Free Ruby Ink (Clairmont Series Novel Book 1) by L.J. Wilson Page B

I—”
    Whether she simply understood his anger or that he always got his way, Vanessa succumbed to his demand and shuffled to her knees. His body covered over hers, their damp skin meeting. He nipped at the back of her ear. “You’re lucky I don’t fucking tie you back up.” He was done with pleasure on Vanessa’s part and thrust his cock hard into her. Aside from his earned pleasure, fucking her with indifference would remind Vanessa that emotions were not part of this game.

While Stefan showered, Vanessa remained in the bedroom. It was time to go to work, resume their everyday roles. Standing near the window, she’d cracked open the heavy curtain. It made Stefan feel like a vampire as he exited the bathroom. Jesus, he hated early-morning light. “Sleep well?” he managed. Stefan dropped his robe and started to dress, slipping into newly tailored trousers and taking his shirt from the wooden suit rack. Custom crafted to his measurements—33 waist, 34 length, European-fit dress shirt—Stefan liked the preparedness a suit hanger lent to the day. He slipped on his watch, noting the time. He liked punctuality and his schedule was full, starting with Aaron Clairmont.
    “I slept as well as could be expected.” Rhythmed shirt-buttoning seized, and Stefan stared. Her answer was… wispy. It was as disconcerting as last night’s round of kissing. At least she was dressed, looking more like corporate Vanessa Trudeau. The structured navy suit was pragmatic and tone setting. Regardless, it offered a tantalizing hint of what was underneath. It was one of the things that had first challenged Stefan—getting to what was beneath her corporate image. She sipped coffee, her red hair neatly groomed. “The bedroom turned out lovely. I didn’t get a very good look at it last night.”
    He hummed agreement, returning to his shirt buttons. “Blindfolds will do that. Now if I can only get the adjoining living room, not to mention the rest of Abstract Enchantment to match—done on time and on budget.”
    “You will. You always get what you want, don’t you?” Vanessa’s gaze ticked around the luxurious bedroom, Stefan’s glance following hers. It was a private venue that most definitely was not prepared with her in mind. She seemed too aware of his motivation.
    “Vanessa,” he said, buttoning the shirt, “I’m sure my assumption is wrong, but from the tone of that remark, I’d say you’re jealous.”
    “Don’t be absurd,” she said. “I don’t do jealous. But I am human, Stefan. I know my position with Windamere… with Abstract Enchantment, and in your life. However, fucking me in the suite prepared for the arrival of your fiancée… Well, call me a sentimental bitch, but I wasn’t completely comfortable.”
    “How so?” he said, truly perplexed. Stefan returned to the mirror. He brushed a speck of lint from his trousers and dragged his fingertips through a hairline that could be described as receding. It was fine. Many women, including Vanessa, insisted it accentuated his salient bone structure. “As noted, our relationship has nothing to do with our personal lives. And professionally, circumstance insists I spend more time at Abstract Enchantment.”
    “It just strikes me as an awkward, unnecessary location. That’s all.”
    “Awkward… unnecessary location? If bending you over a frozen side of beef in the meat locker at our Miami Beach property didn’t offend you, I’m not sure why a brand new, luxury mattress should.” He continued to dress, choosing cufflinks, as if they were discussing what crystal to order for the bar. “The parameters of our relationship are clear, defined. Venue is negligible.” He stopped, offering the courtesy of eye contact—but mostly Stefan wanted to see her reaction. “This is why I’m beginning to feel like it’s something else… something more, which, as you said, is absurd.” He knotted the tie he’d selected. “Think about it this way, Ness, if I were