Desire Unexpected Read online

  Evernight Publishing ®

  www.evernightpublishing.com

  Copyright© 2015 S.J. Maylee

  ISBN: 978-1-77233-313-8

  Cover Artist: Jay Aheer

  Editor: Katelyn Uplinger

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  DEDICATION

  I dedicate this book to my muse. The day I discovered Nadia and Ethan’s story, I also received inspiration for the other three books in the series. I let my muse have full control over my writing and she took me on quite a ride. I can’t wait to see where she’ll take me next.

  To Katelyn, thank you for pushing me and making the story stronger.

  To Samien, you read a couple different versions of this story. Thank you for all your help and continued friendship.

  To Liz, I don’t know what I’d do without you. You’re my rock. Thank you for all you do and thank you for sharing the picture of the staircase with me. It inspired one of my favorite scenes.

  To Kacey, for your guidance, your support, for helping me to see ways I can show more of the story when I can no longer see anything besides static. I’m grateful and deeply honored to call you my friend.

  DESIRE UNEXPECTED

  Assassins and Sweethearts, 1

  S.J. Maylee

  Copyright © 2015

  Chapter One

  Nadia’s lunch hour was her safe haven. She’d found a quick route to the Art Institute and with the food truck at the corner, she could satisfy two daily needs. Escaping the office at midday wasn’t just to release workday tension, but to put some distance between her and the man that had become her obsession.

  She sat down on the bench in front of her favorite exhibit, crisscrossed her legs, and folded her fingers around her eyes, blocking out the rest of the world. The blues and reds filled her vision. Life’s confusion swirled away leaving her open to explore.

  A few minutes into her observation, her breathing slowed. In this place, she didn’t think about the career she couldn’t reach or the untouchable man who had captured her desire. If only she could stay here and not go back.

  “If only.” If she didn’t go back, she wouldn’t be tempted to ask more questions about her company’s CEO. Heat bloomed across her cheeks and she rubbed her hands back and forth across her thighs. The almost meaningless bits of information Ethan’s staff let slip made her want to ask more questions. Nothing they said gave her enough to satisfy her curiosity.

  It had only taken one rumor regarding her sexy boss and now he occupied her thoughts daily. It was none of her business, but each time she caught a glimpse of him, her desire to know more consumed her. She rubbed her thighs and closed her eyes.

  It didn’t hurt that he stood easily over six feet tall, or that mister dark and gorgeous had her drooling for a look at what lay beneath his expensive-looking three piece suits. It didn’t matter to her that he went through staff quicker than she’d ever seen. The pattern must keep his human resource manager busy. It seemed the more you knew the shorter your time at Wright Incorporated

  If the rumors were true, the CEO liked to dominate not only in the boardroom, but in the bedroom too or wherever he took his dates. She desperately wanted to know what it would feel like to be on the receiving end of his commands.

  “Do you come here every day?” The question came from whoever had just sat on the bench to her left. His deep tone reminded her of Ethan, a sign she needed to get out more. Her fixation was finding its way into each part of her day.

  “Yes. This is my spot.” She didn’t open her eyes. She only had a few more minutes as she wanted to stop at the museum shop and admire the bronze cuff bracelet. Even though the piece was out of her price range, she couldn’t stop thinking about the intricate design and how the leaves wrapped around her wrist. It was uncomplicated and natural, simply pretty. It had been a few days since she tried it on, maybe today she’d indulge.

  “Will you be leaving soon?”

  “In a few minutes.”

  “Good. I’ll wait then.” The man bumped her hip.

  “Excuse me, you don’t own the bench.”

  “No, not technically, but there’s room enough for both of us, if you scoot over.” The rumble in his tone she certainly recognized and it poked holes in her quiet moment.

  She opened her eyes enough to confirm her suspicion. Damn. She’d never been so close to him before. She slowly unwound her legs as her heart went wild, like an animal beating against its cage. She attempted to slide to the end of the bench while keeping her gaze on him and almost fell. With one hand clutching the edge, her safe haven slipped away.

  “I’m so glad they took the America Windows down so they could clean them.” He cupped his hands over his eyebrows, just like she’d done.

  “That’s not—ah, I mean, excuse me.” Talking back to her boss was a quick way to get fired. Not everyone wanted or needed all the details on the windows. She walked to the other side of the almost empty room, placing a couple between them.

  The light shining through the windows pushed heavenly blue light into the room. She took a step closer in an attempt to be swallowed whole. For weeks, she’d thought about talking to him and when she had her chance, she’d blown it. She rubbed the back of her neck and snuck a peek back toward the bench.

  It was empty. After a quick look around the room, she realized he must have left. It was a good thing, but at the moment, she couldn’t remember why.

  She’d allowed herself to hope he’d bumped into her on purpose and would follow her. Stupid.

  Her relationship with Ethan was nothing but a paycheck and if she wasn’t careful it would come to a quick end. She’d seen it happen often enough at this job. As much as she hated the mail room, she had to live with it for now or she’d need to say goodbye to some of life’s necessities, like food and then probably the sad little roof over her head. However, Nadia doubted he had any idea who she was.

  “What was that?”

  She whipped around to find Tall and Sexy next to her. She clasped a hand over her chest and rubbed. Her fingers moved back and forth over her pulse point in an attempt to quiet the storm raging inside.

  He stepped further into the blue light shining through the windows. He took her breath away. Strength and power radiated from his long lean stature, steady shoulders, and crisp look. His hair was neatly trimmed, right down to his tidy sideburns. The temptation to slide her finger down one and across the chiseled edge of his chin was too much. She shook herself.

  “What were you saying?” He walked around her and stopped closer than should have been appropriate. Not knowing where to look, she concentrated on his multicolored eyes. Similar to the windows, different colors stood out. They were magnificent. Breathing in his delicious musky scent tipped her over the edge and her pussy tingled with warmth.

  “They moved them because they were afraid the renovations would create harmful vibrations.” She lowered her gaze. “The decision to clean them was made after they took the panels apart.” She picked at the hem of her shirt.

  “Interesting.” He tucked his hands in his pockets. “I’ve never met anyone who’s known the truth.”

  “Me either.” An easy smile settled in. Seconds ticked by as they stood toe to toe.

  She thought of the last question she asked one of the secretaries about Ethan. “Is he a Dom?” A fa
ntasy flashed through her thoughts, driving her desire ever higher. As the energy built around them, she realized if she didn’t walk away she wouldn’t be able to stop herself from touching him.

  “Excuse me. I must get back to work.”

  In that moment, her silly dream of being his match dissolved. She couldn’t imagine ever being able to relax around such a man. Conversation was clearly out of the question. He’d only asked one question about the windows and her thoughts jumped to sex. Each little move he made left her wondering and wanting.

  She needed to stop wasting her time. Her girlfriends were right. It was time to consider one of the blind dates they’d lined up.

  On her way to the exit, the empty corridor revealed two sets of footsteps. Her imagination took off with the idea Ethan was once again following her. Pathetic. She’d never get that lucky twice in one day.

  Her heart picked up its pace anyway with the assistance of her usual three cups of morning coffee. She resisted the urge to turn around, ignored the urge to visit the museum shop, and instead walked out of the Art Institute.

  After gulping several large breaths of brisk Chicago air, she made her way to her favorite food truck. The best grilled cheese sandwich in the city was calling her name and not the man she couldn’t help but hope was following her.

  When she stepped into line, a tick of disappointment weighed on her spirits when she turned and didn’t find him behind her.

  “What’s good here?”

  She turned back to find Ethan standing next to her, intently checking out the menu. “Gah!” She stumbled back a step. “You’ve got to stop doing that.”

  “Doing what?”

  “You’re like a ghost.” She shook her head. “I think you’re gone and then you pop up.”

  “I simply slipped into your blind spot which I must say was easy to do.” He turned to face her. His gaze fixed on hers. “You should be more aware of your surroundings. You also need to walk a lot faster if you want to lose me which I should have suggested. It looks like rain.”

  “I didn’t know you were following me.” She lost herself in his hazel eyes. As the light changed around them, it highlighted several different flecks of color, each were similar, but different. She wouldn’t mind staring into them all day long. “Why are you following me?” A drop of rain hit her cheek.

  “When one of my employees asks a couple of questions about me, I blow it off as curiosity.” He took a step closer. “When those questions get increasingly more personal, I tend to take an interest, Nadia.”

  “You know who I am?” Her pulse fluttered. Oh God, he knows what I asked.

  He brushed away the droplet of rain with his thumb.

  Warmth flushed along her body, leaving a tingle in her toes.

  “You work for me. Of course I know who you are.” He gestured her to move forward in the line. “Why are you so interested in my personal life?”

  “I like to know who I’m working for.” She looked to the ground as she stepped forward in line.

  “Do you think I should take the same interest in your personal life?”

  “I guess I deserved that.” She took a tighter grip on her purse. “I’m sorry for invading your privacy. I’ll stop with the questions.”

  “I wouldn’t want you to give up so easily.” He reached past her and took two sandwiches from a man dressed in full black and a cute hat. He handed her one and said, “Cheesy Mac and Pulled Pork.”

  “How did you know what I order?” She held the sandwich away from her body like it was something alien and not the most decadent thing ever.

  “You’re not the only one who’s been asking questions.” Ethan walked over to a sleek black car at the curb. The man in black opened the back door. “I’d offer you a ride back to the office, but we’re headed in opposite directions. You, however, better get moving.” He pointed to the sky and as if on cue, the rain started to fall.

  She pulled her umbrella out of her purse.

  “Nadia, this conversation isn’t over.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  ****

  Ethan climbed into his car and rested his head against the seat. With his eyes closed, he brought her back into focus. Nadia Duskin was full of surprises. He’d intended to scare her, possibly fire her. He hadn’t anticipated the desire in her striking blue eyes or her obvious knowledge about the America Windows.

  He adjusted his cock. He hadn’t anticipated wanting her either. She was a complication he didn’t need. Lake Michigan sped by his window as they picked up speed on Lake Shore Drive. They’d arrive in Evanston soon. He pulled out his phone, and played with the keys. Before he arrived at the meeting, he should have Nadia fired. Distractions could be deadly in his line of business. The heavy sandwich sitting in front of him dared him to indulge his curiosity.

  He shoved his phone back in his pocket and picked up the sandwich. After peeling back the wrapper, the yeasty aromas of fresh bread and seasoned pork and cheese encouraged him to take a bite. The crusty bread gave way to tender pork, and then creamy macaroni took over and hid the once brilliant sandwich. He took a water bottle from the hidden cooler between the seats. As he gulped, a plan came into focus. Nadia clearly needed to find a new food truck. He wondered on what else she’d need an education.

  After throwing out the sandwich, he adjusted his cock again and did a quick search on Nadia, drinking in the tiny tidbits of her life.

  “Sir, we’re here.”

  Ethan turned off his phone. He could finish reading about Nadia later if a few drinks and an afternoon with his mates didn’t help him forget her altogether.

  Max and Gavin were already at their table in the back room. Aidan would most likely show in the next few minutes.

  “Hello, boys.” He signaled to the waiter to bring him the usual. “Are we going to keep waiting on Aidan or can we get started?”

  “Hot date, huh?” Max cracked his knuckles. “Maybe we should move our offices into one of those fancy downtown places. Ethan’s never at a loss for a piece of action.”

  “It will take more than geography to get you a date.” Ethan unbuttoned his cuffs.

  “I have to agree.” Gavin grabbed a fried calamari from the basket on the table and tossed it into his mouth. “You could start with dressing in something other than black.”

  “The ladies do seem to like my suits.” He hung his suit jacket on a hook near the rear door, tugged on his vest, and settled into his seat. “I also keep saying you need to leave the Glock at home.”

  “What did I miss?” Aidan, quiet as ever, slid into the last open chair at the table.

  If Nadia thought he was like a ghost, he wondered what she’d think of Aidan. He gripped his thigh and hoped the waiter would hurry it up with their drink order.

  “Perfect timing, it seems to be another gang up-on-Max meeting. Change the subject please.”

  The waiter sat down a round of drinks. Two fingers of whisky for Gavin and pints for Aidan and Max. He’d always favored gin and tonic. He knew what he liked and had stuck with it.

  “Didn’t that happen the last time you asked Ethan about his dating life?”

  “It did.” Max turned to him. “What’s up with that? Are you taking the Windthrop job?”

  “You’re sleeping with Janet Windthrop?”

  “I am not.” Ethan pushed up his sleeves. “You three are worse than a bunch of teenage girls.”

  “So, you’re not sleeping with her or you’re not taking the job?”

  “I’m taking the job only. Janet’s been through enough. The job is about liberating her from impending death, not taking advantage, besides she’s not my type.” Nadia’s deep blue eyes flashed through his thoughts. She was his type. Shit. He needed to fire her. He also needed to change the subject before anyone got suspicious. “Gavin, are you ready for your job next week?”

  “We do have a lot to discuss tonight. So, I’ll let the abrupt change of subject slide.”

  Ethan slammed the rest of his drink and fo
rced his expression straight while Gavin watched him, the burn of the gin giving him enough of a distraction.

  A woman tripped into their section. Her loud giggles filled the room and her drink sloshed from her glass. The rest of her appeared well put together, a direct contradiction to her behavior.

  Aidan got up first and escorted her back to the bar area.

  “A little early to be so drunk.”

  “She’s alone.” Aidan settled back into his seat. “I’ll ask Terry about her when we’re done.”

  A drunken woman in a bar tripping into their private room may not appear out of the ordinary, but it was just the kind of detail if left unchecked, could come back to haunt any one of them. The last time he didn’t pay attention, it had cost him dearly. His sister, Brooke, had been way too young to pay for his mistakes. He might not be able to bring her back, but he would continue to atone for his errors.

  After that dark day, he trained his body and mind and honed his business into an empire capable of removing those who stood in the way of life. He may have learned his trade too late for his sister, but he was damn proud of the work he’d done.

  He was also damn proud of the men at the table. They’d each put their skills to incredible use. He’d trust his life with any one of them. Considering they already saved his sorry ass more than once left him wondering why he’d yet to mention Nadia. He told these three everything, no matter how insignificant. Secrets didn’t exist here. The longer he stayed quiet about the young beauty, the quicker she would become a liability.

  As the conversation continued, they each gave updates on their current and upcoming jobs. They had more work than ever before. Happy endings may not be in store for any of them, but at least they could live out their days helping others to have a chance to find theirs.