Page 54 of Carnal Risk

“You mean ‘Emerson123’ didn’t cut it? For the record, I added an extra couple of characters.”

“I saw. Very clever, but you don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

“A dangerous cybercriminal I’m sure. Very dark.”

“I could be if I wanted, but I’ve never been interested in being a black hat, thank you very much. I wear my white hat proudly.”

“Why do you need my laptop?”

“I’m trying to tunnel into Emerson from Evan’s laptop and yours, because I want to see if there are any deviations. Can I get in from one? Both? This work isn’t always clear cut. I may need to try several things before I figure out what’s going on here.”

“Do you have time to take a break?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. I’ve got a diagnostic running.”

“I had Norm bring you something to wear. It’s in the bedroom.”

“Okay,” she said slowly, curious that he’d called his male secretary to buy her clothes and within hours they had been delivered. She couldn’t even imagine what it must be like to be Garrett Emerson, the world at his fingertips within seconds. “I don’t have shoes, though. Where are we going?”

“Selby, Selby, Selby.” He took her hand in his and stood, bringing her with him. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he smiled. “First, you do need to learn how to trust me. Would I ask you to go out with no shoes?”

“I suppose not.” She laughed.

“And second, as to the where. Well, that’s a surprise.” Garrett leaned in and captured her lips.

He kissed her, his talented tongue brushing into her mouth. She moaned as he gently sucked on her bottom lip, teasing her. By the time he broke away, she was dripping wet with arousal. Selby’s heart raced. The man had a way of turning her from a competent professional into a bowl of jelly within seconds. She went to reach for his belt but he wrapped his strong fingers around her wrists.

“You have no idea how badly I want to fuck you right here on my desk, sweetheart, but I’ve got something even better planned for you.” Garrett grazed his lips over her temple and released her. “Now go get dressed. We’re going to have some fun.”

Selby squealed as a slap landed on her bottom. She wished she hated it, but it only made her want more. With an ache between her legs, she stuck out her tongue and feigned sadness. She was promptly rewarded with another satisfying smack to her other cheek.

Clarity struck and she realized how deep in she was. Never in a million years would she have considered letting a man spank her, and yet it seemed as if all Garrett had to do was mention a fantasy, and she’d join him. As she made her way to the bedroom, she considered the past week. She was the same person inside, but he’d ignited a flame. And like a drug, she had to have him and looked forward to every minute until the truth was exposed.

Selby stopped short of entering the enormous barn and took in her surroundings. On the way from his mansion to the stables, she’d been impressed with the spectacular beachfront property. From the majestic pool area, which overlooked the Pacific Ocean and the adjoining fields, she couldn’t stop wondering what it must be like to live in such opulence. As they approached, she breathed in the air, a mixture of both the sea and horses, and she rooted her feet to the dusty ground.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Nothing. I just…” Selby stumbled on her words as her childhood memories flashed in her mind. Growing up in the country, her parents had built a modest barn to house her pony. She’d been in the woods playing with friends when the stranger approached. Garrett’s hand to her arm interrupted the horror that she recalled as if it were yesterday. She jumped, and blinked, remembering that she was no longer a child.

“Hey, are you okay?” Garrett gave her a concerned look and put his arm around her.

“I’m fine,” she lied. Selby leaned against his chest, and let him lead her into the barn.

“Do you ride?”

“A long time ago. You?”

“A little.” He smiled and approached the chestnut Belgian Warmblood. “This is Mocha. Hey girl, how’s my baby? Who’s a good girl? You’re a good girl. Come give me some love.”

Selby smiled, surprised at the way he spoke to the horse as if she were a baby. A new side to Garrett was revealed to her as he gently petted and whispered into her mane. He waved Selby over and she slowly approached.

“Mocha, I want you to meet my friend. This is Selby.” He winked at her and focused his attention back onto the great animal. “She’s going to be staying with us for a while. So make sure you tell the others to be nice.”

“How many horses do you have?” The enormous mare towered above Selby. She yearned to touch her but was cautious.

“I’ve got six here. But I sponsor many more.”

“What do you mean?”