Page 96 of The Protection Agreement

“Oh my God!” I scream, gripping the bed’s headboard as he moves faster inside me. “I’m coming again, Bruce.”

“Yes, baby, come for me,” he says, not slowing down

We both come together as I feel a jerk and hot release streaming in me. We both collapse afterward, breathing heavily, exhaustion and emotion settling in. I turn to face him.

“Happy Birthday, Jola,” he says and I laugh. He pulls me close to him. I welcome his firm hands around me.

“Best birthday ever,” I say, grinning.

Chapter fifty-seven

Lexi/Jola

The wives are talking about a black-tie event. I ask Bruce if we are going. He says he is not interested in going but he will go if I want to. I tell him I want to, since the ladies and his brothers are going. He agrees that we can go but reminds me I cannot go in through the main door. I will have to go in through the back and must avoid cameras.

Emily brings me a baby-blue corset dress. Tulle flows from the waist down with slits on both thighs. She also gets me a stylist and makeup. My hair is straightened and my makeup is a bit heavier than usual, but I am excited.

I arrive at the event with Ice and Smith. Bruce is already inside. He went from work. They notify him when we arrive, and he comes through the back to meet me. His smile is wide when he sees me and he kisses my cheek. “You look beautiful,” he says.

“Thank you, Mr. Darcy, and you are most certainly debonair,” I say with a grin.

He takes my hand and turns to the guys. “You know what to do,” he says to them.

“Yes, boss,” they echo as they leave.

“What are they going to do?” I ask.

“Guard in strategic corners,” he says. We move through the catering staff and enter the large event room. He leads me straight to where the ladies are. They welcome me with hugs. Each one is simply and elegantly dressed. Anne, the exquisite beauty. Dele, the alluring beauty. And the easy, breezy beautiful MAK.

I join them in our usual talks and tell them I am excited about the Data Science conference in Vegas. They cheer me on to have fun in Vegas and be wild. It does not take long for me to feel a stare on me. I turn around to see a man blatantly staring at me. I turn away from him and stay close to the ladies, but I can feel his eyes on me all evening. A server keeps returning and hanging around us as we talk. At some point she says to me, “That man over there really likes you.” She whispers in a conspiratorial tone.

“Not interested,” I say, snapping at her.

I notice Ice by the door and start heading towards it. I know the bathroom is that way because Dele just told me. As I get closer, I trip and a strong arm catches me. I know it is not Bruce or Ice. The man’s cologne is strong and nauseating. I right myself and say, “Thank you.”

That is when I notice it is the man who has been staring at me all night. His hand is still on my waist.

“Sorry, I have been staring all evening. Not sure you remember me. We met at a Data Science conference about three years ago,” he says quickly.

“I don’t remember,” I say, trying to pull out of his arms, but his grip is firm. I do not want to call attention, but he is getting close to earning a punch from me.

“Can I get your number? I have a job opportunity, I think might be .…” he says.

“You will take your hands off her right now.” The command booms. I do not need to turn to know it is Bruce. “Ice,” he commands.

The guy is pulled away from me fast. I turn to see Bruce’s intense frown.

“I was just talking to the lady,” the man says.

“And what makes you think that is permissible?” Bruce’s voice is lethal, a clear contrast to his formal look. “You will leave this gathering right now and will not return unless you want my men to physically remove you.” His voice icy

“You can’t tell me that,” he challenges, but I hear fear in his voice.

“Ice,” Bruce commands.

Ice hauls the guy towards the back.

“Okay, okay. I will leave on my own,” the guy says. Ice follows him out.