It’s the reason I chose her. It’s how she came up on my radar. Sidney has this blatant disrespect for authority. It’s what made her great at what she did for Steinway & Schwartz.
She made me millions with that just don’t give a fuck attitude. She made those bastards even more before they tried to steamroll her. Her ability to dismiss those who would normally try to dismiss her is very entertaining.
When I first laid eyes on Sidney three years ago, at that benefit my mother asked me to support, I was blown away by her beauty, but the words I overheard her hiss at Reed tugged at something inside me. That was the beginning of my obsession.
I knew from that night I wanted Sidney and I would have her. It was all a matter of time and patience. I’ve been more than patient, but what I won’t be, is disrespected.
I stand and squat before Sidney, coming eye to eye with her. I place my fingers under her chin and tip her head back. She glares back at me with surprise and defiance in her eyes.
“This pretty mouth will only talk dirty when I’m pleasing you to the point of insanity. Other than that, you will watch your mouth, I’m not above spanking that juicy ass of yours,” I say huskily.
“Holy shit,” Chloe breathes beside us.
Sidney tugs her chin from my fingers, but she doesn’t move to get up from her seat. Instead, I notice that her thighs tighten together. I can’t help the grin that tugs my lips up.
“I see we understand each other.” I reach to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. She’s cut off the longer locks she had when I first saw her. This bob will do, I can still grasp a handful. “Now, tell me the problem.”
“You can’t be serious,” she replies, her words coming out husky, almost breathless.
Annoyance flashes in her eyes. Most likely, she’s annoyed with her response to me. It’s clear in her gaze and her body, she’s curious about me. More than curious, I’d say. That’s just what I want.
I tilt my head to the side and give her a crooked grin. “I’m as serious as it gets. Now, tell me, what’s the problem?”
She snorts and moves back away from me, trying to give herself some space, I assume. I won’t be making that so easy for her. I remain crouched in front of her.
“Let me get this straight,” she begins, then pauses. Suddenly, it’s as if I can see her thoughts shift. She turns to Chloe. “No, wait, let me see that file.”
Chloe smirks, but she hands over the file without a word. Sidney licks her lips and eyes me while she opens the folder in her hands. Her gaze drops to the pages, I watch as she scans them. Her lips purse, her brows wrinkle, then those full lips part and fall open.
“The fuck,” she repeats. “Are you out of your mind?” she says, looking up at me, then she turns to Chloe. “I already know you are. You don’t see what’s wrong with this?”
“Nope,” Chloe says, popping the p and shrugging her shoulders. “Looks like what I need to kick-start my life in every way.”
I give a short chuckle. “Tell me, what do you find wrong with it?” I say smoothly. “And watch your mouth.”
“Mr. Hennessy, I am not desperate for money or attention. Neither am I a prostitute. I find your offer insulting and disrespectful,” she sasses, with her eyes narrowed on me.
“Baby, when was the last time you looked into your bank accounts?” I question. “Not your Sidney Lena James accounts, the ones that were just about to be released. I’m talking about the Kiss, Inc. accounts. The ones you had your dear friend Chloe sign off on.”
“How the—” she starts, but my look of warning halts her words. She shoves at my chest to be able to rise from her seat.
I lift to my full height with her, not giving her enough room to escape me. Yes, I’m patient, but I’ve waited long enough for this moment. Having Sidney this close, I know I’m not willing to let her walk away. I will accomplish what I set out to do this evening.
She reaches in her clutch and pulls out her phone. I watch her brows wrinkle as she checks her accounts. It takes a few minutes for her to look up at me, but when she does, I see the confusion and the tears that gather.
“What the fuck is going on? What have you done?” she says shakily.
I cup the back of her neck and draw her near, dipping my head to meet her eye to eye. My lips are just a breath away from hers. I can almost taste her.
“When I say watch your mouth, Sidney, I mean it.” I crush my lips to hers and kiss her thoroughly. It’s not what I’d intended to do, but I can’t resist.