Taken By The Beast (The Forbidden Fun)

I bite my lip but then Benny scurries over and unlocks the glass case before lifting the chain out. I drape it around my waist and Todd’s right. It accentuates my hourglass figure, the huge diamond so breathtaking that it shoots sparkles all over the store.

“This is perfect,” my man growls, his blue eyes already ravenous. “We’ll take it.”

I gape as Benny chortles happily.

“Of course, Mr. Sales. Should I charge it to your account?”

Todd nods and the salesman scurries away once more to pack up the belly chain. Meanwhile, I stare at my handsome man.

“I can’t,” I breathe. “It’s too expensive.”

He merely shrugs.

“You already know how I feel about the cost, sweetness. So indulge a rich man, okay? Not only that, but there’s an event coming up at Sanctum next week, and I’d like you to wear this.”

I stare at him.

“Is it the belly dancing competition?”

He grins.

“The one and only.”

I bite my lip.

“Yes, but you know they don’t really dance during those things.”

The gleam in his blue eyes only goes deeper.

“Of course they don’t, baby. That’s why I want you to wear it.”

With that, it’s settled and soon we’re headed back upstairs. But instead of going straight to his suite, Todd squeezes my hand while shooting me a fond look.

“Should we get something to eat first, sweetling? I can practically hear your stomach rumbling.”

I slap his arm playfully. “Oh you! But you’re right, I’m starving because I missed lunch today.”

He nods.

“Then food is what we’ll get you. I’m in the mood for a burger and a cold beer. What do you say?”

I nod eagerly.

“Mmm, yes please. That would totally hit the spot.”

We take the elevator up to an American-style diner. It’s cute actually with red pleather seats, a black-and-white tile floor, and an old-fashioned jukebox in one corner. There’s lots of gleaming chrome, and I feel like I’ve just stepped into a 50’s nostalgia set.

We’re seated almost immediately, and Todd orders a beer to complement his burger with fries, while I go for the same except with a strawberry milkshake instead of the beer. As we wait for our food, I put my chin in my hands and smile.

“So, may I ask Mr. Sales, what do you do for a living?”

Todd blinks. “I didn’t mention it already?”

“Nope.”

He grins.

“Well, actually I own a company called Sugar Glaze NYC. Maybe you’ve heard of them? We carry a line of beauty products with a special focus on nail care.”

I gasp, staring at him. “OMG, you must be joking because I love Sugar Glaze. In fact, I think I have one of your colors on right now,” I exclaim, holding out my perfectly manicured hands. My date shoots a glance at my maroon tips and grins.

“Is this Night Vibes?”

I nod.

“The one and the only. How did you know though? Sugar Glaze has hundreds, if not thousands, of colors.”

He laughs.

“First, because I’m the CEO of the company, so it’s my job to know. But also because I often work with the creative team closely. I know I shouldn’t. I should be staring at spreadsheets or analyzing budgets, but I love the creative process. So yes, I could tell it was Night Vibes right away from the slight gold shimmer in the maroon base.”

I nod, amazed.

“Wow, you definitely know your stuff,” I breathe. “I’m impressed.”

He merely chuckles.

“Don’t be, honey. It’s all part of the job. But what do you do? In addition to this, I mean.”

I sigh.

“Well, you’re definitely not going to be impressed. I work retail for a cosmetics counter. Yes, I’m that girl. The one who helps you select a new shade of lipstick when you need a pick me up.”

He grins.

“Well, I don’t buy lipstick myself, but don’t be embarrassed about what you do for a living, Bridge. Again, a job is a job, whether it’s here at Sanctum or at a make-up counter. I’m not one to judge. And besides, I have a huge amount of respect for retail because that’s my line of business too. Sugar Glaze has a couple of salons in the NYC area, but most of our revenue is from retail.”

I nod.

“Wow.”

My man merely takes my hand again before staring into my eyes.

“I’m serious, Bridget. Be proud that you have a job and that you’re able to care for yourself. There are a lot of women who would prefer to sit at home twiddling their thumbs instead of working two jobs simultaneously like you, so you’re one of a kind.”

I nod, blushing.

“Thank you. You’re right, I should be grateful.”

With that, our conversation continues, flowing easily with light chatter and lots of smiles. It’s funny actually because I wouldn’t think I’d have anything in common with a powerful alpha male, much less one who leads a huge retail empire, but here we are. I’m not afraid to be silly in front of Todd, showing off my true self. For example, our food comes and I take a long sip of my strawberry milkshake before immediately scrunching my forehead. “Brain freeze!”