Chapter 4: Lucas
Declan and I are usually in the building before anyone else. I’m not one for small talk, so hanging around the water cooler is out, and I like to get my work done sooner rather than later so I can take off earlier in the day if I need.
Today is different, though, and I stop at security to check in and watch everyone head back into work after the weekend.
As I listen to the guys talk about the game on Saturday, I notice the Succubus Sisters. That’s what Declan and I call a group of senior admin staff a few floors down who dress to the nines. They like to walk the fine line between harmless innuendo and sexual harassment, always looking for their next mark who will get them living the high life on minimal effort. Their style and desperation may do it for some, but I find them dull and uninspiring. We’ve managed to keep them off our team so far, but I’ve heard rumblings that a couple of them have already asked Human Resources about moving up.
While I watch them, I notice someone walking toward their group. I’ve never seen her here before, and the poor girl looks like she has no idea she’s about to be chewed up and spit out. She stands out next to the tight-knit trio. Her light brown, sun-kissed hair is down around her shoulders, and her legs lead up to a perfect ass.
She’s got this easy elegance that doesn’t scream for attention the way the Succubus Sisters do—but it grabs mine all the same. Her outfit is tasteful, almost modest, and yet somehow it outlines every soft curve like it was designed just for her. She moves like she’s unaware of her effect, like she’s not playing a game.
That’s more dangerous.
As she gets their attention, the ladies turn and glance at her like there isn’t anything to appreciate, but, looking over the curves of her body, I see so much in her that I’m sure I would thoroughly enjoy.
Predatory thoughts invade my head, and I imagine myself waiting quietly for her to stray a little too close to where I’m standing and—
A grunt followed by a muffled crash snaps me out of my thoughts as Carl from accounting trips and falls to the ground.
Coming as a surprise to no one, the Succubus Sisters have left him to fend for himself.
But there she is, my new interest, walking toward him, and I’m further intrigued.
She doesn’t hesitate. There’s no awkward glance around to see if someone else will step up—she just moves. I watch her kneel gracefully at Carl’s side, concern softening her features. Her hands are small and delicate, but confident in the way they reach to steady his arm and gather his things. It’s…endearing.
By the time I stalk near enough, she already has him smiling. One of our security guards follows me, then offers to escort Carl to the elevator.
“That was kind of you to help, Ms.…”
I let the pause linger awkwardly. I’m waiting for a name so I can look her up in the building directory later.
She turns to look at me, drawing in a soft breath through smiling lips, and my heart rate picks up. Her pupils expand against the hazel of her irises as she tries to compose herself, and a surge of excitement hits me as she falters.
She’s flustered. And it’s because of me.
My Monday morning just got interesting.
“Um, thanks. It’s Ms. Michaels. I mean—my name is Jayne.” She eagerly reaches out her hand, and I freeze.
“Shit.”
Shit. I said that out loud.
“What?” she asks, curiously tilting her head.
“What?” I retort, my suave approach quickly crumbling into rubble.
She pauses for a moment, then tries again a little slower. “What?”
Silence.
It’s too goddamn early for this.
I need to buy some time.
No, wait.
I need to introduce her to Declan. I’m not so sure keeping her away from us was the right decision after all, and he’ll know what to do.
“Jayne Michaels. I’ve been waiting for you. My name is Lucas.” I extend my hand to shake hers. “I was hoping to chat with you about your employment here. I understand Howard King referred you to us?”
“It’s nice to meet you, Lucas. Yes, he did. I thought I was supposed to check in with HR this morning.” She smiles as she catches my stare, then breaks it off a little too quickly.
Interesting.
“Miscommunication and change of plans. Follow me.” I turn to walk toward the elevator without glancing back. I want to see if my initial instincts are right. When her heels clack against the floor as she falls in line behind me without question, I smile to myself and reach for the button.
Good girl. The internal thought rumbles from a dark place deep inside of me.
So far, she is compliant, kind, and trusting.
Not the type to manipulate. Not like her mother.
But she’s also beautiful in a way that sneaks up on you. It isn’t showy—it’s slow burn. And that’s the kind that’s harder to control.
Facing the elevator and hiding my face from her, I allow my smile to turn into a full-on grin as an anticipation I haven’t felt in a long time stirs to life inside of me.
