I move through the office of Bakker Pharmaceuticals, which is located not far from the Los Angeles Zoo. I stride through the bare hallways, passing by the offices, absorbing the atmosphere around me. The Bakker deal is the beginning of a wave of mergers between a handful of pharmaceutical companies. Whoever wins the Bakker deal will likely stand to win the other two smaller companies preparing to merge with the single goal of producing new life-saving drugs.
My law firm represents Norcross Pharmaceuticals, the company fighting hard to get in front of this merger. With three oth
er companies fighting equally as hard, my team has been working day and night to learn all they can about the CEO behind Bakker, Calvin Bakker. He’s been hesitant to accept a deal yet, which speaks that he wants something very specific.
I’m here today to find out what that is.
I stop at the bank of windows and shove my hands into the pockets of my black slacks, gazing into the factory below. I’ve seen many factory workers before but there is a difference between Bakker’s employees and what I’ve seen at other places.
“What are you thinking?” a soft voice says behind me.
I turn toward Mallory, my assistant and Aria’s best friend. For two years, Mallory has worked for me. And in those two years, she’s always remained perfectly put together with her long blond hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, fresh makeup around her bright green eyes, black skirt and white blouse impeccably ironed. She’s got the brains, grit, and determination that I depend on daily. “What do you see?” I ask her, curious if my instincts are lining up with hers.
She steps in next to me, glancing down into the factory. “I see happy, hardworking employees.”
I nod in agreement. “That’s what I see, too.” The mood here appears lighter, happier, loyal even. Within minutes of entering the company, it became evident that Bakker treats his employees well, and because of that they work hard for him. I understand that line of thinking because that’s the way I run my law firm, too.
“Did you see this?” Mallory points to a bulletin board full of papers behind her. “Family barbecues, play days at the beach, movie nights. It seems that Mr. Bakker holds quite a lot of events for his employees.”
“It certainly does.” I glance back at the workers sitting at the tables wearing white lab coats, face masks, and hairnets. “What about their wages?”
Mallory opens the file folder in her arms and flicks through a few documents. “Above standard, for sure.”
I consider that. My instincts tell me we’re moving in the right direction. Two of the other companies have made their offers for the merger, and from my inside sources, I know Bakker is waiting for all four offers to decide. I need an advantage over the other companies, especially the Pioneer Group, since my sources say their offer is high. I feel like right now we’ve found it.
“It’s got to be family.” I turn to Mallory. “That’s what drives a man like Bakker. He thinks of his employees like family. I bet if we focus on his employees, ensuring they are taken care of, we’ll get that advantage we need.”
Mallory nods. “What do you need me to do?”
That’s what I appreciate about Mallory most. She’s the best researcher I know, and whatever I need, she gets me. Every single time. I imagine this is what a marriage feels like, a partnership. In business, Mallory is my better half. Together, we are a kick-ass team. “Find out everything you can about Bakker’s personal life, more about what he does for his employees and what he does personally for his company.”
“Consider it done,” Mallory says with a smile, closing the file folder.
Right then, my cellphone beeps in my pocket, indicating I’ve received a text message. I grab out my phone, and when I see the text message is from Aria, I say to Mallory, “Give me a minute.”
Mallory accepts the order and I watch her walk away, determined to keep my relationship with Aria private. When Mallory vanishes around the corner and there’s no one else in sight, I click on the text message, and my cock hardens so fast I bite back a groan.
Aria is lying on her bed, the photograph only showing her stomach, and the dildo I sent her is resting on her smooth, toned, tanned skin. That’s not what throbs my cock, however. It’s the way the light is glistening off the dildo, telling me that she didn’t only use the toy but she also brought herself to orgasm. Every muscle in my body tenses. I ache to have her, to make her melt beneath my touch.
Another beep.
Thank you for the gift. I quite enjoyed it.
I text back and promise, Your next orgasm will be mine. Then I shove the phone back into my pocket, knowing the game between us has only begun.
Aria
After work on Tuesday, I enter Martini’s, a chic restaurant known for its pasta and grilled meats in the Fashion District. With industrial lighting above the tables and red chairs and black couches scattered throughout, the design of the grand space is a mix of modern and elegance.
“Can I help you?” a violet-haired female greets me.
“I’m actually meeting someone here.” I quickly look around the bustling restaurant and find Mallory waving at me from the back of the rectangular room. “Oh, she’s there.” I smile at the greeter.
She smiles back. “Enjoy your dinner.”
“I always do,” I tell her before hastily moving toward Mallory.
The closer I get, the more Mallory’s smile warms, and the more my heart warms. Our friendship grew from working for Liam and Jackson. While they despise each other, they are also insanely professional when it comes to work, and they happen to do a lot of business together, just on opposing sides. Which in reality, I think they both enjoy. Making the other’s client pay financially seems as good a way as any to continue to burn each other. Though over the years, Mallory and I became closer, and now we’re roommates and pretty much inseparable.