Page 44 of Mason

One second his hands are gently caressing, the next the flat of his hand lands on my right cheek with enough force to make me flinch. I bite down on my lips to prepare for the second blow, a sharp slap against the left side.

“Do you think that is sufficient punishment?”

I shake my head. My body trembles, desperate for his touch, aching for the pleasure that will eventually come from this pain. I don’t deserve it. I’ve fucked up, cost Mason and his company more money than I can even fathom. But I won’t let it rattle me. I can’t. I’ll make it right if it’s the last thing I do.

He applies a crisp volley of slaps to each butt cheek alternately. I grit my teeth to stifle the protests, but his hand is like a slab of wood, each smack blending into the next.

Each time his hand comes down, his fingers trail closer to my clit. I’m already soaked, and my nerve endings are electric, tense with anticipation of both the pleasure and the pain.

My climax triggers suddenly, taking me by shock. I stiffen and arch, and then it releases in pulsating waves. Mason rubs my clit until the last of the orgasm fades. And as I lay gasping, stretched across his thighs, he leans close, breath feathering across the back of my neck. “Don’t ever make that mistake again. Do you understand, Miss Landers?”

My voice goes hoarse. “Yes, Mr. Wood.”

Chapter 24

I’m scrolling through texts with my head down when I almost run straight into Lucas.

He leans against the wall outside the ladies room, arms across his chest, a smug expression stretched across his handsome face. My throat instantly swells, in prickles of anxiety forming on my skin. It’s clear he’s waiting for me.

“Shit,” I say. “I almost didn’t see you there.”

Lucas unfolds his arms and tucks his hands behind his firm back. “You looked pretty deep in thought. Still thinking about how you pulled the wool over Mason’s eyes?”

My spine goes rigid. “Excuse me?”

A smirk plays on his lips. “Don’t be coy with me, Miss Landers. You’re not the first woman to try this.”

I clear my throat. “I don’t know what you’re implying Mr. Hammer, but I’m just doing my job. Now if you’ll excuse me…”

Lucas laughs without humor. “Oh, you’re doing a hell of a lot more than that.”

Despite my attempt at self-control, my cheeks flush. I’ve tried to remain professional at the office, making sure to address Mason appropriately, never touching him in public, or giving off the impression that he’s anything more to me than my boss. But obviously our rendezvous are somewhat public knowledge—and it’s evident our relationship doesn’t meet the approval of Mason’s partners. It’s not my problem to fix.

“That was some stunt you played last week,” he says. “You had us all convinced you’d tapped into some secret goldmine with that currency deal.”

“My analysis was off. But I never claimed that it was foolproof and I’ve apologized again and again.” And I’ve been punished, I mentally add. The memory brings a stinging sensation to my backside, and I ache to be in the safety of Mason’s office instead of in the hallway with this wolf.

Lucas is no gruffer or harsher than Mason, but he doesn’t make my insides flip. My knees don’t knock together with lust. Whereas Mason is still covering up his grief with a gruff exterior, Lucas is just mean. Pity the woman who tries to get through that spiked armor in one piece.

Lucas’ lips twist into a sneer. “I’m sure Mason would have you believe that a simple apology makes that failure, but never forget, Miss Landers, this company belongs to the three of us. You’re just a cog in the wheel.”

I push out my chest, standing my ground. “I’m aware of the hierarchy.”

I’ve never questioned my position on the totem pole, just where on the lower part I land—and how quickly I can climb it. I stepped outside the bounds last week and made a bad call. Shit happens. Mason even said as much. I’ve atoned for my sins, and we’ve moved on. At least, Mason and I have.

“If you want to know more about my position, I would recommend asking Mr. Wood.”

Another sneer, this one catching me off guard with its cruelty. “But which position shall I ask about, Miss Landers? I’m sure you’re familiar with them all.”

My hand trembles, prepared to swipe it across Lucas’ face. Punching one of the partners is a guaranteed path to the unemployment line, but I’ve had just about enough of Lucas’ innuendos and insults. “I suggest you temper your words very carefully, because I don’t think Daylight Holdings wants a sexual harassment suit.”

My voice carries far more strength than I feel, but it’s enough to loosen the animosity that makes Lucas’ face scrunch with disgust. His eyes soften a little, and I swear there’s a hint of amusement simmering under the surface of his hate. “I can see what Mason sees in you,” he says, his eyebrow lifting ever so slightly. “You’re a bit of a firecracker.”

The back handed compliment makes my cheeks go hot with embarrassment.

“Still, I’d advise you to be vigilant,” Lucas says. “Because I won’t allow him to throw away everything we’ve built here.”

“That’s not my intent,” I snap.