Page 103 of Theirs to Desire (Club M: Boxed Set)

KIERA

M y first reaction is to almost jump out of my skin. I even yelp a little.

Caleb’s lips tilt up. “Sorry,” he says. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You didn’t,” I lie. “I was just surprised. Mr. Leforte is away for a few days. I didn’t expect to see anyone in his office.” The stranger—Nolan Wolanski—is standing behind Caleb, and I study him with narrowed eyes. “Are you breaking and entering? Because if you are, I will call Security.”

Nolan’s brown eyes laugh at me. “That’s very admirable of you.

” He fishes a black keycard out of his wallet, and waves it in front of the lock.

The light turns green. “I’m an old friend of Xavier’s.

I have a standing invitation to use his office when I need privacy.

” His smile widens. “I don’t always want to be on camera, and this is the only place in the club that isn’t on the security feeds. ”

My cheeks heat. “That’s good to know.” I feel like a fool. It’s not as if Farid didn’t warn me that Nolan and Xavier are old friends; he did. It’s just that, face to face with these two impossibly good-looking men, it totally slipped my mind.

I don’t always want to be on camera. Just like that, my fantasies veer into X-rated territory.

Caleb shrugging off his jacket. Loosening his tie.

Ordering me to cross my wrists and tying them tight with the scrap of silk.

Nolan taking off his t-shirt, those massive muscles flexing as he gets undressed.

Stalking toward me, his dark eyes filled with heat. What’s your pleasure, Kiera?

Caleb clears his throat, pulling my mind out of the gutter. I turn to him, pasting a polite smile on my face. The kind of smile that says I wasn’t imagining him naked. “What can I do for you, Mr. Reeves?”

“You’re leaving early. Don’t you work late on Fridays?”

“Not this week. Kellie’s got family visiting next week, so we switched shifts.” Yes, I know I’m babbling.

Nolan shifts his weight from one foot to another. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, Caleb, get to the point.”

Caleb gives the taller man a withering look. “Nolan, you have all the subtlety of a bull in a china shop. Shut up.” He turns back to me. “We overheard your conversation. Your air-conditioner is broken, and you’re planning to wake up early to use the community pool?”

I lift my chin in the air. It’s not a crime to be poor. “Yes. What about it?”

“I have a pool,” he says. “Nolan and I were headed over to my place for a swim and a beer. Want to join us? If you’d like, you can spend the night, and hang out by the pool all day tomorrow. You’ll have the house to yourself; I’ll be at work.”

My mouth falls open. Is he inviting me to sleep with him? Is this how billionaires proposition the help? One beer, a couple of laps in the pool, and I’ll be ready to jump into Caleb Reeves’ bed?

Be honest, Kiera. He wouldn’t even need to buy you a beer.

Caleb sees my expression and winces. “Ah, I should have worded that better. I have four guest bedrooms. You’re welcome to use one of them.”

Oh, okay. That’s good. I’m not disappointed. Not even a little.

Behind Caleb, Nolan grins. “Don’t worry, Kiera. I’ll come along and play chaperone.”

A giggle bursts out of me before I can help myself. “You’re a long-time member of a sex club, and you’re going to act as my chaperone?”

“Is that a yes?” Caleb smiles at me, his eyes crinkling.

I hesitate. Earlier tonight, I drew the line at calling Caleb by his first name. I have no business going to his place and swimming in his pool, even if the idea of a dip sounds like heaven. “I can’t,” I say reluctantly. “I should go home. I’m binge-watching every Bourne movie on Netflix.”

Caleb smirks. “I’ve been told I have a massive…” He pauses for a second. “…TV.”

Someone slap me. I feel the heat creep up my cheeks. When I’m working, I can let the double-entendres slide off me. Even better, I can give back as good as I get.

But I’m not in my Club M uniform. The armor is gone, stripped bare. In my street clothes, I’m a blushing, stammering fool.

“Do you want a dip?” Caleb asks directly.

“Yes.”

“Are you afraid I’ll make a pass at you?”

I’m afraid I’ll want you to. “No.”

“Are you worried that Xavier will disapprove of you socializing with me?”

“A little.”

Nolan shakes his head. “Kiera, I’ve known Xavier since college. I’ve been a member of this club since it was founded. I promise, you won’t get into trouble.”

Caleb’s gray-green eyes rest on me. “Please join us.”

I swallow. I’m tempted. So tempted. It’s so hot that even Xavier’s air-conditioning isn’t up to the task of cooling the club. My t-shirt is sticking to my back. A pool sounds like bliss.

That’s not the only reason. For all his flirting, I don’t know a damn thing about Caleb.

I know he owns a computer company, but that’s it.

I don’t know where he lives. I don’t know if he works in New York or DC, and commutes to this part of the world on the weekend, or if his company is based in the area.

Caleb hides it well, but he’s extremely private, and this is my one chance to learn something about him.

Have I mentioned I’ve had a giant crush on him for the last six months?

Guys get to think with their dicks, but women always have to be responsible. Fuck it. I want to cut loose for one night. Do something just because I want to, damn the consequences.

I did all the right things in life, and so far, that’s backfired spectacularly on me.

I tried to get Bianca out of Greg Dratch’s clutches, and it ended up with both of them dead.

Greg’s boss, Vladimir Sirkovich killed two men in front of my eyes.

The FBI convinced me to testify, but they forgot to mention that the mafia doesn’t like snitches.

Now, I’m in hiding, in witness protection, always looking over one shoulder, always ready to flee at a moment’s notice.

Screw doing the right thing for once. Call me superficial, but I want to ogle Caleb and Nolan in their swim trunks.

I can take my own car. I don’t have to drink.

Besides, I trust Caleb. For six months, I’ve noticed the way he behaves.

Caleb treats everyone with respect. Not just the members.

He treats the employees well too. The club monitors, the floor staff—they all like and respect Caleb.

It’s part of the reason I’m attracted to him.

Nolan’s a wild card, but hey, I grew up in a rough neighborhood. I can take care of myself. If it comes down to it, I have mace in my purse, and I’m not afraid to use it.

I throw caution to the wind. “Thank you. I’d love to.”