Thrill of the Chase (Dangerous Love) (11 page)

E
rin received a gift on the hour, every hour, throughout the day. The first one arrived at nine o’clock in the morning. She read the card and smiled:

Erin lifted the lid to the blue-striped box and spread the tissue paper apart, exposing black lace panties. She hadn’t noticed until this morning, when she was gathering her belongings from Chase’s bedroom floor, that he had literally ripped her panties off her body the night before. She swallowed, feeling that familiar heat radiate throughout her body when she thought about Chase. It occurred to her that she was at work, and anyone could walk into the lab and witness her caressing her very naughty little present. Luckily, she was completely alone thanks to the sudden and most likely unwarranted dismissal of Tori and Jonah.

Erin looked at the camera and smiled. If he was watching her, then he would know from the expression on her face that she would be giving him more than just a smile tonight.

The next two gifts adhered to the same theme: black silk stockings and a beautiful corset. Each gift included a wicked little note from Chase, each one more tempting than the last. She had thanked him via text after she had received his first present. But as she stared at the third gift—a corset that promised a night of delectable things—she decided that a face-to-face thank-you was in order. Erin was walking toward the elevator when her phone made that annoying chime sound, signaling she had received a text. She looked down and saw that it was from Paul:
“Can you break away for lunch? Monty’s? 1:00?”

Erin’s thoughts went to their early-morning conversation, the one in which Paul shared his concerns that Chase could be the rapist. There was no possible way. The man she was on her way to see, the man she’d had inside her multiple times throughout last evening, could and would never hurt her. Call it a gut feeling, but Erin knew that Chase was not capable of such a monstrous act.

Erin pushed the elevator button for the tenth floor and then leaned against the wall and responded to her brother’s text. Paul didn’t typically ask her to lunch. It was usually her asking him to stop and breathe and maybe ingest something healthy or at least not from a vending machine. Paul thought she was the raging workaholic. Pot, meet kettle.

So Erin couldn’t help but conclude that he had heard back from Ricky. The thought of someone leafing through Chase’s past did not sit well with her. Lord knew that she didn’t want anyone nosing through hers. But if it was going to make Paul breathe easier, than it was worth it. Besides, Ricky was very adept at what he did for a living. Paul had nicknamed him “The Phantom.” He said that he could come and go, physically or electronically, and no one was the wiser. Ricky had entered law school with Paul, but never completed his law degree. He had chosen a different route entirely for one reason or another, and had become a private investigator. Paul and Ricky had remained friends, despite Ricky’s career change, and they would get together for a beer or a ballgame every so often.

But no matter how much Paul trusted Ricky and his ability to track down scum, Erin and Paul had decided that it was best not to involve anyone in their business, particularly the rape and the night in question. It was their secret, their burden to bear.

Investigating Chase, however, was much safer. Paul had probably told Ricky that he needed a background check on the CEO of Montclair Pharmaceuticals because of a pending lawsuit he was filing. It wouldn’t be the first time Paul called on Ricky to look someone up or help him with a case.

Paul had told her once that he trusted few people in his life. Erin, of course, laughed and said sarcastically, “No, I had no idea you were so guarded.”

He had smiled, but then said, “Ricky’s someone you can count on too, Erin.” She had given him a quick punch to the arm, relaying that she suffered from a similar affliction. In fact, Erin redefined the concept. Paul may have been guarded, cautious of others. But Erin went ten steps beyond that and just closed herself off from the world.

The elevator door opened and she made her way toward Chase’s office. Lydia greeted her with what appeared to be genuine warmth. “Well, good afternoon, Ms. Whitley.”

Erin smiled in return. “Please call me Erin.”

“As you wish, dear.”

“Would it be possible to speak with Mr. Montclair?” Erin asked.

“Of course. You have a standing invitation. You can head right in.”

A standing invitation? Had he told his personal secretary about them? Just the thought that he had told another living soul that she was important enough to him to allow her entry at any time sent Erin into a mild delirium. She was falling…hard.

Erin felt the heat reach her cheeks and she blushed. There was no way Lydia didn’t notice the blatant change in her complexion, but being the professional she was, she simply smiled and signaled her into Chase’s office. Embarrassed, Erin thanked her and walked briskly to his office.

She stopped at the doorway and just watched him. He was standing at the window, his back to her, and talking to someone on his cell. He had removed his suit jacket and his sleeves had been rolled to his elbows. With his tie somewhat loosened, Chase Montclair was without a doubt the sexiest man she had ever seen.

Erin stepped into his office and closed the door behind her. The click of the door latch must have gotten his attention, because he turned from the window and looked right at her. His breathing hitched and his eyes grew dark. Erin licked her lips as she took him in. She wanted him again. Right here, right now. Erin felt her nipples harden against her silk blouse. There was no hiding her arousal, not that she really wanted to. Her eyes drifted across his body, but her focus remained on the growing bulge in his pants.

“I’ll have to call you back, Sam.”

His tone reflected the seriousness in his eyes. He ended the call, tossed the phone onto his desk and was on top of her within three strides. She needed him inside her. Erin released his belt and unzipped his fly. She reached inside his boxer briefs and stroked his cock from root to tip. Groaning, he picked her up, and as if on instinct, she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“I have to have you, Erin. I need to hear you come.”

She moaned, wanting him to ride her deep and hard. “On your desk,” she whispered. Erin had envisioned him there, pounding into her, doing whatever he wanted to her body, as she lay splayed out.

“Christ.” He carried her to his desk and laid her down, her blond hair falling all around her. The coolness of the wood penetrated the thin material of her silk blouse, making her nipples taut, more willing. He had her blouse unbuttoned, her skirt hiked up to her waist and her panties on the hardwood floor within seconds.

“You’re so beautiful, so fucking sexy,” he said, looking down at her. Erin watched him yank his boxers down, revealing his throbbing cock. He spread her legs wide and rammed into her. She gasped, not at the sudden intrusion, but at the instant pleasure his thrusts evoked.

“Oh God, you’re so wet…so tight around my cock.”

Her climax was already so close, and if he kept talking like that she would come within seconds. The feeling was so intense that she could barely formulate words. Erin screamed his name, but thankfully he muffled her cry with a deep kiss. Still, she prayed Lydia had taken her lunch break.

Erin groaned into his mouth and he immediately grabbed her legs, scooted her down even farther on the desk and took her fiercely. “Mine…you’re mine, Erin. You belong to me,” he grunted, as he slammed into her over and over again.

Her fingers had been fisting the edge of the desk to maximize the friction between them. But as he uttered those words, she found the need to touch herself, to expose everything to him. She took her breasts in her hands and kneaded her nipples between two fingers. “Yes, Chase,” she moaned.

“Never enough, it’ll never be enough,” he said, breathless, his pants becoming more erratic.

The impact of his words resulted in an orgasm so strong, so incredibly intense, her back arched with every sensitive ripple.

“Look at me, Erin. Tell me you’re mine.”

“I am…always yours!” she screamed.

And she was…completely.

Erin sat across from her brother in their usual booth at Monty’s and wondered if he could tell that she had been ravished less than twenty minutes ago. If he had any inkling, he didn’t let on. Thank God.

“His alibi for that night is tight.”

Erin stared at Paul, trying hard not to give him a look that screamed,
I told you so
.

He leaned back in his seat and sipped his root beer. “I had to be sure.” The waitress came with their order and Erin happily dove into the dripping roast-pork monstrosity. Paul took a bite of his own messy sandwich and then continued, “Chase Montclair was at a benefit that night. Witnesses, including multiple media sources, prove that he was in New York City supporting breast cancer research.”

Again, she bit her tongue. But this time, Erin didn’t suppress her smile.

Erin’s smile faded quickly as she soaked in her brother’s stern look. “Montclair may be ruled out as a suspect, but that only means that your rapist is still out there,” he said.

“I know,” she said, barely a whisper.

His eyes seemed to soften. “So, I guess I need to ask.” Paul paused and then looked her in the eye. “How much did you tell Chase? I mean, what did you tell him?”

It was a fair question and one that she had expected him to ask that morning when he first discovered that she had been seeing Chase. “In a nutshell…he knows about Mom and Dad, that I switched career paths, and that I am not real…worldly when it comes to dating.”

Paul cleared his throat. “Did you tell Chase that you were raped?”

“He knows jack about that night, and if I have to move heaven and earth to keep it that way, I will.” Her tone took on an edge that she rarely used with anyone, especially her brother.

Paul’s stare was unwavering, matching her fierce expression. “So you have no plans on telling him what happened to you?”

“No.” Erin could feel the tears begin to form and anger taking hold because of her weakness. “And I can tell you this with confidence because I can’t bear to see him look at me with pity in his eyes, or even worse, disgust, if he learns that I have been raped. He looks at me as if I’m beautiful…whole. Not broken or tainted. He treats me like…like…”

“How you should be treated?” Paul interjected.

Erin didn’t know how to answer that. It was definitely a loaded question. “You sound like my therapist.”

“And you are avoiding my question.”

The conversation had grown increasingly uncomfortable. It was time to put an end to it. Erin looked down at her watch and grinned. “Guess we’ll have to put this conversation on hold. I need to get back to work.”

Paul sat back in the booth, appearing as if he had conceded. Erin one, Paul zero.

But she couldn’t have been more wrong.

“Not a problem. I’ll meet you at your apartment…say seven o’clock?” he asked, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

“You know I have a date with Chase tonight,” she said, her voice sounding a lot less confident.

“Yes, I’m aware. But since you cannot tell me that he is treating you like he should, then I guess I’ll have to judge for myself. Cocktail hour at your place. If I deem Chase Montclair suitable for my baby sister, than you have my blessing to proceed to dinner without me tagging along.” Paul stood up abruptly and threw a twenty on the table to cover their lunch.

Erin stood in silence, stunned that Paul had just invited himself over to her apartment that evening for drinks and a meet and greet with the guy she was sleeping with.

“Ready?” he asked, gesturing to the front door of the busy restaurant.

Erin somehow regained the ability to speak and answered, “Yes. But I’m telling you one thing: Behave tonight. Turn the overprotective brother act down a whole octave. It can be…intimidating, to say the least.” Her comment was meant to lighten the mood, but he seemed to have his own agenda.

“I’ll behave, Erin. But the one thing I will never agree to is being less than what you deserve. I will never let my guard down. And if Chase Montclair is intimidated in the process, then so be it.”

C
hase was staring out his office window when he heard his cell phone chirp. He looked down and read the incoming text:
“Looking forward to dinner…and what comes afterward.”

He smiled at a sudden flashback of their midafternoon romp in his office. Chase had been in the middle of a phone call with Sam when Erin showed up at his door. He had taken her repeatedly the night before, but when he saw her in that fitted skirt, her nipples straining against her silk blouse, all he could think about was how much he needed to be inside her once again.

His cock grew hard at the thought of her. The image of Erin spread out on his desk, her wavy blond hair scattered haphazardly around her gorgeous body, made him wonder how he was going to make it through the rest of the day. He responded to her text:
“I will never look at my desk the same. Thank you.”

Another text came a few seconds later:
“You are most welcome. But I do have a request.”

His response was just as quick:
“Ask. It’s yours.”

Her text didn’t come through for at least a minute, suggesting that she was taking her time, choosing her words carefully perhaps:
“My brother wants to meet you. Call him old-fashioned.”

Chase stared at his cell, his curiosity mounting:
“I would require the same. Just tell me when and where.”

Again, a minute passed:
“Before dinner tonight…seven o’clock, my apartment?”

Chase walked over to his wall of monitors and turned the channel to his favorite show. Erin had just walked into the lab. His erection pressed against his trousers. She was killing him. He texted:
“I’ll be there. And Erin, wear my gifts tonight. I want to take my time peeling away each and every one of them from that tight little body of yours.”

Chase pushed
SEND
, but didn’t wait to see her response to his text. He switched off the monitor in fear that if she looked back at him with one of those sexy smiles of hers, he would come right there. He was completely addicted to her, a habit that he had no intention of kicking anytime soon.

Erin stood in front of her bedroom mirror and sighed nervously. The butterflies in her stomach were fluttering every which way. No, she was more than nervous. She felt like she was going to be sick at any moment. Chase would likely be here within the next several minutes. He seemed to always be punctual, in and out of the office.

Paul had already arrived. He had helped himself to a beer, turned on the ballgame and taken a seat on her couch. Erin finally knew what it felt like to bring a guy home for fatherly approval. Paul might be her brother, but he looked after her, protected her like any father would. The transition from brother to father seemed seamless for Paul. She had wondered if the roles had been reversed, if she would have been able to take on such a responsibility. She had thought of it so often that she at times questioned whether she would be brave enough one day to have children of her own. Before the rape, she had envisioned having children with a husband she adored. Since, she worried over whether she was strong enough emotionally to take care of another human being when she was struggling to just take care of herself. But things were different now. She felt more like her old self, a woman who didn’t dwell in the past, but who looked to the future.

Erin stared at the beautiful ensemble Chase had put together. The silver, beaded floor-length dress was breathtaking, hugging her body in all the right places. She didn’t want to fathom a guess at how much it had cost. And that was just one of the gifts that had been delivered to her throughout the day. Erin was desperately trying to do the lingerie, shoes, and diamond earrings he had given her justice. She particularly cherished the earrings. They weren’t gaudy, but classic and simple. He had great taste.

Erin heard the intercom next to her front door buzz. Again, her stomach churned. Chase was downstairs. Her legs felt like jelly as she left her bedroom and listened to the receptionist announce Chase’s arrival. She pressed the button and told the sweet man that Chase was welcome to come up. Erin released the button and rushed back into her bedroom. The only thing left to tackle was her hair. She pinned up the sides, exposing the earrings, and left the rest wavy and flowing freely down her back. Erin did another makeup check, though it was not necessary, and walked out into the hallway only to hear a knock at the door. “I’ll get it,” she said, her voice shaky.

Erin took in a deep breath and opened the door…and nearly lost it at the sight of him. He was wearing black dress pants and jacket, and a white oxford shirt and silver tie that matched her dress exactly. She fought the urge not to leap into his arms and beg him to take her right there in the doorway. The mixture of his shower soap and cologne was deadly, and she forgot for a moment that they were not alone. He must have sensed where her mind had gone, because he smiled that devilish grin that made her cunt throb.

Not the time…most definitely not the time!

“You look…lovely.” The sound of his voice momentarily brought her out of her stupor and she smiled, gesturing for him to enter her apartment.

Erin still hadn’t gained the ability to speak. Luckily, Chase seemed poised and confident. He walked next to her as they made their way into the living room. Paul was already standing, beer in one hand and his other outstretched. Chase introduced himself and shook Paul’s hand. It took Erin a second to realize that she hadn’t said a word. She had practiced in front of the bathroom mirror how she would introduce the two most important men in her life, but when the moment came, she had failed miserably.

Though she sensed each man was sizing up the other, their conversation seemed to take on a life of its own. The ballgame in the background provided a relaxed ambiance, and Paul and Chase quickly worked through the pleasantries and shifted to sports. Erin asked Chase if she could get him a drink. Lord knew she could sure use one.

“Beer or wine?” she asked.

“I’ll take a beer, thank you.” Chase turned his attention back to her brother and continued talking about the Phillies, Paul’s favorite sports team. And it wasn’t like Chase was going through the motions or humoring her brother; he seemed to genuinely know about the game and the Phillies ball club in particular.

Erin didn’t know what to make of the situation. It was surreal, and she found herself staring at the scene in front of her. Paul looked up at her and smiled. “Everything okay?” he asked. She must have looked like a complete idiot, gaping at the two men.

“Um…sure.” Erin unglued her heels from the kitchen floor and walked out into the living room. She handed Chase his beer and took a much-needed gulp from her own bottle. Erin sat next to Chase, but was careful to keep her distance. She didn’t trust herself, her body, to behave when she was close to Chase.

Paul shifted the conversation to work, though it remained lighthearted. Erin had the distinct impression that Paul cared little about what Chase had to say in regard to his company, and more about how Chase acted in his presence. Surely Chase knew he was under the microscope, auditioning for a role that Erin wasn’t completely sure he wanted so soon. They had just met. Regardless, Chase played the part perfectly, answering at the right times, interjecting and inquiring with his own questions about Paul’s interests and career.

Erin’s nerves eased somewhat.

Chase had started to tell Paul about her upcoming presentation when she heard her cell phone vibrate from the island in the kitchen. Erin excused herself to retrieve her phone. She looked down at the incoming text and instantly reached for the edge of the granite counter in an attempt to steady herself.

Erin looked up to see Paul staring at her, his eyes dark and foreboding. Erin quickly glanced at Chase. His eyes narrowed as he studied her. Paul stood up and walked over to her, but instead of asking her what was wrong, he smiled and said, “So, where are you two going for dinner?” Erin knew what Paul was doing. He was trying to draw attention away from the fact that all the color had drained from her face.

Smile…breathe…play this off…please…please!

Erin reached deep within and flashed Chase a broad grin. “Better ask the man you had set your sights on intimidating tonight.”

Paul too could play the part. “And you wouldn’t have me any other way.” He smiled, though a shadow remained on his face.

Chase looked at her and then back at Paul. The crease between his eyes deepened and Erin got the feeling that Chase wasn’t convinced that all was well. He had witnessed something, but just couldn’t put his finger on it.

Chase smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes. He took her hand in his. “
Amore Bella
. But we could always cancel and look elsewhere if you’re not in the mood for Italian.”

“Sounds fantastic. I’ve never been there, but always wanted to go. I’ll get my wrap.” Erin walked to her bedroom and grabbed a black shawl from her closet. She felt someone behind her and turned around. Paul was standing there with her phone in his hand.

“This has to end. He’s getting more brazen. Cocky son-of-a-bitch.” He reread the text aloud:
“How cozy. Though I would tell Chase not to get too comfortable.”

“Should I cancel my date?” she asked.

“My preference would be to lock you in a panic room.” Paul walked to the balcony and checked the lock on the French doors. “No, go ahead. But be careful. Don’t leave Chase’s side.”

“So, you approve?”

“Leave it to you to ask that at a time like this.” He shook his head, though Erin could see the remnants of a subtle smirk. “Yes…for now.”

Paul sighed and looked down at her phone. He started to tap on the screen.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“I’m forwarding the text to my cell. I suspect that the number that came up will probably be from a disposable cell, but it’s worth investigating anyway.”

Guilt and anger washed over her. “You should be preparing for your next case or getting ready for a date of your own. Instead, your life is consumed by the fallout of my stupidity.”

“When’s the last time you went to your therapist?” he asked.

Embarrassed, Erin looked to the floor. “Just last week,” she said. “Seems like the only time I feel the need to degrade myself or dwell in self-pity is when the asshole rears his ugly head.”

“Make an appointment with your therapist,” Paul said. He walked over and handed her the phone.

“Should I make it for two?” It was a risk, but she had to ask. Paul was dealing with his own demons and she had no idea how he was coping.

Paul looked at her and though his face was hard, his eyes softened at her plea. “Okay, Erin. Make it a family session.”

Erin was too surprised to respond verbally, so she hugged him. He held her tight before releasing her. “He seems like a good guy,” Paul said. “But I still want you to call or text to let me know where you are…and if you’re not coming home tonight.”

“I will,” she said, her face growing warm. They were both grown adults, but it was still difficult to talk to Paul about her new social life.

They walked out into the living room to find Chase with his suit jacket back on and watching the Phillies. He looked amazing. The contrast was mouthwatering: He was dressed to the nines in a suit worth more than her entire wardrobe and watching a ballgame on TV. “Utley just homered. We’re up by one.”

Paul leaned into Erin and whispered, “We’ll keep him…for now.”

Erin smiled, giving him a playful jab to the gut.

Chase adjusted his tie as if out of habit and walked over to Erin. “Ready?” he asked.

She nodded. Her two men shook hands, though this time around there was no need to size each other up. They seemed comfortable with each other, and Erin couldn’t help but feel a little giddy. Chase only added to her teenage euphoria with his next question, which was aimed at Paul.

“We should grab a game sometime. I have season tickets.”

“For the Yankees?”

Chase scowled. He genuinely looked disgusted. “God, no. I won’t step foot in that new ballpark. No, I have box seats for the Phillies.”

“Even though you live in New York?”

“Yep. My dad grew up in South Philly, only blocks away from the ballpark. He was a huge fan and we would go whenever we could. I renewed the tickets this year, even though he has since passed away.”

Paul seemed taken aback by Chase’s admission. He resorted to the old standby and said, “I’m sorry to hear about that.”

Chase smiled, but Erin saw sadness in his eyes. The look was painfully familiar. “Thank you,” he said.

Paul reached out and Chase shook his hand. “I think I’ll take you up on your offer sometime. I would love to get away from the office for a night, grab a beer or three, and watch a game.”

“Great. Just let me know when and I’ll make the arrangements.”

Paul smiled at her and though he tried to make it seem lighthearted, Erin knew that he was trying to keep his concern at bay. At least he trusted Chase enough to allow her to go out with him alone.

Chase opened the door for her and was standing at the entranceway. Erin had the overwhelming need to tell her brother that she loved him. She broke away from Chase and walked over to Paul. She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek and whispered so only he could hear, “I love you, you know.”

“Yeah, I had a feeling.” Paul smiled and then gave her a nudge toward the door, toward the man who had stolen her heart.