On a groan, she deep-throated him. With her lips firmly around his cock, he exploded. Euphoria spread over him, replacing loathing with ecstasy. Like a rare delicacy she swallowed him down then slowly crawled up his body, kissing his abdomen and chest, neck and jawline.
Gazing into her eyes, he murmured, “I’m a changed man. You’re amazing.” He tucked her hair behind her ear and dropped a soft kiss on her lips.
She kissed him back, letting her supple lips linger on his. “You’re not so bad yourself,” she murmured.
“Let me hold you.”
“No sleeping.”
“Yes.” There was no way he could pull an all-nighter.
“I have nightmares,” she whispered.
The fear in her eyes tore at his guts. For the first time, she’d let him in a little. He kissed her forehead. “I’ll protect you. All night.”
For several long seconds, she stared into his eyes. What was she searching for? Slowly her expression softened and she laid her head on his chest. He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her so close she was almost on top of him. Her nestled body felt right. Within minutes, her breathing changed and she fell asleep. After meeting Montgomery and dealing with Lance’s assassination attempt, Brigit had managed to replace his rage with peace.
This woman mattered. So. Fucking. Much.
37
HOSTILE TAKEOVER
“That motherfucker!” Colton’s expletivebroke the late-morning silence as his hands rolled into fists.
Five days had passed since Montgomery’s threat. Colton had held out false hope that MobiCom would slither away. No such luck. With his no-interest loan in place, production of Crockett Boxes had begun. The initial shipment was expected in January. MobiCom’s aggressive move was their full-tilt attempt to take control.
Brigit flew into his office. “What is it?”
“MobiCom issued a press release and jumped on social media.” Colton shoved out of his chair so hard it slammed against the wall. “They’ve gone directly to Francesco shareholders offering eight percent premium on the current share price.”
“Oh, God, no. They’re gunning for a hostile takeover.”
“And with that kind of incentive, there’s no reason why every stockholder won’t sell.” Colton strode to the window.
“They’ll take control with majority shares. We have to stop this, Colton.”
“Yes, we most certainly do!” Marjorie McAllister stood in Colton’s doorway with Vonn towering behind her.
“Glad you’re here,” Colton said. “Thank you, Vonn.”
As Marjorie shuffled in, Vonn parked her computer bag on a conference chair, then left.
“Yesterday, Dobb began touting reasons why theacquisitionis the best and most profitable move for both organizations,” said Marjorie. “Brainwashed idiot.”
“I didn’t know you were coming,” Brigit said.
“Ready to help us figure this out?” Marjorie bear-hugged her.
“Absolutely,” Brigit said.
Colton buzzed Shane for their continental breakfast.
“Vonn whisked me here before I could sneak a nicotine hit.” Marjorie lifted a packet of cigarettes from her handbag. “Smoke out front?”
“I have a patio outside my office.” Brigit looped her arm through Marjorie’s and headed into her office.
While Colton checked email and returned a call, Shane delivered a pot of coffee, a fruit salad and homemade pastries fresh from the oven.
