"Two million?"

"Yes."

"You want to buy Tex Industries for two million?"

"That is what I said, Mr. Montgomery. Should I say it in Spanish?"

He shakes his head—a fearful look in his eyes. He should be scared. This two million dollars could save their industry. Without it, they won't last another month before crashing to the ground. I had no intentions on helping them after denying them years ago, but a little birdie changed my mind.

I made a single call over, and Tex was on it in seconds. I knew they wouldn't let an opportunity like this slip by; I knew they wouldn't give up on Ziya Caddel supporting them, and damn sure not two million dollars. Nobody else is offering funds this high—if offering anything at all. I raise my eyebrows, waiting for a guaranteed answer.

"I'll have to call my boss!" Montgomery jumps, hastily pulling out his phone, "I've just recently become a small sponsor."

"Go ahead," I answer, relaxing in my seat, "I heard you also added a woman by the name of Kylie."

"Uh—yes! She seemed promising. Her application mentioned a partnership with you."

"It did, hm?"

"Yes, ma'am."

I hum, not giving a direct response as he leaves my office to make the call. James enters afterwards—a bag, coffee, and a smile coming with him. I watch him, amused at his seemingly happy attitude. I mean, James is always happy—but not bouncing when he walks happy. He plops down in one of the seats before me, sliding me my usual order of coffee.

"Is this you giving Nadia a break?" I ask, accepting the drink and the bag. I open it to see the treats that quickly became a favorite.

"This is me celebrating a win...and something else."

"We haven't won anything, yet, and do I get to know about this something else?"

James shakes his head, giddy all over like a premature high school boy. I leave it alone, not wanting to ruin his apparent high, and dig into the bag. Today has surely been eventful. After finalizing things with the police, I killed all rumors that surfaced about me and my business. Then I called Tex Industries to let them know I had time to discuss things. Now, here I am, about to settle a deal and crush a few people while I'm at it. No hard feelings. It's just business.

Montgomery saunters back into my office with a new confidence, a proud smile on his face. James sneaks a look at me before leaving with the same bounce in his step. I watch him leave with squinted eyes, again curious about his new attitude. The door closes behind him, and I turn my attention to Montgomery.

"Our team is heading here as we speak. They'd like an immediate meeting to discuss things more throughly. I mentioned the price, but they'd like the why in what in a little more detail, if that's okay."

"That's fine. Nadia is in the office next to mine. She'll lead you to the meeting room, and I'll be there in a second."

He nods before turning away to leave. I go to unplug my laptop to take with me when a notification pops up at the corner of my screen.

Malik Atoni clocked in on Top Floor. Alisha Adams accepted.

Now this is interesting. I finish wrapping up my charger and computer—stuffing all presentation materials in a bag that I've rarely had to use. I hear footsteps all up and down my floor, but I know the body that enters my office. I know who's hand pushes the door closed, and I know who's fingers turn the lock. I turn around to see Malik stationed by the door, his stormy eyes trailing over every inch of my body. The way he admires me every time he lays eyes on me—as if I'm something he's never seen before, and can worship. Preferably on his knees.

He looks at me expectingly, but I don't give him the satisfaction of my attention. Instead, I send a quick text to Nadia to place down a few refreshments for our guests. Some would call it buttering them up, but I don't need to do that. They're already at my feet, and this emergency meeting is so they can feel like they have a little power. I can give them that much.

"What's wrong?"

I look up to see Malik slowly approaching me. His eyebrows are furrowed in a way that I can only describe as adorable.

"Why do you assume something's wrong?" I reply.

"You look bothered at the sight of me. Did I do something?"

The tone of his voice along with his actions are almost laughable. It's a sight to see a man that recently had me under him—a man that wrecked me until I felt like I couldn't breath...that same man is now standing in front of me like a lost, kicked puppy. Malik tilts my chin up with the tip of his fingers, letting our eyes meet.

"Maybe," I say, softly pushing his hand away, "because you killed a man, and the blame almost fell on me. Don't you know who I am? Where you are?"

"I heard it was suicide," he says, not fazed by me pushing him away. He slides his arms around my waist, pulling me to him. "Does it bother you that it wasn't?"

"It bothers me that I'm a lawyer—a part of the law, and I'm withholding information. That almost makes me dirty. It bothers me that I might be crazy because I still wouldn't say a word."

"What is there to say?" Malik asks, dipping his head into my neck.

I sigh as he presses small kisses in a pattern that tempts me to lean into him. He tightens his grip on me, his lips trailing my jaw until they reach the corner of my mouth. I pull away before his lips could meet mine. Malik pulls away, a dazed look in his eyes that I can't ignore no matter what my mind tells me. I can't deny him.

"What am I going to do with you?" I ask.

A small grin pulls at his lips, and I can't help but smile—even if just a little. I turn us around before pushing Malik back until his back meets my desk. He automatically parts his leg, letting my body slip between them. His fitted black shirt tightens at his abs, the material slightly risen, showing the start of his v-line. I palm him through his jeans, feeling exactly how needy he is.

"You're always hard when you see me" I whisper, biting softly at his exposed neck.

He dips his head back into my neck, his mouth pressed against the shell of my ear, "does that surprise you? You know the effect you have on me."

I hum, slowly unbuttoning his jeans and undoing the zipper. His jeans loosen around his waist, letting me pull his leaking cock free from his briefs. I softly run my thumb across his tip, earning a pleased groan from Malik. I stop my slow bites, and instead press long kisses on every part of his skin that I can reach. My hand starts to work simultaneously, stroking his tip, pre-cum dripping down my hand.

I move slowly—teasing him as I tighten my hold, squeezing his length. Malik's moans fill my ears to the brim, driving me to the brink of insanity. They get louder with each slow stroke, causing me to whisper for him to quiet down.

"These rooms aren't soundproof. Do you want everyone to know what I'm doing to you in my office? How good I'm making you feel?"

He doesn't answer, too busy rocking his hips, fucking himself into my hand. I match his thrusts, pumping him at a slightly faster pace. I twist my hand at his tip before sliding it back down the base, repeating the action in a teasing manner. Malik bites into my shoulder, my own lips kissing up to his ear. He bites harder as his hips move frantically, chasing a release that I'm happy to give him.

Malik digs his fingers into my waist, bruising the flesh, his cock sliding in and out my hand with ease.

"I know, baby, I know," I chant, holding the back of his neck, "a little longer, then cum for me. You can do that."

I didn't think we could get any closer, given our position, but Malik makes it possible. Our bodies are pulled flush together, the only space between us being created by the movements of Malik's hips. I squeeze his tip one final time, his body going rigid as he cums with no warning. It spurts on my hand, coating it with his essence, as I feel something dripping down my shoulder. I pull Malik back by his hair, seeing a red substance coating his lips. Blood. My blood.

I drag my thumb down his lips, coating it in my blood before pushing it into his mouth. Malik sucks it clean before doing the same to his lips. I back away from him, rounding my desk for tissues, quickly cleaning my hand with it before re-wiping it with wipes. I pass them to Malik who cleans himself up before fixing his attire. Hickey's line his neck down to his collar bone. I admire the sight, watching as Malik steps closer to me. He moves my blouse to the side, gently wiping at my shoulder; I ignore the soft sting, and instead watch him as he watches his movements.

"So, what happened to Arogatti?" he murmurs, catching my gaze.

"Death by suicide," I answer, in a low voice.

"Still think you're crazy?" he asks, leaning his forehead on mine.

"Insane."

Malik hums, kissing my temple, then my cheek, and finally my jaw. I slide from under him, fixing my blouse before grabbing the bag I made for the meeting. Malik watches my every move, his eyes moving where I move.

"You're staying?" I ask, raising my eyebrows in amusement, "I have work to do."

"Is it important?"

"It's always important, darling."

He makes himself comfortable in my seat, leaning back with a patient gaze, silently saying 'I can wait.'

I shake my head, grabbing my phone from the desk, and leaving with a final glance. I'm not sure if Malik will still be there when it's all done and over with, but he just made settling this investment all that more enticing. Get in, get out, and possibly get fucked as a reward. I can work with that.

As I leave my office, I turn around to run into James. He grabs onto me, steadying himself and me. I gently push him back, earning a bashful smile from him.

"Sorry. The meeting was supposed to start five minutes ago, and they're getting restless. They think you're toying with them."

My eyebrows raise at the statement. They can't handle being alone for five minutes? I turn James around as I walk, making my way to the meeting room. James reaches up, pulling on the collar of my blouse, before moving some of my hair to the front. I figure he saw the little gift that Malik left for me. I cast him a thankful look before entering the room, James trailing behind me. Four men, including the sponsor, and Kylie stand from their seats. I round the table before sitting at the head. James sits quietly beside me, assessing the group.

Kylie's stare is noticeable, so I give her a welcoming smile that shrivels her back into her seat. She was so confident at the gathering, and now look at her. One might think I'm sparing her because she still has a job, but she'll be working for me. She'll be listening to me, and tending to my needs. She'll do what I say without complaint because she knows it'll cost her if she doesn't.

Mr. Montgomery gently clears his throat, gaining my attention. He looks down at three folders that were printed in black, and clearly held important information.

"These folders hold half of the information for Tex Industries. I advise that you read it all, and on the last page is where you sign your name. Once you do that, Tex Industries is yours. There are copies; one for yourself, and two for us."

I nod, gesturing for the folders. All three get passed down, but stops when a man keeps them under his hand. He doesn't look like he's in charge, but it's clear that he'd like to be. I give him a calm stare, and he sits straighter—as if it'll impact me in the slightest.

"Before we settle everything," he looks at his peers before settling back on me, "why do you want Tex Industries?"

"I see the potential for the business. I can help it rise from it's rapid decline, and push it past its limits. I can help better all of your careers. Trust me when I say I don't want to interfere with your jobs. The business is mine, but the work is still yours."

"But you didn't want anything to do with it at first," he continues.

"What's your name?" I ask, instead.

"Alex Raymond."

"Well, Alex Raymond, you're stopping this company from becoming something great, and I have further business to attend to. I don't seek, or need, approval from you—"

James lightly touches my arm, and I sigh, leaning forward with a kinder aura then before. Alex looks disturbed, and he looks to his peers who look ready to murder him. He bows his head, sliding the folders to me to complete the transaction. I take the pen in front of me, briefly skimming through the documents. I already know of half of it, and skip to the end to sign. I create an extra line on all three folders before sliding them over to James. He's not an official co-partner, but I trust him more than anybody. I want him doing this with me.

He stares at me for a short while, only snapping out of it when I move his hand to the folders. He bites his lip as they tremble, but quickly signs the papers anyway. I close them, keeping one for myself, and send the other two back. Looks of relief and happiness crosses their features, and I stand to end the unneeded meeting.

"If that is all," I say.

"Yes. Thank you, Ms. Caddel, you won't regret this! Two million dollars is a great amount, and we will do everything to make it a good business."

"I like the sound of that," I smile, "Nadia is just outside to show you the way out. We'll be in further touch soon."

They nod, standing to trail out the room. Kylie avoids eye contact with me as she leaves, and I don't stop her. James clutches onto my arm, an excited gleam in his eyes. I give him a genuine smile, holding onto his hand to let him know that I share some of his excitement.

"We have to celebrate! I can't believe I signed those papers! Why did you have me sign them?"

"Because you're an important figure here, James," I answer honestly, "and I don't want to do this without you. You keep me going, and make running this business easy. You deserve to work alongside me, and not just for me."

James engulfs me in a hug, kissing my forehead in an affectionate manner. I wrap my arms around him, letting him know that I really do appreciate him. He pulls away, his eyes glistening in the light. He dramatically blinks them away before giving me a wobbly smile.

"So, celebrate?"

"Of course. But first, I need to send a certain man home."

"Malik?" he asks, giving me a knowing look. My expression is all he needs as he laughs, "and they say romance is dead."

I roll my eyes, telling him to meet me in an hour. The day's ending a little earlier than usual due to personal renovations, and my employees were more then happy to hear that. I don't blame them. Anyone would be happy to go home, or anywhere that isn't work. James heads to his office, and I head to mine—opening my door to see Malik sitting in the same position as before. His eyes were trained on the door, and he looks up as I enter. I smirk as I set my bag down, not even having to use it, and round my way to my desk.

Malik spins around as I meet him, and I place myself in his lap. His hands instantly go to my waist, softly caressing my curves.

"I'm going out with James tonight, so this has to wait."

His face shows disappointment, but I'm not changing my mind. James wants to celebrate, so we're going to celebrate.

"What are you doing?" he asks, running his hands down my thighs.

"Celebrating."

"I can celebrate with you, and bring Talon. He has a thing for your friend."

"Does he?" I raise my eyebrows. James didn't even have to try. "I think my friend has a thing for your friend too."

"Exactly," he murmurs, "so let me come."

"You're so needy, baby," I grin, "I'll ask James."

He nods, and lets me get off his lap. He stands up next, not-so-discreetly fixing himself through his pants. I gather my stuff, heading out of my office with Malik following close behind me. People stare at him then at me, forming every and any scenario in their heads. I let it be, knowing my business is mine, and they can think what they like. We reach James' office to find him shrugging on a jacket. He looks up as we enter, already knowing what I came to say.

"He's coming," he says.

"He is, and so is Talon."

James stops at that, softly blushing. He swiftly nods his head, and gestures for us to sit down. We still have time before the renovators come, and I've cleared all schedules for the remainder of the day.

"What did you two plan on doing?" Malik asks, his voice firm. He placed his hand on my thigh, but really focused his attention on James.

I know he wanted me to himself, but he can deal with it for tonight.

"I have it all planned out," James answers, "so just sit back and ride."

"You hear that?" I ask, teasingly, "just sit back and ride, darling."

Malik keeps quiet after that while excitement and curiosity slowly creeps its way inside of me. I'm about to show him how to have a good time.

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chapter chapter :) i hope you enjoyed! there's no question this time lol.

vote, comment, share—just do what you do cause i love what y'all do <3 my expressive & silent readers give me so much motivation. whichh speaking of, Mi Diosa just hit 50k reads! 👏👏❤️ so thank you everyone :)

next update coming soon lovelies.