Page 50 of Passionate Defense

The meeting ended on a positive note with Lanie promising to forward their compensation and benefits package, and Sarah Masterson scurrying off with a broad smile in her nondescript brown flats. Appearances aside, Ethan predicted if lunch went as well as cocktails, she would soon be on the payroll.

“That woman is in dire need of a makeover.”

Ethan sent her an amused glance. “I thought the same thing, but it just goes to show you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

Lanie’s eyes glinted with excitement. “Beth is going to love her. If her references check out, I think we’ve found our forensic accountant.”

Ethan laughed at her thoughts so closely mirroring his own. “Are you ready for dinner?”

“Yes, smelling the garlic bread for the last hour has been killing me.”

“Before we go in...” He retrieved a gift bag from his briefcase and handed it to her, hoping he contained the carnal leer that threatened. “Happy Secretaries Day, Miss Langston.”

She blinked at the sudden shift in gears and murmured, “Let the games begin.”

“Indeed,” he said with a grin.

She seamlessly picked up her role. “Why, Mr. Fischer, you shouldn’t have.”

When she went to open the bag, he stayed her hand. “Not here, my dear. Take it to the ladies’ room and open it in private. There are further directions inside.”

She eyed the tissue paper poking above the rim out of the bag, as if she could see past it.

“No peeking!” He grasped her chin and tipped her face up to his. “Do not disappoint me, my dear. Get a move on while I flag down someone to see about our table.”

“Yes, sir,” was her soft reply as she slipped from the booth, a becoming blush gracing her delicate features. He noticed she bit her lower lip, a habit when she was feeling uncertain or anxious. She was dying to rip into the bag, and he figured she’d be peeking as soon as she was out of sight.

Oh, to be a fly on the wall in the ladies’ room. Hopefully, she wouldn’t pull out the contents before she got into a private stall, away from prying eyes.

He watched as she walked across the lounge. In her tight skirt, it was more like a strut. Heads turned as she passed, male and female. Who could blame them for appreciating her beauty and grace, or ogling her fabulous ass?

A table of four men in shirtsleeves and loosened ties paid particular attention.Enjoy the view, fellas,he thought smugly,’cause that’s all you’re gonna get. She’s all mine.

Ethan’s hand rose to signal their server as soon as she was out of sight.

* * *

WHEN THE DOOR TO THEladies’ room closed behind her, Lanie pulled out the tissue from the hot-pink bag and peered inside.

“Crap on a cracker,” she exclaimed, clutching the bag to her chest in alarm. Ignoring the curious stares, she waited impatiently for the next empty stall.

A few minutes later, she rushed inside and locked the door. Reaching past Ethan’s not-so-little surprise, she pulled out a small piece of folded paper from the bottom of the bag.

Ms. Langston,

Your performance this week has left much to be desired.

You double-booked two important clients, were late with important correspondence, and my cleaning was not picked up on time. For a highly recommended executive assistant, I am gravely disappointed.

As such, I am placing you on a corrective action plan beginning tonight. The item in the bag will remind you of your need for improvement. Failure to please me in every way this evening will result in further disciplinary action.

You have five minutes to insert the device and return to me. At that point, you will hand me your panties as a sign of your willingness to accept my discipline. If you do not, I will assume you plan to pursue other employment—possibly at some other Mickey Mouse organization that will accept substandard work.

The decision, as always, is yours.

E

A rush of heat swept through her and moisture collected between her thighs as she imagined sitting across from him, eating dinner while trying to maintain an appearance of normalcy with the device, as he called it, inside her.

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