ground. “He took my panties as a punishment for not getting his shirt starched,” I mumbled, hoping inanely that Jordan wouldn’t hear.
He released my arms and balled his hands into fists. “That son of a bitch,” he growled, biting off the words. “I’m going to have to talk to him.”
I dried my eyes and hazarded a glance up at Jordan’s furious face. For some reason, the gray was dominating his eyes, looking like cold iron. Looking at me, his features softened immediately. I tried to smile for him, grateful that he was taking up my cause against his brother, but feeling endlessly guilty for causing him to do so. I had to admit—it was incredibly endearing that he was angry for me. I began to feel a little better in his presence. At least one of my bosses made me feel better.
“I’d appreciate it,” I said, my voice hitching a little.
Something like pain crossed his face and he took me in his arms, holding me close. I instantly melted, completely surrounded by his muscular warmth. I’d never felt safer. Being enveloped in his embrace soothed away the stress caused by Trevor.
“I hate to see anyone upset—especially you, Lori,” he said, rubbing my back gently. “Let me give you a ride home.”
I felt a thrill of excitement when I thought about riding my commute with Jordan. It certainly was better than the alternative—bare-assed on the bus—with creepers trying to sneak a peek at every opportunity.
“A ride sounds really nice.” My words were muffled against his rock-hard chest, but I blushed at the possible double meaning. Sure, riding Jordan would be nice. I’d even take another massage.
He released me from the hug and put his hands on my shoulders, staring deeply into my eyes. “Let’s get out of here.”
We rode the elevator down to the lobby together, Jordan keeping a protective arm around my shoulders the entire time. It felt good—the warmth of his body, the closeness of him, even smelling the tiniest hints of the spicy massage oil from earlier. I couldn’t help wondering why he was trying so hard to make up for his brother’s behavior with me. Did he think I would quit? Maybe sue? I was sure he had no idea how badly I wanted this job.
A sleek, black limo pulled up to the curb as we walked outside. I would’ve needed a jacket if not for the man-sized heater next to me. I couldn’t deny feeling a little glamorous as the driver opened the door and Jordan helped me inside. The interior of the limo was completely modern—deep carpeting on the floor, a variety of leather seating options, minibar, flat screen television.
Jordan got in beside me as I scooted over to accommodate his bulk. The driver shut the door and hustled to the front. Was this what it was like to be a billionaire?
“Where to?” Jordan asked, then smiled wickedly. “Are you sure you want to go home? I’ll take you anywhere you want to go.”
I laughed weakly, feeling a lot better. “Home sounds perfect to me.” I gave him the address, which he relayed to the driver before pushing a button to activate the privacy divider.
“I feel terrible,” he said once the divider was securely in place. “Trevor is a perfectionist, which is good for the business. Unfortunately, it makes him sort of a prick.”
I tittered at the name-calling and shook my head. “Really, it’s okay. I know he has his own style of getting things done and it’ll just take me a little bit to get it all figured out. I’m still kind of new.” I didn’t know why I was giving Trevor such a break when he’d made the last few hours such a hellish mix of humiliation and arousal.
“Kind of new? It’s your third day. You’re doing admirably well.”
“Thank you,” I said, blushing. “That means a lot.” It did. Despite my growing list of punishments from Trevor, I was trying. I wanted to do well. I wanted to impress both Bishops.
He reached over and rested his hand on my knee. “About the massage this
Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg