Page 20 of Access

Paco didn’t like it, and everything in his mind that said bad idea didn’t come close to describing the full spectrum of possible ramifications. This tactic, if applied incorrectly, could bring D.G.I. to its knees in one fell swoop. Practically dissolve everything they’d worked so hard for over the past ten years. Yet, as far as he could recall, Alex Drake had never asked him for anything. Ever.

His heart poured out as hard as Alex’s did at that point, knowing full well what it all meant. It was a fucking shame that the heart was often the Achilles heel of business.

Paco was there to ensure Alex never got swept away in a moment. It was one reason Alex was the majority owner, and Paco a distant but unyielding second. But today, Paco would fail him, because he felt it too. The draw to Madison. Despite every logical bone in his body screaming no, he took that leap of faith as well, ready to let the chips fall where they may. He pulled back the form, turned it right-side up, and signed as requested, praying he and Alex weren’t about to go down like Thelma and Louise.

The five minutes were almost up, but Madison wasn’t exactly making a break for the door. She needed answers, and was determined to wait until the irritated voice of Paco shattered the silence. He was clearly shouting at Alex from the other room. The scuffle might have been the tipping point for her to scurry away had she been determined to do so, but both men returned. Alex handed her the type-written note. She read it, then shot her face back to Alex. “I’m not sure what to say. I guess I’m with Paco ... I’m pretty sure you’ve lost your fucking mind.”

17

The letter bearing today’s date read as follows:

To Whom It May Concern,

I, Alex Drake, being of sound mind, do hereby agree that if I ever lie to Madison Taylor, everything I have and everything I own, including my personal and corporate holdings, will immediately and unequivocally be transferred to her for whatever purpose she deems fit.

Signed,

Alex Drake

President and CEO

Drake Global Industrials, Inc.

Witnessed:

Paco Robles

Madison just looked at Alex, then at Paco, who immediately shrugged his shoulders and raised his hand in a “don’t look at me” gesture.

Alex returned to his bended-knee position before her, taking her free hand in both of his. “Madison, I promise you, the book and photo, as strange as it may sound right now, were given to me. I didn’t take them ... or have someone take them for me.” He instinctively looked at Paco for a wingman moment, and Madison looked at him for confirmation of Alex’s words. Both knew that if anyone would have executed a covert mission for Alex, it would’ve been Paco.

“Why are you both looking at me?” Paco said, indignant at the implication he’d stoop so low. “Hey, these pristinely manicured nails are waaaay above petty theft.”

Madison returned her gaze to Alex, still confused. “The bottom-line, Madison, is that I can’t tell you, at this moment, why I know the things I know or have the things I have, but I promise you it’s not what you’re thinking ... whatever you’re thinking.” He caressed her face in both hands, pulling her forehead to his. “I swear, every single thing is on the up-and-up. I just need time before I explain ... and I will tell you everything. I swear.”

Between the warmth of his hands and the desperation in his eyes, Madison considered his request. “How much time?” she breathed. Madison surprised herself with the need for a commitment, but stood firm on the ask.

“Thirty days. And I’ll tell you absolutely everything. Everything.”

“Thirty days?” she repeated. After years in the service industry, Madison had honed a sixth-sense for knowing who to trust and who to pitch. Her track record was solid. No matter how much she didn’t understand it, her instincts drew her to a single conclusion. She trusted him. A man she barely knew. For no reason other than an uncanny connection and this overwhelming sense that he cared for her. She took a deep breath as she, too, threw caution to the wind. “Okay. Thirty days.” She acquiesced. They softly kissed, sealing the month-long deal.

Paco interrupted. “Look, you both seem to have this sorted, so I’m just going to head out.” Walking to the elevator, Alex called after him.

“Hey, man,” Paco turned back as the doors opened. “Thank you. And by the way, nice earrings.” Paco entered the elevator grinning.

As the door slid shut, Paco retorted, “She said I could have them.”

Grateful that Madison was satisfied for the moment, the relief charged a steadily emerging need of his own. With any other woman, sex was just a trade; he got whatever services he wanted, and they got what they wanted. Diamonds. Cash. The occasional flashy car. There was no intimacy, because he never trusted anyone enough to be intimate. He could never let anyone close.

But Madison was different. He felt it in his soul. She had a closet filled with high-end jewels, yet only wore one extravagant tennis bracelet, and only because Paco had wrapped it around her wrist. She was brave and honest, regardless of the consequences. That and she seemed practically oblivious to the fact she looked like the girl next door wrapped up as a fucking playboy bunny. Perfect in every way.

He gave all his passion to her in a sweltering kiss, and she received it willingly. Desperately. He slid his hand around her waist, pulling her tightly into him. The intoxication of knowing she’d agreed to stay fueled his libido. But a hot meal waited in the adjoining room. “You hungry?” he asked softly, stroking her cheek with his knuckles.

Her pounding heartbeat prevented her from saying anything, and she shook her head slowly. She eyed his lips and opened her mouth ever so slightly, inviting his return. She took in his breath, and inadvertently but noticeably inhaled strongly to capture more of his scent. Her deep breath raised her cleavage in such a subtle yet seductive way, Alex couldn’t help but take the cue. He moved his body into hers, pressing deep kisses on her ready lips, feeling every heaving breath with his chest. Whatever thoughts they each had concerning their new arrangement quickly passed. She wasn’t resisting. She was surrendering. Succumbing. She was his. And he would be hers.

He lifted her from the chair, cradling her in his arms as he stood, making way to the master bedroom. He set her on her knees on the bed. He removed his pants, as she unbound his tie. She began unbuttoning his shirt, but as she opened it, he reactively grabbed her wrists, stopping her. It suddenly occurred to him just how different this would be, taking a woman from the front. He’d never actually presented himself to a woman— not in over ten years. Taking them from the back was quick and easy, and avoided the inevitable questions, or comments, or expressions. No possibility of quizzical looks, or worse, of pity. But with Madison, he needed all of her, and was ready to give all of himself in exchange.

His hands remained around her wrists, and Madison felt his trepidation and vulnerability. But her agreement to stay was not for him to hide more. She was there to get to know him better, see him for all he was. She was ready for anything, accepting him for all he was, and pleasing him however he desired.

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