Red (A Brett MacLean Duet)

  “I…” She sighed, gripping my shirt and leaned toward me.

  “I’ve already been left for another man,” I confessed. “I can’t go through that shit again.”

  She cupped my face.

  I swallowed hard, not liking the vulnerability I felt at the moment.

  “I won’t leave you for anyone.” She placed a soft peck on my lips. “You are it for me.”

  I smirked. “I like the sound of that, lover.”

  Tugging her head back, I covered her mouth with mine and stole the very breath from her lungs. For the next hour, I used her. Hard. Taking exactly what I had needed and gave it back to her even more.

  We needed to talk, I knew that, but as her heat washed over me, I couldn’t help but take it and use it to both our advantage. When my name left her lips on a hard cry, it only made me fuck her harder and faster.

  “I love you,” she whispered while I was still deep inside her.

  It had been so soft, I wasn’t even sure she said it, but I still reveled in those words and the fact that this woman fell in love with me in the first place.

  AFTER I HAD made it up to Evvie over punching out her brother, Mathis showed up. I knew he wouldn’t stay away forever but a part of me hoped I was wrong.

  As much as I didn’t want to talk to him, Evvie insisted. She wanted me to play nice and save face when I would rather beat the shit out of the fucker.

  Once we left my office, I dragged her to see what he wanted.

  “Since you want me to talk to him so badly, you can join me,” I grumbled, keeping a firm grip on her arm.

  “I was just trying to help,” she threw back at me. “You don’t need to be an asshole about it.”

  Tension wrapped around us the closer we got to the man who was itching for as much control as I was. Kane suddenly appeared around the corner, coming toward us. He clapped the back of my neck, leaning down to my ear.

  “Take care of her,” he muttered. “He’s only trying to piss you off.”

  “I know,” I bit out. “Thanks, my man.” The tight hold I had on Evvie’s hand loosened, my gaze flicking to hers.

  She gave me a small smile, her cheeks still pink with that just fucked glow.

  “Mathis is in the same booth as last time,” Kane said, nodding toward the main bar area.

  I thanked him as we made our way to the bastard who was trying to force me under his thumb.

  Evvie slid onto the bench with me following behind her. As soon as I was seated, my hand reached for her inner thigh before I even knew what I was doing. It was my signature move. Her warmth enveloped me, blanketing me in peace.

  Mathis looked between us, a knowing smirk spreading on his face. As much as I didn’t like the guy, I had to respect his determination.

  “Well, it seems you two have become closer since the last time I saw you,” he pointed out. “Have you thought of my offer?” he asked, lighting up his cigar.

  I tensed. “The answer is still no.”

  “Be nice,” Evvie said softly.

  Anger coursed through me at being told what to do. Even though she was right, it still didn’t mean I liked it.

  I met her gaze but she only jutted her chin defiantly. If we were alone, I would have pulled her onto my lap and spanked her ass for bossing me around.

  My jaw clenched as I turned back to Mathis.

  Reaching into the inner pocket of his jacket, he pulled out a folded-up stack of paper. He slid it across the table, giving it a light tap. “That’s a contract explaining exactly what I want. Read it thoroughly before you say no. Again.” He slid out of the booth and walked to the bar.

  Evvie watched him leave and I watched her. I was comfortable enough with my own sexuality to recognize that Mathis was a good-looking guy. Hell, he could probably have any woman dropping their panties with just his accent. But it didn’t mean I liked that my girl was checking him out.

  “Lover,” I growled in her ear.

  She met my gaze.

  “You checking him out?”

  “Really?” Evvie rolled her eyes. “You have a huge decision to make and you’re worried about who I’m checking out?”

  Damn straight. I leaned down to her, my lips brushing lightly over her soft skin. “The only man you should be checking out is me.”

  She stared at me. Questions hid beneath her deep blue gaze. Something dark and intense formed suddenly between us.

  There was a lack of trust in whatever the fuck we were doing. I knew she wasn’t sleeping with anyone else. I knew that she loved me. But it didn’t stop me from second-guessing everything. I wasn’t easy to get along with but I made her fall in love with me. It was my greatest accomplishment and I conquered it. I should have been grateful.

  “You should read over the contract,” Evvie croaked, looking away.

  I pinched her chin. “Talk to me.”

  “I’m fine.” She pulled her head from my grasp.

  “You will talk to me and tell me what’s bothering you.” I pulled her against me and kissed her neck.

  “Yeah? Just like you do the same, Brett?” She crossed her arms under chest.

  I sat back, staring at her straight on. Scrubbing a hand down my face, I let out a hard sigh. “I don’t know what the hell to do.”

  “What does the contract say?”

  “Just that I need to make him money. If I don’t, I have to pay it back. But I’ll have full control of the club.”

  Not being in control pissed me off more than I cared to admit. I didn’t want to work for Mathis but it could bring in some good money. Money that I needed to build more clubs around the world.

  “I have to make the club a hundred grand in six months,” I mumbled. The Red Love could pull in more than that, but I would never admit it to Mathis. I was a nobody in his eyes. I would be the ant beneath his magnifying glass just so he could watch me fry.

  “Is that even possible?” Evvie asked, her eyes widening.

  “Yes.”

  “Are you tempted?”

  I paused at her question. Of course, I was. “Very. He would be giving me free reign of his club. I could do whatever I wanted to help pick up business for him.” But I would still be working for him and that part didn’t sit well with me.

  “Where is the club?”

  I frowned. “New York.”

  “How long would you be there?” she asked softly.

  Too long. I waved Mathis back, knowing what I had to do.

  “What are you going to tell him?” Evvie asked, cupping my knee.

  I pinched her chin, brushing my thumb along her bottom lip before placing a soft peck on her mouth. “I’m going to do what’s best for me.”

  She smiled. “Always in control.”

  My dick twitched. “You know it.”

  A throat cleared.

  My gaze snapped to Mathis.

  “So.” He rubbed the scruff on his jaw. “Did we come to a decision?”

  I tapped the contract. “I need to speak to my lawyer first and ask some questions before I give a definitive answer.”

  Mathis nodded. “Fair enough. What are your questions?” he asked, pulling a gold container out of his pocket.

  “What’s the catch?” A guy like him would never make a business decision without having one.

  “There is none,” Mathis said, his voice calm and even.

  “Yeah.” I scoffed. “Right.”

  “You make me money, I make you money.” Mathis shrugged, lighting his cigar and inhaling. “It’s a win-win all around.” He blew out small puffs of smoke, the sweet, spicy scent burning its way into my senses.

  “Why me?”

  “Don’t trust me, Brett?” he asked, his gaze twinkling in the dim lighting of the booth.

  “No.” I didn’t trust anyone. Except for Evvie. Even though she had a hard time believing it.

  “Good.” Mathis smirked.

  I rolled my eyes. “It’s in New York?”

  “Yes. I have clubs all over North Americ
a but for some reason, the club in New York isn’t doing too well,” he stated, his body becoming rigid at his confession.

  “Give me a couple of days to think about it.” I put the contract in my suit jacket, but I had already made a decision. Mathis knew that too by the smug grin on his face.

  “You’re a lucky man, Brett MacLean.” He smiled, looking at Evvie before glancing back at me. “I hope you know that.”

  “I do,” I whispered.

  “Brett?” Evvie said softly.

  “I’ll see you at my place,” I mumbled and headed back to my office, leaving her in the booth by herself.

  Once I reached the enclosed space, I leaned against the door, shutting it closed behind me. Pacing back and forth, I rubbed my nape, massaging out some of the tension I had been feeling the whole damn day.

  Several hours later, I got a text from Evvie that she was heading out.

  Me: Come to my office.

  Evvie: You’re busy.

  Me: I don’t give a fuck. Come here.

  The door opened a moment later, revealing my beautiful girlfriend that I didn’t deserve.

  “Come here,” I demanded, scratching the scruff on my jaw.

  “What’s wrong?” Evvie asked, chewing her bottom lip, but coming toward me like she was told anyway.

  Once she reached me, she stepped between my knees.

  I pulled her onto my lap, wrapping my arms around her. This was what I needed. Her warmth. Her company. The sex was nothing like I had felt before, but instead of hinting for more, like I usually did, holding her was enough.

  “Are you okay?” she asked, cupping my cheek.

  “I am now,” I muttered, giving her thumb a gentle nip as it passed over my mouth.

  “Are you sure? You don’t seem okay.” She frowned, the crease between her brows deepening as time wore on and I still didn’t say anything.

  “I just wanted this before you head home.”

  “Home?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

  I cleared my throat, my cheeks burning. “My place, I mean.”

  She giggled, placing a soft peck on my mouth. “You should come over to mine. Ethan will be there but...” She chewed her bottom lip. “He’s going through a lot right now and I just want to make sure he’s okay.”

  “Anything to make you happy, sweet girl.” As much as I wanted her in my own bed, I would take her however she let me.

  I cupped her nape, deepening the kiss, and swallowed her moans.

  Evvie straddled my lap, forcing her tongue deeper into my mouth. She tasted so damn good. Like a sweet wine with a splash of tequila. My body stirred, my dick instantly reacting to her. It had been hard since the moment I found her in my club weeks ago. No matter how much I fucked her or jerked off, it never softened.

  “Brett,” she whispered, gripping my suit jacket.

  “You make me so damn hard, Evvie.” I gave her chin a gentle nip. “And as much as I want to continue this, I have work to do.”

  She pouted. “Really?”

  “Yeah.” I kissed her nose, gently pushing her off my lap. “I’ll be home late so don’t wait up for me.”

  She nodded, a questioning glint shimmering behind her eyes.

  I realized my slip and rubbed the back of my neck. “You know my home is always open to you.”

  “I know. Mine is as well.” Evvie placed a soft peck on my cheek. “So, you will come to my place?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay.” Her smile brightened. “I’ll see you when you crawl into bed beside me.”

  “Definitely.” I tapped her ass. “Now leave before I change my mind and have you sitting naked on my desk while I work.” I scratched my chin. “That could work actually.”

  She laughed, jumping out of reach when I went to grab her, and heading to the door. “Until tonight.” She blew me a kiss and left the office, leaving me to my own thoughts.

  There was a pile of papers on my desk. People applying for a job that I would rather do on my own, but even I knew when I had to give up some control.

  A hard knock sounded on the door. “Boss.” Kane peaked his head into the room. “There’s an Ian West here to see you.”

  “Ian West,” I repeated. I rummaged through the papers until I found his resume. “Send him in.”

  Kane nodded once and stepped back just as a tall slender man revealed himself. “Mr. MacLean. It’s a pleasure.”

  “Sit.” I nodded toward the chair across from my desk.

  “Of course.” He complied willingly and waited.

  “I’m going to start this off by saying that I’m not an easy person to work for. I like things done a certain way. One fuck up and you’re fired. I don’t take any excuses. I started this club from the ground up. No loans. I earned the money all on my own. So, this club is important to me. I’m sure you can understand that.”

  “I can.” He sat forward. “I would just like to say that I’ve read up on you. You’re the youngest club owner in the city. You’ve given more experienced owners a run for their money and they don’t like it.”

  “I’m sure you’ve read the papers.” I wasn’t one to be in the spotlight but this could be a shady business. People didn’t like the new guy.

  “I have but I find that it makes me want to work for you more. I must tell you that I’m fresh out of school, but I won’t disappoint you. I work hard.”

  I rose to my full height, leaning my knuckles on the top of my desk. “I have a girlfriend.” I showed him my phone, letting him see the picture of Evvie in the background. “There’s someone who isn’t too happy about that. If you run into a woman who wants to see me, what do you tell them?”

  “I would ask if she had an appointment.”

  A laugh escaped me. Claire would shit if she was asked that. “Perfect.” I sat back down. “When can you start?”

  I ARRIVED AT Evvie’s apartment late into the night. She was sleeping, and as much as I wanted to wake her, I stripped and crawled into bed beside her instead. Pulling her against me, I brushed my face into the crook of her neck. She stirred, murmuring my name, a soft sigh escaping her.

  She pushed her ass into my waist and let out a low moan.

  My cock lengthened, resting against her plump rear, but I didn’t take it further. I kissed her throat and held her tight. It had been a long night. Too long in fact.

  Ian West would be good for my club. He was young, a little older than I was, but still young enough that he wasn’t set in his ways. All the female staff checked him out whenever he walked by them. It brought a smile to my face just thinking about when he told them he was happily married with two kids. Good thing I wouldn’t have to worry about him fucking his way out of a job.

  I fell asleep only to wake a couple of hours later to a hot mouth trailing kisses across my shoulder blades to the back of my neck. Evvie covered my body, running her hands down my arms.

  My dick twitched, lengthening under me. She thought she was in control. I would let her play. For now. But as soon as I was ready, I would show her exactly who was, in fact, in control.

  She curled our fingers together, resting her head against my upper back.

  I kept my eyes closed, letting her think that I was still asleep.

  Evvie placed a soft kiss on my nape, sinking her teeth into the sensitive skin.

  I jumped, my dick lengthening even more. Before she got any further ideas, I had her pinned beneath me.

  She gasped, staring up at me with wide eyes, but tilted her hips just the same.

  Wrapping my hands around her wrists, I pulled them above her head and held her in place. My eyes roamed down the length of her naked body. She was soft where I was hard. Curvy enough to fit my hands and not break when I fucked the shit out of her cunt.

  Evvie licked her lips, waiting, hinting, and telling me without saying that she wanted me.

  As she wrapped her legs around my hips, I sank into her, filling her sweet pussy to the hilt.

  She moaned, her sex clenching aro
und me. Fuck me, she felt good. A hot shiver raced down my spine.

  Covering her mouth with mine, I kept the movements slow and deep. As much as I wanted to just fuck the shit out of her, I didn’t. This was more. This was better. This was needed.

  My name left her lips on a whisper.

  Deepening the kiss, I pulled out most of the way before slamming back into her tight heat.

  Evvie whimpered, her heels digging into my ass.

  Just when her pussy clenched around me, I flipped her onto her stomach and slowly made my way back into her body.

  Wrapping my hand around her throat, I pushed her head against her pillow and powered into her.

  She cried out, spreading her legs wider for me. Sweet girl liked it rough.

  My body trembled, my dick becoming even harder at the fact that she liked what I gave her.

  Grabbing her wrists, I held them behind her back in one hand and kept my grip on her nape with the other.

  Evvie moaned, her sounds of pleasure muffled by the pillow.

  Voices sounded from the other side of the door. I covered her mouth and sped up my hips. A couple more thrusts and Evvie broke beneath me. Screams sounded behind my hand.

  I slammed harder into her, her hips lifting after each impact. Stars danced in my vision. I shouldn’t have been so rough but the need to claim her took over. I couldn’t control it. I couldn’t control anything when it came to Evvie.

  With one final thrust, a release shot through my damn soul. Her name left my mouth on a hard groan.

  Her pussy tightened, soaking up everything I had to give her. My release was so fucking hard, some of it poured out of her. Thoughts of it being wasted traveled through my mind. The idea of fucking a baby into her made my cock twitch.

  Instead of dwelling on it, I ignored those thoughts and released Evvie’s arms. “I love you,” I whispered. “I don’t deserve you. I’m an asshole and I’m sorry for being a dick last night.”

  “I feel like you don’t trust me,” she mumbled.

  I let out a heavy sigh and kissed her neck. “The thought of losing you to someone else scares the shit out of me.” I didn’t like the taste of those words on my tongue. They made me feel vulnerable. “I trust you. I do.”