hand. “I like the idea of putting you over my knee,” he murmured, nibbling on my earlobe.
“Stop it,” I hissed beneath my breath while casting a furtive glance at his mom busying about grinding coffee beans.
He winked. “She can’t hear a thing over that noise.”
“You are a very bad man.”
“Darling, you have a lot to discover if you think a good old-fashioned spanking is bad.”
“Maybe I’ll spank you.”
He fake-shivered and tongued the underside of his top teeth. “Yes, please.”
I punched his arm. “Quit teasing me.”
“Who said I was teasing?”
“I guess we’ll find out tonight.”
He licked his lips and gave me a full body eye-scan. “Nipple clamps and spanking. We’re in for a good night.”
“You—”
“Here we are.” Jessie set down a tray with a pot of coffee and three cups on top.
“Saved by the java,” Ryker said.
I gave him a sidelong glance, catching his wicked grin. He was enjoying this far too much. I’d have to find a suitable way to pay him back. I had to admit, though, that after years of suffering Ryker barely tolerating my existence—all an act as I’d now discovered—I found myself basking in this lighter side he’d chosen to share with me.
“What’s that, sweetheart?” Jessie asked.
“Nothing of concern, Mom. Just sharing a private joke with Athena.”
“You two are so cute already,” she said, sitting opposite.
“Athena doesn’t think I’m cute. She thinks I’m… what was it you said, darling? Oh, that’s right. Deliciously hot.”
Mortified, I felt heat fill my face. I prayed for the floor to open up and swallow me whole. Either that, or for Ryker to choke on his drink.
“Ryker, stop,” Jessie said. “You’re embarrassing the poor girl.”
“It’s okay, Jessie,” I said, willing my face to cool down. “I’ll come up with a fitting idea for revenge.”
“I can’t wait,” Ryker said.
“Tell me, Jessie, was your son always this annoying?”
Ryker chuckled while Jessie nodded sagely. “He tested my patience to the limit as a child.” She glanced over at him lovingly. “But he’s worth it.”
“We’ll see,” I muttered.
“Mom, you can’t mention anything to anyone about Athena and me. Elliot doesn’t know yet, and neither do her parents. It’s all happened rather fast, and we’re waiting until we find the right moment to break the news.”
“My lips are sealed.” She made a zipping motion across her lips to accentuate her point. “Apart from Portia, of course. I can’t not tell her something as big as this. She’ll be discreet.”
Ryker snorted. “Portia is the least discreet person I know. That’s why you never talk to her about ROGUES.”
“That’s true.” Jessie giggled. “But I can hardly go on a ten-day Caribbean cruise with my best friend and not share the news that my son has finally settled down.” She clapped her hands. “Such an exciting future ahead. Weddings, grandchildren. Portia will be equally thrilled. You know what an eye for design she has.”
“Whoa, back up,” Ryker said. “You’re getting way ahead of yourself, Mother. Athena and I haven’t been together long.”
Poor Ryker. Twice in the same day he’d been hit over the head with the whole future thing.
“I agree,” I said, backing him up. “That’s all a while off, Jessie. Sorry to disappoint you.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “I know my son. It won’t be as long as you think.”
I shot Ryker a look. He’d gone a little green. I, on the other hand, was desperately trying to keep the grin off my face. If I had Jessie on my side, Ryker didn’t stand a chance.
19
Athena
The phone on my desk rang, the caller ID showing up as Ryker Stone. A buzz of excitement sent a tingling to my fingertips. I picked up the handset, glancing furtively at my coworkers.
“Athena Bancroft, can I help you?” Better to keep it professional in case others listened in.
Ryker’s low chuckle sounded down the phone. “Indeed you can, Miss Bancroft. Please come to my office immediately.”
He hung up without giving me a chance to reply.
I moved away from my desk, mumbled something about a meeting, and left the office. Fortunately, the elevator that arrived was empty. I stepped inside and pressed the button for the top floor.
None of the staff questioned me as I walked down the long hallway to Ryker’s office at the far end. On pins, I kept expecting Elliot to appear and ask me what I was doing on the executive floor. If he did materialize, I’d have to pretend I’d come to see him.
I smiled at Patricia as I passed, wondering if she was aware the clothes she’d arranged