Wicked desires, p.1
WICKED DESIRES, page 1
WICKED DESIRES
WICKED SERIES
NANCY BROWN
CONTENTS
Wicked Desires
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Epilogue
Excerpt: Wicked Lies
Enjoy This Book?
Books By NANCY BROWN
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Connect with Nancy online:
WICKED DESIRES
WICKED BOOK TWO
NANCY BROWN
Copyright © 2023 by Nancy Brown
WICKED DESIRES
WICKED BOOK TWO
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.
The following story contains mature themes, strong language, and sexual situations. It is intended for adult readers.
This e-book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return this book to your retailer and purchase your own copy.
Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner.
Created with Vellum
PROLOGUE
TORI
“Yes, of course we are still on for tonight, Avery. God, you have no idea how much I need a break right now.” I blow my long bangs out of my face and lean back in my chair as I listen to my best friend chatter in my ear. Truth be told, I really don’t have time for this dinner, but I miss my friends. I’ve barely seen them in the past six months since we all graduated from Columbia and started focusing on our careers. I glance over the huge stacks of paper that litter my desk and sigh. “I have to go, babe, or I’ll never get out of here on time.”
“Okay, Tor. I’ll see you tonight.” The call disconnects and I toss my phone down just as Rich barges into my office without knocking. I take him in from head to toe as a sinful smile slowly creeps across my face. He’s another distraction I don’t need right now, but he’s easy on the eyes and a damn good kisser, so I don’t really mind. My fiancé leans against the door like he’s God’s gift to the world, and that’s because he truly believes he is. I’ve known Richard Sommerfeld most of my life. Our parents run in the same circles, even though they aren’t exactly in the same tax bracket. Don’t get me wrong, Rich’s family is wealthy but leagues away from mine. His father works for mine. He is and has been the CFO of Davison & Co. for as long as I can remember.
Rich is five years older than me, smart, devastatingly handsome, and incredibly charming. I’ve had a crush on him most of my life, or at least, I did for most of my childhood. To him I was just the annoyingly awkward kid sister that followed him and my brothers around, too shy and intimidated to actually speak to him. I don’t think I even registered on Rich’s radar until I was accepted into Columbia Law and my parents announced that I would be carrying on the family legacy and joining Davison upon my graduation. I wasn’t given a choice. I’ve been groomed for this job since I was in diapers. All the Davison children were.
We come from a long line of lawyers. My great-grandfather and his brothers started the firm way back when, and every Davison born since its inception has followed in their father’s footsteps. It was a male-dominated firm until my mother joined the firm fresh out of law school and won my father’s heart. Of course, there are other female lawyers who work here, but my mother is the only female partner, and she is insistent that I be the next woman to join the ranks and sit beside her.
I am the first Davison girl born since my great-grandfather’s time. Back then, it was unheard of for women of wealth to work. If all goes according to plan, I will be the first female Davison to make partner—ever! My mother doesn’t really count because she is not a Davison by birth. She had to prove herself and go through the powers that be, even after she married my father. The Davisons run a tight ship, very few outsiders are brought into the fold.
My mother wants this for me just as badly as my father and the rest of my family do—probably more so if I’m being totally honest. What I might want has never factored into the equation. I’ve always been a bit of a black sheep, never really fitting into the mold that was made for me before I was even born. Whenever I’ve deviated from the family plan, and believe me, I have on more instances than I care to count, my mother has always been lightning quick to point out my failures and her extreme disappointment in me, and ruthless with her actions to get me back on track. I’ve learned over the years to do my best to conform. To try to please both her and my father, because resistance is futile when it comes to the Davisons.
I was both shocked and surprised when Rich started showing up time and again at family events. He would blatantly watch me at first, like he was surprised by my mere existence, as if he was seeing me for the very first time. Gone was the tall, skinny, awkward tomboy I used to be. I grew into my five-foot-eight frame and filled it out nicely. My confidence grew along with my body. I was no longer afraid to speak my mind. Well, at least when it came to everyone except my parents. For some reason, I still allowed them to reign over my life and manipulate most of my decisions.
I watched Rich from afar at those family events, curious as to why he was suddenly so interested in me. Eventually I’d had enough of his voyeurism, and with constant prompting from my mother, I decided to speak to him. Rich was the first person I had shown any interest in that my parents approved of, and they both made that abundantly clear when they also noted his interest in me. Rich seemed to be waiting for me to make the first move because he looked almost relieved when I finally approached him. It was like I gave him the green light, because from that moment on, he stepped up his game.
Honestly, I was more curious than anything else. By that time, I was long over my childhood crush on Rich Sommerfeld. He was very good looking and came from a good family, but the excitement I craved in a man just wasn’t there. I had a type, and Rich wasn’t it.
Much to the displeasure of my parents, and probably because it pushed their buttons, I tended to go for the bad boys. Boys who were different than me. I didn’t care about pedigree or money. I was drawn to boys who broke the rules—boys who had a wild side. Unfortunately, they always seemed to also end up breaking my heart in the end. Every relationship always ended with me in tears, but I just couldn’t seem to break the habit. I craved the thrill, the excitement, the danger.
Rich was persistent. He wasn’t what I was looking for but that hadn’t been working out so well for me, so I decided to give him a chance. Maybe my parents were right, and it was time for me to grow up and move on to someone different, someone more stable and reliable. Someone who wouldn’t leave my heart in tatters.
We started flirting back and forth. He hung around a lot that summer, always seeking me out. He ignored my brothers and made an effort to spend as much time with me as possible. He was funny, caring, and he really seemed interested in getting to know me better. He finally asked me out, swept me off my feet and changed my mind. I was done with bad boys forever.
Rich had started working at Davison by then, but no matter how busy he was, he always found time to wine and dine me. Always whispering in my ear that he was going to marry me one day and that we would be an unstoppable team. We dated all through law school. He proposed six months ago, right after I graduated and started working at my family’s firm, the same firm he had worked at for five years by that time.
Rich wanted to get married right away and our parents were fully on board with that plan, but I put on the brakes. I insisted that I barely had the energy to get through my workdays, let alone plan a wedding. The pressure has been on since then. I’m not sure why I’m hesitating. I just need time to figure out my life, I guess.
I’ve quickly come to realize that this isn’t the future I want for myself. Not Rich, I want him, or at least I think I do. He has gotten a lot more demanding and possessive since he put a ring on my f inger and I’m not so sure I like it. I shake that thought right out of my head. I love Rich. Maybe it’s just me. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I hate my job. I’m here out of obligation to my family, not because I love the work. I love being a lawyer, I love the law, but I’m a people person. Sitting in a stuffy office pouring over endless contracts twelve hours a day doesn’t get my blood pumping, even if that office does have a stunning view.
“Are you still going for dinner with the girls?” Rich asks as he pushes off the doorframe and saunters into my office. He’s dressed in a crisp white shirt, yellow tie and three-piece charcoal suit that shows off his fit frame and sends a pang of longing through me. Platinum and diamond cufflinks sparkle on his exposed cuffs as he sets both hands down on the other side of my desk and leans in for a kiss. A lock of silky brown hair falls across his blue eyes as he stares intently at me, waiting for my lips to connect with his.
I lean forward and brush my lips against his. “Mmhmm,” I mumble as I pull away and lick my lips, savoring the taste of him. “Looks like you are all on your own for dinner tonight, sexy.”
He reaches behind my head, threading his fingers through my hair so he can pull me back in and take over, continuing the kiss I cut short. Our lips collide and I momentarily forget all about the mountain of work I have to get done before I can leave. His tongue demands entry and I’m happy to oblige. In an instant, my heart rate picks up and my core clenches with need. His lips are soft, his mouth demanding as he angles me just the way he wants me, and I once again wonder how I got so lucky. My history with men has been crap. I’m not going to lie, I’ve always made the wrong choices, but that’s all water under the bridge now. This time I finally got it right. I’m sure of it.
I pull away gently and grin up at the man I am so in love with. He winks as he straightens and shoves his hands into his pants pockets. “Have fun, sweetheart. I’m going to be working late anyway so I’ll grab something and eat it at my desk. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love you.” I stare at his tight backside with a stupid grin on my face as he heads out the door. “I love you too, Rich.” He doesn’t turn but I catch a glimpse of the smile on his face as he pulls my door shut behind him.
Three hours later, I’m finally through the last contract I needed to review for my father. I’ve cleaned off my desk and I’m just about to put on my coat when there’s a loud knock on my door. My assistant, Lisa, pokes her head in. “What are you still doing here?” I ask as I reach into my bottom drawer and pull out my purse.
She huffs. “Hey Tori, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news but it looks like we are both in for a long night. The terms of the merger for tomorrow have just changed and your uncle needs you to revamp the contract before their eight o’clock meeting tomorrow morning.” My heart falls. I’ve been looking forward to this night out with my friends for so long. Is it too bloody much to ask for just one damn night off?
Lisa stands before me with a thick file in her hands looking like she wants to cry just as much as I do. I know it’s her daughter’s first dance recital this evening. I don’t have the heart to ask her to stay. There’s no need for both of us to be miserable. I drop my purse back into my drawer with a sigh and reach for the file.
“Go home, Lisa, say hi to Mia for me.” She starts to protest but I hold up my hand. “I can handle this. You need to be there for you daughter tonight.”
“But you have plans too, Tori. You never take a night off. Dan and my parents are going to be there. Mia will understand.” Lisa not only works for me, she has also become a very good friend and has the sweetest little girl on the planet, who I know will be devastated if her mother isn’t there to watch her dance. I’m not going to be responsible for breaking a little girl’s heart.
“My plans were just dinner with my friends. They’ll understand and besides, we can always reschedule. This is important. There are only so many firsts for kids, and parents need to be at all of them.” I know firsthand because my parents were always too busy with their careers to attend most of mine. “Go! I insist! I’ll take care of this.” I drop the file down on my desk and give her the best smile I can muster.
She wrings her hands as she watches me unpack the briefcase I just finished packing. “Are you sure, Tori? I don’t mind staying. Really.”
“Go!” I point at the door and watch as she backs through it, thanking me profusely, before it quietly clicks shut behind her.
Damn it!
I take a deep breath and dig out my phone. I don’t have the heart to listen to the protests I’m going to get from the girls, so I send out a group text instead of calling. It’s a shitty move but I don’t have time to deal with this any other way right now. If I were to just call Avery, I know Maddie and Layla would be calling within minutes to give me grief. This way, they will all get the bad news at the same time, and they will also know that I’m too busy to talk. They won’t be happy, but as I said, they will understand and we will reschedule. With that done, I toss my phone aside and slap open the file in front of me.
Grrr, I seriously hate this fucking job. I need to figure out how to talk to my parents, or at least my dad, about this. I know deep down my father wants me to be happy. Maybe, if I’m lucky, he can deal with the atomic blast that is sure to come from my mother when she hears the happy news.
The next time I glance at the clock, it’s after nine and I’m nowhere near done. My stomach rumbles loudly, reminding me that I haven’t eaten since lunch. I need a break anyway, so I push my chair back as I consider my options. There is an Italian deli around the corner. I can nip out quickly and grab something to bring back here until I finish the bullshit revisions to this contract. These people are like children with no common sense. They are paying us an astronomical rate to sort out petty grievances that they should be able to work out on their own, and it pisses me off that I have to use up my precious personal time to do it. I don’t care how much they are paying for the service.
On my way to the elevator, I remember that Rich is working late as well. I wonder if he has already eaten. I’m pretty sure he is still here because he said he would be working late, and nine o’clock is not late for Richard Sommerfeld. Most people roll out of here between seven and eight, but because Rich isn’t an early riser, he often works later than the rest. I immediately change course and hustle through the empty corridors. Why should I eat alone when I have a sexy fiancé to keep me company? Rich’s office is on the other side of the floor from mine, so it takes a few minutes to get there. I notice the odd person on my way to his office, but for the most part, the place is deserted.
Rich has worked here for a little more than five years, but he hasn’t made partner yet despite the long hours he puts in. Even though his father is CFO and undoubtedly helped him get his foot in the door, my family decides who makes partner and who doesn’t, and they don’t invite people into their fold lightly. A thought pops into my head.
Maybe that’s why Rich has been so insistent on pushing up our wedding date.
No way, that’s ridiculous. I give my head a shake. It doesn’t matter even if it is true, because I know he is just as crazy about me as I am about him.
When I approach his office, I can see that his assistant is still here because her computer is still on, and her coat is hanging on the hook behind her desk. She’s probably in the washroom or grabbing a coffee. Poor Noelle. I hate keeping the staff late. It’s one thing for the lawyers to stay since we reap most of the rewards, but the staff sure as hell don’t. I’ll have to remind Rich to keep that in mind when he is working late. I hear a female giggle come from behind Rich’s closed door and smile. Sounds like Noelle is in there. Hopefully they haven’t eaten, and I can convince them both to join me for a quick bite. They could probably use a break just as much as I do.
