Toasty Read online

  Toasty

  Alexa Riley

  Contents

  Toasty

  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

  Epilogue

  Epilogue

  Read Me Romance

  Stalk the Author

  Copyright © 2020 by Author Alexa Riley LLC. All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, email to [email protected]

  http://alexariley.com/

  Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

  Edited by Aquila Editing

  Cover Designer: Perfect Pear

  Toasty

  by Alexa Riley

  Myra Michaels has been a personal slave to Kace Cox for far too long. She’s tired of him making her work all hours of the night and taking long work trips with just the two of them that could have been an email. She’s also really tired of the uncontrollable attraction she feels for him and she’s got to get away from it. But the day she quits, she makes an even bigger mistake and now she’s got a secret baby bump to think of. Hiding out in a reclusive billionaire's castle sounds like a great plan. That is until Kace comes knocking.

  Kace Cox has wanted Myra since the moment she walked into his office. But his policy of not sleeping with employees leaves no room for his desires. He’s waited all this time and hasn’t touched another woman since the day he laid eyes on her. So when Myra quits she’s finally fair game. He gets just one taste of her and then she disappears, but she has no idea how determined he can be.

  Warning: What could possibly happen when he finds her?! Get toasty with us, because you know it’s a steamy happily ever after!

  Dedicated to the podcast…

  thank you for keeping us sane.

  Prologue

  Myra

  Six weeks ago…

  “Dance?” I pull my eyes from the dance floor to see Bruce standing next to my chair. I’ve been watching my sister most of the night because I can't help myself.

  When I showed up today and saw her in the arms of a man, I almost lost my cool. The arms of a man I’d put her in. A man who was known to be a recluse with the reputation of an asshole. I thought he was going to be some seventy-year-old man when I sent her out here to see about renting his castle-like estate for a party my boss is hosting.

  I couldn't get my foot in the door to talk to him, so it’s why I sent my little sister Pippa. She’s nothing but smiles and sweetness and has a way of getting people to do anything she asks. It’s endearing that she doesn't even know the power she wields. I was leery at first, but having spent the night watching the two of them, I know they really are in love.

  “Come on. You can’t mope after other happy couples.” Bruce holds his hand out for me to take, and I do.

  “I’m not moping. That’s my sister; I’m watching,” I answer as he pulls me toward the dance floor.

  I should be checking on the party instead of dancing since it’s my job. My eyes flick over to where Mr. Cox has been sitting, but now there’s only an empty chair.

  “I’m stealing the moment while assface is out of the room.” Bruce’s eyes go to where I’m looking and he twirls me away, making me laugh.

  Bruce and Cox have a funny relationship. I only worked out that they were cousins a few months back. It makes sense now why Cox tolerates Bruce instead of ignoring him and banning him from our offices. I swear it’s his life goal to drive my boss crazy. I actually enjoy it and it’ll be one of the few things I’ll miss after I quit.

  “Did you two ever get along?” I smile up at Bruce and I have no doubt I’m getting a death glare from every woman in the room. He’s charming but he always has a new woman on his arm and is a little too flirty for my taste. I don’t know why but I seem to fall for the brooding kind. I guess my sister and I have a type.

  “We get along just fine.”

  I laugh as he twirls me around again. I don’t think what they do is get along, but okay. I know better than to get between family.

  “What are you doing?” Mr. Cox's voice is low and deadly, and goosebumps travel across my skin.

  Normally, I’d stop whatever I was doing and answer him since he’s my boss. This is his party, or at least he’s hosting it. He hasn’t been acting like it’s a party with the way he’s sat in his chair all night watching everyone. I don’t know why he bothers to come if he won’t even let himself enjoy it.

  “Are you sure you made those billions all by yourself?” Bruce tosses out. “Because anyone can see we’re dancing, dipshit.”

  I can’t hold in the laugh and why should I? What’s he going to do, fire me for laughing? Have at it. It wouldn't be shocking because I’ve seen him fire people for less.

  “Myra.” Cox says my name, but I ignore him. I don’t look at him because I don’t want to see his expression.

  “She’s busy. Let the lady have some fun for once.”

  I glance up at Bruce and bite my lip when I see his mischievous cocky smile. It’s the one that makes all the girls melt when he comes into our offices.

  I gasp as Bruce is wrenched away from me and then he hits the floor. My mouth hangs open as I gape at Mr. Cox.

  “You hit him.” I try to go and help Bruce off the floor but Cox’s hand wraps around my arm and his fingers dig into my bare skin.

  “He had it coming,” Cox says through his teeth.

  Bruce shrugs as he wipes a small trail of blood off his mouth, as if to say I did have it coming.

  “You got me good.” He smirks as he picks himself up off the ground.

  “I’m not fucking around. That was a warning shot.” Cox steps into Bruce’s space but he doesn't let go of my arm. I try and shake from his hold but he only tightens it.

  “Can you let me go so you two can have your pissing match?” Mr. Cox jerks his head to look down at me with wide eyes.

  He’s surprised by my comment but I don’t care. I’m done with him and over his shit. I’m not putting up with it even if the pay is crazy good. At one time I cared, but not anymore. I also don't have to worry about my little sister anymore and I don't need this job. He could block me from getting another job out of spite. He’s ruthless; it’s how he became one of the richest men in the world.

  His dark blue eyes search my face and I swallow. He’s good at reading people and I’ve always worried he might pick up on the attraction I feel for him. You’d have to be dead not to notice how handsome he is. I tilt my head back and meet his gaze in a challenge.

  “Party’s over,” he informs me, and I openly roll my eyes at him.

  “It’s just getting started,” I respond sharply.

  I wanted to go home, but now that he’s acting like a jerk and punched Bruce, I want to see this through. I’ve never seen them get physical before and I have no idea what sent him over the edge this time.

  “Not for you.” He pulls me from the dance floor and his long strides make me have to almost run to keep up with him. He’s lucky I’m good in heels.

  “What are you doing?” I sigh as we exit out the front.

  Is he going to yell at me? I’ve seen Mr. Cox dish out a lot of ass chewing, but now that I think about it, I don’t recall actually getting one myself. With me he’s cold, stern, bossy, ungrateful, rude, and everything else my mind conjures up. Strong, sexy, dominating. Shit. I stop the train of thought so I can’t come up with more positive traits.

  “I’m taking you home. You’ve clearly had too much to drink.” Benny, Cox’s driver, holds open the car door as Cox manhandles me into the back of his limo. I let him so I don’t have to call a car service to come get me and I can quit. Two birds and all that.

  Now I can go home for the first time in weeks and slip into my PJs and not leave home for a few days. It will be weird not having Pippa there. Maybe I should get a cat.

  “I only saw you take a few sips from your champagne.” Cox breaks me from my thoughts of kittens and I glance over at him. Was he watching me all night? Whenever I glanced his way he looked bored and disinterested in everything around him.

  “I’m not drunk.” I scoot over to make room for his giant frame and he grabs me. I let out a gasp as he pulls me back into his side. “What are you doing?” I try and wiggle away from him but he pulls me onto his lap. “Cox!” I squeal.

  “Stop wiggling,” he growls at me, and when I do what he says I can feel his rock-hard cock against my ass.

  My breathing grows heavy as I press into him and he lets out a loud groan. His sharp tone and demands make my nipples tighten and I’m pretty sure it’s not supposed to have that effect on me. Too bad it always does when it comes to him.

  “I quit.” I try to shout it, but I’m so turned on it comes out breathy.

&nbsp
; “Fucking finally,” he says, catching me off guard as his mouth comes down onto mine.

  Finally. Did he just say “finally”?

  His tongue parts my lips, demanding entry. My back hits the floor of the limo, and oh my God, we’re kissing. How the hell is this happening? I moan into his mouth as my fingers dig into his short dark hair. I feel his big hand slip up my dress and then he yanks hard and my panties are gone. Oh shit, this is happening.

  “I'll be better next time. I’ve waited too fucking long.” I can’t make out half of what he’s saying because my body is burning with a need so deep I’m not sure it can ever be filled. “Fucking drenched.”

  I’d probably blush at his words but the heat from my desire has already warmed my whole body. We shouldn’t be doing this but I don’t care. I’ve thought about this too many times to count. Maybe it could be my parting gift.

  Without hesitation he thrusts inside me and I gasp. The pinch of pain is small and over quickly. He stills over me and the feeling of being so full is overwhelming as I clench around him. But my want and desire for this man far outweigh any discomfort I might have felt.

  “Myra?” he asks, trying to pull back, but I lift my mouth to his and silence him.

  More than anything I don’t want to meet his gaze right now.

  “Move,” I say against his mouth, lifting my hips, but I’m pinned below his heavy body.

  As always, Cox is in control. I clench around him again at the reminder, and he does as I tell him. He pulls out slowly before he thrusts quickly back inside and I toss my head back and moan. This has been a fantasy that was years in the making and it’s so much better than I ever imagined. It’s filthy and quick and we’re still mostly dressed, but his need is even greater than my own. Without giving my body permission, it opens for him and suddenly my orgasm is bearing down on me fast and hard.

  “Myra.” Cox chants my name over and over as I cry out for him.

  I sound like I’m begging as I cum and dig my fingers into his back. I’m washed away in a wave of pleasure unlike anything I knew was possible. His big body jerks over me and I feel the hot warmth of his release deep inside. He says my name one more time in a loud groan as he thrusts all the way inside and holds himself there.

  I close my eyes while he places soft kisses on my neck and collarbone. What have we just done? Emotion builds in my throat and suddenly a sob wants to break free.

  “I need up.” I push at his chest but he’s too solid to move unless he wants to.

  “Are you okay?” His voice is so tender and soft. It’s totally different to how it was just moments ago.

  I whimper when his cock slips from inside of me and I scramble to sit up. My eyes go to his hard cock that’s jutting out of his slacks and looks like he’s ready for round two. I can’t believe it fit inside me, but when I see the small streak of blood on it, I bolt for the door.

  Moving too fast, I nearly fall out of the limo and onto my ass. Cox curses from behind me and I’m guessing he’s trying to cover himself. It’s late and no one is on my street so I run into the lobby and up the stairs. I’m in my place in a flash and slam the door behind me just in time to hear Cox’s hand come banging down on it. I’ve never seen him look so disheveled as I did racing away from him. I can’t imagine what he looks like right now on the other side of that door.

  “Myra,” he warns in that tone that does things to me, and I have to fight my body’s desire.

  “Go away,” I tell him, even though I don’t want him to. “I quit.” I push away from the door, needing the space and distance to keep me from going to him.

  “Myra,” he warns again, and I shake my head knowing he can’t see me. “Did I hurt you?” His voice is soft this time and I’ve never heard him speak like this before.

  “I came, didn’t I?” I snap back, because I don’t want to answer the question. Did he hurt me? Not my body. But my heart is another story.

  “Open the door,” he demands, and I have to fight myself not to do as I’m told.

  “You’re not the boss of me.” I sound like a child stomping my foot, but I don’t care.

  He laughs. Actually laughs!

  “I’ll always be the boss of you,” I hear him say, and then there’s silence.

  Chapter 1

  Kace

  “You know, good help is hard to find.”

  I roll my eyes at the sound of my cousin’s voice. I don’t have time for him or his shit today. Correction, I don’t have the patience for it.

  “I thought I told the staff to block you from coming in here,” I say without turning around to face him.

  “Like I said, good help is hard to find.”

  When I finally turn around, I see him plop down on my couch and put his feet up on my coffee table. I’m in my study today because I had to get out of the fucking office. I had to be away from every goddamn thing that reminds me of her.

  “Spit it out, Bruce. What do you want?” I was drinking coffee but now I feel like something stronger.

  Six weeks and nothing. I should have never left her apartment that night. Fuck, I’m a bastard for what I did and then I just walked away thinking I had time. That I’d make her see how much I wanted her but it all went to complete shit.

  “Can’t I come by and see my favorite cousin?”

  “I’m your only cousin, and I don’t even like you.” I grind my teeth as I walk over to my desk and push around some papers on it for no reason other than to have something to do.

  “Ouch. That hurt my feelings.”

  I stare at him and raise an eyebrow.

  “I mean, if I had them that might’ve hurt,” he offers, and I go back to organizing papers.

  Most of the shit on my desk is from the investigators to whom I’ve paid an embarrassing amount of money to locate Myra, but so far they’ve come up with nothing. It’s like she was a figment of my imagination and she’s disappeared into the wind. How can someone leave this hole in my chest and then just walk away?

  “I’m sure the staff can make you some food if that’s why you stopped by.” I’m trying to get rid of Bruce and this is my nice way of doing it. He won’t get this offer again. The next time I tell him to leave it’s going to be by me kicking him out of my front door.

  “I do love that chocolate mousse thing your cook makes, but that’s not why I’m here.”

  I hear him stand up as he walks over and drops a newspaper down on my desk. It’s turned to page six where the wedding announcements are and I see someone that looks like Myra.

  Before I can form a thought I grab it up and hold it close to my face. Relief and anger hit me all at once when I realize it’s not her. I toss the paper down and I’m agitated because I got my hopes up but my cousin pushes it back towards me.

  “Did you even bother to see who it is?” I glance down at the names and see under the engagement photo is the name Pippa Michaels. “Notice anything familiar?”

  “She has a sister?” I can feel my eyebrows pull together as I think about a time when she ever mentioned having a sister. I thought she was an only child, but maybe that came from me just assuming.

  For all the attention I paid to her, I never got close enough to know everything. I can tell you how she takes her coffee and how she chews on her pinky nail when she’s nervous. I can predict her mood based on how she tilts her head after I tell her good morning. For years I’ve watched her and memorized things that only I could possibly know. But somehow I missed vital details like where the fuck she would disappear to if she ever decided to run. I missed the forest for the trees.

  Bruce is the one to roll his eyes this time as he points down farther in the article. I scan it and see that her sister is getting married to some wealthy heir with a castle.