Rush

building was located.
    Her brother, Jace, had called her the day before, and she felt terribly guilty about
     keeping this from him. He’d apologized for missing her at the grand opening and told
     her that if he’d known she was coming he would have made certain he was there.
    The two had talked for half an hour. Jace had asked how things were with her and then
     told her he was going to be in California with Ash for the next several days. They’d
     made a date to spend an evening together when he returned and then she’d rung off,
     melancholy descending, because she and Jace were close. She’d never hesitated to share
     anything with him. He’d always been there, willing to listen and offer comfort even
     through her girly teenage-angst years. She couldn’t ask for a better big brother,
     and now she was keeping secrets—huge secrets—from him.
    She barely tuned in to the drive, the typical stop and go of traffic, until the car
     stopped some time later.
    “We’ve arrived, Miss Crestwell.”
    Her eyes flew open and squinted against the wash of the bright autumn sun. They were
     indeed just outside the HCM building. The driver had already gotten out to go around
     and open her door for her. She rubbed her hands over her face in an attempt to revive
     her dulled senses and then she stepped out, a cool breeze ruffling her hair.
    Once again she found herself walking into the building and riding the elevator up
     to the forty-second floor. There was some serious déjà vu going on. Same butterflies.
     Same sweaty palms. Same attack of nerves. Only there was more panic involved because
     this time she knew what he wanted. Knew exactly what she’d be getting into if she
     agreed to this.
    When she entered the reception area, Eleanor looked up and smiled and then said, “Mr.
     Hamilton says you’re to go straight back.”
    “Thank you, Eleanor,” Mia murmured as she headed past Eleanor’s desk.
    Gabe’s door was open when she arrived. She hesitated just outside and stared in to
     where he stood, hands in his pockets, staring out the large window overlooking the
     Manhattan skyline.
    He was gorgeous. Beautiful to look at. Even relaxed there was so much raw power emanating
     from him. She was suddenly struck by why she was so drawn to him—or at least one of
     the many reasons. She felt safe with him. Just being near him gave her a measure of
     comfort. She felt secure and…protected.
    In essence, the relationship he’d proposed would provide her with all of those things.
     Safety. Security. Comfort. Protection. He’d guaranteed all of those things. All she
     had to do was agree to cede ultimate power to him.
    Any reluctance evaporated, leaving her lighter and almost euphoric. There was no way
     she was walking into this agreement scared to death. It was no way to begin a new
     relationship. She would be confident and she’d embrace the things that Gabe had promised
     her. And in return, she’d give her all to him and be confident that he would cherish
     the gift of her submission.
    Gabe turned, seeing her standing in the doorway. She was astonished to see relief
     in his eyes. Had he been afraid she wouldn’t come?
    He strode toward her and then pulled her inside his office, shutting the door firmly
     behind her. Before she could say a word, he hauled her into his arms and crushed his
     mouth to hers.
    She moaned softly as his hands ran possessively up her arms to clasp her shoulders
     and then upward again, to her throat, and finally to cradle her face. He kissed her
     as though he were starved for her. Like he’d been held away from her and had finally
     broken free. It was the kind of kiss that lived only in her fantasies. No one had
     ever made her feel so…
consumed
.
    It wasn’t just a show of dominance. It was a plea for capitulation. He wanted her.
     He was showing her just how much. If there had been any doubt as to whether he truly
     desired her or whether he was simply bored and looking for a new challenge, she was
     convinced now.
    One hand moved from her face and his arm curled around her, anchoring her tightly
     against him, his arm a steel band across her back.
    She could feel his hardness against her belly. He was rigidly erect and straining
     against the expensive slacks he wore. His breath exploded over her as he broke contact
     with her lips and they both gasped for air.
    His eyes glittered as he stared down at her. “I didn’t think you’d come.”

chapter one
    FOUR DAYS