Page 42 of Leverage & Obedience

My cellphone buzzes at 12:15. I glance at the screen. The staffing agency.

I answer it and tip my chair back just as Bren walks out of his office. His shoulders are relaxed, and he’s wearing a green shirt that makes his hazel eyes look greener. My man is sexy.

Everyone on the floor has left for lunch, so we’re alone. I listen to Janet talk for a moment, and then raise my voice just a little when I reply.

“That position sounds really interesting, Janet.”

Bren stops walking. His eyes find mine.

“Tell me more about the offer.” I cross my legs and let my voice carry just enough. “Permanent role, you said? Vision, dental, 401k match?”

One of Bren’s eyebrows rises.

“And the salary band is...mmm. Competitive.” I twirl my pen. “Yes, I’ll think about it. Can I get back to you tomorrow?”

I hang up, resisting the urge to look at Bren. I sip my coffee and wait.

He’s at my desk in seconds. “Come to my office.”

“Sure thing.” I give him a cheeky grin.

I practically sashay to his office. He follows close behind.

He closes the door and leans against his desk with his arms crossed while I stand in front of a chair, refusing to sit. Those warm eyes from this morning are dark and locked on me.

“You want to weigh your options?” he says.

“I’m a thorough person. It’s one of my professional strengths.”

“Fifteen days PTO.”

“Their offer is very competitive for this market. Janet said so.”

He’s off the desk before I finish the sentence. Three steps, and his hand is on my shoulder, pressing me down into the chair. He drops to one knee and lifts my foot onto his thigh, pushing my skirt up my leg with the movement. Higher than he needs to. The gold around my ankle catches the light.

“This,” he says, and his thumb traces the chain before he looks up at me. “This says you’ve already made your decision.”

“Does it? Maybe I’m just fashion-forward.”

His hand leaves the anklet and slides up my leg. His fingers close on my thigh and hold. The grip sends a jolt of heat down my spine and into my pussy. He knows my body better than I’m comfortable admitting.

“I think you’re trying to provoke me.”

“Provoke is a strong word. I was networking and asking about the salary band. Rachel thinks I’m underpaid.”

He rises without letting go of my thigh. He brings the other hand up under my jaw and tilts my face to look at him. My breath catches. Heat pools low in my belly.

“I think my brat wants to be punished.”

My pussy clenches. “I think your brat wants you to earn it.”

He pulls me out of the chair, and suddenly, he’s behind me and I’m bent over his desk. My palms are flat against the smooth mahogany. Hello desk, I’ve missed you.

His hand glides along the curve of my back to my ass. He grips a cheek firmly.

“You’re not taking the other job.”

“I don’t know. That 401k matchreallywas competitive.”