Free Black Pearl by Tiffany Patterson

can’t fire me. I–”
    “Wrong. You work for the security firm I hired to protect my employees and you end up assaulting one. You’re lucky I haven’t stomped your teeth down your throat,” Nikola said angrily stepping closer.
    Devyn placed a hand on his arm. “Nikola, please. It was just a misunderstanding. I’m sure Marcus is sorry. Right Marcus?”  She asked looking at Marcus, trying to ease the tension of the situation. Hearing Devyn defend this man only angered Nikola even more.
    “Marcus is it?” He asked and Marcus nodded.
    “Well, Marcus, consider yourself fired. You have two minutes to leave. I’ll inform your employer of your behavior tonight.”
    Knowing he was defeated, Marcus relented and walked away without another word or retort.
    Devyn blew out a breath and turned to Nikola. “I’m sorry about tha–”
    “You don’t have anything to be sorry about. Do you know him?” Nikola asked still angry and wanting to know the man’s relation to Devyn.
    Devyn nodded. “Yes. He’s, um, he’s my ex.”
    “Are you two still involved?”
    “No. This was the first time I’ve seen him in a year and a half. I didn’t know he was going to be here.” Nikola let out the breath he’d been holding. He wanted Devyn and did not want to deal with any feelings she might have for an ex.
    “Are you sure you’re okay?” He asked.
    “Yes, I’m fine.”
    “Then let’s get back to the gala,” he said, placing his hand at the small of her back as they walked back down the hall. On the way back, Nikola stopped to speak with a security guard, ensuring that Marcus was escorted out of the building.
    “Dance with me.” Nikola commanded in a low voice, grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the dance floor. He circled one arm around her waist pulling her in close. Devyn swayed in his arms as she inhaled his cologne. She fought hard not to close her eyes and lay her head on his chest, remembering they were still at a work event. Devyn looked up into his blue eyes and everyone else in the room faded away.
    “That was the second man I wanted to kill tonight over you.” Blinking out of her trance, Devyn looked questioningly at Nikola.
    “What?”
    He repeated himself. “That was the second man I wanted to kill tonight over you. First, my own best friend for flirting with you, and that asshole ex of yours.” Devyn smiled and dipped her head.
    “What was that smile for?”
    “It’s nothing. Just that my best friend refers to him the same way.”
    “The asshole?” Nikola questioned. Devyn giggled.
    “Yes, that’s exactly what she calls him.”
    “Sounds like your friend and I would get along.” He paused staring in her eyes as they swayed to the music.
    “You look stunning tonight” He said raising his hand to run his thumb along her jawline. Devyn gasped and tried to step back but Nikola’s grip around her waist tightened.
    “Nikola, we can’t.”
    “Can’t what?” She looked at him exasperated.
    “We can’t do whatever you were about to do.”
    “And why not?” He questioned.
    “Because we’re in public. This is a work event.”
    “I’ve noticed.”
    Devyn sighed.
    “Come home with me tonight,” he said looking in her eye. Devyn stopped moving.
    “Nikola,” she said softly.
    “Yes, that’s the sound I want to hear you making later on tonight while I’m between your thighs, deep inside you,” he said beginning to sway to the music again, holding her.
    Devyn’s panties instantly moistened hearing Nikola’s words. She swallowed at the look of desire she saw in his eyes. As the song ended and people began leaving the dance floor, he leaned over and whispered in her ear.
    “You will be leaving with me tonight and before the night is over, you will be screaming my name. Don’t try to run again. It will only make me angry, once I catch you.” He stood to his full height. Devyn’s chest heaved up and down.
    “I’m going to go check on our guests. I’ll find you before the