Everything He Demands (Bookkeeper for the Billionaire #3)(6)
Author: Thalia Frost

“Tell me what you see.” Rock stood behind me, his hands on the back of the chair, but even his sexy presence couldn’t distract me from what I’d found.

“There’s money missing—a lot. The balance sheet isn’t adding up.”

“Right on.” He sighed. “The question is…who’s stealing from me? That’s what I intend to find out on this little vacation. I needed to get away from the vipers who surround me so I could think.”

I turned halfway in the chair, glancing at him.

Lines riddled his face. He was so tense, I wondered if he’d spring at any minute and start pummeling the way. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. The main thing is fixing it. I have investors who are going to find out about these numbers in two weeks. Time is running out, and I won’t have my business destroyed by a thief.” Rock walked to the window, gazing out upon the city lights.

“I’ll help you in any way I can.”

“Good. Figure out when the money started looking off. I’m the only one who’s looked at these numbers. These are side deals, and I handle many of them myself. As you can imagine, this makes me look pretty bad.” Rock slumped, his voice growing softer.

“Yes, I can see that.” I swallowed hard. Now I understand my role in all of this. Bookkeeper was only a small part of it. Distraction was the name of the game.

“So, tomorrow you will help me immensely. We’re getting engaged in a very public way and having a party to follow. That should get some people worried. There’s a snake in the grass, and my having a wife won’t make him happy.” Rock paced, his tone growing hard.

“Do you know who’s done this?” I got up, not sure what to do.

“I have an idea, and if I’m right, he’s expecting to siphon off my fortune as he can. My having a wife who is also keeping a sharp eye on the books won’t be his idea of fun. I’ve handled it in the past, but he knows I’m busy now. Too busy.” Rock ran a hand through his hair and sat on the couch.

“I see.” But I didn’t entirely.

“Well, why not fire him or put him on leave and sort it out later?” I crossed the room slowly, but I could see from his face that Rock was in another world.

“Not going to happen.”

I perched on the edge of a wingback chair.

“Oh. I guess I don’t understand.”

Rock laughed, a mirthless, cold sound. “Few would. He saved my life when I was a child. I owe everything I am to him in many ways.”

“But you can’t let him steal from you.” My voice rose in indignation.

“What do you know about my life…about what I will or won’t or can or can’t do, Ms. Pate?” Rock’s tone was like ice.

“Nothing. I’m sorry.” I moved my hands in a fluttering motion.

“Exactly. Don’t question me. I’ll take care of this. You’re here to do a job…to keep an eye on the books and to act as my future wife. It’s an important role but don’t overstep your bounds.”

I shivered at his words.

Why am I doing this? I’m insane. I hardly know this man, and he’s only using me for his own ends.

“Cat got your tongue, Ms. Pate? You may go now.” Rock dismissed me with a wave of his hand.

My mouth dropped open. “That’s it?”

“For now. Yes. Take your computer with you. I’ll let you know if you’re needed further tonight. Keep your door unlocked.”

From the stormy look in his eyes, I had a feeling I’d be seeing him. I just wasn’t sure I wanted to. This was a Rock Weldon I didn’t know…the dark side of him, the one that frightened me.

* * * *

I dithered over what to wear to bed. Finally, I chose an emerald-colored, see-through nighty with matching garters and tights.

Have to keep the boss happy, even if he is moody.

I climbed in between the silken sheets with a moan. My watch read 11:00 p.m. I didn’t think I’d be able to stay awake long.

Just as I was drifting off into a dream featuring Rock’s dark gaze, my cell phone rang. I grabbed it from the nightstand where I’d laid it.

“Hello?”

“Ms. Pate.” The words weren’t a question.

“Yes. Who’s calling?” Anxiety rose inside me, and I gripped the phone tighter.

“A friend. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll cancel your trip and catch a plane out of there. Did you know the man you’re…working for is a murderer?” The insinuation in the tone was undeniable. The caller knew what Rock and I were up to as far as extracurricular activities.

“I don’t believe you.”

The man laughed. “Your call. But watch your back, pretty lady.”

A click sounded in my ear. I stared at the phone, incredulous.

Rock—a murderer? I couldn’t believe it of the man who stirred my body into a frenzy of lust. Could I?

I tossed and turned for a few minutes, but sleep finally claimed me.

* * * *

When I woke up later, I couldn’t move my arms well. They were above my head, tied to the bed somehow in a soft, leather restraint from the feel of the material against my wrists. The room was dark. A blindfold of sorts was over my eyes from what I could tell. Cool air washed over my body in the thin chemise.

“Rock?”

He didn’t speak. Excitement and fear fluttered in my stomach.

“I need you. Will you do everything I want, Lacey? What’s come before was only the start. Trust goes much deeper with me. It has to be forged in pain and submission if this is going to work.”

“Yes,” I whispered, my pu**y growing wet at the thought.

“Say my name, Lacey.”

Pressure on the bed indicated that Rock had sat down beside me.

“Rock.”

“That didn’t convince me you want me, that you’ll listen to everything I tell you, do anything I need you to do. I want you to cater to my demands, Lacey. That’s going to get trickier once we’re in the limelight.” His breath tickled my ear, and his voice was like a razor, so sharp I could cut myself on it.

I let out a tremulous sigh.

“Say my name, Lacey, like you mean it, like you adore me and my cock. Like you want to give me control of your body.”

“Rock,” I said loudly.

“That’s a little better, but before we’re through, you’re going to scream it over and over. Open your legs wide.”

I slid my legs apart. His hand cupped my pu**y, and I gasped.

“This is mine. You work for me, and I don’t want you to forget it.”

I swallowed hard. “I won’t.”

“Because I own this pu**y, Lacey, every sweet inch of it.” Rock slowly slid a finger inside me, and I moaned, pulling against the leather around my wrists.

“Please.” My voice was hoarse, still full of sleep.