends slipped me one thousand big ones to do it.”
“THEY PAID YOU TO DO THAT?”
“Yep.”
Preston leaps off the couch and pulls his phone out of his back pocket. “I’m going to kill them,” he states as he holds the phone up to his ear.
“Hang up the phone and sit your ass down.”
To my surprise he does.
“Afterwards I thought to myself that I’d like to do it again. For free of course.”
His entire demeanor changes instantly. He switches from terminator angry to pleasant as a piece of apple pie in the blink of an eye.
I can’t help but laugh.
“Well my dick is right here if you’d like to suck it again now?”
“I’ll think about it.”
And now he’s sulking.
Reaching out to take his hand I do my best to bring the conversation back on track. “Preston I’m serious though. I’ve been hurt, sexually, worse than you could ever know, but I feel safe with you, so maybe in time I can change my ways and let you touch me, but it will take time.”
“Sianna I’ve got time. I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but I need you. Ever since I met you that night I haven’t been able to think about anyone but you. You’ve put a spell on me and I’m okay with that, just as long as you promise me you won’t ever leave me.”
“That’s heavy.”
“Yeah it is, but it’s how I feel. Sianna you’re breaking down my walls and I’m starting to think that’s not such a bad thing, we just need to be careful while out in public.”
“I see.”
“So where does this leave us now?”
“I guess we have nothing more to discuss so that’s it.”
“That’s it. Do you want me to leave?”
“No actually I want you to go into the bedroom and strip down naked and wait for my orders.”
I remember watching the replaying footage of Preston during his sensational training session yesterday and thinking to myself, man he’s fast, but I’m pretty sure he’s moving faster now.
PRESTON
Having sex with Sianna wasn’t the only reason I came to see her tonight, but it is a damn big bonus.
I’m standing naked in her bedroom waiting for her to join me.
Moments later I feel soft, hot hands touch my shoulders from behind then trail the length of my back. Cupping my ass cheeks, she gives me a gently slap on the butt making me jump slightly. I don’t dare move though. If I am to have Sianna stand by my side and be my girl I need to let her do to me what she wishes. She said herself that she will do her best to allow me to have some say in what goes on behind closed doors but for now I don’t want to give her any reason to be scared of me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make her feel safe.
“Turn around.”
I do as I’m told.
“Touch me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Slowly I move my hands and cup both of her breasts. She reacts instantly and so does my cock.
“Just tell me when to stop, okay?”
She replies, her eyes shut tightly. “Okay.”
“Sianna, look at me.”
Taking a deep breath, she opens her eyes. She looks worried, so I let go of her breast and hold her hands instead.
&n
bsp; “Sianna. I’m not him. I’m not the man who hurt you. You’re safe with me okay?”
Tears begin to stream down her face.
“I’m sorry. Maybe it’s best if I go home.”
Sianna practically leaps into my arms. “No. Stay, please. Just hold me.”
With her trembling body held tightly in my arms I do my best to strip the covers back on her bed and lay down with her beside me.
“I’ll stay. We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. I’m here. You’re safe.”
She sobs into my chest, her head buried for god knows how long. “Thank you.”
***
Waking up the next day I’m quick to realize that I’m in her bed alone. Again.
“Sianna,” I yell, in the hope that she’ll come running.
Nothing.
The familiar creak of her front door either opening or closing sounds out from the other room.
“Sianna?”
“I’m here.” She yells from the other room.
The smell of fresh coffee and some sort of pastry hits my nostrils and causes my stomach to rumble.
Sianna walks into the room wearing tight jeans and a figure-hugging top with boots to match. She’s stunning in anything she wears, the woman is pure perfection and I feel as though I may very well be starting to fall head over heels in love with her.
“Here, I thought I’d buy us breakfast.”
“Wow thanks.” I push myself up and rearrange the pillows to suit.
Sianna takes a seat on the side of the bed and sips on her coffee.
“This looks great. Thanks.”
“Well I figured you’re going to need all of the energy you can get.”
“Why?” I ask as I stuff a warm croissant into my mouth.
“Because I’m about to fuck the shit out of you.”
And once again Sianna has me choking and lost for words.
Putting our food aside she takes my wrist and ties it to the bed head. I lie down and allow her to tie my other wrist to the other post.
This time she leaves my ankles untethered.
Standing beside the bed she slowly begins to undress herself. Something stops her in her tracks and she quickly turns away and busies herself on the other side of the room.
Music begins to play. I recognize the song as Dangerous woman by Ariana Grande. Once again, she’s setting the mood perfectly.