Besieged Read online

  Once showered and dressed I head to the kitchen in search of coffee. Bright sunshine streams through the tall windows on both sides of the open plan space, making the whole flat seem bright and optimistic this morning.

  “How do I look?” Molly strolls into the kitchen looking stunning in a grey dress and a pair of black heels. Molly always has a certain grace and elegance, but normally refuses to embrace it. She has the figure of a model, long slim legs and a tiny waist. Her long blonde hair is pulled back into a sharp high ponytail, showing off her perfect cheekbones and big blue eyes. She's my roommate, well more landlord really seeing as her dad pays for at least half of our seriously pricey Holland Park apartment. More than that though, she’s one of my best friends and has been since we were five. We grew up making mud pies and teasing my brother Harry together. Good times.

  "Hot." I reply with a grin.

  "Good enough for a meeting with some stick up his arse designer." Molly works for a fashion magazine, despite having no actual interest in fashion, just her Internship at the magazine. As far as she’s concerned it’s just a foot in the door, but I benefit immensely from all the free samples she brings home. As you can tell, she'd rather be doing something more... stimulating.

  “You look A-mazing. I totally would.” I smile. "Stick up his arse will be drooling."

  “That, I very much doubt.” She grumbles.

  “Both you girlies are looking fine!” George strolls into the kitchen looking his normal beautiful self. He wraps his arms around my waist and kisses my hair quickly before reaching around me to make his own coffee.

  He’s wearing rolled up sweats and a tank top which reveals his defined arms. He always looks younger than his years due to his boyish blonde hair and hazel puppy dog eyes, however his broad muscular shoulders and narrow hips are anything but boyish. George is one of those guys that people stop to look at in the street.

  George is the third addition to our little household. He befriended me in college where we shared several classes together and a love of dance and music. We instantly connected in a way I never have with anyone else, not even Molly. George gives it to me straight at all times, which I love about him. He's lived in London for a couple of years now, pursuing his career as a dancer, though he's taken on some modelling work to supplement his income. Dancing is a tough industry, but George is really talented.

  “You’re up early.” I smirk at him. George is never up early; it’s like living with a student.

  “Yeah, yeah. I’ve got an early audition.” He sits at the breakfast bar with his coffee.

  “Oh, exciting stuff!”

  “Oh babes, I am going to kill that shit.” He waves dismissively, grinning.

  I laugh; he never fails to put me in a good mood. “You always do sweetie. Well good luck. Love you.”

  “You to.” He blows me a kiss as I stand to leave.

  Outside the air is crisp; I hug my cardigan closer around me and walk briskly to the tube station, my heels clipping the pavement rhythmically. I came to London two months ago for a summer internship. I went to University in Cambridge, which is a relatively quiet city, or as quiet as a city can be, it was my home from home. London seems to me like an unrelenting concrete machine, just churning out business. The people here are unfriendly, too busy caught up in their frantic lives to afford anyone else a smile. I find it quite sad and it makes me miss Cambridge, though I consider myself lucky to have some close friends in the city.

  The tube is quieter than usual because I’m an hour earlier than normal. I hate the tube, it’s claustrophobic, but there really is no faster or easier way to get around London, and so I endure it.

  I arrive at Circus House at ten minutes to eight. The offices of Florell and Simmons are situated in Piccadilly; it takes me thirty minutes door to door. I take an elevator up to the fourteenth floor, grab a coffee and immediately start to prepare the papers for my big meeting.

  I’ve been working here for only one month as an intern. I was very lucky to get the placement; they are one of the most prestigious solicitors in London. Today my boss has a meeting with the CEO of Ellis corporate Ltd; the firm’s biggest client. He’s asked me to join him, it’s a massive opportunity and I’m thrilled he's asked me.

  “Ready to go?” My boss Josh appears about half an hour after my arrival. He’s a tall man with a kind face and is always full of smiles. I guess him to be about thirty, although it’s hard to tell as he has a dusting of grey through his dark hair.

  “Sure.” I smile at him as I gather all the paperwork and put it in my briefcase.

  “Now as you know, this is a hugely important meeting. This is the real deal. Simmons usually deals with Mr.Ellis himself, but this was somewhat urgent and seeing as he's on holiday I've been asked to step in.” He seems nervous as he smooth’s his tie for the third time in as many minutes.

  “Yes, thank you. I really appreciate you giving me the experience.” I smile at him.

  “Well you’ve been a real godsend these past few weeks Lilly. I don’t know what I ever did without you.” He gives me a huge grin.

  “Thanks Josh.” Josh and I have a great working relationship; we bounce off of each other so well. I'm hoping they'll offer me a permanent position once my internship finishes.

  We step out of the elevator and into a black Mercedes waiting outside on the curb. We go through a few things for the meeting, and after about twenty minutes, arrive outside Ellis Tower.

  “This is it.” Josh looks very tense and serious.

  The doors of the elevator ping open, the button for the thirtieth floor glowing in the vast panel of numbers.

  We step out into a waiting area. The room holds an obvious grandeur. The marble floor sparkles under the spot lights and there are several white leather sofas against the left hand wall. Opposite on the right hand wall is the large reception desk, and the far wall opposite the elevators houses an enormous pane of glass; frosted into it in slate grey writing is Ellis Corporate Ltd. Various art works line the walls, mainly black and white cityscapes.

  We take seats in the waiting area. Josh pulls out a contract and starts to read through it. He’s nervous, I can tell he’s desperate to impress.

  “Mr Walker.” A young woman calls from the reception desk. ”Mr Ellis will see you now. It’s along the corridor, first door on your left.” She smiles politely.

  “Thank you.” Stiffly he gets up and I follow.

  “You ready for this?” He says as we reach the door to Mr Ellis’ office.

  “I think so.” I smirk, the idea of being nervous around anyone seems ridiculous to me. I get that he's important but come on; he's still just a man.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll do great.” I touch his arm in a supportive gesture and he smiles meekly at me.

  He knocks gently on the door and opens it.

  I look up at the man stood across the room from me and am lost for words, not something that happens to me often. He flashes me a familiar charming smile as his eyes flick down my body without apology. Oh dear god, please tell me that is not Mr Ellis. His P.A perhaps? An Intern? I'm ever hopeful, but even as I try desperately to grasp onto the notion, I know I'm wrong. The way he holds himself, his entire aura is that of power and righteousness. Suddenly everything clicks into place and his overly confident demeanour makes sense. The confidence of a man who has more money than a small country and always gets what he wants.

  He's tall, over six foot easily and even more attractive than I remember. I mean I knew he was hot, but shit. I swear the man should be pictured in the dictionary next to sex.

  My eyes roam his broad shoulders and narrow hips. His shirt remains open at the collar with no tie. Dear god, can the man work a suit.

  I look up and study his face. His dark hair is slightly messy, his features sharp and chiselled. Full soft lips contrast a square jawline and cut cheek bones, his designer stubble finishes the look perfectly. I finally meet his eyes, they're a deep azure blue and seem to physically smoulder as h
e pins me with his gaze. I boldly meet his stare, his eyes are beautiful, bottomless and intense with the kind of fire in them that a woman could literally melt under. His lips pull up in a smirk and my skin suddenly prickles with heat. He may be a cocky arse, but seriously, no man should be allowed to look that good.

  What shocks me more than his GQ model looks though is the power he radiates. He wears it like an impenetrable shield, palpable in every inch of his being, pulsating in those deep sapphire eyes. He looks at me as though he could physically crush me under the weight of it, and I can’t imagine anyone ever denying him anything. This may explain how the playboy extraordinaire I met on Saturday is in fact one of the wealthiest men in the country. How did I not know this? I really need to get out more.

  “Mr Ellis.” Josh greets him and holds out his hand.

  His eyes never leave me, but his face shifts becoming colder. He seemingly ignores Josh, his eyes locked and penetrating.

  “Mr Walker.” He finally acknowledges Josh, but still does not release me from his stare. His face is a mask, giving away nothing. He only holds me, pinning me with a single look. I hold his gaze, refusing to look away, refusing to show weakness.

  “I didn't expect to see you in person. I know you're a busy man." Something about Josh's comment seems to amuse him as his lips turn up in a small smile. The mask cracks and suddenly here's the man I met on Saturday night, the hot, smooth, cocky guy who doesn't know when to quit. I'm normally pretty immune to male charm, but I have to say, I’m proud of myself right now. I could have had that on Saturday night and I turned him down. Admittedly I turned him down because he was so bloody sure of himself what with his ‘come home with me’. Really? Is there a woman out there with so little self-respect as to say yes to that proposition? I look at him again, that face, that body, which you can just tell is going to have just the right amount of chiselled abs to set a girls heart racing. Okay, yes, there are definitely women who would go for the forward approach. Luckily for me I’m not one of them right now.

  "Um, this is my intern Miss Parker.” Josh splutters, seemingly aware of our odd exchange taking place.

  “A pleasure Miss Parker.” He holds out his hand to me, smirking in that arrogant way of his. I take it and promptly let go. My body thrums at his touch, basking in the energy rolling off of him in waves. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Compose yourself! When I look up again he flashes me a small knowing smile, the smile of a man confident in his effect to the point of infuriating arrogance, he remains impassive and calm. I smile back politely as though nothing happened. God I need to get a grip.

  “Please sit.” He gestures to the seat on his left tearing his eyes away from mine; he diverts his attention to Josh. I sit. Josh sits to his right.

  I exhale in relief, shit that was so intense. That guy could manipulate a woman with a single look. It’s written all over him, he is the ultimate player. I knew he was a player the moment I saw him, now I can see why. With a face like that and enough money to buy your own country, the world must fall at his feet. Oh and not to mention the kind of power that could physically bend people to your will. I am so glad that I am a total control freak and turned him down. Can you imagine? Awkward. If I’d had a couple more drinks I may have been persuaded. I mean who wouldn't, he is beyond gorgeous, and something tells me a man with that much prowess would be an animal in bed. He did promise three orgasms after all.

  Still, he’s that guy. The one who seems to have it all and oh how I wish I wasn’t attracted to him right now. He’s just the kind of guy I love to hate.

  Chapter 3 – Theo

  Well what are the chances? Of all the offices in London, she had to walk into mine. Lucky me. I can't say it hasn't thrown me off slightly though. My cock jumped up like a bloody jack in the box when she shook my hand. Yes my hand, from the way my over eager appendage is acting you'd think she'd grabbed that instead. But what can I say, I find her intriguing and by that I mean she is probably the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen, and believe me, I’ve seen a good few. There's something about her that is far beyond the normal realms of attractive. She has that draw. I noticed it the first time I met her, it's just so damn irresistible, I still can't pin point an exact reason for it. It takes a lot to grab my attention like that once, but to hold my attention is nothing short of miraculous.

  As much as I would love to look at that view all day I need to be semi-professional. I take a deep breath and try to focus on the man sat in front of me, but I’m acutely aware of her presence like a domineering force pulling me towards her, demanding my attention.

  “We have the contracts for you sir.” He says very formally.

  “Good, but we need to talk about our options. What have you managed to dig up?” Good, yes I must focus on him, do not look at her or I’ll be a walking hard on for the rest of the day.

  “Well Lilly has researched all the company liabilities.” He says turning his attention to her.

  Oh great. Cautiously I turn to her; she's looking down at the paperwork in front of her. She has a pair of reading glasses propped on her head, nestled into her red locks. She removes them and places them delicately on her face without looking up. I can’t help but check her out. I thought she couldn’t get any hotter than that scrap of a red dress she was wearing on Saturday, but I have to say, there’s something about the office look. Maybe she’s just fulfilling my dirty secretary fantasy, which by the way has never been fulfilled. Her blouse is slightly unbuttoned at the top revealing just a hint of cleavage.

  She clears her throat making me look up. Caught again. I flash her a small smile and she rolls her eyes. She starts to speak as her eyes fix mine in a way that has the crotch of my trousers tightening. Most people wilt as soon as I make eye contact with them; they're either infatuated or intimidated, often both. It means I always get what I want from them. She appears to be neither intimidated nor infatuated by me. The complete opposite in fact, the way she holds my gaze is verging on confrontational.

  Everything about her is aggressive and assertive; I'd love to work that aggression out of her. I have a feeling she likes it rough. I’d put money on her being a scratcher.

  She subtly repositions her glasses further down her nose, and looks up at me over them. Those startling green eyes study me; a small sly smile graces her lips. It’s like an unspoken invitation. It’s so hot, it’s almost predatory. My cock jumps excitedly and my heart picks up in anticipation. God, this is so not the time to be aroused, but all I really want to do is send Walker out and bend her over my desk. I realise that she seems to be waiting for a response from me, but I haven't heard a word she's said. I nod, hoping this works as some form of response.

  I manage to somehow get through the rest of the meeting, but I make it quick.

  Unless it's a bedroom I should not be in the same room as this woman. My brain seems to short circuit to my dick when she's around.

  “It’s been a pleasure to meet you Mr Walker.” I hold out my hand and he takes it.

  “I’ll contact the other shareholders and offer to buy out. As I said there are already some that are willing to sell, so I’ll draw up the papers for those and get the ball rolling. I’ll stop by at some point in the next couple of days and bring you the papers.” Okay, so apparently I've just agreed to buy a company. This is why hot women should not be allowed in business meetings, although it does make it decidedly more interesting.

  “Good.” I stand, grateful that I left my jacket on this morning as it is currently covering my raging hard on.

  I steel myself and turn to her. She looks even better stood up, her toned calves drop into six inch heels. They’re the sort of shoes that make you want to fuck her wearing nothing but those shoes.

  I reach out to shake her hand. She takes it tentatively, eyeing me warily. It’s there again, that unique force that radiates between us. I look her straight in the eye, she feels it to, I can see it on her face.

  She flashes a coy smile. “Until we meet again Mr Ellis.�
�� She says it in a low voice, almost a whisper meant only for me. She makes it sound like a threat. Red hot desire courses through me. My cock is starting to ache with an overwhelming need to be in her. I close my eyes for a moment and when I open them again she gasps and drags her teeth over her bottom lip. Oh and she definitely wants me in her. Shit. Before I can stop myself I turn to Walker.

  "May I borrow Miss Parker for a moment?" He looks confused but doesn't question it. Of course he doesn't question it. I'm Theodore fucking Ellis. He steps outside and I turn to her. She looks suspicious.

  "Well, well. I didn't expect to see you here, Lilly." I caress her name. "How fortunate."

  "Yes, you can imagine my shock when the firm’s top client turns out to be the perve from the bar." I laugh. I’m pleased that her knowing who I am hasn’t changed her attitude toward me.

  "I'm sure, but seeing as you are here, I want your number."

  "No thanks." Her lips pull up at the corners as she fights a smile. I step closer to her. She backs away until her back is against the door. I place my hands against the door either side of her head, our faces are only inches apart.

  "Well, the way I see it, this sexual tension here needs to be worked out." I gesture between us. “And your boss is waiting, so I'm guessing now isn't the best time." I smirk at her.

  She rolls her eyes. "I'm sure you and your hand will have a lovely time working out your sexual tension together." She raises one perfectly plucked eyebrow. She's such a snarky bitch... why is that such a turn on?

  I lean in until my lips almost brush hers. I can feel her warm breath. "And as much as the thought of you and your hand is enough to make me come over very unnecessary. I think you'd find my cock much more effective."