Broken by Desire Read online

  Lucien

  I glance around the room, eight of my father’s associates talking amongst themselves about the numbers, the bottom line and the online publications and all I can think of is that stunning brunette I left sitting in the reception area this morning. My mind hasn’t dwelled far from her most of the day. I glance at my watch and notice it’s 11 am and I realize I should have wrapped this up ages ago. “Gentlemen, I have my marketing ladies working on the online publications. To be fair, they’re the best in the business. I have faith they will get us the data on time. The print media will not stop production, we need to find a cost-effective printer, but I am not giving up on the quality. This company will keep to the standards that our clients are used to. Now if you will excuse me, gentlemen.” I place my hands on the table, rising from my seat, they nod in agreement and we make our way out of the large boardroom.

  When I reach my office, my assistant is hot on my heels. “Sir, you have a call from Veronica, she’s found a replacement for when she leaves. The interview ended thirty minutes ago. She mentioned that you wanted to know?” I nod. She follows me into my office, placing the messages next to my computer. I round my desk, and sit down, taking in her appearance. It seems she’s taken her time getting dressed this morning. Her tight pencil skirt hugs her hips; the soft pink blouse she’s wearing accentuates her breasts. As much I would love to take her and bend her over my desk, there’s another set of eyes burned into my mind. Fuck it, Luke, you’re going soft. Well, not in all areas, but you’re turning into a pussy. You don’t even know her name.

  “Thank you, Stacy, that will be it.” She smiles and walks out of my office. Her hips sway just a little too much. I hate when women are so obvious. I need to learn about our newest recruit. When I pick up my desk phone, I dial Veronica. She’s older than me by ten years, but she’s always acted younger, full of life. After a few rings she answers.

  “Lucien, how are you?”

  “Veronica, I hear we have a new team member.” Her laugh sounds carefree and I smile. Women are so easy. “Tell me about our newest lady?”

  “Luke, she’s lovely, her name is Cassandra Winters. She is actually here from New York, aspiring writer and she is absolutely stunning. I am sure you will love her.” Veronica’s words tug me from a daydream of the new girl. Love? Ha, not likely darling. That word and me do not work well together. After what I did, there was no way I would love anyone again. And nobody would ever love me. Not with my fucking demons.

  “Thank you, Veronica. I think she can accompany me to the shoot this weekend. I look forward to meeting her. When does she start?”

  “Tomorrow. I am sure she will enjoy being on location. She’s eager to learn.” A smirk curls my lips. Oh, I am sure I would be happy to teach her anything she wants to know.

  “I will stop by tomorrow and say hello to Ms. Winters.” This should be interesting.

  The rest of the day goes by with ease. When Robert drops Jayce and me at the club, I make my way straight to the bar for a beer. “Dude, check out the brunette over there.” Jayce motions to my right. I take a sip of my beer, set it down and turn. She’s hot. Curves in all the right places, the shortest fucking skirt I have ever seen and her tits are all but falling out of her top. Her long brown hair is dead straight and her blue eyes are piercing. Turning back to my best friend, I shrug.

  “Are you fucking serious?” His face is a picture. I know he’s shocked that I don’t even bat an eyelid at this girl. Any other day I would, but she’s not my mystery girl. This is ridiculous. Even my best friend thinks so. After I gulp down the rest of my beer, I turn and walk towards her. Jayce is hot on my heels, probably because she has a cute blonde sitting with her.

  “Ladies.” My voice is low, and I see the flicker of desire on their faces. The obvious way they hold themselves is frustrating. It’s not fun when they’re pretty much laying on the table with their legs spread.

  “Hi!” Even her voice is annoying. I slip into the booth and motion to the waiter to bring me another beer. This will need an extensive amount of alcohol. She slides closer to me and her blonde friend has her sights set on Jayce. He doesn’t seem to mind, me, I don’t think I have ever been so bored in my life.

  After fifteen minutes of mindless chat about nothing in particular, I grab my beer. “I have to go Jayce. Catch you at the office tomorrow.” I slide out of the booth. My best friend eyes me warily, but I am sure he won’t mind having two girls for the night.

  Robert drives me home, and as soon as I walk into the penthouse, I feel calmer. I need to see her again. Once I am ready for bed, I set my alarm. The thought of an early morning run isn’t exactly filling me with excitement, it’s the need to see her that’s driving me absolutely fucking mental.

  Cassandra

  Since I opened my eyes I had been debating with myself if I should run to the coffee shop this morning or not? I wanted to see him; I ached to see him. My mind was absorbed by thoughts of him, even my dreams, he was there. I didn't understand what it was, but I couldn’t get him out of my head. My feet struck the sidewalk hard as I made my way to the coffee shop. I couldn't stop myself, even if I tried. Even when I denied it mentally, my body ached to look at those magnificent green eyes.

  I came to a stop at the large glass doors. Grabbing the frosty steel handle, I step into the air-conditioned shop. It was welcome after the run. I stood in line and pulled out my iPhone, texting Kenna to let her know I will call her later. Smiling at the barista, I didn’t have to order. I turned into a regular within a few days; he handed me my usual, and I trudged up to my table. As soon as I slip into the chair, I stare at the door impatiently. My stomach in knots at the thought of seeing him. I started my new job today, the first day of my new life. I had two hours before I had to be there, so I relaxed and savored my coffee.

  To distract myself I studied my phone, but it didn’t work. Nerves and excitement sent shivers through me. The excitement to start on the projects waiting for me was fun. My job entails shadowing Veronica, the sub-editor to gain experience in the industry. Since I am effectively taking over from her, I needed to be on point today. I had two weeks before she left, and I am expected to learn everything I can from her. She said I would get the writing assignments, so that was valuable. I was so lost in my excitement, that I didn't notice him walk in and order his drink. When I heard a chair being pulled out on the tiled floor, I glanced up he was standing at his regular table, observing me. My heart leaped into my throat.

  A devilish smirk curled his lips as he slid into the chair, his eyes locked on me. My stare on his fluid movements and I resisted the urge to lick my lips. What the hell was wrong with me? I chewed my lip to keep from smiling and averted my eyes. I couldn’t believe he had such an effect on me. My whole body ached to drink him in with my eyes. The need flourished in my belly and the heat pooled between my thighs. He was bad news, and I wanted him. There was no denying it, not anymore. I looked up, and he had resumed typing on his phone. The butterflies in my stomach relaxed though the knot tightened and the flutter of yearning for this handsome stranger didn't subside.

  I watched him for a few minutes longer, only because I could not tear my gaze away. Observing the veins in his hands pulse as he typed on his phone. His tongue flicked out licking his lips, and I longed to do the same. I needed to get home. Finishing my coffee, I got up and pushed my chair in quietly, hoping to leave without getting his attention. That was hopeless because as soon as I moved his head jerked up, and his eyes fell on me. His intense gaze burned into my back, but I resisted the impulse to turn. I didn’t need to see those green eyes to know that he was watching me because my skin pricked with the heat of his gaze.

  Chapter 2

  Lucien

  Today is the day, I plan on making sure she knows I want her. As soon as I walk into the coffee shop, I spot her immediately. She looks breathtaking. Tendrils of dark curls frame her flushed face and her tiny purple sports bra is begging me to rip it off and taste her. I would
be happy to oblige. She’s concentrating on her phone and I wonder if she’s texting a boyfriend. The thought sends a jealous tingle through me. I order my regular and grab my table, pulling the chair out, making enough noise for her to glance up. I am awarded when her mocha eyes lock on mine. My cock jumps to attention and I am thankful I wore tight briefs today. Fuck, she’s beautiful! A smirk curls my lips and I flash her a tease of my dimples, apparently, women find it sexy. Her hands are trembling and an image of her tied to my bed, trembling while I drive into her pops into my head.

  Slowly I slip into the seat, pull my phone out and text Jayce. I needed to tell someone about her. She was driving me insane. Her eyes are on me; my skin is prickling. She wants me, it’s obvious. I need to think about something else. The new girl at work could be a welcome distraction, I type in the name Veronica gave me for our new girl in my browser. Cassandra Winters. Her Facebook profile pops up with the picture of the girl sitting across from me. My heart thuds in my chest. It’s her! Fucking hell! This will be interesting. A weekend in Hawaii with one of the hottest and most beautiful girls I have ever laid my eyes on. My mind is whirling with ideas of what we can do on the beach, in the house. On every fucking surface. Excuse the pun.

  When she moves, my eyes shoot up. She’s leaving. See you later, darling. God, her ass is exquisite. My eyes bore a hole into her back. I drink in the last bit of her before she walks out of the shop.

  I find my assistant’s number and hit dial. “Stacy, get IT to bring a new MacBook Pro to my office, I will be there in ten minutes.” Robert is waiting for me when I walk out of the coffee shop. Grateful for the shower at work and my emergency suits ready for me, we make our way to the office. This is going to be a good day. I can feel it. My plan is in motion when I walk into the office a few minutes later. As soon as I am showered and changed, I write the note and send it along with the shiny new laptop to be delivered to Miss Winter’s desk. This will be easy, she's will want me, ache for me.

  Walking back onto the sidewalk moments later, I wait for her to arrive. I glance around and spot her coming from the opposite direction. Perfect timing. The Gods’ are in my favor today. My eyes rake over her appearance as she walks towards the building. Her hips sway in slow motion, and I picture my fingers gripping those hips as I drive my dick into her. I follow her in, keeping my distance. She gives the receptionist a smile. I take in her flawless appearance, sexy, yet smart. A black knee-length pencil skirt and a white button up blouse. Her black heels give her some height, but she’s still much shorter than me. Those calves look incredible with every step she takes. Her curly hair is pinned up and a few stray curls have escaped. When she pushes the call button for the elevator, I take two strides and stand next to her. Watching her intently, she’s realized I am here. Her lips part and I watch her lick them. Fuck! A sign of nerves. She doesn’t turn to me which I don’t mind, I take the opportunity to drink in her soft skin. I can’t wait to make you speechless with my mouth.

  While we wait for the elevator, my thoughts are driving me insane. Just standing beside her is intoxicating. She smells of lavender and hints of patchouli. It takes all my restraint not to press her against the wall and inhale her scent. Soon, baby. I will have you. Lucien Verán always gets what he wants and guess what? You’re the lucky girl I want. Once you’ve had me, you’ll want no one else.

  Cassandra

  I step into the office fifteen minutes early. The perky receptionist gave me a small smile as I passed by her desk. At the elevators, I push the call button. As I watch the lights for the floors count down, my skin prickled with certainty and I knew he was standing next to me. His intense gaze struck me like a tidal wave. With my attention locked forward, I don’t turn. If I looked at him and saw that handsome face, I may have leaped up and ravaged him.

  I giggle inwardly at my thoughts; I could imagine Kenna’s reaction being the same if she laid eyes on him. The elevator doors open, and I step inside, pushing the tenth floor button. I make my way to the back and stand against the wall. Four other people followed me and then he strode inside pressing the button for the top floor. He moved towards me and settled so close heat radiated toward me from his body. I sensed the tension in the air; it was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

  The elevator climbed, people stepped off onto their floors, until we were alone. “Welcome to the firm,” his voice was serious, raspy and so inviting. His scent was intoxicating, a rich spicy cologne that surrounded me perfectly.

  “Thank you.” I murmur, unsure of myself. This was the first time he spoke to me, and the low timbre of his voice increased the pulse between my thighs. My body ached to step closer, the heat from him sending shivers over me. I drew a deep breath as I stared at the numbers, hoping for this to speed up and reach my floor.

  As soon as ten lit up, I stepped forward. “Have a wonderful day, Ms. Winters,” he said as the doors opened. I was speechless at the way my name rolled off his tongue. I walked out, turning to react, but the doors closed and his intense green gaze disappeared along with my words. The encounter had goose bumps rising over my skin. Turning back towards the office, I shook my head to get him off my mind. I hope I didn’t run into him again today. When I got to my desk there was a brand new MacBook waiting for me with a short note.

  *Congratulations on your new position, Ms. Winters*

  I gazed at the elegant script wondering about the owner of it. “Ah Cassie, I am glad you’re here early, come into my office let’s chat!” Ms. Richards’ bubbly voice pulled me from my reverie. It seemed I was getting right to it. I was pleased, needing a distraction.

  Once I drop my bags and grab a notebook and pen, I follow her into the contemporary sea-view office. “Sit!” She gestured to one of the exquisite ornate suede armchairs. “I am thrilled you've joined us! Now, Cassie, I need to get you started on two major projects. I have two shoots you will be covering. You mentioned you would like to write editorials; this is a requirement for the shoot.”

  I nodded, delighted at the opportunity to be writing for Fire & Ice Magazine. “Thank you, Ms. Richards! I am thrilled for the opportunity!”

  “Excellent! All your travel details including the brief are circulated through to your email, which IT will help you with setting up.” She peeked over my shoulder and grinned. “It seems our IT staff are on it.” I shifted to look behind me and saw a young guy sitting at my desk working on my new MacBook.

  “That’s perfect; I will print out all the information and make sure I am ready Ms. Richards.” I beamed.

  “And call me Veronica, I am not that old!” She chuckled. I smiled and nodded. “You should get a company mobile phone as well; I expect that will arrive after lunch. Mr. Verán has all his executive staff on the same network. He may even pop by to meet you.” She winked. I glanced up at her shocked. He knew who I was? The elegant scrawled note on my new laptop came to mind. Did he personally send me a laptop? As if reading my mind, she responded, “Oh honey, he knows everyone who walks through that door in the morning. After the way his dad ran the business, he is quite the opposite, he is more hands on. His father runs the holdings’ company and was always away on business. Lucien is only running the publishing company, so he is in the office every day.” Her smile was sincere and I could see she regarded him with respect. I hadn’t heard about him taking over the company. I must remember to Google it.

  As soon as I am at my desk, I start on my communication with the photographer, editor and publicist for the first shoot which was taking place this weekend in Hawaii. Communication with the team I would work with got me comfortable with my new position. I worked most of the morning with no interruption. My thoughts didn't drift to a certain pair of green eyes either. That’s a lie, I thought about him more than I should have. Just before midday I got a cup of coffee from the communal kitchen. Inhaling the deep flavors I took a minute to appreciate the aroma and made my way back to my desk.

  Lucien

  “Stacy, what meetings have I got today?
” My mind is still on the lovely Ms. Winters when I walk into my office. I slip into my large office chair, I stare as Stacy fumbles with the notes and messages. When she glances up, a frown creases her brow. Normally I would be in a foul mood with her taking so long. However, I am in a good mood. And I know the reason for that.

  “There’s the meeting you have at three, other than that your day is free. I rescheduled the photography meeting for this weekend to 10 am tomorrow.”

  “Perfect, call the airfield and add another passenger to the flight details for this Friday. I think Ms. Winters needs to accompany me on location.” My plan to take her to Hawaii will be the perfect opportunity to get her even more flustered than she was this morning. I want her, under me, writhing and begging me for release. Her nails digging into my back as I fuck her tight little body.

  “Yes, sir. Anything else?”

  “Coffee, please Stacy.” She nods, leaving me alone.

  I close my eyes for a moment, a picture of Cassandra flushed and nervous pops into my mind and I smile. Her scent still lingering, giving me an overpowering urge to take her. Own her. What the fuck was that? I need to fuck this girl, get her out of my head. I power on my laptop and go through the documents I needed to sign for today’s meeting. When Stacy came back with my coffee, I glanced up and noticed her top had suddenly got tighter since her visit to the kitchen. I needed a new assistant. Preferably Ms. Winters. God that would be amazing. Would love to order her around, have her kneeling in front of me. Have her present herself. Naked. Jesus, I need to work. Fuck.