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Bitter Sweet Rivals (Lady Bloody Ava & Fates.Gamble)

Devon was testing her control as she tried to spare the cab driver a display like their last, but that was proving harder to go through with as she was being drowned in his delectable kisses. Her hand moved higher up his leg with its own intent, but stopped shy of its desired destination. She had only realized the lack of her breathing when the kiss was cruelly broken. She was lost for words, which was a normal side effect of Devon's hot and heavy kisses, but she was resupplied with enough air and then another much needed kiss. Devon was going to be a very big problem for her. How could she get herself so wrapped up in someone that she just met? Of all people, of course it had to be him. "Quite the contrary I loved it and yes I am but a hairs breath away from trying to one up what we did on our last cab ride, but this is suppose to be a proper date so I'm going to try and behave myself." With a reluctant laugh she sat back with a sigh and looked out of the window. "Emphasis on 'try', by the way." A warm smile blossomed on her lips and her hand did not move from his lap as she was the tell tale signs that they were near her home. The cab soon came to a halt before a tall and well lit building. It was extravagant against the night sky. She paid the driver his dues, not bothering to wait for the change and took Devon's hand before leading the way into the building. It had retro rotating doors on the sides and a sliding door in the center.

Upon entering the interior was alive. One could hear music and the familiar clink of glasses coming from the bar. The open lounge area had many people seated, but she was so thankful to be living on the first floor. She dragged him through the throng of people and swiped a small key chain card through a secured door that unlocked. It was a carpeted hall with a door down the end and the minute the door closed you couldn't hear anything but silence. A huge smile spread across her lips as she looked at Devon while they walked. "We had better hurry or we may end up bypassing that movie altogether." It was both a promise and a threat." However she relinquished her hold on him and used a key to open up her front door. Her home was easily described as 'cozy'. A large and plush sectional with a massive flat screen mounted on the wall and one could hear the roar of a fireplace kick on as she walked in. Her home was programmed and their was, in fact a digital fireplace beneath the television. The lighting was warm, but she took him straight to her bedroom. The center of attention in that room was her king size four pillar mahogany canopy bed. Intricate carvings decorated the pillars and the sheets on the bed looked ridiculously inviting. There she left him to walk into what appeared to be a room, but was actually a closet. The organization and sheer amount of apparel was certainly nothing to scoff at. She pulled drawer open and removed a nice set of lingerie before she plucked an outfit and placed a pair of heels upon the square island in the middle of the room. A tote was snagged from a rack of high end purses and she placed everything in it before stringing it up and over her shoulder.

"Enough of this place... we can have some fun here, some other weekend. For now we have movie to catch." It had been far too long, so she stole a kiss from his lips and fed him more than a mere peck. Again she was lost for air when paired the kiss. It was probably not the best idea to have done this in her bedroom. "Let's go." Practically feeding him the words as she took him by the hand once more and made a beeline for the front door. The door automatically locked itself and the crowd was easily parted with a cab hailed down in no time. Again, she found herself in the back seat of a cab with Devon and she had to release a bit of tension or she may very well have ripped off his clothes and helped herself. A kiss was what she mustered to vent her sexual frustrations on the very source of it all. "Ugh..." She pushed herself away from him with a wicked smile and her eyes averted to the window. "If this were a game then I would be losing so badly right now." Her hands were in her lap now and green eyes continued to gaze out of the cab window as they grew closer and closer to their destination. The urge to punch him in the shoulder to get him to stop appealing to her senses, came to mind, but she only laughed. "Actually, we still don't know all too much about each other, aside from the newly discovered obvious."

She looked at with a more relaxed smile. "I mean non work related stuff, of course. Like, needless to say, I'm an only child. My birthday is...oh wow... it's in two weeks. Dear God, I'm getting old." Of course she said this every year, even when she was twenty, so she wasn't truly old. "Maybe you can take this information to your father... I've dabbled in the fairer sex before. I'm a sucker for a great pair of breasts." Visibly she shrugged off the guilty fact. "I'm hoping that little bit of info doesn't kill the mood for you." It was something that only a few people knew and the number of people who did know could be counted on one hand. It was only a matter of time before they arrived at the familiar building that housed his home. The mere sight had her smiling. "I'm ready when you are." With another tender kiss in the cab, she was ready to continue their 'date'.
 
And boy what a fitting emphasis it was. Devon was also having a hard time keeping himself at bay… his mind ignited with memories of their passionate encounters as his hand adventured further across her supple legs. He didn’t know how long he would behave himself… he partly started to regret his idea of a well-mannered evening. But if their history, however brief, showed anything, they were in no way a well-mannered couple. When this game of building tension broke, it would likely be with the force of a tidal wave. A wicked grin took Devon’s lips simply at the idea, and though he tried to pass a thought towards a movie for them to watch, it was hard to think of anything other than actually settling down with Gabriella and where-ever that may lead.
Though that still seemed a good time away as they arrived at her placed and he was hastened out of the cab. He followed behind, hand in hers while his eyes gaze up the residential tower, another lit monument in the dark city night. It was inevitable a part of him would pause at all this… Devon Buckholtz, heir to his father’s company, walking hand-to-hand into the residence of Gabriella Beaumont, his sworn enemy since birth. It was crazy and somehow… thrilling. He smiled as she brought up bypassing the movie though, something deviant behind his green eyes. “Oh? And what makes you think I’d let you off so easy. What’s that you said earlier? ‘You are the Master of Suspense, Devon. The longer I make you wait the more fun it’ll be in the end.” He wore a dark grin at his self-same promise and threat, following her into the cozy little home. It had a comfortable vibe, which he liked, finding even more attraction in her personality as he bided his time, admiring her decorum, and particularly her ritzy bed, while she gathered her clothes.
His eyes couldn’t help but jump up as she entered the closet, his gaze drawn like magnetism to her tight little form, particularly her ass, which somehow found a way to look oh so ample and inviting just before she disappeared into the other ‘room.’ She left him with a goofy grin as he walked around her bed-frame, silently wondering if he wasn’t going to lose this little game he suggested. Her bed certainly did look inviting… and they had spent good money on a cab ride just to stop in for a quick moment. It was difficult not to picture throwing her front-down into the cushioned mattress, her skirt hiked up, panties pulled aside and cute little pony tail wrapped around his hand while he tugged her head back and tested how deep he could go. Well while peppering soft lips down that sensitive neck of hers just to feel her writhe around his cock. The vision had him hard as a rock in no time, his fingers unknowingly gripping the covers as he found himself sitting on Gabby’s bed, waiting for her.

When at last she returned he was still sitting there, his eyes finding her with a lusty and desiring expression as though he’d not seen her in days. He nodded as she announced she was ready to leave, but he wasn’t so certain he was ready to put off his idea of fun here for another day. The contemplation was obvious as he lingered on her bedside, adding an extra passion to their kiss that she would recognize from the throes of some of their most exhilarating moments. He soon found himself up from the bed, kissing her full force, hands hard on her hips while he wondered whether to throw her down on the bed or not. He ultimately saw how far she would take it though; staying true to his game and grinning with partial satisfaction as she finally broke away and drug him out of the bedroom.
They were out of the bedroom quick but they stayed true to their naughty magnetism, finding themselves in that soft, luscious, head-lightening cloud nine that came from when they kissed one another. Devon was glad when she finally pushed him away, as his chest heaved for breath and he felt a little flushed. His hand had somehow found most of its way up her skirt… working towards her panty-line. If she didn’t stop them he probably wouldn’t have that time… “All kinds of trouble,” he said again, grinning as she made reference of it as a game. “I think we’re both on the losing end of this one. You don’t know how bad I wanted to throw you down back in that apartment. It’s definitely going to be hard to behave myself through any movie but we’ll see.”

True to his word, he behaved himself for now, listening to her with an attentiveness his fellow board members would beg for in meetings. “Well that much I knew from our little folder incident, unfortunately,” Devon said, issuing a dry laugh, “Though I guess I hadn’t put together it was only two weeks from now. Well I guess we’d better think of something fun to do on your birthday then…” He grinned, a few thoughts already coming to mind as his gaze swept her tantalizing body. Though whatever fun he planned didn’t sound half as fun as the things she fessed up to doing in her past. He was certainly taken a bit by surprise on that one. “I think we’re all suckers for a nice pair of breasts,” Devon admitted with a chuckle, “So needless to say, no, that doesn’t kill the mood for me. In fact… I think it’s kinda hot. And maybe it is the perfect thing to give him. He won’t find him nearly as accepting of it… but it’s not like he can use it against you. He’ll wonder how I worked that one out but I can figure that tidbit out later.”
And what a perfect time to put the discussion on hold, as they arrived at his illustrious building not a moment sooner, the driver waiting impatiently as they shared another tender kiss in the back. He paid for this journey considering she’d covered the last, and stepped out with her. The air was crisp on his skin, still flush and warm from their playful demeanor in the back seat. “Shall we then?” He suggested, offering her a hand to take before leading her off in a leisurely stroll with a grin. After crossing through his building’s lobby he found himself in the elevator with her for their most well behaved trip yet. He couldn’t completely keep his hands off of her, but as they rode with another passenger he limited himself to a close embrace, hands sliding around her hips as he kissed her softly and innocently. Their by-standing witness actually viewed the affair with a delighted expression, finding the action sweet, but the middle-aged woman soon frowned, making a little noise and averting his attention as Devon’s sweet actions evolved into his hand firmly grabbing her ass and his lips ravenously working down her neck.
But she got off on the next floor and Devon’s was the next after that, so they were once again spared from getting too hot and heavy. But there was still that frustrated grin as he led her out of the elevator and to his front door, trying to enter his home without the two of them on a one track mind for a change. Not that it would last long, probably… But for the time being he lingered, letting her fully enter before closing and locking the door behind her, after which he shed off his cardigan and hung it by the door along with his keys. After that, he took her by the hand again, and led her through the home she was quickly becoming familiar with. As she’d seen before, it was quite a bit flashier than her cozy home… and way too big for Devon but it fit his personality. And besides, for all those square feet there were really only two bedrooms. The rest was all leisure, and always put to good use at one point or another. And while he may not have had the convenience of living on the first floor like her, Devon wouldn’t have traded his view for anything. Large, spacious windows were everywhere, lighting his home with the by the city and the glow of its buildings in the distance. But at the highest point of his impressive building, there were no eyes to see them from any angle. Here they could truly be alone.

“So would you care to have a drink with me before we get our movie started?” He asked her, once more skipping by the scene of their first passionate encounter, the parlor, as they continued into the house. He made his way down the hall to the Bar Room, letting her decide whether to indulge or not while he poured himself a Woodford and Coke either way. He lingered a moment after, sipping his drink and gazing beyond the glass doors that led to the terrace. If it was a warmer night he would have suggested having their drink out there but instead he took her hand, leading her back into the hall and back on the move. “Come on,” he told her with a grin, “I don’t think I gave you a very good tour earlier. Needless to say I had something else on my mind.” Oh and it was worth every bit of slacking on his job as well… as he thought of her own little tour she must have taken to get all her garments back. “I didn’t even take you to the best room of the house somehow.” He didn’t take her across through the kitchen this time, skipping that and the dining room as they made their way straight for the stairs instead. He took her up and onto the next floor, which as usual greeted them with the large den. From the stair hall they could go left to find the Master, and Spare, bedrooms respectively. To the right one would briefly find themselves upon his Office Room. He took neither of these routes, leading her straight ahead, into the den. “I like to come up here to think, usually,” he explained, letting go of her hand as he led her up the short, winding stair case in the middle. At the top was his Sitting Room, one of the smaller but most stunning rooms in the house. From the top of the stairs one could look down upon the den, but as you stepped onto the hard-wood floor there was only the view… the highest point and the corner of his house boasting a scene of their beautiful city-scape the likes of which only his terrace could compete with. “But it’s also the perfect place for a drink with a beautiful woman,” he added, making his way to the couch as they arrived in the cozy room.

He sat down next to her, taking a long sip of his drink before setting it on the glass table with a coaster… a bit of his mild OCD side showing as if a bachelor keeping such a large home immaculately clean wasn’t proof enough. Most people thought he hired on work. “So,” he started, putting an arm around her shoulder to draw her close, “I guess you told me a couple things about yourself so I should do the same. To start… I am ALSO an only child, my birthday is NOT in two weeks, it's in two months and I have NOT dabbled in the gruffer sexy before." He chuckled some at that, "So now that we know that about each other… I guess I don’t know what to say really. I stay pretty busy most days. I don’t get out too often so I try to live it up when I can. Especially on weekends,” He raised his glass in mock cheers, proof of his words right in front of her as he took another long sip, its fiery warmth invigorating him while he set his glass down again. “Obviously you know I work for my dad…” he said, trying to avoid that topic as a whole for now, “People say I take after him but I’d like to think I take more after my mother. She’s more so the one that raised me; a stay at home mom while my dad was busting ass to build the company. We have this big house out in the countryside, a little more than an hour outside of the city. Growing up there was… well let’s just say it left me with a little more serenity than all this hustle and bustle and the political bullshit that so often seems to come with business marketing. You wouldn’t know it by his saint of a wife, but it’s no wonder my dad’s such a dick… Man… I can only hope I’m not like him by that age.”
 
Oh Gabriella could certainly think of something that he could do on her birthday. No doubt he had already thought of that from what she knew of him. The hot and tender kiss that they shared before exiting the cab had her warm all over and she was trying to get her smile to subside, but try as she might it was putting up a nice fight. "Like you have to ask." She replied to his offer with a smirk as she held his hand in hers and he led the familiar pathway to his abode. Again she would never feel the same in an elevator after the last two trips with him. However she held up her manners and it was starting to feel like her first date ever. The close embrace was more than welcomed. It started off very casual. There was no way it could not escalate a little. Gabriella paid the little old woman little heed, especially when Devon grabbed a handful of her ass and began peppering kisses along her weak spot. Her arms were wound around his body as she was held against his body. Inevitably they ended up in his home once more. Gabby was feeling a ball of tension settling in the pit of her being. To not pounce on him and take him where he stood was taking more effort than she had realized. Honestly she did not spend too much time in her home and when she did she was normally accompanied with families, friends, and children. "If I had a home like yours I'd probably spend more time at home." It was rather stunning and it was nice to see the array of liquor her housed and when offered a drink she browsed with genuine interest as she leaned against the cool bar top. "Of course." In the end she made herself a simple whiskey sour while he gazed towards the terrace. A single sip and a flush of approval danced across her cheeks.

Her free hand was seized as she was escorted through his home and a laugh sounded when she just couldn't help but agree. "Oh well the tour from earlier today was grade 'A', I assure you." Their detour still brought up some nice and naughty memories and as she followed, where he led her to had her smiling. "Wow, it's beautiful. Your taste is certainly nothing to be scoffed at." Upon the soft surface of the chic sofa, she sat and was more than happy when he wrapped his arm around her. With her drink still in hand she took a sip as she listened while her eyes enjoyed the sights beyond the floor to ceiling glass windows. Of course she laughed as he kindly informed her that he had not had relations with a man before. While her laughter settled she still smiled and rest her head upon his shoulder with his arm still around her. Intently, she listened as he spoke of his mother. Gabriella had painted a nice picture of his father and the man's personality, but she silently like to think that his mother was the sweet one of the relationship. "Trust me, I loved getting out of the city. My grandparents own a nice chunk of land outside of the city and riding horses and riding on the tire swing was so nice." She leaned forward and placed her drink on a coaster before she looked him dead in the eyes as Devon mention not wanting to turn out like his father. With a light little chuckle she pressed a sweet, light kiss to his lips. "Maybe I can help you steer clear of that. Maybe."

With those words she stood up and walked over to the glass window. The sound of her heels clicked upon the wooden floor as she closed the distance. The sight was stunning, especially at night the various lights painting the landscape. Along the wall she walked until her eyes looked upon the sleek, beautiful black Baldwin piano. It brought a smile to her sofa lips as she helped herself to the seat and got a feel on the cool keys of the piano. Music could soon be heard and she found herself playing Beethoven's Fur Elise. The sight was stunning and the music felt nostalgic. When she was done she stood up from the chair and indulged in the glorious sight one more time before taking another sip of her drink and joining him on the sofa once more. "Don't get use to that, I seldom play because my parents tried to make me a piano playing prodigy and turned a nice fun art into a boring chore." Another sip of her drink and she rest her head upon his shoulder. It felt so nice to relax and unwind. This weekend was awesome and she was sure it was an asset that would surely make getting through her work week much easier. The silence was peaceful and again she relished the relaxation and when she remembered the source Gabriella couldn't help but lift her head from the man's shoulder and pressed a very nice kiss to his lips before pulling them away with a smile he would, no doubt become very much use to if things when as she had hoped. "Honestly? I don't know if my mind could really focus on a movie right now, and besides, I'm enjoying myself just by sitting here and talking to you."

The girl was no where near drunk, but that she felt very nice. Be it from the alcohol, or Devon, or a combination of the two, she didn't really care. Another brief view of the breath taking landscape beyond the see through walls of his home and another kiss was pressed to his lips before she took another sip of her drink before repositioning herself in a more preferable spot. With one leg and a swift movement she straddled his la and sat facing him. "Much better, now, where were we?" Oh, let's see... my birthday's coming up, you've a sweet mother, and you don't want to end up like your dad, in certain ways. Meanwhile, I'm over here wondering how I am going to make it through the work week after this weekend, and how many excuses I can come up with for random smiles I may have or my possible loss of attention." Her skirt rode up in her new favorite seat and the heat of her sex threatened to permeate through his attire. The words he spoke before rang through her head and had her laughing. "You are the master of suspense. I'm surprised that you haven't thrown me down on this lavished sofa of yours, with the perfectly tuggable ponytail and a skirt that could so easily be hiked up, you certainly are playing the gentleman tonight." Her lips were but a hairs breath from his as she spoke and when done, she stood herself up on her own two feet, turned her back to him, and sauntered her way back over to the glass to the wonderful view. All the while a naughty smile sat on her lips. "So... maybe we can do that movie." She spoke with a faux innocent sound to her voice as she gazed beyond the glass.
 
Devon relaxed into his seat, listening to her talk of her grandparents’ home with a gentle smile. It felt like it had been ages since he wore such an honest expression of contentedness, and Gabriella was making damn sure it wasn’t going away anytime soon. Devon met her temptingly soft lips, his eyes drifting closed as even their light, fleeting kisses could prove intoxicating. Their chemistry was evolving by the minute, a fact only proven as her next words rang true with his very thoughts: ‘Maybe I can help you steer clear of that…’ But no matter how sweet the sentiment, it was a very big maybe. The truth still remained, lurking over them like a persevering marauder; waiting to complicate their lives at every turn.
But Devon found their little impediment was easy enough to cast aside when she was with him. It was like nothing existed outside of their time together, and with every gaze upon her, his eyes were lit with new and constant desire. Even as she stepped away, moving to approach the piano, his eyes latched to her gorgeous body and soaked in every delicate feature. He sat in silence and took a long sip of his drink, watching and listening as she played the piano with a surprising proficiency. Devon found the music soothing, the tune of the piano a welcome guest to the large home which had long felt too quiet. To hear her play was a treat to say the least, and somehow in that moment, he found her more beautiful than ever, though the compliment was spoken only by the adoring smile on his face.

“Oh, well that’s a shame,” he replied, once her performance was finished, “You play quite beautifully, if I don’t say so myself. Though, I had a feeling you’d be just as good with your hands as you are with… everything else.” His eyes swept her body with the last words, his look so intense with approval his look could practically caress her form while his admiring smile was exchanged for a more suggestive grin. “I’m no prodigy, but I’ve had a few lessons myself. I used to play all the time, but lately it’s just been hard to find the time. This must be the first time that piano’s been touched in two months or longer.”
His arm quickly found itself back around her as she returned to his side, whilst his hand gently stroked through her soft tendrils as her head found his shoulder. He couldn’t help but lease a content sigh, everything seeming to fall in place with her so near. His lips opened gently to her next kiss, everything feeling so peaceful alone in the quiet. “Well you’ll get no complaint out of me,” he told her as she contemplated the movie, “The past couple days, your company alone has been a better time than anything I could think of. I’m down for whatever, babe.”
He greatly approved of what she had in mind, luckily having finished the last of his drink and setting it down just moments before she positioned herself in his lap. He shifted some in the couch, slouching and relaxing back so that their hips lined up with tantalizing perfection. Emitting nothing more than a seedy grin, Devon ran his smooth hands along her body while she spoke, teasing him with the pause of jumping back to the key points of their conversation. By the time she was expressing concerns over smiling at work, his hands had already found their way under her skirt, exploring to find new causes for her said joy. And as they continued their work, his lips discovered her soft, strong neck, peppering a trail that was both agonizingly slow, and intensely thrilling. He pulled away however, chuckling a little over her complaint of his building suspense… not that it was much of a complaint.

“Mmm…” He cooed, picturing all too well the possible actions she highlighted, “Oh I think you’ll find me a lot less ‘gentleman-like’ soon enough.” Hinting upon his words and taking her suggestion, a free hand suddenly yanked her hair back, turning her head just enough to pull away her hovering lips, and expose more of her beautiful neck to him, “But until then,” he started, his grip on her hair relaxing a little as his velvety lips brushed along the tender flesh of her weak spot, “We’ll see just how much I can work you up before you can’t take it anymore…” the words were a whisper of his deep voice, vibrating across her skin. “Or vice versa perhaps, if you’re bold enough…” he added, grinning wildly as he released her hair and left her neck with nothing more than a tease of his lips, teeth and tongue.
It seemed she would be all too willing to play along as the comfortable weight of her body fled his lap, coaxing and tempting him with nothing more than her extravagant looks and her amatory saunter. He honestly didn’t know who would win in that little game if she put effort into teasing him… just the thought of their near future was enough to spring his loins into full action. With a smirk he rose from his seat, and followed her to the glass wall. His hands skated seductively up her sides; their bodies dangerously close in proximity. For an instant, he contemplated damning the art of suspense and fucking her hard, right there against the glass. But Devon was nothing if not strong willed, and hands that would seem to have nefarious purpose in mind, carefully managed to dodge all the sweetest spots, only to end in taking hold of one of her own.

“Well come on then,” he ordered with a grin before retrieving his empty glass and leading her back downstairs to the den. Walking her around to the front of the screening couch, he set his glass down before taking Gabby by the hips and pulling her into him for a deep, hot kiss. At its most intense moment however, he quickly broke away and pushed her back, gently throwing her down onto the large, soft couch with little warning. “Oh, now you better behave yourself or you’re going to interfere with my whole making you wait plan,” Devon announced with a sly smile, before retreating towards the entertainment center. “So… you’re letting me pick the movie, huh?” he said, recalling her demands post dinner, “What a brave woman you are. Well… I guess you’ll just have to deal with one of my favorites then.” Though he doubted they’d be paying much attention to what was actually on the screen, as he grabbed the case for Guy Ritchie’s ‘Snatch’ and retrieved the disc. Once it was all set up and playing, he returned to the couch, plopping down at her side where she found herself on her back and in the throes of a heated kiss before the first characters could even appear on screen.
 
The man was just as nefarious as his father was, thankfully in a way that benefited her. Apparently the two and been together long enough for him to know the layout of her sweet spots. Gabriella's neck was still hot from the torturous ghost of affection from his lips.Even as she gazed out at the gorgeous view of the city, her mind was in sync with her business rivals. The image of her back being pinned to the glass with one leg up and a mere maneuver of her skirt and panties and she would be in heaven all over again. A smirk spread across from her lips as she felt his warm and familiar caress along the sides of her body as she grew curious as to whether or not her lover would do just had she imagined. When her hand was seized and he led her away from the glass she groaned her obvious disappointed and then laughed. "Fine, you stubborn man, you." With an unavoidable smile showing off her pearly whites, she follow suit down the stairs and into the lavished den. The handsome man before her was two steps ahead as she watched him set his glass down and he then promptly seized her my her hips before conquering her lips in a much needed and desired kiss. The man's kiss was intoxicating, to say the least. Gabriella even fed him a needy moan before she found herself upon the soft surface of the couch. Her soft lips sat agape, taking in some much needed air. Her eyes spoke of a hunger that was barely contained. However, a devious and sinfully sweet smile did tug at a corner of her lips as she watched him set up the movie for them to watch. "I'm not the only one who needs to behave themselves, Devon."

Gleaming eyes watched as he joined her on the sofa, and not once did her eyes land on the screen, because one of them was going to strike. If he hadn't then she sure as hell would have. Gabriella met her lover at every turn. When her back hit the seat of the sofa cushions, one hand loosely laced her soft and slender fingers through his jet black tendrils. Lips parted with ease for the invasion to come. "Babe..." She whispered against his lips, but dove in for one more much needed kiss before continuing. "...I don't think I've ever seen this movie before." Now she was teasing him to remind him of their little game, but at the same time she was so hungry for him. Hungry for the man that was raised as her enemy and rival, yet conquered more than she cared to openly admit. The man held her heart in his hand, and had the power to protect it or crush it at will. Soft fingers slid from his locks to rest upon the side of his face as she savored another hot and heated kiss before ripping her lips away from his with the greatest of efforts. It would be fun to see if she could test his limits, but she didn't hold great faith in her own limits. "Keep this up and I will forfeit right now, mister." Oh how true those words actually were. The only thing she wanted on her body right now was him.

Only then did a thought come to mind when her eyes landed upon the time. "Actually..." She scooted her body from underneath him so that she could sit herself up. "I may fall asleep watching this movie, so I should at least be dressed for bed, right?" Gabriella wasn't really looking for an answer, but slid back from beneath her handsome lover and slipped her shirt over her head and tossed it off to the side. Her red laced bra was on display and she averted her gaze as she teasingly spoke. "I usually sleep naked...." She reached back and unhooked her bra as she spoke. "... I hope you don't mind." The business mogul dawned a mischievous smile as her limits were put to the test. "Devon would you mind helping me with my skirt?" She asked with a clearly, faux innocent tone of voice. This man would know her true motives, especially since he was the cause of them.
 
Between the feel of her luscious form beneath him, and that of her soft fingers stroking through his hair, Devon could not help but to feed her a moan in return. His tongue slipt softly between her lips at the welcome invitation, dancing with hers in a most soft, and intoxicating joining which could leave even the most experienced of lovers light-headed. Even as she paused the session, he continued to massage her lips gently with his, the whisper of her pet name only making him all the more eager for her return advance. So she hadn't seen this movie before... "Well it doesn't look like you'll be seeing much of it now, either," he observed, as they were already well into the intro without so much as a glance towards the screen. His little game was all but forgotten... Lost in the inebriation granted by her soft lips, warm mouth, and delectable body.

This made her threat of forfeit practically empty, evident in his lack of reaction to the teasing comment. By now he was invested, his tongue once more invading her mouth whilst his right hand found its self exploring her ample figure. His warm fingertips had just caressed their way under her shirt, up her side and were nearly to her perfect breasts before she interrupted the venture with her sudden decision. Devon grinned however, quickly forgiving her as she scooted out from under him and removed her top. "Smart thinking," he replied coyly, watching her undress with hungry eyes, "But of course I don't mind. I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable, after all." As soon as she unhooked the bra, he was upon her again, his warm hands delicately helping to slide the straps down her arms while his lips followed in their wake, leaving a hot trail across her shoulders, then slightly down her arms before the garment found itself on the floor beside them. His mouth then moved to her bountiful cleavage, lips and tongue working in beautiful unison as he coaxed her back down on the couch.

"It would be my absolute pleasure," he answered to her request, a wicked and knowing grin across his face, "Anything for you, darling." He was slow to oblige, however, almost tantalizingly. To start, he pulled her into another fiery kiss, their warm, soft tongues meshing with perfect synchrony, during which his hand slid down her back and into the skirt he was meant to be removing, where his firm grip took hold of her gorgeous ass, all too inviting with the little v-string panties she wore. It spurred him on though, his lips breaking for hers to catch breath while he moved to kiss along her neck, and back down to her breasts. He briefly teased over her nipples before working kisses across her flat belly, and shuffling his body down to reach his goal. He sat up as he reaches her skirt, his warm hands gliding down her front until he reached her hips, where he stopped. "Mmm..." He cooed, watching her with lust-heavy, deep green eyes, "How'd you get so god damn beautiful?" Before taking off her skirt, he took her left leg in hand, carefully sliding off her first knee-high boot, and then the other to reveal the black leggings beneath. For a moment he considered removing it those as well, but with a wicked grin decided it might be more fun to leave them on a while. That out of the way, he finally made it to the task at hand, hooking her pin-stripe skirt at the hem and easily shimmying it down her strong, silky legs.

Once it joined the rest of her discarded clothing, he descended upon her, his lips claiming a spot on her thighs, just above her leggings her he kissed and licked his way up to her hips, where he quickly broke away, and ripped off her panties without so much as a warning. As soon as they were thrown aside, he pushed her legs apart by the knees, and lowered himself to her wet, inviting slit. His soft lips opened wide, encompassing as much of her womanhood as possible while his tongue came out to play... Teasing between her clit and the center of her fold. After a few minutes he pulled away with a smile, relishing the taste of her as he grabbed one of her legs, and hooked it over his shoulder. With the new access he hungrily went back to work, sucking and kissing as his dark, devious eyes flashed up to watch her expressions, all against the murmur of the tv, displaying the movie neither of them would be paying attention to.
 
Damn his last name and their family history. Devon was a down right animal and she was loving him all the more. Easily the hot business woman was coaxed over to the sofa and a soft moan was fished out of her lips by his lips teasing at her bust. His kiss was like a drug and it had her blood boiling with a heated lust. His hands were exploring her hindquarters and she fed her date a well earned moan. "Mmm God baby, It's going to be damn near impossible to leave you..." She wasn't lying either. Monday was going to feel like the worst hangover in existence and while the current effect was amazing, the withdrawals were going to be serious. His lips peppering a trail from her neck and further down her body left fire in their wake. There was no way that she could keep her hands to herself. Slender fingers laced themselves in his hair during his decent. He was still living up to his reputation as the master of suspense as he slowly began ridding her of each piece of clothing with the exception of her leggings.

As if she wasn't feeling hot enough, his compliment made things even worse. A sharp gasp escaped her lips as he made quick work of her panties, but a sinfully delicious smile spread across her lips. Devon had plans and she was not going to get in the way of that. The very second her sex was engulfed, she slowly sat her head back and moaned. After that initial shock wave of bliss her laden eyes opened up to watch that handsome man work his magic. Her breasts were rising and falling with slow and steady deep breaths. Occasionally her lower lip would be trapped between her teeth only to slip free and another soft moan. "Oh God..." After what felt like an eternity he switched up things a bit and maneuvered her leg and went to town on her. The movie was just noise in the background at this point and it was the last thing on her mind. "Oh...!" Gabby was plunged into the best time that she has ever had in ages. It was nice to see that he hadn't lost his touch since their first night together. Hips arched a bit off of the sofa in a silent form of greed.

Devon was clearly not playing as she was riding a roller coaster and was starting on a steep incline. The man knew her by now, rapid breaths and writhing at his touch. Devon's name spilling from her lips every now and then. "Baby, please..." She pleaded wanting the man to stop if he was going to switch things or she was going to combust with the first orgasm of the night. "D-Devon!" Manicured nails gripped at the sofa her mouth was wide as she emitted a moan that was bound to wake the neighbors. Her back threatened the arc off of the sofa, but she wasn't going anywhere. Gabriella growled and sat herself up and scooted her sex away from him. Her eyes held a burning hunger despite being so thoroughly pleasured. "I hope you enjoyed your snack, because I'm starving now. First..." She got on all fours and honed in on his face and sampled his kiss and the taste of her on his lips before placing a hand on his shoulder and pushing him down and away. "... those clothes." As he lay back on the sofa she sat on her knees and slid her soft palms beneath that olive colored shirt that he still wore.

Those alluring eyes gazed at him as she slid her hands further up his chest and pushed the shirt up and over his head before she tossed it aside. It had already been too long since she had kissed him and she need a fix now. That was easily remedied as he tongue invaded the sweet and delicious sanctity of his. Meanwhile, her hands went to work on those damn good looking jeans. Naturally, she thought that they would look way better on the floor. "I'm not the only good looking person in this room." She whispered softly against his lips. On all fours she sat between his legs and after getting past that button, zipper, and whatever stood in her way, she wrapped her slender fingers around her hot treat. The woman was too damn eager to completely remove his pants before sampling the goods. She lapped at the arched helm of her lover's cock and the look on her face spoke volumes. "Mmm... I think I deserve this." She said with an air of pride, "Only the best for me." She smiled right before wrapping her lips around his marble hard length. A moan venturing from her lips and down his engorged length. She fitted his girth within the tight confines of her esophagus and milked him for a reaction. She enjoyed pleasing him just as much as he enjoyed pleasing her so feasting on this five star meal was just as delicious for her as it was for him.
 
She wasn't kidding about Monday, but right now that was the last thing on his mind. He focused on the here and now; on the feel of her gorgeous body, spread out and offered to him for the taking. Which he obliged to with energetic lust. Every sharp breath, every gasp, every moan that she fed him, urged him on in his endeavors. His hands soon joined in to play, strong fingers massaging apart her labia that his tongue could better reach the sweeter spots of her delicious pussy. He moaned out his compliments as he continued to lick and suck, and shortly after, his fingers found themselves dipping in, sliding into her wet channel to tease her from within, while his soft lips and skilled tongue moved up to her clit, making every attempt to build her to the point of no return. And judging by the soft, hungry vocals he was getting out of her, he was doing a rather fine job of it.

Her pleads and warnings were not enough to stop him. His lips pulled into a loose grin against her sex, tongue still working its magic as her desperation earned her only a renewed vigor from him. Even when her moan rang throughout the house, he did not relent. He merely moaned in return, practically making love to her quivering womanhood with his mouth. It was not until she pulled away that he finally relinquished his efforts, a most devious smile written across his face as his tongue ran across his soft lips, still enjoying the taste of her upon them.
"Oh I thoroughly enjoyed it," he quipped back, watching her approach with a penetrating gaze. His lips meshed softly with hers before he was pushed to his back. He relaxed into the new position, watching her ever move until he felt her soft hands gliding up his bare torso. His eyes closed then, head laid back as he realized even the slightest touch from her could cause electricity to course all through his body.

It seemed their minds were in sync from the moment his shirt hit the floor, as his hand found the back of her head, pulling her in for an even deeper kiss, which only grew even more intense with every second, until she retreated to all fours. "Fuck, you're sexy," he couldn't help but to feed her another compliment right back. Resting an arm behind his head, he watched her work her way down, and took in a sharp breath as her hand wrapped around his generous length. His cock practically throbbed as he felt her wet tongue grace the tip, and he let out a long and steady moan of favor. And as if it wasn't hot enough already, her dirty talk as if SHE was the one being treated had him hard as a rock. There was a retort to her words on the tip of his tongue, but once he felt her lips envelope him, it was lost for a deep breath instead. "Mmm... Fuck," he moaned, head thrown back as she swallowed him down, "Suck that dick baby. Yeah... Just like that."

She was driving him positively wild. Her mouth was soft and warm, and glided up and down his length with an ease that made him shiver. His free hand found itself tangled in her hair, gripping tighter every time she took him deep down her throat. Watching her head bob on him was such a turn on, and was only amplified by the truth of who she was. Thinking about his rival from birth having his cock in her mouth made him feel more powerful than ever, yet at the same time he was like wet clay in her hands, grounded by her exceptional skills. His pulse raced as she continued on, building him up faster than ever. The idea of just letting go and cumming in her mouth sounded oh so tempting, but this was the most turned on he'd been since their first night together, more so even, and he had other plans.

His grip grew tightest as she brought him practically to the edge, and as she slid her hot mouth back up his shaft, he prevented her from diving back down. His eyes practically rolled back at denying himself the pleasure, but he was more than ready to get to the main course of this meal. "Come here," he ordered once she'd relinquished his throbbing manhood. When she obliged, he pulled her into a deep kiss, his tongue invading her mouth with practiced skill, before he broke away, spun her around and pushed her back to all fours. He rose to his knees behind her while shuffling out of the rest of his jeans. "You know..." He started, his voice deep and commanding, "My father tore me a new one about losing that Trifexis account to you and your mother. What do you think we should do about that?" Before she could even respond, his hand came down strong, smacking her ass hard enough to leave a mark. It was quickly met with him lifting up to offer his erect length in a tease against her sopping entrance. "After all, I put a lot of hours into trying to get that account." He brought down another hard slap, and another quick tease. But it got to be too much even for him... The heat that radiates from her was all too welcoming, and before he knew it, his cock was in his hand, which he stroked gently, pressing the way to his mark until he found himself inside.

The tip of his cock had barely slipped into her wet channel before he dove the rest of the way in, allowing her hot, wet pussy to swallow him down to the base. A slow moan of approval vibrated from his throat as his hands took her by the hips, pulling her body to the perfect position for him to fuck her with ease. He pumped into her slow at first, giving her careful, deliberate thrusts that begged for something harder. Before they got too into things though, he made another request of her. "Give me your hands." Once she reached back, he took her by the wrists, pulling her arms back almost as if she were being arrested. Once he had a firm grip though, he used he position as leverage, beginning his thrusts again until suddenly, he was fucking her wild and hard. His pelvis slammed into her ass, creating a luscious symphony of sound as his large cock ravaged her, filling her with its girth as he relentlessly pounded into her again and again. "Mmm, yeah..." He moaned, not slowing in the slightest, "I think this'll make up for it."
 
Gabriella was feasting like a queen and his words of encouragement only fueled her endeavors. She looked at his with a curious gaze as her actions were halted with his grip and his orders. Only in their personal time was he going to be able to order her around and she was actually loving it. Another hungry kiss was shared and she groaned as he broke the kiss, leaving her wanting more. Her lover had plans though. Next thing she knew, she was on her hands and knees with her business rival behind her. Her hair was tossed over one of her shoulders as a grin spread across her lips and he began speaking while striping out of those jeans. That smile of deviousness was not going anywhere as he spoke of the Trifexis account. A sweet smile of guilt and satisfaction plastered across her face. What did her business competitor have in mind for the person who stole a contract from him?

That smile was whiled clean in an instant as she felt a share sting run across the backside of her ass. Her eyes shut tight and a gasp was ripped from her lips. If she was turned on earlier then there was no way to describe how she was feeling now. "Oh God!" She purred as he swiped his cock against her sensitive and soaked slit. The man was really getting his vengeance as she felt another blow to her ass, and another torturous tease to her sex. Her punishment seemed to be over as he buried himself up to the hilt in her tight and wanting sex. A moan of pleasure escaped her lips at the feeling of his stretching her every single way, but she should have known better with Devon. The slow pace that he chose was going to slowly drive her insane. She complied with his demand and was far from disappointed in the result from her action. Her breasts shock from the intense power in his thrusts.

His cock was kissing her cervix time and time again, and there was no build up to the pleasure, but a sharp incline to an apex. "Devon!" She cried out, the name of the man rocking her world and pummeling her insides. This man was going to have her well used and abused and she's be lucky if she had a voice left after this. Between panting, moaning, and gasping. Her captured hands were clenched into fists while her toes curled from the intense pleasure. If this was her punishment, then Gabriella was going to do her damn hardest to whoop his ass in the contracts to come. His flesh smacking against her own damn near rivaled the smacking that she felt upon her ass not too long ago. That signature clutch was making itself well known as she was riding the edge and panting so hard that she could hardly hear the delicious sounds that her lover was making. "B-Baby..." She barely whispered under her breath with brows furrowed as she threatened to crash in an orgasm.
 
Devon was absolutely loving his precious Gabriella’s reactions, making a game of it to see just how wild he could get her. There was no quarter in his thrusts, every moan she delivered taken as a challenge to pull out more and more… louder and louder. He felt her wet channel getting tighter and tighter around him; an undeniable evidence of a job well done as if the sweet symphony of precious cries wasn’t enough for him. Devon couldn’t hold back his own cries as he felt her growing closer to cumming all over his cock though. His hard dick felt positively electric squeezed between her willing folds. Gabriella barely seemed able to get the words out between her pants and moans, but Devon grinned down at her, holding her hands tight while he continued to fuck her good.
“Yeah baby?” he answered back in a throaty voice of passion, “That feel good?” She didn’t even need to answer as he felt her spilling over the edge. “Ohh f-fuck…” he couldn’t help but moan out as he felt that extra flood of wetness that made her incredibly tight pussy just about the best thing on Earth. Devon ground in hard, filling her up to offer every inch to her pulsing core. “Mmm… Gabby,” he moaned out, feeling how perfectly hot and wet she was around him. Suddenly the rest of her delectable body was just too far away from him. He hefted her up by her arms, firmly but not uncomfortably as he pressed his bare chest against her back and finally released her hands to wrap his arms around her. One hand came up to grab her breast while his mouth ducked in to kiss and nip around her neck. All the while he continued to grind his hips into her nice and deep, riding out her orgasm until he felt every last shiver vibrate through her body against his.
It was a good thing the new position forced him to take things a little slower or he might have let go right then and there. She felt so fucking good he could hardly stand it. Even just grinding into her was bringing him to that edge. But Devon threaded his fingers into her long black air, coaxing her mouth to his for a passionate kiss that helped to distract him from the heavenly treatment her soaked womanhood showed him. His tongue danced against hers with an increasingly familiarity before he broke away and gave his lover a wicked grin. “My my… I’m not sure such lewd actions are becoming of a respectable business woman,” he teased her, his hard length still slowly at work within her center. “But I’m not done with you quite yet,” he assured her, suddenly pulling his cock out and away before Gabriella quickly found herself spun around and laid out on her back.
Devon hastily tugged away the last of her clothing he’d been too excited to remove earlier, pulling up her gorgeous legs to place one foot on each of his shoulders. “That contract really meant a lot to me you know….” He said, feigning a concerned look down at her before shifting his hips forward a little and teasing her entrance with the tip of his solid cock. “They really want me to prove I can handle you properly at work.” It was hard to imagine him handling her any other way as he reached out to tease again. The head of his dick rolled around her tauntingly, though it seemed he was not all together denying, as suddenly a few inches dipped back into her slick fold.
“Mmm… but they just don’t understand how demanding my Gabriella can be, do they?” He continued to grin darkly, enjoying teasing her about work all while his cock delved deeper and deeper, but never delivering to that sweet fulfillment she would truly be craving. “Maybe if they saw how I had you know they’d called that contract a willing trade.” Though honestly, Devon didn’t give a fuck about work when he had this woman spread out before him. His cock finally gave her its entire length, slipping right in like they were made for each other while his hands slid up her tantalizing legs, before finally taking her ankles in a firm grip. He spread her legs nice and wide after that, giving him all the room he needed to start fucking her nice and hard all over again.
 
Devon had set a record that her ex's would be hard pressed to beat. No man had every pushed her over the edge so many times in such a short amount of time. His banter was one hell of a turn on. He knew that she was down right loving it as he pummeled her insides. The change of positions seemed to his a whole new range of spots that sent her crashing on his marble hard length. That steely embrace , the grip on her sensitive breast, and her proverbial weak spot kissed and nipped at: it was no wonder she went though a fit of shivers in his arms while riding out her orgasm. That sudden kiss helped ease the usually bull headed woman back down to earth. With that tango between tongues ceased she managed a wickedly sweet smile to return to his. "Mmm... you better not be done." She faux threatened after he announced that he was, in fact, far from done. There was a light of excitement in her eyes as the bombshell was found on her back. "Really?" She replied with that all too sexy smile, a smile that was wiped away at her business rival's ministrations to her greedy and slick sex. "You're doing a damn good job of handling me, from my point of view."

In a silent plea of desire her hips arched slightly forward to bury him even deeper within her sex. A very audible groan escaped her lips as his teasing had her squirming. "Devon, you are so ruthless, babe." When her lover was satisfied and finally began unrelentingly fucking her senseless, needless to say Gabriella Eloise de Beaumont was putty in a Buckholtz's hands. Meanwhile, her own hands couldn't get enough of him. Whenever this man was close enough she would caress him in the most intimate of way. Even in this deliciously vulnerable state she demanded a kiss or two. There were several times where she just threw her head back, and could do little but allow the pleasure to overthrow her mind. "F-Fuck." The word was barely audible as the pressure mounted and mounted until she could hardly stand it anymore. Another back arching, mind wracking, nerve searing orgasm tore through her like a rip current and lingered like a bad headache, but in the best of ways.

After what felt like the most blissful eternity did the sounds of the movie remind her that it was still playing. Breasts rose and fell for that much needed breath and when she felt his length still pulsing within after painting her insides with his seed again, Gabby smiled, though wearily. Devon was amazing. It was a shame that such a lovely duo would have to keep such affairs under wraps, but he was worth it. The day went from good to bad then amazing. It was certainly going to end on a good note as she honestly did look forward to actually sharing a bed with Devon and waking up next to a smart, funny, charming, and handsome business man that could keep up with her. "Excellent choice of a movie, babe." She teased after taking a minute to recover, knowing damn well that she had not paid a single bit of attention to the movie he chose. "I would suggest rounding off this make up session in your bed, but I don't think my legs can function after that number you pulled on me." A lovely laugh escaped her lips as she continued to lay back upon the soft surface oft he sofa.

"Why do I have a feeling that I won't be able to stay away from you until next weekend?" They led such busy lives and sometimes it would lead her into the late hours of the night and if that happened, she wouldn't be all too upset just to crawl in bed with a nice warm body. It was a little hard to imagine that she had fallen for the one person that she was not suppose to even remotely like, but Gabriella was stubborn and no one would disagree. Tomorrow held its own challenges, but for now, this was perfect.
 
Gabriella was every bit of fun he could have hoped for in a woman. Devon bore a keen grin at her threatening incitement; which he was all too willing to oblige. The raven haired beauty had been invigorating during their first few encounters, but something about knowing she was the Beaumont girl had him downright ravenous. Gabby may have won the edge over him in the business world right now, but the truth of her compliment could not be denied in the way her body quivered, and her sweet, wet pussy clamped eagerly around his hard length. Devon leased sultry moan as he buried himself deep into his rival since birth; her gorgeous legs held open by his strong hands. “Ruthless, am I?” he continued their repartee, “I’m not the one taking up all the good clients at work.”
But none of that mattered here; not while they were safely within the confines of one another. Devon couldn’t have given a fuck about anything else but her. Anything concerning the company was a faraway thought; lost in the haze of their passion. He focused on his beautiful Gabriella, his desire-laden eyes locked on the sweet expressions his stiff cock was working out of her. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt as powerful as he did now, bringing her to the edge yet again. Such confidence was palpable in the way his hips moved, driving himself deep even as her back arched and she toppled over. Devon couldn’t help but offer another deep moan as he felt her walls closing in on his throbbing shaft. Her tight sex practically begged him to let go then and there, and he couldn’t have argued even if he wanted to. The ecstasy was all too much, bringing him to orgasm right along with her. He leaned in close, groaning into her chest as his cock pulsed, filling her with his warm seed upon every tantalizing thrust.
He was practically out of breath by the time he’d emptied himself inside of her, but he could never be breathless enough to avoid her plush lips. Devon kissed her deep, remaining plunged within her depths until he finally found the will to pull away and lie nestled alongside her. “Oh really?” he chuckled at her comment, smiling. “You liked it? What was your favorite part?” His wit remained ceaseless, even though he’d forgotten all about their plans to watch a movie himself. He couldn’t even recall if they’d seen the opening credits before they’d began to maul one another. The sort of chemistry they shared suggested they had little chance of ever sitting through a movie anyway… Well that was just fine with him.

“Well aren’t you just insatiable,” he teased her as she toyed with the possibility of another round. “I’m not surprised you’ve been so successful with that kind of drive. And to think, the old bastards on our board were so concerned over the idea of a woman running things. Well, I guess they never met a woman like you before.” It was no wonder his father was to adamant in taking her down. From the moment he got that black folder, Devon never expected the most damning evidence he would find on the girl was their own torrid affair. He might have found the irony somewhat cruel if he wasn’t so besotted.
“My sentiments exactly,” he admitted as she expressed her concerns. She was sure to be busy with the new account, and work was sure to kick his ass in gear to counter her victory. Devon was already dreading the idea of returning to that nest of hornets; just thinking about it threatened to sour the afterglow of their endeavors. How could he expect to put energy into one upping Gabriella when she was all he could think about? The woman had his world spun. He’d had his fair share of women, but none of them had him falling the way she did. It was thrilling, yet undeniably dangerous. The more often they met the greater the risk. No one could find out, and yet….
“We’ll just have to find a way to meet up during the week.” His words completely spoke against his reservations. Fuck the threat; he’d rather live for the thrill. “I’ll think of it as a creative challenge,” he added, grinning. “Lovers or not, we’re still considered rivals. I have to use whatever advantage over you that I can. And if that means using my own self as a distraction while you work on that new contract… well I’d be foolish not to.” His expression was downright devilish as he thought of it even now; planning to get her attentions off of work and on to him at any opportunity he could.
Suddenly, he pulled away, getting up off the couch and staring down at her, still wearing his wicked grin. “So you better get plenty of rest while you can, Miss Beaumont, because I can assure you, it’s going to be a very busy week. But if your legs aren’t up to the task I guess I’ll just have to carry you, won’t I?” Before she could even consider his words, Devon scooped Gabby up off the couch, lifting her in his arms like a newlywed carrying his bride. Devon took pride in such spontaneity; leaving their clothes scattered and the movie running in the den while he carried her back to the master bedroom. It wasn’t long before she found herself laid out on her back once more, her handsome rival lowered down to lock her in a passionate kiss. He hopped in after though, pulling himself close to take her in his arms and just be with her. The serenity of the moment was just as elating as the sex for him, but even as they lay nestled together, his fingers absently caressing her soft, smooth skin, he could not silence his mind. He told Gabriella he would strive to distract her this week, but right now all he could consider was exactly how he was supposed to navigate falling in love with the woman he was supposed to sell out.
 
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Before meeting Devon Gabriella would laugh at the idea of anyone falling in love at first sight, but now... she was still in shock and awe. He was amazing! Only a fool would not realize just how compatible they were and it made her wonder just how their family could argue this arrangement were it ever brought to light. The mere thought made her head throb. A flush of heat surged from her neck to the tips of the well ravished woman's ear at his compliment about her running the company. It wasn't as though she wasn't confident in her abilities when it came to drafting, negotiating, and snagging contracts, but to hear it from the lips of her very rival was truly flattering. Behind those warm eyes Gabriella was thinking of ways to see her lover during the hellish days that they worked. It was undeniably music to her ears to hear the devilishly handsome male contemplate meeting up some time this week. "Challenge accepted, then." A genuine smile danced across her lips before she was scooped up and nestled against a strong bare chest and with cheerful cry speaking volumes of her joy in the random gesture. One free hand caressed a strong jawline to his chin, not even paying the slightest attention to where they were going.

"Thank you, and you need just as much rest." This was the kind of moment one would find in the numerous romance novels that Gabriella read, making it so hard to believe that this was happening to her. Her bare skin would meet the soft surface of the bed that she was starting to grow familiar with and her lips seized once more in a kiss that had her melting from within. Despite their nasty interruption earlier that very same day, she was happy to have ended her day at his side. Tomorrow would be bitter sweet. Her phone was already set to go off a five forty-five. Usually her morning would consist of a job, shower, breakfast, getting dressed for work and heading out, but there was no telling how hard it would be to pull herself out of bed. On the soft surface of the bed she laid on her side and her body molded itself to Devon's as though they're were pieces to a puzzle, finally solved. "This is ridiculous..." her words were interrupted with a slight yawn, "I've never fallen so hard for someone, let alone, so fast, but.... I know I'll have no regrets." As blissful as that very moment was, there were going to be trails left and right, that coming week. Such good looking people weren't without their fair share of admirers, but their parents were bound to sniff something out.

Gabby's mother detested Devon's father from the very depths of her soul and commonly referred to the man as a "sexist pig", but she always thought that she was doing what she did for the sake of her daughter. While the mother daughter duo was very strong, it would be quite the strain on their relationship when her mother would get that nagging feeling that her daughter was hiding something from her. At the end of the night those laden eyes closed and Gabby would surprisingly be sound asleep in her host's steely embrace. Such an act revealed a great deal about the trust that Devon had garnered from the tactful business mogul sharing his bed. Gabby always had a talent for falling asleep swiftly. So it was no surprise to her when she woke up just before her alarm. Her mind was suddenly alight and that spark woke her up with questions as to where she was and just who the person next to her was. Instantly she remembered the night before and it brought a smile to her lips. A look at a clock mounted on the wall confirmed that it was a quarter pass six.

Last night had been such a workout, she had no desire to go for a morning job. It was hard to subdue the smile upon her lips and her grown was barely audible when realizing that their time together would had to temporarily come to an end. In bed she turned and admired his handsome face as he appeared sleeping. A soft hand ghosted a cheek with the lightest of caress'. By now she would have hopped out of bed and slipped into her workout clothes and headed out the door. With him... what was the rush? Another smile tugged at the corner of her lips just as the soft sound of chirping sounded from the den of his home and gradually grew louder before stopping on its own. Again, his company caused her to hesitate in hunting down her phone and in the end she ignored it. A soft kiss was pressed to the corner of his lips before she slipped out of bed, her naked form stretched before bare feet walked her over to what had to b his bathroom. A switch was flicked and she was glad to be right. It was just as lavished and modernistic as the rest of his home. The standing shower spacious with its overhead shower and the tub was something that she would happy to relax in.

Long locks free flowed down her bare back and swayed with her soft and silent steps towards the shower. The sound of the water was the next to break the silence as droplets rained down. When the temperature was warm enough she couldn't help but step in. Long luxurious hair was plastered to the skin of her back and shoulders. It felt so refreshing that she closed her eyes and just enjoyed with for a moment. Honestly, she couldn't wait for Devon to wake up. Maybe he would join her. Such a though had her lower lip trapped between her teeth as a show of her guilt for the naughty thought so early in the morning.
 
“Oh don’t worry babe, I can go for days if I have to,” he teased her with an amatory grin; though truthfully their battles of passion had him a little more drained than he would admit. Gabriella was a thrill ride, and Devon was still reeling from their latest adventure. But none of that showed whilst he carried her to their resting place; the girl practically feather light in his toned arms. But every part of his body relaxed against her soft frame once they were cozied up in bed. If not for the ocean of thoughts in his head, Gabriella could have drained every bit of tension from him. It seemed Gabby was in much the same state as she made her declaration.
“Oh so you’re falling for me, are you?” He asked, wearing a faux expression of surprise. But he was quick to fess up the selfsame thoughts he’d been having. “I won’t deny I’ve been thinking the same thing.” Reflecting back to when he met her at the bar, he never expected things to come this far; nor be this complicated. Devon had always been good at avoiding whatever complications he could; at least in the department of romance. Thanks to his busy life, high status and fat wallet, women tended to be something he only sought out to pass the time. Dating in their world was a messy affair at the best of times; and now this relationship could be the messiest of all. And yet, he felt the same way. “No regrets,” he agreed, before pressing another soft kiss into her warm lips. And for now, that was enough to settle the torrent of concerns plaguing him.
His eyes fell closed sometime after, his breath soft and gentle as he was lulled into slumber by her sweet fragrance and warm body. Not once did he shift away from his lover; remaining still in their embrace throughout the night. Yet no matter how peaceful it was to hold her in his arms, Devon could not fully escape his subconscious. His dreams came in a blur of insecurities; filled with thoughts of his father demanding information on the Beaumont women. His voice became louder and louder until it rivaled the sound of thunder. Devon tried to clasp his ears, but it availed him not. He was trapped, hidden in a corner of a shrinking conference room while James Buckholtz towered over him son, growing ever larger and more menacing. He shut his eyes tight, willing it all away. When next he opened them, the dream had changed, shifting to a memory of his childhood where he watched his mother and father having a heated argument.

How many times had he watched the powerful couple go at each other’s throats when he was younger? Unlike Devon and Gabby, his parents couldn’t have been a poorer match. Yet to this day, they remained together; keeping their problems behind the scenes while the influential faces appeared ever smiling and happy in the public. Watching his parents fight in the vivid memory left him feeling no less trapped than he had in the dream of the conference room, but that all washed away as Gabby stirred in his arms, and turned to caress his cheek. Her affection rippled through, giving him peace of mind as everything went blank and he continued to quietly sleep against her. She proved to be the early riser of the pair, as he did not wake even as she finally slipped out of his arms and got out of bed. He merely shifted to his stomach, snuggling into his pillows.
After a short time however, her lack of presence became all too obvious, and Devon’s eyes fluttered open groggily. It took him a moment to think past his nightmares and remember the night before, but as soon as he did he sat up with a puzzled expression. Twice now he’d fallen asleep with Gabriella in his arms and both times he’d awaken to find her gone. It was somewhat disappointing to think she’d run off again; especially with no memento this time. Yet he still couldn’t help but smile a little as he recalled their night. He got out of bed and stretched with a heavy sigh, already dreading the idea of heading back into the office. He groaned further as he felt his tense muscles stretching… it seemed his rival would be intent to keep him worn out in both the business and physical worlds; but it was a welcome exertion.
The sturdy walls of his luxurious home made it difficult to hear, but after stretching his ears finally picked up on the quiet sound of running water from the connected bathroom. He was a little confused at first, but grinned as he realized Gabriella must not have left yet after all. Following his ears, he quickly found her in the shower; the glass door giving him an exquisite view of her bare form; dripping wet and practically begging for him to explore. Well Devon was never one to turn down an invitation for fun, so he didn’t hesitate.
“Well hello there, beautiful,” he greeted her as he slid the door open and stepped into the shower with her. He took his place behind her, his arms coming to wrap around her waist while he leaned in to place a soft kiss on her neck before resting his head down on her shoulder and soaking up the warm water with her. He moaned contently, pressing against her back. “Mmm, I could really go for waking up like this,” he said, before inevitably drawing her into a deep kiss. Her lips held a magnetism he could not deny; a fundamental force of nature every bit as powerful as the other four.
 
A familiar voice met her ears, bringing a smile to her lips before she could even turn around. The smile was unwavering as she felt that enticing muscular form pressing against the back of her body. While the water was a generous degree, his touch was searing hot and already had her aching for another piece of him. "Good morning to you too, handsome." She managed to get the words out after their passionate kiss. The man held a captivating aura about him that Gabriella continued to find harder and harder to deny. Not that she wanted to in the first place. "Devon Buckholtz, you are making my day harder before I can even get myself dressed." What sounded like a complaint couldn't be further from such a thing. While steam was building in the lavished home of a Buckholtz, on the floor of the den was Gabriella's phone. The vibrations sounding over and over again. The screen displaying the quarter life battery left and the word "Mom" in bold black letters with an underlying message informing the reader of eight missed calls and five voice messages. Mrs. Buckholtz was going to be in the office with a rather dour mood. Not only did she get the reception desk to open her daughters door to surprise her with a catered five star dinner to celebrate their latest deal, she brought the son of a wealthy business CEO that was interested in forming yet another contract. However, the young ebony haired man that looked like he had walked straight out of handsome celebrity magazine expressed how interested he was in Gabriella. How could Mrs. Beaumont not see this as a wondrous business opportunity and the man had ties to a slew of sources! Lu Tingxiao was entertained by the mother as she left voice mail after voicemail, drank glass after glass, and the candle burned down to half of its original size. Abigail played it smooth, insisting that her daughter was probably at a friends and having a girls night out. Despite things not going according to plan, Lu was thrilled with the hunt. Lu was the heir to the Lu Cooperation which had its hand in various business' and investments, but was renowned for managing actors, singers, and athletes with contracts and sponsored investments. This morning her daughter was going to get an earful.

To say that the mood was sultry would be a rather big understatement. She turned in his arms to face the man that had her fully distracted from the day to come. Soft hands came to rest on strong shoulders before she stole another kiss, this time it was sweet, simple, and tender. Hands traversed the hard planes of his chest before a hand wrapped around, what had to be, one of her favorite parts about him. The man was no slouch when it came to sex and she had never found herself craving it so much before she met him. "I hope you don't mind getting dirty while we get clean." As fun as this was, it was still a bit of a buzz kill to feel the strain of not having all of the time in the world for their sensual shenanigans. There was that impending time crunch and both of them were too professional and good at their careers to drop the ball now. Despite this, she continued to live in the moment and enjoy herself. There was one thing that seldom of the men that shared a bed the lovely Gabby knew: she absolutely enjoyed giving bow jobs. Only when she truly admired a man did she enjoy giving pleasure as much as she enjoyed receiving it. With a rather sinfully sweet and guilty smile she stroked the marble hard length beckoning her. Gabby got on her knees without another word until she was face to face with her morning treat. Who could deny a girl what she desired in a situation such as this? He hot breath caressed at the water slick surface of his dick. "Good morning to me." She chimed as her eyes admired her appetizer before she licked at the length from base, clear to the arched tip. Inch after inch would soon be buried in her gullet and a hearty moan sounded and vibrated along his generous length.
 
Devon chuckled some at her declaration, his hands sliding down her bare, wet body as he continued to hold her in his embrace. “Well I wouldn’t be much of a business rival if I didn’t know how to complicate your day,” he said, grinning as he pressed kisses into her shoulder. “Though to be honest, you don’t really seem like you’re complaining.” But while the two of them may have been happy, real complaints would certainly be coming from their families later. Much like Gabby’s predicament, Devon’s phone remained in his pocket back in the den; already dead. James was not in quite as much a rush to get a hold of his son as Abigail was her daughter; but one call straight to voice mail was enough to irritate him. The board would be meeting again after the Beaumont’s latest victory, and the senior Buckholtz silently wondered if it was too much to hope that Devon hadn’t answered because he was fulfilling his duty this very minute.
Of course, Devon had his own ideas of what to do with the Beaumont heir; his mouth opening to greet hers as his hands dropped down to grip soft ass, and pull her tight against him. Though he couldn’t help but moan lightly as her hands wandered as well. She found his marble length already most of the way there; her gorgeous body alone was enough to get him hard; but her soft hands stroking him made it even better. Devon met her eyes with a daring expression, a grin across his face. “Absolutely not,” he coaxed her, “I wouldn’t have it any other way, in fact.” There was no way he could make it through work, let alone a board meeting with Gabriella so loud in his head. It was better to get things out of their system just before going in; giving them a better chance to focus on their responsibilities. Yet Devon was insatiable for Gabriella; and as their dead and dying cellphones, lying so carelessly discarded would prove, it was going to be especially difficult to pull the couple out of their stupor.

And Gabby seemed all too intent to make sure Devon wouldn’t be putting her out of mind anytime soon. Her guilty smile stirred his arousal even more before Devon found her quickly on her knees. He looked down at her excitedly, wearing his own sinful smile while he watched her. His hard cock practically twitched at the hot tease of her breath. He grinned at her words, though soon sighed with pleasure as he felt her warm tongue work its way up his length. “To me as well apparently…” he breathed out before the head of his dick was engulfed by her sweet mouth. Devon softly bit his lower lip as he stared down at the raven haired beauty. One of his hands came down to brush aside the wet locks from the side of his face, giving him an unobstructed view of his length disappearing between her supple lips. As she swallowed him down with a needy moan however, he couldn’t help but throw his head back and join in the symphony of pleasurable sounds. “Mmmm,” he mumbled in harmony, enjoying every second as she sent vibrations along his shaft. “Fuck baby,” he groaned, looking back down to watch her work, “You sure know how to make a man’s morning.”
His hand came to rest at the back of her head, gently urging her on as she pleased him. Gabriella’s warm mouth was heavenly; practically melting around him. Mixed with the sensations of the hot shower, Devon was absolutely smitten. His head was on cloud nine, the truth written in the pleasurable expressions of his face as he fought between observing her masterful skills and simply closing his eyes to enjoy it all. Devon always thought he enjoyed life before, but ever since Gabby came along he was learning an all new definition of satisfaction. The business woman was unrivaled in her endeavors; be it getting contracts or giving her Devon the best morning he could hope for.
 
The woman was insatiable to an insurmountable degree. Devon was simply the crème de la crème for the woman with exquisite taste. They both needed this fix. It would make the day a little less hectic for her. "Mmmm..."One long heavy moan sounded and vibrated along the length of his marble hard member before she relinquished him with a 'pop'. Woman and man were drenched and the scene was absolutely sensually surreal. The noises and words that came from her business rival were nothing short of a fucking turn on that left her wanting more of him. The vixen stood upon her own two feet and draped her arms around his water slickened shoulders and stole a much-needed kiss from his lips. She knew that they had to wrap this session up sooner than she would have liked, but she wanted all that he had to offer. Knowing Devon he would do no less than rock her world.

After a steamy session in the shower, she managed to get dried off, teeth brushed, and her lingerie set that was comprised of a light blue lace back cheeky panties and a matching demi cup bra. Some funny banter between the two made for a fun morning as the duo got dressed. Dressed in her lingerie, she applied her light makeup and a arranged her long sleek tresses into a high back ponytail. After retrieving her clothes, she noticed that her phone was completely dead. It was not something that she would normally allow to happen, but it had been worth it. Before the gorgeous Beaumont could head off to work she snagged the debonair Devon by his necktie and pressed a promising kiss to his lips. "Bye Devon." This kiss spoke volumes. The kiss promised him that this was far from the last time that he would see her. Considering her mode of transportation to get here, she hailed a taxi to drive her to the office. Upon walking through the revolving door of the tall cooperate building, she was met with the pint-size glasses dawning woman with a hand full of files and a Starbucks coffee cup in her hand that was handed to Gabby.

"Where have you been?" The girl panted as she followed in the heel-clad woman's footsteps.
"Out with friends, why?" Gabby plainly as she took a sip of her refreshingly hot vanilla bean coconut milk latte.
"Mrs. Beaumonte isn't in the best of moods. She interrogated me as to whether or not I had heard from you yesterday. She said that called you numerous times and it went straight to voicemail." A groan sounded from Gabby as the duo entered the elevator.
"I knew that this was going to be a hard week. Tie to play mommy whisperer. Don't worry about it Jaz, she'll be fine. We've got a crap ton of paperwork and people to talk to today so just keep me on track for today, okay?" The girl nodded and shuddered when they reached the topmost floor of the stunning building. The view was stunning, but all that didn't matter when her mother lowered her reading glasses and sat behind her desk that was placed on one end of the lavished floor with paperwork before her and spoke in a booming tone, "Gabriella Eloise de Beaumont. Where. Have. You. Been? Do you know how many times I called you last night?"

The girl walked to the comfortable welcome chair that sat across from her mother's desk and sat down in one of them. "I was out last night with the girls. Rather than take myself home I crashed at her place. I was so happy about the contract I felt the need to celebrate. Why? What's wrong that you called me so late?" She asked kindly and in a respectful tone.

"Nothing. I just wanted to tell you that we could close in on another contract should you play your cards right AND you could get a boyfriend out of it as well." Gabriella's jaw dropped.

"Seriously? Mom? Setting me, a grown ass woman, on a date for business benefits doesn't sound like something you would do." Gabby's mother shrugged her shoulders. "Mother, you're killing me. Good morning, I'm going to get some paperwork done. Run some numbers and barricade myself in my office. Okay?" Gabby's office made up the entire right side of the topmost floor. The windows were floor to ceiling. A personal bathroom and closet. A comfortable sofa, a modernized desk, two seating chairs, a build in that housed certificates, pictures, books, plaques, and a bar. Pint-sized Jaz placed the folders on the desk while Gabby charged her cell phone and placed it on her desktop before she heard the announcement made by her father's assistance about this morning's meeting. "This is going to be one hell of a day." She sighed as she left her phone in her office and headed down four floors to the meeting.
 
Devon met Gabriella’s kiss with enthusiasm. The girl was like a drug, hooking him with every embrace; every sexy smile that promised volumes. He would have kept this up with her all day if it was possible, but they both knew this moment couldn’t last. And so things progressed rather quickly as Gabby found herself constrained against the shower wall and promptly taken. Even during such a quick bout, the pair’s chemistry was bar none. He couldn’t get enough of her, which showed in the way he lingered even after finishing; pressed against her as they soaked up the warm water. Of course, all good things had to come to an end. He was none too happy about being stolen away from her, but mucking up work was the last complication he needed right now.
Getting ready for the day alongside Gabriella sure was a charm though. Devon’s eyes drank her in as she redressed into the blue lingerie set, a big grin on his face. He definitely appreciated the view, but couldn’t afford to get too distracted again. He dressed quickly, settling on a black, tonal-stripe Brioni suit and striking blue tie. It seemed to grab her attention well enough as he found it caught in her grip to pull him in for one last kiss. He smiled against her lips as they bid their farewells for now. “See you soon, babe,” he promised. His mind was already turning with thoughts of when and how he would get her to himself again; but only time would tell.

Before leaving, Devon returned to the den where he found the title screen still playing to the movie they hadn’t even noticed. He shut everything down before gathering up his clothes and finally finding his dead phone. The wall clock told him he was running late, but he brushed it off. His track record was good enough, and if that was the price he would have to pay to spend time with Gabriella Beaumont, then so be it. She was worth every grumble he would hear from his dad. Still, it was best not to test the man’s patience too far, and so Devon decided to hail down a cab as well. In the busy metropolis, it could often prove the faster method. On late mornings like this, however, he almost wondered if he’d be better off walking.
Despite the traffic, he eventually made it to the Transcend Global building. It was 7 floors up before he made it to his office and was able to plug his phone in. His stomach reminded him painfully that he’d skipped breakfast, but he wasn’t even given time to contemplate that before Zack came bursting in through his door.
“Hey!” Zack appeared in a fluster himself; his usually perfectly maintained hair now appearing a frizzled brown mess. “You’re getting in late, have a little too much fun with that girl last night?”
Devon couldn’t help but give it away with a little smile as he recalled his time with Gabby in the shower. “Something like that,” he answered cryptically.
“Yeah well, as much as I’d like to press you for the details, that’s not why I’m here. I’m just letting you know that conference is starting soon. Mr. Buckholtz was looking for you already, and he is not in a good mood. The day’s barely even started and he’s got me working my ass off. You might wanna hurry up there, man!”
“Thanks,” Devon replied, though the up and coming business major had gone as quickly as he arrived, grumbling curses over his appointed work load. Devon could tell Zack spoke true; the entire office was buzzing like an angry hornet’s nest. His father had most certainly done the kicking, and it wasn’t hard to imagine why. His voice had been one of the strongest in denial of running the company with Abigail as a partner… it had to sting when she bested him in the business world. Now the entire employee line would be feeling his wrath.

‘A fine day to show up late,’ Devon thought to himself, as he followed Zack’s advice and made for the conference room with his briefcase in tow. Things were bound to be tense in the meeting; doubly so when he was hiding such a huge secret. If any one of the other board members discovered who’d he spent his night with, it could jeopardize his ascension to his father’s chair. But he steeled himself; weathering stony glares from the assemblage of rich and powerful old men as he finally arrived.
“Sorry to keep you, gentleman.” He announced himself, meeting all of their attentions with a firm, challenging nod as he walked straight to his seat at his father’s side. There was a stressed mumble of acknowledgement before James Buckholtz cleared his throat and went right into it.
“Suffice it to say I’m not fucking happy,” he told them, as if anyone needed reminding. “How the hell did we lose Trifexis? Avery, you told me this thing was on lockdown; that we knew what the Beaumont’s were offering beyond a doubt!”
“We did!” countered a wiry fellow five seats down. “The intel was every bit as good as we paid for. Our offer was definitely lower than the widow’s… they went with her anyway.”
“It’s like he told you dad,” Devon interrupted, clasping his hands upon the rich mahogany desk, “He prefers the way they do business. It’s not just about the money.”
“This is corporate America, Devon,” he growled out at his son, “It’s always about making money.”
“If you want to discuss making money, then it’s time we talked about going public,” suggested the man on James’s left side. Their CFO, Henry Davis was part of the holy trinity that kept their operations running; Along with James and Devon, the CEO and COO respectively. Though Devon often felt it was more the pair of them that kept things in order while he was simply being groomed to replace the head honcho. Not because he didn’t have his fair part in operating this company, but because his father was often a little too keen on following the elder man’s advice. He may have chosen to stick with their half of the business when the partnership ended, but Henry had been there from the very beginning, helping George and Robert on their way to financial success.
“No,” his father told him plainly, “I will never take this company public. It stays in my family; passed on from father to son: Always. That’s how it should be.” His tone clearly stated that was the end of the discussion, but it was just the beginning of an angry hour and a half of them debating their next step forward before Abigail and her daughter swallowed up all the good contracts.

“What about that thing I’ve got you on, Devon?” the question inevitably came.
Devon tried not to freeze up in the moment, as the very idea of Gabriella stirred him with feelings that could threaten to give away everything. He’d done a good job at keeping her out of his head so far, but it was all rushing back to him now. “I’ve maybe got something,” he answered, keeping his voice straight, “I’ll have to look into it some more though.”
“Well stay on it. I think I’ve had enough of this crap for one day. You all know what you need to do… Get it done.” Their meeting adjourned, the gathering broke as the men returned to their posts, but as Devon rose from his chair, his father motioned for him to stay. The young COO raised his brows before dropping back into his leather armchair with a heavy sigh. This suit was already starting to get uncomfortable, and all he could think about was how long before Gabriella could rip him out of it.
“So what’s this you’ve got going on the League of Their Own?”
Devon rolled his eyes at the reference. “Not a lot so far. There’s a rumor the daughter might have had a sexual encounter with another woman. I haven’t really been able to confirm it yet…”
“HA!” James bellowed, rising from his seat. “15 years ago that might have been worth something in the business world, but we’re living in the age of social justice now son. Letting out that she fucked another woman is liable to increase her station as it is to hurt it.”
Devon ignored the misogynistic comment, watching as his father approached the large window panes that overlooked the city. Not so very far from them was Abigail’s company. His father gazed upon it like a mountain to be conquered… Devon simply wondered if Gabriella was enduring the same sort of day he’d been having so far.

“Still, this is good,” his father complimented, a malevolent sort of pride in his voice, “You’ve learned more than I could already. You keep up that sort of determination and you’re bound to find something we can use on these two. And prove you have what it takes to fill my spot when I step down. I’ve run this company for so many years… it’s hard to believe the end is nearly here. Through our efforts, the name Buckholtz means something son. I have a responsibility to finish this run strong, so our name carries weight even into your reign.”
“This isn’t Game of Thrones, Dad. I’m not trying to rule the world like you. I take pride in my work is all… And I know I have the potential to run this company well; it has nothing to do with my name.”
“Well maybe you’ll have the chance to prove it with your new assignment. Do you remember Gerald Ames?”
“I think so,” Devon answered, having a hazy memory of a kind old man that had often visited his family when he was younger. “Why?”
“He was one of the biggest investors when your grandfather and Robert Beaumont decided to start this company. He also happened to be pretty good friends with the Johnson family. He introduced them to George and Robert, and that’s how two high school friends managed to net Johnson and Johnson as one of their biggest clients. Both our family and the Beaumonts owe much of our success to him… yet he cut off all professional ties when we decided to split the company; and I don’t have to tell you, Johnson and Johnson along with him.”
“A Family company,” Devon quoted their infamous slogan, “Sort of hurts the image when you’re forced to choose a side of the family. But where are you going with all this?”
“Turns out Gerald’s wife has cancer; late stage, pretty bad. They’re going to be throwing a fundraiser gala for the American Cancer Society and we’ll be receiving an invitation; along with the Beaumonts and the Johnsons. Not only is it a good chance to pull Johnson and Johnson back in our direction, but ti’s a good chance for you to get a face to face with the Beaumont women too.”
“Wow Dad,” Devon shook his head, “A friend of the family is dying of cancer and all you can think about is me getting dirt on business rivals, and landing more contracts?”
“Oh please,” James scoffed, scrunching his face. “You think that bitch widow isn’t thinking the very same thing? Rule one of business, son: seize every opportunity. Johnson and Johnson is huge son… if we can win this contract there will be no more rivalry. We’ll be the undisputed winners. It’s just the sort of finish I need. And it’s just the sort of practice you’ll need. Abigail isn’t getting any younger; that pretty face daughter of hers will be working against you soon enough. This is your chance to test yourself against her in the field. She’ll be trying to butter up Mr. Johnson just as much as you. That is, assuming they even accept the invitation once they learn the Buckholtz family will be in attendance.”

His father’s plan left him feeling irritated by the time Devon was allowed his leave. What was expected of him was disgusting enough, but to think how he was actually supposed to one up the woman he was falling for at a public event? Silently he hoped his father’s assumption they would not show would be correct. But he also couldn’t shake off the idea of seeing Gabby dressed up for the black tie event… That could open an all new can of worms in itself. How could he keep things professional when he could scarcely look at the woman without his heart racing?
Such thoughts followed him like a thundercloud even as he made his way back to his office. He fell into his chair and immediately turned his phone on. He still hadn’t heard anything from Gabriella, not that he expected to so soon. He however couldn’t help but pull up her number after everything he just learned. ‘Any chance you can get away for lunch?’ he sent her in a text. It was probably a bad idea to meet up with her. Things were dangerous enough without visits in the middle of their shifts. Things were bound to get out of control before long. But despite his apprehension, Devon was also feeling reckless. It was still a few hours away, giving them plenty of time to make a plan if she felt just as daring.
 
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen, as you all know, we managed to snag our latest account..." A cheer rang out before she could continue. Abigail merely sat on the end as she watched her protege start the meeting. She couldn't stay upset with her daughter. The girl was taking an active role in this company and she had to admit that her baby girl was a fully grown woman. Still, she only wanted the best for her daughter and she felt that she needed to shadow her daughter to make sure things didn't fall apart.
"I bet that bastard is ripping his hair out across the way." A few members laughed and even Gabby couldn't help but chuckle, but she tapped the edge of the thick conference table to get their attention back.
"Now, now. What they do over there should not reflect upon us. We will hold our own and be successful without resorting to harsh negotiations and dirty tricks. Now... on to the progress of our latest client..." The meeting went on for almost an hour. Plans being bounced around and time estimates from each department given. By the end of the meeting, the fruit and bagels that had been laid out were long gone and everyone was due for another cup of coffee. "Alright, that is all for now. We'll all be back here tomorrow." The meeting room emptied out leaving Gabby and her mother.
"Gabby?" Those gem colored eyes looked up in response. "Did you get the invitation?" She knew what her mother meant. It was on her desk when she got here." Do you plan on going?"
"What kind of person would I be if I didn't go, mom? She has cancer and it's a very important cause." She heard her mothers sigh and watched as she approached.
"I know you mean well, honey and that your heart is always int eh right place, but you do know who else will be there, right?" The woman rolled her eyes at the question.
"I'm going there for the cause first. I'm going there to give what support we can as the representative of this company. Should business arise, then so be it, but I'm not going to actively pursue things for work at such a heartfelt gathering. As far as Buckholtz... I can hold my own. Trust me." As much as she looked up to her mother and as much as she respected the woman, Gabby was not above butting heads when it came to what she thought was right. "Besides, shouldn't I be talking to you about that? I have no personal upfront beef with the Buckholtz, but you... you do. Will you be okay?"
Abigail literally sneered at the very idea of Buckholtz bothering her. "I'm a grown woman, not a child. I'll see you later." With that, her mother marched out of the room and headed straight for her office. Though on the same floor as her daughter's it wasn't often that they ran into each other. Both had separate jobs for the company and when Abigail made it to her office, she relayed orders to Jaz and sent the girl on her way.
She turned her phone on and caught sight of a message. It made her smile, hard. Her lower lip bit between her teeth to bite back the name that sat on the very tip of her tongue.
'Yes, I'll reserve a private room at the Capital Grille, around the corner. I'll make it under your name. Is 12:30 okay?' She'd be lying to herself is she said that she wasn't excited to see him again. She had been trying to also think of ways to satisfy his father's need for dirt on her without taking herself down and getting Devon in trouble. He was a grown ass man and could hold her own, but still...
"Hello? Yes, this is Gabriella Beaumont...." A cheer laugh accompanied with smile sounded in the otherwise silence office. "...not today, actually I do need a favor, is the boardroom available? Yes...I need it for a lunch meeting. If you can switch the big round table for one of your smaller four-seater tables with two chairs that is all I need. Yes... perfect. Save it under 'Buckholtz' all right sweetheart, see you later. Tell that silly husband of yours that I said hi and that I want my ribeye sandwich today." The words were clearly followed by something funny on the other line and she hung up with a 'bye' before turning on her tv to the news channel before getting back to her paperwork and making other calls.

Before she knew it, it was almost time for her meeting. She went to the restroom to touch up her make up, reapply her light pink lipstick before she pressed a button on her desk phone, "Jaz, I'm out for lunch. Take my calls. I'll be back." Jaz already had lunch, but the girl was a bottomless pit. "Where are you headed? Bring me back something!" Again Gabby laughed. "Seriously? Alright. I'm not sure where I'm going, but I'll bring you back something." An easy lie. She snagged her clutch walked her heels to the elevator, through the lobby on the first floor, and onto the bustling sidewalk. It was literally just around the corner and the hostess recognized her. The girl's boss gave her a heads up and guided her to the private room that she had requested. The lighting of the entire restaurant was dim, warm, and inviting. A white tablecloth was draped over the square table that was dressed with upside down wine glasses, wrapped silverware, and a miniature lamp centerpiece lit with a tea candle. The atmosphere was perfect for business and romantic matters.

"May I start you with a glass of wine?" Gabby nodded her head and turned it down.
"After a moment with my mother, it is tempting, but maybe after work. I will, however, take a glass of that delicious housemade mint lemonade and a glass of water. I'm expecting company, so I'll wait to order my food when he gets here." The waiter bowed his head and dismissed himself with a, "Yes ma'am." Before her parted to get her drinks. Her button up blouse had a collar and had one button undone. It matched the blue of the lingerie that she wore beneath it. Her black pencil skirt rode up a little, beneath the table. One sexy leg crossed over another and her black heels were just icing on the cake. Her high ponytail rested over her right shoulder. She already knew what she wanted: her ribeye steak sandwich with caramelized onions. She was just silently eager to see Devon again.
 
Gabriella had a way of making Devon smile. Just seeing her test was enough to tease one out of him. ‘Sounds great, I’ll see you there’ he texted back, before putting aside his phone and getting back to his responsibilities. “I really need to hire a new assistant,” he realized as he began to whittle away at the mountain of paper work left on his desk. It’d been a couple of weeks since he lost the last one. She was a godsend, but her brother convinced her to leave the beat of the city and start a life somewhere with warm beaches. He was selective when it came to replacing the girl, and stubborn enough to think he could do it all himself to boot.
After a time, James popped into his son’s office and tossed the formal invitation to the fundraiser on his desk. “Have you heard from your mother yet?”
“No,” Devon admitted, “Why?” He took a break from what he was doing to break into the envelope.
“She wants you and your sister over for dinner tomorrow night.”
“Well I’ll try to be there but I’ve got a lot of work to do.”
James seemed satisfied with the answer, leaving Devon to read the invite in peace. He was surprised to see the date listed as this Friday night. It was a bit of a late notice; and so he wondered if perhaps Mr. Ames hesitated before sending his letter to the feuding families. Devon might have done the same in his position. After all, Gerald would be hosting the gala on the water. Aboard their host’s yacht, there would be no getting away from one another if things went south between the Beaumonts and the Buckholtz; not unless they fancied a swim.

Time seemed to drag by as Devon returned to his work. It was hard not to watch the clock when he knew he’d be meeting with Gabby soon. Even though their time would be limited, he delighted at spending it with her. Every moment they’d spent together was fresh and exciting so far. He’d be lying if he didn’t find the danger of going to see her stirring as well. This whole hidden affair had a sort of allure to it; an element of enticement that was absent in any girl that came before her. Walking the razor’s edge of being caught gave him a thrill he never would have expected.
Eventually, the clock struck 12 and it was time for Devon to get going. He organized his work, making it easy to pick up where he left off before checking his appearance in the small mirror he kept in office just for such occasions. After pocketing his phone he left the stuffy office for the bustling streets. He didn’t frequent the restaurant she chose, but he’d been there a couple times and knew where to find it. She proved to be the punctual one as usual, when he entered the establishment and told his party was already here. He followed the hostess to their room, unable to contain his grin when he saw Gabriella waiting for him. She looked as beautiful and picture perfect as always.
He was tempted to pull her into a deep kiss the moment they were together again, but still in the company of the hostess, he suppressed the urge and took his seat across from her. “Long time no see,” he greeted her with a smile. It had only been a couple of hours but that was long enough to feel like an eternity while things between them were still this new and exciting. That was written in his eyes and the way they daringly drank her in. He absolutely loved her body; her work clothes alone were sexy as hell. Indeed, the two of them made for quite the attractive, powerful couple. Devon ever handsome in his Brioni suit, couldn't picture a more perfect woman on his arm than the professional beauty before him.

The hostess left, only to be replaced by the waiter coming to take their orders. Devon also passed on the wine, feeling content enough with his glass of water for the time being. His appetite on the other hand, was a different story. He couldn’t even remember the last time he ate; probably their dinner date, so he was feeling particularly ravenous. A medium rare porterhouse steak felt like the answer. The heavy meal probably wouldn’t do much to help with his work motivation, but at least it would leave him satisfied. The waiter left them in privacy after taking both of their orders, finally giving them the chance to be open with each other.
“Damn,” he said, turning his attention on Gabby as he took the time to just admire her. “I swear, you look sexier every time I see you.” He couldn’t wait for the next chance they would have to spend some real quality time together. Their morning in the shower felt like a forgotten appetizer now that she sat before him oh so tantalizing. “So…” he started, trying to keep himself distracted from what he might do to her given the chance, “Have you heard about the Ames gala yet?” It was still close to a week away, but if they were going to pull off getting through a social event alongside their families it might take a bit of strategizing. As things were now, Devon could barely be in the same room as her without his eyes wandering her curvaceous form.
 
The second she laid eyes on him it sent her loins into a frenzy. She had a moment to admit his fine attire that added to his overall handsome self. The man was devilishly handsome and could no doubt get any woman he wanted, and yet she was so flattered that he yearned for her as must as she ached for him. Upon hearing his bold compliments she rolled her eyes and smiled. "Typical Devon, never one to hold back in the face of those he trusts, or so I've come to notice." This was already a perfect break from her hectic day. "You look so delicious, that I'm having the hardest time containing myself." The green-eyed beauty openly admitted. Gabby laughed at his question just as the waiter returned with their drinks and excused himself once more, closing the door behind himself. "Yeah, I've gotten the invitation. Had a lovely argument with my mother already. Greedy woman." With that, she sighed and shook her head before continuing. "On a yacht, no less. Both of our parents and us confined to a boat. Talk about a worst case scenario. Avoid you on a yacht would be like avoiding the plague. Slim chance to none, and if I know my mother, she's going to want to check out the competition." Just this very thought had her palm itching for a class of wine to ease the headache to come. Already she could see the dirty tricks to come. What rude guest would not greet their host? It wasn't as though anyone could arrive fashionably late, because of the destination of the affair. Soft eyes gazed down at her glass of water as it rippled and the condensation dripped down the sides. Even just an innocent sight had her remembering their time in the shower that morning. This made a smile tug at the corner of her formerly lax lips. "I can't even drink water without thinking about you, Devon. How are we suppose to spend time confined on a vessel with one another without so much as passing a glance at each other? Have you no idea how badly I want you to clear this table off and bend me over it? How amazingly sweet a week-long vacation sounds? This is going to be one hell of a test."


Was she such a nympho that she couldn't go half a day without thinking of Devon? It wasn't even just about the sex. Mind you, the sex is amazing, but Devon is a funny, charming, sweet, hard-working guy that worked so well with her. He, of all people, knew the struggles of what their job entailed. If it were not for the secrecy they could publicly display their new found affection for one another during the event. She could even ask him to join her in collaborating on the auction that she had planned out for the charity event sponsored by their company. Gabriella had no problems sharing the limelight, but their parents did. "I even asked if my mother would not go, that made her laugh. It wasn't that she didn't trust me, but she just doesn't trust your father." They were like two warring toddlers. Not only that, but little did know just how many late nights she would be pulling up until the day to the event. The girl would be starved for her fix of him. Swiftly, their food arrived, the waited lingered to make sure that the food was to their liking before dismissing himself once more. Only now did she realize just how hungry she was. The sandwich was cut in four pieces, as she had requested and came with a side of fries. She opted to eat a fry first and the look on her face spoke volumes. "Mmm... I think that the last thing I ate was.... you." Gabby teased with a smile before taking a bite of another fry. "But you are right... you are better for my figure and, might I add.... way more delicious." How could she not be herself in front of him? Here there was doom on the horizon and she could not help, but joke around with the rival of her business company over a lovely lunch. "So... have you any ideas?"
 
“I’ve never been a big fan of holding back,” Devon admitted, grinning. Not in the boardroom and certainly not in the bedroom. And it was especially hard to hold back now. The way that pencil skirt rode up her silky legs was an invitation that was damn hard to refuse. Such ceaseless desire was part of what made their relationship so exciting, but Devon had to admit their chemistry would be particularly volatile out on the water. Things were liable to explode if they didn’t play it right.
“Well I imagine that was a fun conversation,” Devon said upon hearing of the argument. He definitely shared in her concerns. Since the night they met, Gabriella consumed his every other thought. Everyday life was becoming a cycle of reminiscence and longing. One second he’d be signing paperwork, focusing on work, the next he wouldn’t be able to get something innocent like the smell of her hair out of his mind. It was even more distracting when it came to the not so innocent thoughts… like feeling the entirety of his length sliding into her warm, wet mouth.
It didn’t help that Gabby seemed to be thinking of him in the same deliciously sinful way. Her suggestion of bending her over the table was all too tempting. A younger, more reckless Devon might have been unable to control himself. They had to keep things professional here in public, no matter how appealing the image of fucking her so hard that her delicate fingers dug into the fine white table cloth, may have been. “Maybe we’ll just have to reward ourselves if we pass that test,” Devon suggested. A week away could be just the sort of thing to wear them out from such torrid lust. But honestly, he doubted even that would be enough.

“Well if your mom is anything like my dad I’m guessing she’s stubborn as hell,” he managed to say before their conversation was paused when the food arrived. He cut into his steak with gusto, and sighed with delight as the tender meat practically melted in his mouth. It seemed she had a talent for picking great places to eat; one more thing adore about her. He grinned at her latest tease, his green eyes burning with desire beneath his pitch-black hair. “I’ll have to make sure you get some proper dessert later then.”
But of course, they had more serious matters to think about right now. “Not really to be honest with you… I suppose the most we could do is just be prepared. As sure as your mom will want to check out the competition you can be damn sure my dad will do the same. Honestly, the two of them don’t sound so terribly different. It’s a wonder they ever ripped apart the company rather than working together.” Of course, Devon had a few ideas of why his dad refused to work with Abigail. Misogyny was just icing on the cake; the truth was his father always suspected someone from the Beaumont family having been responsible for their grandparents’ murder.
“I’d say we should just stay far on the other side of the room from one another, but the truth is my dad expects me to use this as an opportunity to learn something from you face to face. He’s going to do whatever he can to steer me into coming over and striking up a conversation with you. And when that happens, you can bet he’ll be watching like a hawk. That’s what worries me most, honestly. I’ve always been pretty good at poker, but my dad can beat me every time. One false move beneath his stony gaze and he could easily call my bluff.”
Devon took another couple bites of his steak, the lightheadedness from hunger finally subsiding, then continued on. “Maybe we can plan for that, actually. The less surprises we have to deal with the better. We can find out the event schedule and decide a good time to meet. There’s always the chance he’ll want me to talk to your mother instead, but he’ll expect her to be far more suspecting of a Buckholtz than you. Either way, I guess we'll have to roll with the punches."
 
The sandwich really hit the spot and it paired well with Devon's company. If not for the dismal reality of having to part ways so soon, this would have been a delightful lunch date. Half of her sandwich had been savored as she listened to him speak. A sip of water later she sighed and looked at the handsome specimen of a man sitting across from her. "You're right. We will have to play it by ear. We have phones, at least we can avoid each other with that, but even that may seem a tad suspicious if done too often." Her mother would certainly be one to notice, however, she did not plan to stick by her mother's side the entire night. "I heard that there is assigned seating during the dining part. Could you imagine what would happen if they sat our families at the same table?" The very idea had her groaning. "It's not in our nature to not look our best either, so you're going to be pure torture for me, Devon. I don't think that you could tone down your good looks even if you tried." She teased with a little faux pout as though he was picking on her by being so damn good looking.
The waiter entered after her little remark and asked if there was anything else that they needed.
"Actually, yes, may I have an order of your strawberry new york cheesecake, to go. My assistant won't let me hear the end of it if I don't bring her something back." The well-dressed man gave a smile and a nod before leaving to fulfill the order. Lunch was delicious and while she was aching to get a piece of Devon, she was just happy being in his company and talking with him too. Both hands sat on the table, she looked at her short kept modest red nails and contemplated having them redone for the party. For this event, she had to rent another dress. Those she was rather well off with money, she didn't want to blow it on a dress that she would only wear once only to leave it hanging in her closet to collect dust.

She was done eating. Her appetite for food was sated but there was one thing that she wanted and couldn't think of leaving before collecting it. The well-groomed woman in the pencil skirt and the button up blouse got up from her seat and stood up from her chair. High heels slowly clicked on the dark hardwood floors and closed in on her guest. The angle that she bent offered a lovely view of the valley of her breasts as she seized a sweet and lingering kiss from his lips. "I just couldn't help myself." She said with a light-hearted laugh and a lovely smile on those lips. The man picked up her day and lit a fire in her veins just from a kiss. "Alright, handsome. I'll leave before you. Needless to say, it wouldn't benefit us in the slightest if we left at the same time. A knock sounded at the door and Gabriella turned her emerald eyes and her innocent smile towards the door as it opened, revealing the waiter with a bag in his hand.
"Ms. Beaumont, your order." Gabby took the bag in her hand and grabbed her clutch, slipping the boy a well-earned tip.
"Charge this..." With a single finger, she pointed to the table, "to my account."
"Yes, ma'am." The guy kindly replied, "Have a good day and I look forward to seeing you again." He spoke to both parties. "Take your time leaving, no need to rush." He insisted before bowing out and closing the door behind him. Gabriella couldn't help but nob, smile, and laugh... "Thank you."
She turned to look back at her boyfriend, "I'll see you on the battlefield next time...bye babe."

___________________________________________________________________

"Jazzy... I got you a slice of cheesecake." The woman gasped and feigned shock.
"You shouldn't have!" Of course, the girl opened it then and there and sampled it. Gabriella rolled her eyes and walked back to her office. She was up to her ears in paperwork. Her mother rode her ass on a proposal while she made calls to various people to check on progress and hypothetical happenings. She ended up with another small meeting in her office when she found a minor problem. it took them well into the night to find a solution. When she finally looked back at the face of her cell phone it was fifteen munites pass ten. All five people, including herself, packed up and headed home for the night. Both heels were kicked off and her purse tossed aside as the light automatically turned on. The buttons on the blouse were undone on the way to her room. The side zipper of her skirt was undone and she was back in her lingerie set. Into the kitchen, she walked to her bathroom and cleaned off her makeup and pulled her hair out of the ponytail. Her natural beauty was lost to her at the moment. The girl was tired. Bare feet walked her over to the plush bed that Devon had once contemplated throwing her down on. The covers were tossed back and she buried herself beneath it. Devon even ruined her for her own damn toys, but she was too tired to care. The next few days were sure to be hell.
 
The idea of them possibly being seated together was troublesome to say the least. There would be no way to avoid the oh-so-obvious attraction between the two if it came down to that. Surely old Gerald would remember their family feud well enough to know better, but then again he likely wouldn’t be handling the seating arrangement himself. Even if they took the simple route, Beaumont and Buckholtz were a little close for comfort. And Gabby wasn’t helping when she pointed out her other concern.
“Tell me about it,” he agreed, smiling a little, “My first thought when I heard about this thing was you in a dress. You’re torturing me whether you’re present or not. This event will be particularly hard, I think.”
Only time would tell; but in their busy lives time could go by in a flash. Their lunch date was proof enough of that. Though it was brief, seeing her filled him with an energy that could combat the lethargy from his big meal. Their little date was made all the better by the sudden parting kiss, which managed to light a fire in his loins. “No chance I was letting you leave without it anyway,” he assured her, grinning.
He thanked the waiter as things drew to a close, and was just reaching for his wallet when Gabby intercepted and handled things first. “Well thank you for lunch Miss Beaumont,” he told her. The formality dropped when they were alone again. “Oh you can count on it,” he said in regards to the battlefield, “I’ll see you soon, baby.”

Devon gave her a decent head start before heading back to the office. The day was rather humdrum from there. He spent a good part of the afternoon looking into anything he could find about the Johnsons and a way to reasonably approach the idea of reeling them in as a client. He neglected to mention that part of his father’s mission to Gabriella. No matter how much he liked her; which was a hell of a lot, he had to keep looking at this thing long term. The business came first, and just because they were sleeping together didn’t mean he was willing to compromise his family’s legacy.
Despite his research, Devon didn’t find much. The Johnsons had been professional and finite in severing ties with the two companies. Maybe enough time had gone by to reconsider a partnership, but it was just as likely that Johnson and Johnson would remain in Switzerland. Devon knew better to keep all of his eggs in such a precarious basket, so he made a few additional phone calls. After an hour and a half on the phone, he managed to score a couple of other prospects they could maybe land. It only led into more research, and before he knew it, the afternoon was gone and his mound of paperwork remained.
He considered offering Gabriella to spend the night at his place, but as the hours wore on he thought better on it. He knew she had a big work load due to Trifexis, and even though he promised to make her life tantalizingly difficult, he had no true intentions of compromising her business either. Besides, a night or two apart would only make things that much more intense when he finally got her alone again. So Devon used the chance to bury himself in work, finally calling it quits and making it home well after 11. He collapsed exhausted into bed not long after, and it felt like he’d barely closed his eyes before his six o’clock alarm was blaring.

Devon quickly showered, dressed and ate a bagel before heading back into the grind yet again. With another round of phone calls and paper work, the hours fled away. He thought about asking Gabriella out to lunch again, he did owe it to her after all, but he had so much to do that he ended up working straight through lunch anyway. After telling his father about his two leads, James had been enthusiastic about setting things on course. It made for a fast paced day, and after his long hours the night before, he would be able to leave a little earlier tonight.
‘Hey, why don’t you stay at my place tonight?’ Devon texted Gabriella, ‘I give one hell of a full body massage. And I do mean full body.’ He was sure she could use it, assuming her busy nights were anything like his. It wasn’t even an hour later before he received another text, this time from his mother.
‘Hey sweetheart, I hope you didn’t forget dinner @ 7:30. Confirmed with Sophia, can you remind your father please? Love you.’
Devon sighed, having completely forgotten. He wanted nothing more than to cancel and spend time with Gabby tonight, but work made him miss such visits with his family more often than he cared to admit. He would feel especially guilty bailing on one to carry on his secret affair; and so he texted Gabriella once again. ‘Sorry babe, looks like we’ll have to save that for another night. Forgot I had dinner plans.’ He would have loved to see her after, but his parents lived an hour and a half upstate from the city. By the time he drove out, had dinner and made it back, it would likely be too late to be reasonable.

Despite being delivered the reminder, per his mother’s request, James had once again forgotten by the time work was done and Devon poked his head in to see if he was ready to leave. “Tell Beth I’ll be running late,” James said gruffly, shooing Devon away before returning to what seemed to be a very important phone call.
“Alright then,” he said, leaving his father alone as he left the building and went for his car. The whole time he was consciously aware of the Globex skyscraper looming in the distance. He sighed, thinking of the heir to his rival’s company, and hoping he hadn’t disappointed her with his dashed invitation. He tried to clear his head of it by listening to upbeat music the whole drive to his parents’ estate, but the particularly long road trip did little to help his dour mood. At least it was a chance to get away from the bustling city, out into the more scenic countryside he’d grown up in.
The Buckholtz estate stood alone and proud in a large valley, surrounded by rolling hills that looked like an ocean of green until meeting the river in the distance. As he drove up the long winding road and looked upon his large family home, he couldn’t help but wonder how much of it was due to Robert Beaumont. While the Buckholtz had come from old money; their original fortunes built in the South, it wasn’t until George Buckholtz moved north and met his business partner that they really struck things big. It was hard to think that such a match made in heaven could end in such hatred.
But Devon tried not to think about any of that, parking his fancy sports car to a much more modest Subaru that was unmistakably his sister’s. He followed the pathway to the large front doors where he was soon greeted by one of the hired help. They told him his mother and sister sat out on the back terrace, offering to take him. He declined, making his own way through the luxurious home. As he stepped back outside, he found them seated at a table near the grand stone fire pit, laughing over cocktails. Before he could greet either of them however, his presence was announced by a thunderous bark from a large, solid black German Shepherd. The dog bounded over, his ritzy collar jangling in excitement.
“Hey, Thor!” exclaimed Devon, who dropped to one knee to greet his old friend. “How you doing buddy?” he asked fondly, ruffling the fur around his ears. “Oh I missed you too!” After giving Thor enough attention to satisfy his excitement, he came to join them at the table.
“Hey Dev,” his sister cheerfully said.
“Hi Sophie… Mom.” He leaned in to give his mother a kiss on the cheek before pointing to their alcoholic beverages. “Can I get one of those?” he asked. One of the wait staff was quick to oblige, bringing Devon a drink as well as topping off the two ladies as he joined them. “Thanks,” he managed to say before his mother waved the staff off to give them some peace. Elizabeth Buckholtz was a kindly woman, though she looked every bit as rich and powerful as her family was known to be. Her long black tresses were done up in curls, and she wore an elegant turquoise dress with matching heels. Her ensemble was complete with rings, a bracelet and a necklace; their jewels shimmering in the setting sun.
Sophia looked a lot like their mother. She’d inherited the jet black hair, fair face and soft hazel eyes. The two were near a spitting image, albeit it a couple decades apart and a difference in style. Sophie wore teased hair and a simple pair of jeans and t-shirt. She was a stark contrast to her brother, who was still wearing his suit for work. He removed his blazer before sitting though, giving a sigh of relief as he finally felt he could cut loose a little.

“So where’s your father?” Elizabeth asked, “I figured you two would be coming together.”
“He said he had a few more things to finish up at work, but he’d be here.”
“Well I figured as much would happen,” she said, shaking her head. “Luckily I know James well enough that I told the cooks to give it another half an hour, just to be safe.”
The three of them talked while they waited, Thor lying lazily beneath the table all the while. Happily, the topic of discussion was focused on Sophia for now, while their mother grilled her about how things were going in school. “Good,” she told them. “I still don’t have any job opportunities lined up, but I’ve still got close to two years before I actually earn my PHD. It’s been a tough road, but I’m almost there.”
“I really wish you’d let us pay for it,” Elizabeth argued. “All those loans…”
“I don’t need dad’s money,” Sophie told her firmly. “I’ll make it just fine on my own. I’ve gotten this far without his help.”
Devon’s sister always did have a rebellious streak against their father. Even though she was almost 3 years older than him and had even started a path towards a business degree, James had refused to hire his daughter into the company. While James hired women into the company at base levels, it was mostly just to appease work place diversity. He was a firm believer that women had no place in the board room; and so Devon, his second child and only son, was seen as his heir forever more. Sophia didn’t hold it against her brother, but she dropped her aspirations to be a part of Transcend Global and had focused on becoming a psychologist ever since; entirely on her own.
“Well how are things going with Chris?” Beth changed the subject, knowing well of her daughter’s ire towards James, “Any chance you two will be getting engaged soon?”
“Ugh, please mom. Things are good but let’s not get into that territory… I’ve got enough to focus on getting through these last couple of years.”

That had unfortunately turned the attention on Devon finally. “What about you, Devon? Seeing anyone new?”
“Um,” Devon stammered, caught off guard as sweet memories of Gabriella came rushing back to him, “No… Nope. Not for a while now. Work keeps me too busy to meet anyone honestly.”
“Well what about that one girl you were with for a while? What was her name, Clara?”
“Yeah, that’s ancient history mom. Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t think I’ll be giving you any grandchildren for a while.”
She gave up prodding in her children’s lives somewhat, but as their half an hour passed it became clear that James was going to be more than just a little behind schedule. Elizabeth excused herself to check up on him with a phone call, giving Devon and his sister a moment to themselves. Devon was wrapped up in his thoughts, however, idly petting Thor while he contemplated Gabriella and his father’s hatred of her and anyone who shared her blood. How he longed to be open about his newfound relationship…
Sophia was busy texting on her phone, though the attention of both of them was caught by the sound of their mother arguing over the phone from inside the house. It didn’t take long to figure out over what. “Typical dad,” Sophie said, rolling her eyes. “The guy’s a textbook narcissist… so what you thinking about over there, little brother?” Maybe a little conversation would distract them from the squabble.
“Not much…” he lied, though paused as he looked at his sister seriously. They always had a pretty good relationship, despite the obvious favoritism played by their father. “Did you hear dad is retiring soon?”
“Mom told me. She said it’s some big secret that only a few people in the company know about.”
“Yeah,” Devon stated, still wrapped up in his thoughts. “If Abigail Beaumont found out you could bet she would strike while the iron is hot and get as much out of it as she could. So he’s keeping it under wraps for now.”
“Makes sense.”
“But I was thinking… you need a job right? What if, when dad steps down and I take over, I hired you?”
Sophia laughed. “Hire me? What would be the point of all these years studying to be a psychologist if I just dropped it and came to work at Transcend anyway?”
“Well, you know just until you find the job that fits. It’s like you said, it can be a tough field. Finding a good job could take some time and it could help you pay off some of your student loans until then.”
“Where’s all this coming from anyway? What about dad’s whole ‘No women in my company’ crap?”
“I’ve just been thinking lately. Maybe dad holds himself back by being so stubborn. There are a lot of brilliant women out there who could really make a difference. I mean just look at the Beaumonts, they’re led by a woman and they keep us fighting for clients on the daily. You’re smart Soph, and you earned your Associates and business, didn’t you? I think the company could really benefit from having you on board.”
“Why Devon Buckholtz, whenever did you become such an activist for women’s rights?” she asked, casually texting on her phone again, “Could it have anything to do with the girl you’re fucking?”
“W-what are you talking about?” Devon fumbled for his words, looking confused.
“W-what? U-um, no! Nope, not for a while….” She mocked him in a bad impression of his own voice. “Could you be any more obvious? I don’t need a masters in psychology to pick up what’s going on there. So who is it?”

Devon contemplated for a moment. Sophie was more apt at reading him than he expected. If he was that easy when Gabby wasn’t around, how the hell was he supposed to sit through a gala with her a few feet away? “If I tell you…” Devon started slowly, his heart practically racing, “You have to keep it strictly doctor-patient confidential.”
“I’m not your doctor and you’re not my patient,” she pointed out.
“Well you might agree I could use a few shrink sessions when you find out who it is I’ve been seeing.” He was pretty sure he could trust Sophie with the truth, but he remained hesitant.
“Well now you have to tell me.”
“Gabriella Beaumont,” he said quietly, finally just getting it out.
“Hoooooly shit,” Sophia blurted, dropping her phone on the table to look at her brother with undivided attention. “The heir to Globex? Oh my god, Devon. What are you thinking? If dad finds out…”
“You can’t tell him, Soph,” Devon pleaded, urging for her to keep her voice down.
“Sorry, let me rephrase. WHEN dad finds out, he’s gonna kill you. Wow… I never thought I’d be the favorite child but after this one I think the position might open soon. Well, thanks for the job offer Devon but I’d rather work for someone who has a future.”
“Funny…”

“Well it looks like your father won’t be joining us,” Elizabeth interrupted them, finally returning. Luckily she was late enough to miss Devon’s secret, but a big smile on Sophia’s face had her wondering what was going on. “What’d I miss?” she asked, looking between them.
“Oh nothing… We were just talking about the gala this Friday,” Devon managed to lie.
“Oh right… listen I want you two to be on your best behavior there, understand? Lord knows what we’ll have to deal with having James in the same room as Abigail Beaumont. I don’t need either of you adding anymore tension to the affair.”
“Don’t worry mom,” Sophia started to say, “I have no interest in business matters and as for Devon, well he’s not like dad. I don’t think he’ll have any trouble getting along with the Beaumonts.”
Devon gave his sister a swift kick of warning under the table, for which Sophie had to play off her painful reaction. He was already wondering if he’d made a mistake trusting his sister with the biggest secret he ever kept. She remained silent as the servants arrived with their meal, and even after dinner the confidence remained. After a couple hours, Devon bid them both farewell and began the long drive back home. It was pretty late by the time he finally walked through the front door of his penthouse, and once again he found himself in bed not long after.
Before crashing for the night, he sent another text to Gabriella. He’d scarcely been able to get her off his mind all day. ‘I can’t stop thinking about you. Hope to see you soon. Let me know if you get a chance to meet up.’ Hopefully they could spend at least one night together before the event. It would make things that much more difficult if he hadn’t seen her over the week. But as Tuesday bled into Wednesday, there were only three days left until then.
 
Monday had been bearable because she got to see Devon, today she had a mountain load of work to do. Tuesday morning, she was not so quick to wake up. Thankfully she had programmed her coffee maker to get started because she was dragging ass already. The shower felt so good that she didn't want to leave it. Somehow she managed to get herself dressed in a black sleeveless jumpsuit with high waisted pant legs that fell to that classic wide cut. That paired with a chic black and white striped blazer and a set of black four-inch stiletto ankle strap heels that showed of perfectly pedicured feet made her look like she was ready to kick ass and take names. Long black locks were tucked away in the form of a simple and elegant top knot. Her reg Jag was pulled from the garage with her behind the wheel and Imagine Dragon's latest song 'Natural' blaring from the speakers. After her first cup of coffee and some kick-ass music, she was wide awake. This time Jazzy intercepted her at her office followed by Abigail. After being harassed about the gala once more she finally decided to tell her mother. Her steamy hot macchiato was placed upon her coffee desk amongst the pile of papers and her laptop while she sat on the edge of her desk to speak to both women who occupied the two comfortable seats across from her desk.

"I'm still working on setting up the Trifexis account. I'm also and don't get ahead of yourself mom, I'm working on a charity event for the CURE Childhood Cancer organization."
"Oh m-" Gabby held up a finger when Jazzy damn near erupted upon hearing the news.
"It's going to be an auction and it's in the works. I've gotten a hold of a few people, including Pink, Charles Barkley, and John Cena. Those are my top contenders. Rather than donate money to the charity themselves, they are donating possessions that they own which we will put up for auction. It won't be for a few moments. As I said, it's still in the works." With a heavy sigh, she scooped up her coffee cup and took another sip.

"Bravo... and I assume that you're going to bring this up at the Gala?" Abigail asked with a smile that spoke of the woman's approval.
"Of course. Gerald may be willing to donate to the cause. I'm doing this more to pay it forward. We have the power to make such things happen, and that's what got Pink to donate two signed gold microphones and two VIP tickets to her concert that includes dinner with her. I had this planned before I knew about the gala and yes... this will get our name out there and make us look good. That is merely a side effect, not the main intention here."
"You got PINK?!" Again, the girl was in a completely different lane in this whole conversation.
"I have Pink's stuff." Gabby clarified before looking at her watch. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I have papers to go over, numbers to run and people to call."
"Well then, excuse me, Boss Lady," Abigail said with a smug smile that was intended for their competitors. Needless to say, she was happy with her daughter's plans and itched to see the look on James' face when her sweet talking and kind-hearted daughter brought up the topic.

Upon hearing her office door close she opened up her phone and smiled. Maybe she could have lunch with Devon today. She had wanted to ask him to collaborate in this event with her. It struck her when she heard about the Johnson and Johnson thing. She wasn't trying to impede on their business, but not only would it benefit both companies to look like they were working together before a former client, but it would be a perfect duo to get this to turn out successful. Not to mention she was working double time with this project, Trifexis, and hunting down new clientele. Gabby was so like-minded with Devon that she too blew threw work. She took it in her office. Taking bites here and there from a bowl of salad as she typed up things and checked off items from her to do list. The girl was on autopilot and was snapped out of her stupor when her R2D2 notification tone sounded. A side glance at the phone and her undivided attention was easily severed. Leave it to the Buckholtz heir to tease her with a good time. 'Sounds divine. I can return the favor with a special massage for you too...' she texted back to Devon. The smile on her face was priceless and had the busy woman looking entirely refreshed. After that message, she leaned back and properly finished off her salad. I hadn't even been that long and already the usually sound minded businesswoman felt as though she would go mad if she didn't get to spend a little quality time with Devon.

The gala was bound to be a challenge. She had already picked out a dress for the occasion and it a simple and lovely. The girl at the store called it gorgeous, but Gabriella couldn't see it. She kept it modest for the topic of the gala and left it at that. A little while later when she got another text the woman whined like a toddler, initially. "Awww...." The made an exaggerated pouty face and replied, 'I'll take the rain check then. Have fun, handsome.' There went her fun for the evening, but it was still nice to know that he had tried to see her again. The rest of the day went by rather smoothly. She managed to get off early and met up with Abigail for an impromptu dinner. It was delicious and void of work.
"So... who's the guy?" Gabby nearly choked on the piece of blackened salmon that she was enjoying.
"Who the hell are you talking about mom? What guy?" Gabby replied with a little laugh like it was a joke.
"You were barely home all weekend! There's gotta be a guy involved!" Abigail laughed back at her daughter's reaction.
"You're paranoid, ma'am. I have absolutely no time for shenanigans like relationships. I have way too much to do." The young woman replied before taking a sip of her water.
"Damn, right, young lady. You're doing a damn good job." Abigail chimed before signing the receipt for their dinner and gathering her things. "Well, I'll see you int he morning. Good night, hun."
"Night mom." Gabby chuckled at her mother. While she could be a pain in the ass to work with, she was still her mother. Gabriella took her tired ass home and before she could make it through the lobby an arm hooked into hers and the owner of that arm was a five foot ten eleven African American male with hazel eyes and a stunning burgundy suit that no one could seem to pull off but him. "Alright, bitch, spill it." Gabby looked at the man with a guilty smile.
"Can we get inside first? Damn." She uttered while having a hint as to what he wanted to talk about. Once inside, Gabby kicked off her shoes and the well-dressed male helped himself to the liquor cabinet and fixed two drinks. After making them he sat on the sofa where Gabby plopped herself and graned.
"Spill it. Your momma called me Sunday asking where you were. I didn't tell her that you've been riding dick all weekend." He said so casually before taking a sip of his cocktail. Gabby wasn't surprised in the slightest. They may not meet up often enough, but they talked a lot.
"He is soooo good! He's hot, smart, savvy...." The enamored woman went on before getting cut off.
"Mmmhmm... so you found yourself in man form?" How ironic that he said that. Judging by the eerie and sudden silence he knew he was on to something.
"So... who is it?" Here she groaned and took one of the overstuffed sofa pillows and placed it over her face. Jake looked at his friend with an all-knowing smile. His friend was normally one to open up with ease about her sexual affairs, but there had to be more to this story if the girl was being hesitant. "Girl, if you don't spill the beans right now...."

"Devon Buckholtz." Jake's jaw dropped to the floor. He worked at a law firm within the same block as the towering buildings and knew all about the separation of the company.
"Gabriella Eloise de Beaumont is fucking her arch nemesis?! How the hell did that happen?! He inhaled his drink and sad braced for an awesome story. Gabby trusted Jake and spilled everything. When all was said and done, Jake looked like he had just read the beginning of a new romance novel. "Girl... why don't you just join the companies? Because that old fart is misogynistic?" He asked.
"Not entirely, but our families harbor so much hatred and are so paranoid! My mother would swear that he is using me and I wouldn't be surprised if old man Buckholtz stopped his own son from running the company merely for being in a relationship with me. It's ludacris, but it's just no the right time." She explained. Jake shook his head.
"Girl... this is some fucked up Cinderella type shit. Imma need you to get your parents in line and tell them to suck it up. You haven't been this passionate about a guy....ever. Now... I'm only two floors up. You leave me out of the loop again, and I'm marching in that office with my brightest suit and calling you out, alright boo?" Gabby laughed and stood up to give him a hug.
"You are such an ass. I promise to keep you in the loop." She replied before he let himself out.
It felt nice to finally let someone else know what was going on between them. It was probably why she caught herself smiling through her shower. When she got out she heard her notification go off in the other room. Witha plush white towel wrapped around her waist and her hair slicked back from the shower she happily snapped a selfied of herself with a smile and the towel with the caption 'Hope this will tide you over until we see each other in person again. Sweet dreams, handsome. I'm holding you to that massage too." She teased. She knew that Devon was good for his word. She had one serious wet dream that night and she felt drained in the morning.

Despite that, she got her ass to work. It was Wednesday now it was her turn to back out of a date due to unforeseen circumstances. 'How about lunch today at the Luma?', she texted, but not five minutes later, Jazzy busted in. "Don't forget that you have a lunch date with the corporate of Jun Ki Industries, they want to revamp somethings."
"Shit," Gabby replied, much to Jazzy's surprise.
"Do we need to reschedule?" Gabby knew damn well that this could not be put off. They were her first snagged clients.
"No, let them pick the place." She added before texting Devon back. 'Sorry babe, I forgot about a business related lunch date. Maybe next time? It is going to be harsh if I can get my fix of you before the gala.' She mentioned.
The day was quite the drag after that. The lunch went well and her smile was well placed. More work to be done on her end. Numbers to be crunched and reviews made. A few departments to visit and asses to ride. There were deadlines to be met and she was not happy when they were not met. The end of Wednesday was encroaching upon them soon. Gabby may very well have to pull an all-nighter just to meet her own deadlines. That night proved busy and before she knew it, it was Thursday morning. Even a session with one of her battery-operated boyfriends couldn't ease the tension. Not even her powerful shower head stood a chance. Again the successful young woman found herself in her office with a strong coffee in ehr hand once more as her eyes skimmed the pages of another contract.
 
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