Page 57 of The Mogul: Leonard

“We are a team. I know we started on the wrong foot, but I want you to be certain that no matter what, we are a team,” he states with so much intensity that a pleasant shiver runs down my spine.

“Starting on the wrong foot is a bit of an understatement,” I chuckle. I need this tension between us to dissipate because it is becoming suffocating, and I don’t trust myself when the need to kiss him is so strong I can hardly find a reason why this is entirely wrong.

He laughs, letting go of my hand and breaking the spell holding us captive. “I was trying to be nice.”

“It doesn’t suit the mogul persona.” I wink at him, and his eyes darken with lust.

His gaze is so intense that I have to look down at our meal spread over the desk. I’m sure he can see my cheeks burning with what I hope he interprets as embarrassment, but it’s just pure sexual longing.

It will be a long, tortuous road to the end of this collaboration, and I don’t know if I can resist the impulse to give in to my desire.

19

Leonard

Roxanne and I are in my office, seated on my couch, tracking down every bit of code to understand what they installed into the software we use. After a couple of weeks, we are practically sure that they used the payroll software to breach our systems and gain access to my other companies. Now, we just have to figure out how they did it and what information they are stealing.

Roxanne bends over her computer to grab a piece of sushi and pops it into her mouth, bringing her focus back to her monitor. She is wearing a pair of shorts and a loose tank top; her glittery pink pair of Converse are tossed on the carpet, and her feet are tucked underneath her on the couch. I get a peek of her lacey black bra from the wide sleeve hole and my dick, which has been at half-mast since she walked into this office this morning, is hurting.

I make a massive effort to bring my gaze back to my computer and focus on my task instead of her long, smooth, tanned legs. I’ve dreamed way too many times of those limbs wrapped around my waist while I fuck her against the wall.

A knock on the door distracts me from my inappropriate thoughts. I look up and see Jack’s smiling face.

“Mr. Leonard. Still working?” he asks and I motion for him to come inside and sit in the armchair in front of the low coffee table.

He sits down, bending his knees with some difficulty, and I make a mental note to ask him about his health. When we are alone, we can talk freely without him feeling embarrassed about sharing his personal life with a stranger.

“Should I drive the Miss home? You keep her here so late, working on that infernal machine.” He waves at the computers. It’s always funny how he scolds me. He acts more like a father than my night security guy. But it’s somehow comforting, his concern about my life. I’m used to having people bowing down before me, agreeing to everything I say. It’s refreshing when someone calls me on my bullshit.

“I am feeding her…if that helps my cause.” I chuckle, and Roxanne does too.

“I promise he is treating me well,” she interjects.

Jack doesn’t seem convinced and studies her intently, his dark eyes like laser beams taking in her every expression as he scrutinizes her for long moment.

“But you’re still here this late,” he points out.

“I’m used to working this late. Even if I’m not doing it for him,” she says, and the frown on Jack’s face deepens.

He turns his scowling gaze on me, and I suddenly feel like a kid being scolded. Very few people can make me shrink in my chair like this.

“When I suggested you find a woman, I meant someone who drags you out of the office, not someone who keeps you in it,” he points out, and I bark out a laugh.

I think Roxanne wants to point out that she is not my woman, but when she opens her mouth, she closes it without a word. She is intimidated by Jack. This is the first time I’ve seen her show respect for someone. It’s amusing.

I don’t correct him either, and I don’t know why. Maybe because, during this time, I’ve come to know Roxanne enough not to consider her a kid anymore. She’s smart, challenges me, and is sexy as hell. Everything I want in a woman.

“How is your family?” I ask, changing the subject.

Jack has been with me long enough to know not to press a subject if I don’t respond. But the question is so close to his heart that he completely forgets what we were discussing.

“I completely forgot to tell you. My youngest was awarded a last-minute scholarship. She is going to college for free like my other kiddos. She is thrilled about it, and I am too. Now she can focus on studying and not worrying about paying off her debts,” he says proudly and I’m happy for him.

Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Roxanne studying me with a curious look.

“I’m happy for her. She’s a good kid; I’m sure she’ll take advantage of the scholarship and make you proud. Has she already decided what to study?” I’m genuinely pleased for them. They are a great family, and they deserve a chance to do great things.

“She wants to become a lawyer.” He beams, and I can see his eyes watering. He’s a good father.

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