3. Clara

3

CLARA

M y body jerked awake right at the point in my dream where Alexander slid his cock into me. I groaned and punched my pillow before flipping into my back. Why did it have to end there? I’d been hot and bothered since our lunch yesterday. Lifting my head, I eyed my phone by the bed. Twenty minutes before the alarm. I had time.

While the dream was over, my needs were unmet and there was no way I could go into the office and spend the morning looking at each of them in my current state. After tapping the alarm off, I unlatched the black box and pulled out my favorite dildo. “You’re no Alexander, but you’ll get the job done. The flesh-colored dildo had a long, thick shaft and a butterfly wing at the base that lingered oh so deliciously on my clit. I didn’t need any lube. The vividness of my dream had me dripping wet. I closed my eyes and delved back into the dream.

Liam stroked my breasts while Alexander rested his cock between my legs. I adjusted the dildo and drove it into my clenching pussy as I visualized Alexander doing it himself. “Fuck me, Alexander. You feel so good.” My voice in the silence of my bedroom pushed my need higher. “Just like that.” I pumped the dildo in and out in long strokes that fluttered the butterfly wing in a continuous wave. My nipples peaked and I pinched one between my thumb and forefinger, pulling and twisting, then rolling the tight bud. My hips rose off the bed.

I imagined Ethan coming to join us, the three of them giving me all of themselves one after the other. Alexander smirked at me in my dream, but it was Ethan’s dark velvet voice that penetrated my thoughts as dream Alexander fucked me senseless. I increased the speed on the dildo and widened my legs, ramming it deep as the orgasm crashed over me. I didn’t bother hiding my cries of pleasure. Who would hear me in my big, empty house? I spasmed around the dildo and rode the waves that rippled along my spine, giving a few quick pumps to finish the scene before I forced my eyes open and made myself get out of bed.

I was still hot for the Silver Foxes, but I should be able to control myself now. God I hoped so. I’d come hard on my dildo, but the dream scene repeated in the back of my mind all throughout my shower until I fingered myself into another orgasm. Even then, if I had the chance to climb on one—or all—of their dicks, I would not have the willpower to say no. They were too delicious. Too calm and poised in their business suits and perfectly styled hair.

Between Ethan’s gem-green eyes and Alexander’s scar, combined with Liam’s bold flare for fashion, I was delightfully enamored with my bosses.

My front doorbell rang as I slicked the last brush of mascara over my eyelashes. My brow furrowed, and I smoothed it out before grabbing my phone and leaving the bathroom. A call popped up, Alexander’s name sending my pulse skyrocketing. I answered with a breathless, “Hello?”

“Sorry if we’re early.” A shadow shifted outside my front door, the silhouette throwing distorted images through the frosted glass.

“You’re at my house?” Why did my voice squeak? And why did the sight of those shadows ignite a whole new rush of need that curled my toes in my favorite boots? I took one last look at myself in the hallway mirror. The high-waisted skirt complimented my full hips where it flared out, and the soft tan shirt showed off my breasts while the boots gave me a sense of purpose and power.

Alexander’s light chuckle sent spirals of heat curling throughout my body. “Ethan thought it would be a good idea. It shows a unified front when we approach Harrington during our breakfast meeting.”

Harrington. Right. The whole reason I was spending time with these men. I straightened my shoulders and reminded myself why I couldn’t climb in bed with any of them. Mom counted on me to make sure her medical bills were paid. I had a house and bills, not to mention I’d ruin my career by giving in to my sexual desires.

I opened the door at the same time my finger hovered over the button to end the call.

Alexander smiled at me, the scar on his cheek creasing the corner of his eye. “Sorry we didn’t call.”

“Keep saying sorry and I’ll start thinking you’re taking offense to this whole situation.” I popped a hand on my hip. “How’d you know my address?”

“It’s in the personnel files.” Ethan nudged past Alexander. His green eyes popped in the morning sunlight that caught the rich hues in his dark skin and highlighted the salt and pepper hair I wanted so badly to run my fingers through.

Behind Ethan and Alexander, Liam waited beside a large sedan. He wiggled his fingers in a wave. “I told them they’d better warn you we were on our way. No woman likes to be surprised by three strange men on her doorstep.” He wore a deep green suit with tiny white pinstripes that brought out the hazel in his eyes and the streaks of white beginning to show in his hair. I’d gotten so used to seeing him in golds and purples that the muted green almost took me back a step.

I met his eyes over Alexander’s shoulder. “Depends on the men.”

Ethan snorted a laugh. “You’re going to fit right in.” He held out a hand. “As long as you don’t mind riding over with us, we’d better get going.” Flipping his wrist over, he checked his watch. “We have just enough time.”

I locked my door and slid the key into my purse, along with my phone. “What can I expect from the meeting?”

“Harrington has a powerful presence. He’s not overbearing or rude, but he is demanding.” Alexander took my elbow and guided me to the car, where Liam held the door open. Ethan and I climbed into the back seat, where I immediately missed the heat of Alexander’s palm on my elbow. Liam closed the door and moved to the front passenger seat while Alexander slid behind the wheel.

They gave me advice and tidbits to remember about Harrington along the drive, and by the time we arrived at the restaurant, I knew more about the man than I’d ever wished. But I was prepared.

We walked into the restaurant together, with Ethan’s hand at the small of my back and Alexander leading the way. Harrington stood from the table where he’d been sitting and stuck out his hand. “Good morning, good morning. Thank you all for agreeing to the preemptive meeting. We’ll have an official meet and greet at Summit’s office, but I wanted to have a quiet sit-down chat with all of you.” He shook hands all around, not pausing when he reached me. If anything, his posture relaxed slightly and his smile grew wider. “You must be Clara. I’ve heard wonderful things about you.”

“Oh?” I kept my attention on Harrington, but the question was for the men around me.

Harrington motioned for us to sit. He had a severe posture but a calm expression that did nothing to temper the fire in his eyes. “Your work on the hospital project was phenomenal. That center fountain idea with the playrooms has been a major turning point for the hospital.”

My makeup hid the blush that heated my cheeks. I dipped my head in a show of thanks. “It’s always worthwhile to look at how you can make a scary and imposing place friendlier to those who fear it.”

Harrington leaned back in his seat and pointed around the table. “That’s the attitude I’m looking for. Clara, I’m making you point of contact on this project. Whatever you need, any ideas you have, you bring them straight to me. You don’t answer to anyone on this except me, and everyone else’s ideas come to you first. Understood?”

I understood that this whole breakfast meeting was Harrington’s way of feeling out myself and the Silver Foxes. And I understood that I’d impressed him enough that he gave me this incredible position. “Understood, sir.”

“Call me Harrington.”

The food arrived and we spent the next half hour talking about everything from the state of the ski slopes to the upcoming holiday season. Christmas was barreling down on us with incredible speed.

With the breakfast over, we made our way once more to the black sedan waiting at the curb. Alexander joined me in the backseat while Ethan drove. “This will mean extended work hours. Weekends.” Alexander set his elbow on the windowsill and stretched out his legs. “Harrington’s team will join us for the meet and greet, along with several others from the Summit team.”

“When is this meeting?” I hadn’t seen it on my work calendar.

Ethan checked his watch again. “As soon as we arrive at the office.”

“Shit.” I shook my head. “I need more heads-up with stuff like this. I’m good with last-minute plans, but this project needs my full attention. I can’t be showing up to fucking meet and greets at a second’s notice when I have no fucking clue what’s going on.”

Ethan’s smoldering gaze met mine in the rearview mirror. “You’re right. We’re not used to working with anyone outside the three of us.”

Liam swiveled to face me. “We’ll do better in the future. What do you need to know to be prepared for this meeting?”

“I don’t know.” Frustrated, I threw my hands up. “I’m making a terrible first impression on you, but that can’t be helped when I’ve been set up to fail. Who are the key players on Harrington’s team? Who has his ear and who will buck up against me?”

Liam rattled off a list of names, descriptions, and their status within Harrington’s circle. I locked the information away and tried to temper the fear crawling up the back of my throat. I could do this. I was a badass junior architect. Nothing could stop me from making my mark on this project. Nothing except my own self-doubt.

Summit Architects and Design was the kind of building that drew the eye and brought gasps to many people’s throats, my own included. I’d been enamored with the space from the moment they broke ground on the building, and walking through the white glass doors and into the bright lobby with tall windows that showcased the snowy mountain ranges in the distance still made my heart flutter. Snow covered the ground and draped itself across rooftops. The church cathedral and steeple caught the sun and sent colored spirals out over the world thanks to the stained-glass windows. It was a wonderland of vibrancy and architecture.

“This way.” Alexander’s hand drifted over my spine but didn’t stay.

Ethan walked ahead of us, marching with that demanding stride that drove people to clear a path for him. Mom would call him a force of nature.

The conference room where Summit’s people and Harrington’s people mingled hosted two Christmas trees, a holly wreath over the fireplace, and a giant vat of Nancy’s Christmas punch. The nutmeg and spice scent wafted my way and despite the full breakfast I’d eaten, I moved to fill a glass of the fragrant drink.

Alexander and Harrington called for everyone’s attention, and two dozen people swiveled to face the pair standing at the head of the table. Alexander introduced me to the team, and I kept a tight smile in place when every head turned my direction. I regretted the punch as I held it between my hands. I’d thought it would help keep me from fidgeting. Instead, it gave me something else to worry about.

Eyes stayed on me while Harrington picked up the conversation. He talked about his vision for the space and what he expected of the team. Long hours were in my future, so many hours and responsibilities that sweat gathered between my breasts and slid down. I wasn’t ready for this. Months as a junior architect gave me some insight, but not enough to pull this off. The room grew stifling. Bodies pressed in all around me. Normally I didn’t mind a crowd, but my fears and insecurities refused to abate.

I had to get out of here. Setting the glass aside, I ducked behind Liam and exited the room while everyone’s attention locked onto Harrington.

Quiet steps followed me from the room, and I spun around to find Liam prowling my way with his hands in his pockets and a concerned tilt to his mouth.

I turned my back on him and continued over to the tall windows. My arms locked over my stomach. I breathed in the picturesque scene and set one hand over my heart in an attempt to ease the fluttering. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

“First time on a big project sucks. It’s more challenging with a client like Harrington.” Liam stopped beside me. Sunlight framed his jaw and brought out the white stripes in his suit.

Surprise flitted through me. I never expected Liam to be introspective, much less to understand what it might feel like to be a scared junior taking on their first major client. “I won’t say you get used to it.” He held out his hand, his fingers trembling. “We can teach you how to compartmentalize so that it’ll be easier.”

The man made me feel heard in a way I never expected.

“You have what it takes, Clara. Don’t let the fear of this moment choke you out.” He pocketed his hands and stared straight ahead.

“Yes.” Twin voices crossed the lobby with a pair of matching strides. Alexander and Ethan appeared in the glass, their reflections startling against mine. Ethan cocked his head. “Let’s get shit done.”

A grin stretched wide. I nodded and turned to face them. “Let’s go.” We made our way to the bank of elevators that would take us up to the private conference room. I dove into the work with a gusto that I relished. My fingers itched to pick up my tools and draw every line and angle of the buildings we were responsible for creating.

Hours passed amid the quiet clicking of computer keys, the occasional curse when something didn’t work out, and the scratch of pencil on paper.

Alexander strolled over to my drafting station and leaned over my shoulder. His palm rested beside my hand, his thumb close enough to brush my wrist.

I froze, heart in my throat and body so, so tempted to lean into him.

“Did you draw a puppy in your shelter?” He squinted at my outlines. “And is that a crying cat?”

“Damn right.” I tapped the whiskered feline with one nail. “Tell me anyone can look at that and not be moved.”

His chin tucked downward until our cheeks aligned. “Oh, I’m moved all right.” He pushed away from the desk and retreated to the far side of the room.

I huffed and tugged my hair back over my shoulders.

“Keep that up and you won’t need a pencil. You could make your lines from hair.” Liam twirled a strand around his finger as he passed.

I swatted at his hand and laughed. “If you think that’s bad, you should see my bedroom.” Instant regret sent heat flooding across my face.

Ethan locked eyes with me. His mouth moved, and I swore I heard him whisper, “Don’t tempt me.”

“That’s lunch.” Alexander clapped his hands and rubbed the palms together. “Take a few hours. We’ll be here late tonight.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. As much as I wanted to stay in the room, I’d promised to check on Mom. Two hours was pushing it, but I’d figure it out.

My boots sank into the plush carpeting in the hallway. I pressed the button on the elevator and stepped into the empty space, finally able to draw a breath.

A hand shot out as the doors closed. Allan darted into the space.

I’d never hit high alert so fast in my life. Allan was one of those men that made me shudder every time I looked at him. And not the good kind of shudder, but the kind that made me wish I had pepper spray in my purse.

“Headed out for lunch?” His voice had the greasiness of an oil spill, the kind that even his relatively handsome features could not overcome.

“Yes.” I prayed he’d leave it at that.

Allan leaned in close, his musky scent overwhelming. “I’d love to join you.”

The elevator doors opened and I rushed past him. “Sorry. I’m on my way to see my mom.”

His deep scoff followed me. “You need a better excuse than that if you want me to believe you. Playing off the old ‘visiting my mom’ card is so yesterday.”

Whatever. I ignored his continued monologue and snagged an Uber to Mom’s house. She was glad to see me but so worn out that I barely managed to make sure she ate a few bites before she fell asleep on the couch. Normally I’d get her into bed, but I had to rush back to the office to beat the two-hour lunch deadline.

I searched for Allan every step of the way. I didn’t have enough on him to lodge a formal complaint, and “he makes me feel icky” wasn’t exactly an HR-worthy visit. Not to mention Allan had seniority over me and I dreaded the potential workplace animosity reporting him could bring.

Alexander met me at the conference room door. “We need to work overnight.”

“What? Why?” I mentally rearranged everything I’d planned on doing this afternoon. Mom would be okay with Bridget, and I could call her to check in since I’d seen her at lunch.

Unbuttoning his gray jacket and shedding it to reveal strong shoulders and bringing attention to his chiseled jawline, he closed the door behind me and lowered his voice. “Urgent email from Harrington. The city council has scheduled an impromptu meeting in the morning. They want to review the initial concept designs. Without their approval, the delays will be astronomical.”

“Oh.” What was I supposed to say other than, “Okay.”