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Friday
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Leo
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Today is the day, I have to get rid of Alexa. I ignore the way my skin tightens all over as my mind flicks through the ways to make it happen. It has to happen, and it has to happen today. She is becoming an obsession. I had no idea how much I was talking about Alexa until Dmitri clapped me on the back and said he couldn’t wait to meet my Alexa.
Except she isn’t my Alexa, she belongs to someone else, she is married to another fucking man. Fuck her for not remembering that and making me be the one who had to. When the doors to the elevator open my eyes are drawn to her without my fucking permission. She is wearing an ice-blue blouse, thick, shiny silk in the bodice, the sleeves a sheer, lighter blue.
She is speaking into the microphone of the earbud she has in her ear. I draw on the anger thrashing within me. “Are you taking a personal fucking call?”
She blinks, she clenches her jaw as she pulls the earbud out. “No, I was dictating the report you wanted for the conference today.”
Dictating?
“It’s how I’m able to get the reports written so fast. I don’t have to type. I just dictate and when I’m done I clean it up and edit.”
“That’s cheating.” That’s how she was able to get the reports done so quickly.
Blue eyes flash, “It is not cheating. This is a way of getting my work done in a quick and efficient manner. I wouldn’t have been able to get them done without it...” She trails off. “You did it on purpose. You gave me reports to complete in time frames I wouldn’t have been able to get done if I hadn’t brought in my dictation.
“What a bastard you are. Screw you. I’m not doing it. I’m not quitting. If you want me gone, then you’re going to have to fire me. Act like a man and do the dirty work yourself. Stop bullying a woman, you’re two times bigger and stronger than.”
This bitch, the words fly out of my mouth. “Then you’re fired. I want you gone, now.”
Her eyes go wide as she stands, despite the desk between us we are only inches away from each other as she leans across it. The clean, sweet scent of her teases me, fucking with my head.
“You coward! I thought Natalie was wrong, a part of me couldn’t believe her, but it’s true. You want me but since you can’t have me, if you can’t fuck a woman then you don’t want anything to do with her. It’s beyond your tiny little mind and massive ego to interact with a woman without becoming an animal and succumbing to desire. Well, tough, figure it out because I’m not leaving.”
Every breath I take is of her, her blue eyes are glittering with her anger sending my body into overdrive. Fuck. I want to get violent. I want to drag her into my arms and kiss her until she is breathless. Then the crystal around the rim of the frame catches my eye. It’s him, her fucking husband. It’s the same picture on his Facebook page. He is smiling, his own wedding ring glinting in the picture. God damn it. The picture is a dousing of cold water, I refuse to be that man. I swing away from her fighting for composure, I cannot find it. I slam into my office needing to get as far away from her as I can.
I am pacing in front of the windows, sunlight pours through washing over me. There are no shadows to hide behind anymore. Alexa is aware I want her. What is worse, she was unaware of it until Natalie told her. Shame courses through me that Natalie knows of my desire for an employee. The shame does not stop me from being furious with Natalie for discussing it with Alexa.
My pride stings from Alexa’s accusation. Her bitterly true accusation. The prospect of wanting her while forced to see her every day without acting on my desire is no longer something I trust myself to do. What angers me most was the minute I fired her, I wanted to recall my words. For an agonizing moment, while I imagined her walking away, time stood still until she refused. If I really want her gone only a call, I am not willing to make will achieve it. With a sigh, I accept my fate. I’m not sure if the sigh is of relief or resignation.
***
Alexa
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The thunder of Leo’s door slamming rocks me back into the moment. Oh my god, what did I just do? Did I really say that? Did Leo really fire me, and I tell him, no, I wasn’t leaving? Leo hadn’t denied any of it, not that he was trying to get me to quit, not that he wanted me. Holy fuck, Leandros Kaplan wants me. Wanted me enough to fire me because he was worried he couldn’t keep his hands off me.
Closing my eyes, I shudder all over again in horror. How come Leo didn’t argue with me? Is he calling security right now? My hand presses into my stomach trying to calm the riot of flips and twists. I think I’m going to be sick. Yes, oh god. I run to the bathroom.
My stomach is still twisting as I make my way back to my desk slowly. When I sit down there’s an instant message waiting for me. It’s from Leo, sent a few minutes ago. Two more people have been added to the conference, instead of seven reports, nine will be needed.
I almost collapse in relief. My head in my hand, I can’t believe he’s really going to just pretend like it didn’t happen. Security wasn’t on their way, he wasn’t going to get Natalie down to walk me out.
Fear is spreading throughout every inch of my body as I come to the realization of what I just got myself into. Leo really wants me, but I can’t have him, and I’m still supposed to work with him. How the hell am I supposed to do that?
***
Leo
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My instant message flashes, Alexa is letting me know she is going to prepare the conference room. I look at the clock, it’s been several hours since my last message from her. I am pleased by the ease of tension within me. I have not worked without thinking about Alexa this long since she started. Perhaps it was simply a matter of coming to terms with my desire that alleviated it. It is as I once believed, this desire will dissipate on its own. I have no doubt it will not happen overnight. However, it will lessen until I will forget I ever felt it.
Then I walk into the conference room where Alexa is bent over the conference table. The urge to take her hard and rough from behind has me in pain. Sonofabitch.
It does not get any better when the room fills with people. A dozen times my eyes go to Alexa, wanting to see her reaction, indicating she needed to make a note, when she clears her throat, to see her try and discreetly put her bra strap back on her shoulder as it slides down her arm.
As the meeting draws to a close, I become conscious of the looks of surprise as eyes go from me to Alexa and back again. The question of how Natalie was able to detect my desire for Alexa is answered. I have played poker at some of the highest stakes tables in Monaco and walked away with millions yet having Alexa within touching distance has even Walter, the most obtuse man in the company, reading me.
Angry with Alexa, disgusted with myself, I end the meeting. “Any questions or issues give them to Alexa.”
Almost twenty minutes later Alexa knocks on my door. When she comes in, I am immediately angry with her all over again. Her eyes are ice, she is looking through me. As she hands me the notes from the meeting, her bra strap falls again.
“Your bra strap is showing, fix it.” Her face turns crimson, I twist the knife. “The problem is your bra does not fit. It’s the reason why despite it being tight around your chest the strap keeps falling. Once you are done with the notes on the meeting, I want you to go here.” I pull out a card from my personal trove. “I will call Gertrude and let her know to expect you. You look sloppy, I do not do sloppy and while you work for me, neither do you.”
Her jaw clenches. Reaching out, she takes the card as if she is handling the Ebola virus. “Yes, sir.”
***
Alexa
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The card falls to the floor from my bloodless fingers. I want to tear it into tiny pieces as I lean down to pick it up. Almost as if taunting me, my stupid bra strap slides down again. Damn it. How did he know it was too tight around my chest?
The bathroom is huge, like something out of a luxury home and it’s my bathroom, or I should say it’s not the one he uses. Turning the lock, I take off my blouse, since the silk is thick enough I’m not wearing a camisole under it. The bra is one of the few that is comfortable yet supportive without the underwire that always feels like it digs into me.
Only he’s right, it’s not really comfortable because by the end of the day I feel like it’s cutting me in half. I take off the bra and tighten the strap as far as it will go. Heat thrums through me, Leo has been staring at me enough to know my bra doesn’t fit.
I remember his eyes on my breasts. In immediate response, my breasts swell, and my nipples tighten in anticipation. I’ve always been embarrassed by my large breasts. I cup them, they overflow my hands. Did he like my breasts, even though I thought they were too big? What would he think of them in the tired, tan bra on the vanity?
It’s embarrassing to admit I’ve never even tried to measure myself properly. I used the bras my older sister left behind for years. My dad had no idea about any of it, and I was too shy to ask him. My sister was thinner, and I gradually went up from the 30B bras she wore to my current 38C. I remember the first bras she had, how pretty and soft they felt against my skin. Unlike the tired lycra and polyester one I’m wearing and the half dozen at home that look just like it.
With fumbling fingers, I get my bra and blouse back on. I pick up the card from the vanity, I’m calling him on this, but for me.
***
Leo
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Seeing an email from my head of emerging markets requesting to meet to go over a forecast she and her team compiled I buzz Alexa to take a look at my calendar for next week.
“Yes, Mr. Kaplan.”
“Who is this? Where is Alexa?”
“It’s Jenny, sir. I’m Mrs. Sanderson’s assistant, she’s out today. Alexa asked me to sit in for her. She’s running an errand she said you sent her on. She said she wouldn’t be back today.”
Fucking hell. Shame hits me hard. Alexa was really doing it. That insane fucking insult I gave her.
I snatch up my phone and call Gertrude. Of course, I had not actually called her already. Her assistant answers and puts her on.
“Hello, Leo.”
“Gertrude, there is a woman on her way to you. Alexa Clark, please treat her well. Anything she needs or wants, I am covering her expenses. She is to have the best.”
“I’ll take care of her myself. Her visit will be as pleasurable as the silk against her skin. Is there anything special you would like to see her in?”
Her question tortures me. “I—no, this is not about me, it’s about Alexa. She requires assistance. What she currently wearing does not fit her. If you could see to her, I would appreciate it.”
“I will endeavor to educate her in the best fit for her body as well as introduce her to the joys of silk and lace.”
I hang up and close my eyes at the idea of Alexa in black lace, in nothing at all.
I am completely and utterly fucked.
***
Alexa
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Finding the place isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. It’s rather small, and the windows have nothing in them. There’s just distinctive scrolling of the name, Feminine Foundations. The door is barely closed behind me before a woman is in front of me. She’s a tiny woman, smiling, dressed all in black. The all black is glaring against the soft all white of the pretty little shop. This is no mall lingerie store, the array of silk and lace screams feminine wiles. I’m so in the wrong place.
“Hello, Alexa. I’m Gertrude and happy to meet you. Leo was quite concerned your visit today be a positive one. Would you like something to drink, champagne, wine, coffee or tea or sparkling water?”
I blush to my roots at what Leo might have told her. “I’m fine, thank you. What did he say?”
She smiles again, a fine feathering of lines are evidence she smiles often. “It wasn’t what he said exactly, it was the way he said it. I do believe I have never heard Leo sound so concerned or apologetic. Lover’s quarrel?”
My face had just gotten back to normal when I blush so fast my head swims as I shake my head frantically. “No—it’s, it’s not like that.”
Her eyebrows go up. “Interesting.” It’s clear she doesn’t believe me. “I wondered. This is the first time Leo has ever sent a woman to me.”
What? “Then why did he have your card?”
“Because Leo gave me the money to start my shop. His charitable foundation also sends young women to me every year. Many of the women didn’t grow up under the best circumstances and have no frame of reference for things like well-fitting bras and what kind of undergarments help them look their best. As my shop’s name suggests a foundation is important, when you feel good about yourself, you do better for yourself. So, the young women come and get sized, and we discuss things like what fabrics are best and style and fit of panties, slips, camisoles, shapewear like a girdle, that sort of thing.”
I know Leo has a foundation started when he turned eighteen, he signed over the trust his father was forced to create for Leo once his paternity was determined. Leo called it blood money and vowed to never touch it. From what I read it funded scholarships and grants for education, everything from private schools K-12 and college and university covering costs from tuition to books. “None of his...girlfriends have ever been here?”
“No, well, not that I know of. He’s certainly never called me sounding quite desperate to make amends as he did a few minutes ago.”
I’m confused. “Leo just called you?”
“Yes, maybe five minutes before you arrived.”
The confusion doesn’t go away over the next hour. Gertrude is sweet, I really like her. I never would have thought I would be so comfortable. Her laughter wasn’t mean when I first blushed as I took off my blouse and bra. She offered to take off her own to make me feel comfortable, and the embarrassment just disappeared.
I’m surprised when she informs me that I’m a 42D instead of the size I thought I was. Then I’m in heaven when she has me try on a beautiful lace bra. At first, I’m doubtful at the size and the underwire. Then I put it on, and it feels amazing. Soft satin is against my skin while the lace is the decoration above it.
“The underwire isn’t digging into me, and I’m not coming out of it. And it’s so pretty.” I’m still a little embarrassed at the need for her to add something to extend the size from the 40 to a 42 which Gertrude told me was silly. There was a reason she had so many of the extenders, many women needed them.
“As long as a bra is well made the underwear should never dig into your skin. It only does when it’s not the proper fit. All it’s supposed to do is support. I’m glad you like it. Now that we have confirmed your measurements let’s see how you feel about lace, my dear. It’s simply the best ammo in your arsenal when it comes to men.”
I blush at the way she says it, her hint crystal clear. I’m not sure what to say, too shy to admit just how unused any ammo would be. I like almost everything, it’s hard to pick when I’m ready to go, especially when there’s no price tag.
I break down and ask Gertrude. “Um, there aren’t any prices on these. It’s kind of a factor in what I buy.”
“Leo is taking care of your visit today. He was very clear about that.”
Hell, no. He doesn’t get to buy his way out of this. “No, absolutely not. I’m paying.”
She opens her mouth then closes it again. For a moment she studies the bras I’m holding.
Looking down at the four I want the most and the one I can’t bring myself to take off I have no idea. What would they cost? The ugly one I wore into the shop is in the trash. The ugly one was forty dollars on sale. This is hard, I don’t spend money on myself. Only the idea of leaving even one of the bras behind makes me sad.
“What you have there will total six hundred and twenty dollars. Do you want them all?” I nod as I wince and hand them over. “I’ll get them boxed up for you.”
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Once I’m home I open the pretty white box and pull apart the tissue paper. My eyes go wide when I see there are matching panties. They are gorgeous, is that why they were so expensive because they were a set? I put on the panties that match the bra I’m wearing and stand in front of the mirror. Gertrude was right, it does make you feel pretty and sexy and good about yourself, able to take on the world or an asshole billionaire.
Closing my eyes, I imagine Leo here with me as I have so many times before. My hand goes to touch myself. I’m too worked up to pull out my vibrator. The thought of Leo has me wet in an instant. Would Leo like the blue lace or the black lace? Will he like that I’m bare from the laser treatments my doctor insisted I get to stop the painful ingrown hairs?
I skim my thumb over my bare mound loving the feel of the soft skin. I feel my breasts swell and nipples harden. My other hand moves up to cup one, hissing at the sweet ache that goes right to the core of me. A finger dips deeper, swimming in the wet heat pooling now. Deeper in and out, then higher teasing around my swollen nub. I remember Leo, leaning over my desk his scent all around me, wood, smoke, fire and something that was only Leo. My body clenches from deep inside, I moan because I’m empty, Leo isn’t inside me the way I want. I push my fingers deeper, but it’s not enough; my body is hot, tight, greedy for my orgasm. Giving in, my fingers swirling over my clitoris. I tip over into an orgasm, my body shuddering.
***
Leo
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My phone beeps, “Mr. Kaplan, Gertrude Holtzer calling for you. Are you available?”
“Yes, put her through.” I snatch up the phone. “Gertrude, how did it go?”
“Very well. She’s a sweet woman, your Alexa. If a little naïve, I was forced to lie. She refused to allow you to pay. I didn’t argue with her. I quoted her the price for one of the bras and panty sets. In the end, she left with five.”
Naïve indeed, if she thought the cost of one set covered five. “Thank you, Gertrude. Please send me the bill to my home, not the office.”
“As you wish, Leo. Would you like the long invoice? The long invoice includes an image of the purchase. She picked several in lace, she likes black, even the silk ones she picked out—”
A groan escapes me. “Not necessary. A simple invoice is enough. I have to go.”
The image of Alexa in black lace and satin haunts me for the rest of the day.