Page 71 of Tangled Control

Thirty Nine

Rian

That conference table has become my favourite piece of furniture in the whole entire world. No antique or modern design can compare. I have a constant hard-on at work just from looking at that thing. God, Catriona was a sight to behold a few nights ago, all bound and helpless. But best of all was how I calmed her, stilled her fear. I’ve always been told that rope and role-play is built on trust, but all my previous partners have been experienced and knew what to expect. Earning Catriona’s trust, learning her triggers and boundaries, being her mentor, hermaster, it’s beyond anything I’ve ever hoped to achieve from a sexual experience.

There’s a knock, and the woman who has possessed every corner of my mind stands in the doorway. “You were looking for me, Mr Kearney?”

“Yes. Can you please close the door?” I chuckle at the light in her eyes. “Sorry, it’s work related.”

Her pretend pout makes me grin, but my cock instantly twitches at the sight of her arse as she turns to do as I said. “MissTaylor,” I continue when she’s in front of my desk. “I’ve reviewed your work contract, and I’ve come to the conclusion that you’re due a pay raise.”

I wait for her to reply, but she only stares blankly at me.

“I’m giving you a raise,” I repeat.

The idea came to me earlier this morning. I suggested we go for dinner on Saturday night – I know this nice restaurant out in the countryside where we won’t run into anyone – but she declined. I suspect it has to do with her money situation. Not that I’d allow her to pay for the meal.

Catriona hints at not having much money – not in a needy way, trying to make me pay for things or give her gifts, but rather in a shy, humble and matter-of-fact way. Maybe she’s embarrassed about it, but she doesn’t look for sympathy or handouts.

“You what?”

The lost expression on her face makes me laugh. “A raise, Catriona, I’m giving you a raise.”

“The fuck you are.”

“Huh?”

“What the hell, Rian?” She only-just-short-of yells. “What the hell are you trying to do?”

“What am I trying to do? I’m – I’m giving you a raise!” I repeat for what feels like the hundredth time. “I thought you’d be happy about this!”

“Seriously? Youseriouslythought I would be happy?!”

My ice queen, normally stoically calm and collected no matter what I throw at her, is waving her arms, eyes dark with anger, and breathing heavily through her nose. I’ll never tell her, but she looks like an avenging goddess. I secretly wish she had her hair loose and jacket off to complete the delectable image. Shifting in my office chair, I try to steer my thoughts away from my distracting imagination.

“Um, yes, in fact I did. If I were offered a raise, I would grab it with both hands!”

“Well, there you have the difference between you and me.” Again, big arm movements, and her accent broadens. “I actually have some integrity and moral standards that I try to live by. I amnotsleeping with you to get benefits or to spur my career on!”

I wince, both at her not-so-far-from-the-truth description of me and at the fact that she thinks I’m trying to reward her for sex.

“I am not giving you a raise because you’re sleeping with me!” I hiss, trying to keep my voice low.

“No? Then tell me,” she says. “Would you have suggested this if weweren’tsleeping together?”

I sigh deeply and bury my head in my hands.

“No, I didn’t think so,” she continues sarcastically. “You think I’m some kind ofwhorewho takes payment for my services?”

Oh God, this is backfiring.

I hold my palms up in what I know is a futile attempt to calm her. “Please just listen to me for one second.” She starts to speak, but I cut her off in a quiet voice. “Please. Just one second.”

I pause, making sure she won’t explode again. Her arms are crossed over her chest, and her eyes are as cold as I’ve ever seen them, but she remains quiet.

“Apparently, you were scheduled to be promoted before I came back.” Her eyebrows shoot up. I finally have her attention. “However, to ensure that I didn’t screw up on my first job with KSS, my father decided to keep you on as a junior assistant for longer. To babysit me.”

Her jaw drops. “Oh.”