Brokered Submission Read Free

savoring the sweet burn of the liquor as it bloomed in her chest. What the hell—there was nothing to lose, and so she admitted, “It’s something I was working on on my own. I mean, I’m doing it through the firm, but Bob doesn’t know about it. I was going to surprise him.” She managed to muster a rueful smile. “I’ve wanted to broker a deal on my own for a while now, but Bob didn’t think I was ready yet.” She sighed, staring unhappily down into her drink. “I guess he was right.”
    “Hold on. Back up a minute. You’ve had a setback, I get that, but that kind of thing happens all the time in this business. It doesn’t mean you fold up the tent and go home. It just means it’s time to get creative or to call in a few favors. Tell me more about this deal. What did you put together?”
    “It’s a small tech firm. They’re on the cusp of some amazing technology that could revolutionize mobile device battery life. They aren’t quite there yet, but I’ve done a lot of research, and I really believe in these guys. They need funding to move forward, and I’ve put together a small group of investors. The deal was all set to close on Tuesday.”
    Dylan was regarding her with complete attention, a rare trait, and one she appreciated. Unlike most money guys, especially when talking to a woman, Dylan seemed to know how to listen, not just hold forth.
    The lump that had formed in her throat during the phone call made it hard to continue, but Zoë forced herself to go on. “That was my key investor on the phone. Actually, it was his assistant. Apparently he was just indicted by a grand jury for embezzlement, and all his assets have been frozen.” She shrugged miserably. “The assistant said they could probably get the stay lifted in a few weeks, but this deal isn’t going to wait. If I can’t come to the table, there are plenty of folks lined up right behind me.”
    “Six million?” Dylan pursed his lips, his eyes narrowing in thought. He lifted the side of his mouth in a half smile, and there was a sudden fire in his golden-brown eyes as he swept his gaze over Zoë in a way that made her somehow feel naked. She wrapped her arms around her torso and waited.
    “I could get that for you by Tuesday, without question,” he said slowly. The edgy, powerful intensity she’d experienced before when he’d been saying all that crazy stuff about bondage and submission was back in his tone, and in spite of the dire situation, she could feel a steady throb of desire at her core. She wanted this man. More than she’d wanted anyone in a long, long time.
    His eyes boring into hers, Dylan continued, “As I say, I can get the money, but you do understand it will cost you. I plan to exact a very high price.”
    A jumble of confused emotions assailed Zoë at this pronouncement, and the sensual spell of a moment before evaporated in an instant. He was just another banker looking for the next quick buck. Shit. How had she misread him so completely?
    She swallowed her disappointment and told herself this was for the best. She lifted her chin and asked in a businesslike tone, “What are the terms?”
    Dylan didn’t answer immediately. He tilted his head, regarding her in a way that made her feel hot and cold all at once. They were physically close because of the way the barstools were positioned, and she could smell his warm, masculine scent. Unable to resist his magnetic allure, she found herself leaning closer. His eyes were still locked on hers, the fire blazing behind them.
    When he finally spoke, his voice was low and clear, the power beneath it impossible to ignore or resist. “I’m not talking about money. I’m talking about something altogether different.”
    He reached out and ran his finger along her bare arm. His touch sent an electric shiver over her skin, and she was horrified at herself when a small but audible moan came from her lips. She pressed them together and waited, her heart beating suddenly