Bred by the CEO (Breeding Season Book 10) Read online

  He looked toward Rose and saw the fear in her eyes. That one look was enough for him to know he was making the right decision. He had an overwhelming need to protect her, and he was going to do just that.

  Chapter Three

  He fired Mrs. Haywire. Mrs. Haywire!

  Everyone expected the old woman would live forever as if fueled by the souls of everyone on her team. Now she was gone, her office packed up before she was escorted out of the building.

  Was this her doing?

  Rose was happy and relieved, but also worried and maybe a bit guilty. What if she couldn’t even handle the new job Mr. Blackwood offered her? She’d look like a joke. Maybe she wouldn’t be able to deal with the stress and uncertainty of the position. Her past always managed to come back to haunt her, especially when her schedule was tossed up in the air.

  On her way up the elevator the next morning at 6:45 AM, there were quite a few others heading into work. She thought she’d be one of the only workers coming in this early in the morning. But she was hyped, ready … and a bundle of nerves.

  She felt the heated stares of two women in the far corner. When she peered to the side, her suspicions were confirmed. They eyed her up and down with blatant disapproval like some popular girls in high school. When she heard their barely disguised whispers talking about affirmative action, she swallowed hard and stared straight ahead. Was that how people saw her? Was there any truth in it? Every muscle in her body had gone rigid. This was the story of her life, being judged by the color of her skin when it had nothing to do with her brain, her heart, or her intentions.

  As soon as the doors opened on the penthouse suite, Rose couldn’t stand the sound of their condescending giggles a second longer. She rushed out, holding her oversized bag to her side as she went straight to Mr. Blackwood’s office.

  She opened his office door without knocking. When she saw it was empty, she closed the door and leaned against it, her bag sagging to the ground. She shut her eyes and exhaled, willing the swell of tears to stay locked in place. Rose was tired, embarrassed, and pissed off. She wanted her promotion because of her hard work, not due to some backward policy that mocked her achievements.

  “You’re early.”

  Rose opened her eyes and gasped. Mr. Blackwood had been in the office the entire time. He’d been at the bar around the corner, now carrying some kind of green drink.

  “Sorry, I didn’t know you were in here.”

  “It’s my office.” He lifted his drink in greeting as he casually walked over to his desk. It was the complete opposite to the war playing inside her.

  “I had a question I wanted to ask before I got started,” she said. Rose wasn’t going to play games. And no way in hell would she take a pity handout. She had her diploma, skills, and a strong work history now. If she had to start over at a new company, she’d do it on her own merit.

  “Go ahead.”

  “Huh?”

  “Ask your question. I’m listening.” He sat down and sipped on his smoothie.

  “Please be frank. Why am I here in one of the most sought-after positions in the company? I wanted a promotion, but I’ve only been here four years. Does this have something to do with my skin color? Was I chosen because of affirmative action?”

  He narrowed his eyes briefly, then set down his glass. Why did he have to remain so calm and in control when she was an emotional mess?

  “What brought this on?”

  “Apparently people are whispering about it. Not so quietly, either. If that’s the case, I’m sure someone else would jump at the opportunity. For me, though, I prefer to climb up the ladder rung by rung.”

  “And that’s exactly what I like about you.”

  “Please answer the question,” she said.

  “There’s no truth in it whatsoever. Anyone whispering is jealous, plain and simple. Tell them so. Watch them squirm.”

  She wanted to smile but still felt suspicious.

  Had she just jumped to conclusions? If so, she looked like an idiot.

  “You’re sure?”

  “I’m positive. Now, I’d like to get to work—as soon as you’re ready.”

  She momentarily froze. “Yes, of course. Sorry, sir.”

  “Darius,” he said.

  Why did he have to have such a sexy name? Shouldn’t bosses be named things like Jeffery, Leonard, or Edward? Every time she said his name, it sounded kinky.

  “I’m ready to work, Darius.”

  “Good girl.”

  He sifted through the file cabinet on the left side of his desk. She was still focused on the fact he’d called her good girl. Yes, she had daddy issues, mommy issues, and everything in between, but the way he said those words made her body light up like a Christmas tree. And it was only April.

  She may be twenty-nine, but she still felt like a vulnerable six-year-old inside most days. Darius’s strength, power, and confidence soothed her. She was drawn to him, yearning for him to take control and teach her everything she needed to know.

  “Ross left these for you to sign.” He set more documents on the desk along with a new pen with the company logo. It wasn’t the cheap plastic ones they gave out in accounting. It was the kind of pen she’d put on display on her trinket shelf and never use.

  She noticed she was zoning out, so took the pen and began signing on the dotted lines. Rose couldn’t help but feel they’d started out on the wrong foot. She’d created awkward tension because of those two snobs on the elevator.

  Once complete, she looked up to see Darius leaning back in his office chair, his arms behind his head.

  “What are you thinking right now?” he asked.

  She was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

  “Tell me your thoughts. Whatever they are,” he said.

  Rose bit her bottom lip. “I was thinking about how fancy your pens are.”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “You asked.”

  “You’ll be working under me every workday, so I want to know a little more about you. I hope that’s acceptable.”

  “Yes, of course. Anything you want to know, just ask.”

  “I don’t want your credentials. I already know those. I want to know about the real you. What makes you tick? What makes you different? What do you love and hate?”

  There was a long moment of silence.

  “My favorite color is purple.”

  He sat straight, then leaned over his elbows on the desk. His shirt pulled taut around his hard muscles. “You don’t know how to play this game, do you?”

  She shrugged. “There’s really not much else to tell. I’m very boring.”

  “Something personal. Maybe about family?”

  Why couldn’t he just give her an assignment? Numbers, reports, and any business task he tossed her way, she could handle. Divulging her embarrassing past was crossing out of her comfort zone. But she wasn’t going to cover herself in comfortable lies anymore.

  “I never met my father. My mother abandoned me when I was a little girl. No other family has ever tried to make contact. I’ve only ever had myself to rely on.”

  He didn’t look pitiful, which was a relief. Rose hated pity. She wasn’t sure what she should expect. Rose was used to making up stories to fit in.

  “Family’s overrated. Trust me.”

  “Can I ask you a personal question?” she asked.

  “Go for it.”

  “Are you married? I was wondering why you had no children.”

  “I’ve never been married.”

  She wanted him to elaborate. To give her some glimpse into the man behind the desk. But that was all she got out of him. Was he gay, like Ross? A man like him couldn’t be single. No, there must be some tall, thin, blonde fiancée waiting for him at home. Rose was short, stacked, and mixed-race—not exactly arm candy for one of the richest men in the city. But she could fantasize nonetheless.

  He stood up and tapped the two colored duotangs on the desk. “Keep these. Study them. I ne
ed you up-to-date on all my business dealings.”

  She nodded.

  “And, Rose, keep the pen.”

  ****

  How could a woman be so fucking sexy and adorable in equal parts? He wanted to protect her from the world, but he also wanted to fuck her until she couldn’t walk right. Maybe hiring Rose Henshaw would come back to bite him in the ass. He’d have to be on his best behavior day after day with the ultimate temptation right underfoot.

  When she accused him of hiring her due to affirmative action, the passion she exuded made her even more gorgeous. He’d never dated a girl of another race, but he hadn’t given it a second thought when he envisioned her in his bed. In fact, he loved everything about her. Every detail that made her unique. But beauty faded. What he needed was to get to know Rose Henshaw before he ever considered making a serious move.

  She was the exact type of woman he’d want to bear his children. Smart, assertive, strong, and sexy. He knew her background, but what he didn’t know was if her past had left her jaded, unable to maintain a healthy relationship. Only time would tell.

  After handling all his morning phone calls and workload, he slid a credit card across his desk to Rose when she came in to drop off her reports.

  “What’s this for?”

  “If you’re working closely with me, you have to remember that reputation is everything. There’s always someone watching when I’m in public, and I can’t even count how many want to bury my company.” He scrubbed a hand over his face before checking his watch. His father was the worst of them. It was lunchtime. “I’ll cover the cost of a whole new wardrobe. Whatever you need—clothes, shoes, you name it.”

  She looked down at herself as discreetly as possible.

  “There’s nothing wrong with you, Rose. You’re perfect. But I don’t expect you to cover the costs of being my assistant. It can get pretty costly keeping up with the competition.”

  Rose nodded.

  He wondered if she saw him as a stuffy, rich white guy. Or maybe just a man way too old for her. Not every woman was a gold digger, but unfortunately, many were. Maybe his fantasy of breeding the dark beauty would have to stay locked in his head.

  “Are you ready for lunch?” he asked. Darius got out of his chair and stretched out his shoulders. Unlike with Ross, business meals with Rose would feel more like dates. He wasn’t complaining.

  “I brought a sandwich.”

  “Where is it?”

  “In the staff fridge,” she said.

  He exhaled. “What kind is it?”

  Her mouth opened, but no words came out. It took a few moments for her to actually answer. “It’s peanut butter and chocolate spread.”

  He tilted his head. “Like a Reese cup?”

  She smiled, and it was fucking beautiful. “Kind of.”

  “How about I take you to a restaurant? I promise you’ll find something even more decadent on the dessert menu. You have to get used to spending your breaks with me, Rose. It’s a good time to talk business. And pleasure.”

  “Sure, of course. The sandwich will be fine in the fridge. I can have it for dinner.”

  Damn, he wanted to change her world. Spoil her. But he had to rein himself in and take his time, make sure he was choosing the right path. He could fall hard and fast for a sweet thing like Rose, and he didn’t want to get burned by rushing into the wrong relationship.

  They drove out to one of his favorite restaurants. It was also booked well in advance, but he was on his cell in the elevator, ensuring they had a table ready for them upon arrival. His name carried weight, and he was used to getting his way in the city.

  “You’re quiet,” he said.

  She hadn’t said a word since they got on the elevator together. Now she was a silent passenger in his Mercedes, her sweet scent surrounding him. He got glimpses of her thighs as he drove. His urge to reach over between their seats was overwhelming.

  “Sorry, I’m not the most talkative person.”

  “Are you shy?”

  She turned to look at him. They briefly made eye contact before he had to watch the traffic ahead. “Only with you.”

  “Shit, am I that intimidating? I’m not trying to be.”

  “It’s my first day working with you. I guess I’m nervous of screwing things up. And you’re not like other bosses.”

  “How so?”

  She shrugged. “You’re not like Mrs. Haywire.”

  “That’s a good thing, no?”

  “I guess.”

  “Care to elaborate?” he asked. She was hiding something, and he needed to know.

  “Not really.”

  They pulled up to the restaurant and he stepped out. The valet had Rose’s door open before he could get around to the passenger side. He glared at the other man as he took Rose’s arm. The oddest territorial instinct took him by surprise.

  Once inside the grand foyer, she looked around in awe.

  “What do you think?” he asked.

  “Impressive. It’s a little overkill for lunch, isn’t it?”

  “Of course not.” He led her deeper into the restaurant, the lighting dimming as they moved away from the large front windows. They were immediately escorted to their table without him needing to mention his name. A candle burned on the table, flickering as they took their seats across from each other.

  It definitely felt more like a date than a business lunch, and he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

  “So…” Rose fiddled with the buttons on her blouse, distracting him.

  “So…”

  “How’s your nephew doing? Elliot, right?”

  “Same little nightmare,” he said.

  “Do you see him often?”

  “Not too much. I stop over when I can.” His sister always pestered him to come for dinner, but he rarely obliged her. He used money rather than his presence—he was becoming his father. It was the last thing he wanted, but he couldn’t bring himself to leave his familiar schedule. Work kept him busy, kept his mind from wandering. What he needed was his own fucking life without living vicariously through his sister and nephew. He hoped it wasn’t too late for him to have a woman and kids of his own.

  “And what I don’t understand is how a woman without children can be so damn good with them.”

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m just doing the exact opposite of everything I’ve experienced. Can’t go wrong that way, right?”

  “You make lemonade out of lemons. That’s what I love about you.”

  When he said the word love, she looked up from her fidgeting and made direct eye contact with him. It was brief but intense. Was he being highly inappropriate or did she feel the same connection as he did?

  “Feeling sorry for myself doesn’t do much good.”

  The waitress approached them, passing out menus and telling them about the specials. He couldn’t stop watching Rose the entire time—the smooth line of her neck, flawless mocha skin, and the most luscious lips he’d ever seen. She was strikingly gorgeous, and the only thought that kept filling his head was how much he wanted to own her, claim her.

  He glanced down at his menu, then back at her once they were alone. “Please don’t tell me you’re a salad and water girl.”

  She smirked. “Do I look like a salad and water girl?”

  “No, you don’t.” He meant it as a compliment, but she appeared disappointed. That wasn’t his intention. He’d never trade those sexy curves for anything. “Real men aren’t after cover girls. They want a real woman.”

  “Does that include women who have to shop at specialty stores?” She looked down at her barely contained chest, and it made his cock stir.

  He leaned closer. “What kind of asshole doesn’t want a woman with tits like yours?”

  She swallowed hard, then parted her lips. Her eyes appeared glazed over, not narrowed in insult.

  “I’m sorry. That was inappropriate. Pretend I never said anything,” he said.

  “I
t’s okay. I always assume the worst from men. I guess that’s why I’m twenty-nine and still a virgin.” She looked over her menu, following the words with a finger like she hadn’t just dropped that bombshell.

  Now his cock was fucking oak, making him shift in his seat. Knowing she was a virgin just made her all the more appealing. She could potentially be his, only his. He wanted to whisk her away to his condo and fuck her all night long. The prospect made him feel more animal than man, and he had to remember to keep professional.

  The best course of action was to talk business, to distract his wayward thoughts. “We’re putting together a small council of about eight team members to discuss the Rancourt account next week. I want you there with me taking notes. It’s an important account, and it’s imperative we get things right the first time.”

  “Of course. Anywhere you need me, I’ll be there.”

  He wanted her straddling his lap, but that was another story.

  “Their company exec can be a pain in the ass, so the better prepared we are, the better our chances of signing the deal.”

  “I’ll do some digging, see if I can find anything he likes. Sucking up can only get us bonus points, right?”

  “Sure.”

  They made their order, then had the longest stretch of awkward silence.

  “I’m curious,” he said. “Did you do any research on me?”

  A flirty quality twinkled in her eyes. “Why? Does that make you nervous, Mr. Blackwood?”

  “That depends on what you found.” He smirked. “I can’t even imagine how many skeletons you managed to dig up.”

  “Don’t worry, I’m not interested in your past. I try to forget my own so why would I bother to delve into yours?”

  “That’s fair.”

  He was still keeping on the brakes, worried if she thought he was too old, too unattractive, or not her type. Darius kept his body in peak shape, working out in his home gym at least five days a week. But she was still seventeen years younger than him, almost a lifetime.

  Since when had he developed a complex?