Laid and Leveraged Read online

  Chapter 1.

  “There's nothing to worry about, Becky.” Michelle hoped her voice sounded confident as she spoke to her personal assistant. Smoothing her business jacket over her slender hips, she added. “I'm sure Roger Hollins isn't quite as ruthless as his reputation would lead us to believe.” Fearing the worst, Michelle silently prayed she was right. It had been over her dead body that Wall Street dynamo Roger Hollins purchased her fledgling company. Michelle had poured blood, sweat, and tears into the clean energy start up and was loath to give control to a man known for his mercenary tactics. But Michelle had creditors and share holders breathing down her neck and last year's venture into solar panel manufacturing hadn't proved quite as profitable as everyone hoped. Michelle still believed solar panels would be lucrative if just given enough time to catch on, but she'd been overruled by the board.

  “I sure hope so,” Becky murmured, handing Michelle the portfolio she would take to her first meeting with their new owner.

  “How do I look?” Michelle fidgeted with her smart skirt, checking the blue silk for wrinkles. Why was she so nervous? At five foot ten, Michelle stood taller than the average man and had always been able to intimidate when necessary in this business world dominated mostly by men. She'd never shown fear before, so why was she doing it now?

  Becky took her in from head to toe. “I think you should let your hair down.”

  “What? Why?” Michelle's hand automatically went up to touch the tight bun holding back her blonde hair.

  “Well,” Becky seemed thoughtful. “I hate to say it, but he is a man, isn't he?”

  Michelle scowled at her assistant. Just what was Becky up to? At thirty seven years old, Michelle Grant took her job seriously. She was not the kind of floozy that needed to sleep her way to the top or seduce men to get what she wanted. She worked hard to prove herself and this current state of her business was just a small setback.

  “I really don't think that's necessary, Becky,” she sniffed, gripping the portfolio against her ample chest.

  “No it's not necessary but I do think it could help.” Becky grinned at her employer. Young and fresh out of college, Becky had always been shockingly honest with Michelle and she had to admit that's why she'd hired the girl in the first place.

  Michelle sighed. They were all worked up over nothing. Roger Hollins wasn't going to change anything that didn't need to be changed, and Michelle would be right there, telling him what did and didn't need to be cut from their bloated budget. She was used to getting her way and felt certain her pet projects were safe from the executioner's block. With her head high, she brushed past Becky on her way to the conference room.

  Just outside the room, Michelle took a quick glance through the small window embedded in the door. She knew right away which man was the dreaded Roger Hollins. He stood with his feet shoulder width apart and his broad back to her. He was tall; the faintest streaks of silver combed through his dark hair. The enigmatic businessman wore a perfectly fitted pinstripe suit. Michelle's breath caught in her throat as she took in the man's narrow waist and strong legs. As though he knew he was being watched, he turned around. Michelle flattened herself against the wall, just out of view.

  Okay, so maybe Becky was right. Michelle didn't need another look at her handsome mercenary to know that she would need to do whatever it took to level the playing fields. Michelle fumbled with her hair pins. Running her fingers through her tresses, she didn't need a mirror to tell her she looked stunning. Throwing back her shoulders, Michelle swung open the door.

  Roger Hollins faced her, his mouth twisting up into a wry grin as his eyes combed over first her face and then her tousled hair. Michelle felt her pulse quicken and hoped it didn't show. He was far more handsome than she even thought. His bright blue eyes, made all the more striking by his tanned skin, pierced through her as his gaze locked with hers.

  “So good of you to join us, Ms. Grant,” he murmured, not bothering to shake her hand. Was that a slight hint of sarcasm she detected in his voice? “Please, have a seat.” He pointed to an empty chair on the other side of the table, not her chair – the CEO's chair – but the lowly chair of a mere board member. She hesitated, wondering if she should point out his error.

  As if he knew what she was thinking, Roger Hollins pulled out the CEO's chair at the head of the table, but rather then offering it to her, he eased his own large frame into the seat. He smiled, challenging her to question his authority.

  Michelle stiffened. All right, if that's how Mr. High and Mighty wants to play. She squared her shoulders, tossing her blonde hair. With as much grace as she could muster in light of the obvious usurp of her power, Michelle sat down in the seat Roger Hollins indicated. She wasn't going to split hairs. If he wanted the damned chair he could have it. Michelle had more important things she wanted to save. She clutched the portfolio tighter, and cleared her throat to begin.

  Roger Hollins didn't let her start, instead opening the meeting himself.

  “Gentlemen and Lady,” he nodded to her. “As you all know, this company has seen its fair share of poor management,” he looked pointedly at Michelle.

  Michelle felt her face go hot with rage at the blatant insult.

  “I am here to correct that,” he continued, indifferent to the flames shooting from her eyes.

  “Some cuts will need to be made if we want to make sure this ship stays afloat.” The corners of his sensuous mouth turned up into a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes. “I hope you all understand.”

  A nervous shuffle sounded around the room as everyone, including Michelle waited to hear what and whom would get the ax.

  “The good news is,” Michelle couldn't help but notice his voice had a rich, baritone quality to it while he spoke. “I believe that the cuts I have outlined will not only help Today's Energy Incorporated to profit but will also make it the United State's next leading authority on green energy.” He locked his blue eyes with Michelle's before adding, “as I am sure the founder had in mind when starting this business.”

  Michelle lifted her chin. Yes that had been her dream. And she did want Today's Energy, her baby, for the last fifteen years to be all that it could be. Perhaps Roger Hollins didn't intend to destroy her life's work as she'd previously thought. His next words erased that hope.

  “The first thing we're going to do is sell off the solar panel factory. The cost of running it is still too expensive and I see no reason we can't just outsource the work to the Germans. It's not only cheaper, but they have been building solar panels for a lot longer and their engineers are simply more capable than Americans.”

  Michelle launched out of her seat, her skin hot with fury. “Mr. Hollins,” she gritted. “I think you've vastly underestimated the American engineers. What Today's Energy needs is its own-”

  He held up a hand, silencing her. “I'm afraid, Ms. Grant, that you've failed to realize that these decisions have already been made.” As if that settled her objections he dismissed her by returning to his notes. “The outsourcing of solar panel manufacturing will be the major change we make to our actual production which leaves the internal cuts I've decided on.”

  Michelle held her breath, determined to stay seated this time.

  “The extended maternity leave is far too generous. A paid year off is flat out absurd. Three months max.”

  Michelle couldn't help it. Despite her previous resolve, she jumped out of her seat.

  “As a company that is run by a woman, I think-”

  “Last I checked, this morning in the shower,” he smirked, his bold eyes meeting hers. “I felt pretty sure this company was not run by a woman.”

  Michelle flushed, unable to shake the image of his handsome naked body in the shower. The way his e
yes held hers now, she felt certain he knew exactly what he'd done. More importantly, he'd done it on purpose.

  “Everyone, if you will take one and pass the rest down.” He slapped a stack of paper on the table. “I've listed the people who I do not believe are an asset to Today's Energy and will be relieved of their positions by the end of the week.”

  Michelle looked down at the paper and gasped. The first name on the list read, Becky Clark, her personal assistant.

  Roger Hollins spoke before she had a chance. “If there are anymore objections, as experience tells me there are,” he added dryly, locking her eyes with his and lowering his voice. “You may speak to me in private out in the hall.” Glancing at the downcast eyes around the room, Michelle knew she'd be the only one to raise any concerns.

  “Very well,” she gritted, nearly crushing the list in her fist. “I will join you in the hall.”

  He smiled at her, a smile that was far too gracious to be sincere. She squared her shoulders, stood and followed him out of the room. As soon as the door shut, cutting them off from the prying eyes of the board members, Michelle launched into an assault.

  “Don't think that you can just waltz in here and-”

  He turned to her, bending his face down to hover mere inches over hers. She reflexively leaned back.

  “Let me make one thing clear, Ms. Grant,” he hissed. Michelle realized that despite her tall stature he towered over her as he spoke. “You work for me now and the next time you try a stunt like questioning my authority in front of the board members again, I'll add your name to the list.” He pointed to the paper in her hand so that there would be no mistaking on her part just which list he referred to.

  Michelle didn't need it spelled out for her in quite so many words but she couldn't stop herself from trembling with anger as he spoke to her as though, instead of a savvy business owner, she were nothing more than a silly child.

  He leaned back, his arms crossed over his muscular chest, and he smiled that arrogant smile that Michelle was just starting to get used to. She felt a new wave of indignation creep over her flesh as his eyes raked her frame, settling far too long over her large breasts.

  “You see, Ms. Grant,” he sneered. “I know what's best for this company and,” he lowered his voice to a sultry baritone before adding, “you.”

  Chapter 2.

  “You've got to get out of here!” Becky pressed her body against the inside of Michelle's door, her fist still gripping the handle. By the way she panted, Michelle could tell that she'd run the whole way to her office. “Roger Hollins is on his way here right this second! Word on the street is he's furious that you haven't implemented a single one of his changes.”

  Michelle bristled. “I'm not afraid of him and I'm most certainly not going to let him ruin all the hard work I've done for the last fifteen years.” She looked fiercely into Becky's eyes. “This is my company,” she vowed. “He wants to destroy it for a quick profit and it's not going to happen.”

  Becky frowned, her penciled in eyebrows coming together. “I dunno,” she chirped. “It kinda seems to me like his idea about getting rid of the solar plant was a good one.”

  Michelle glared at her, crossing her arms over her breasts through the thin cream colored blouse she wore. She was about to set Becky straight when the door to her office flung open, sending her little assistant flying. In the next minute, Roger Hollins' big body stood within the frame. He caught sight of Becky sprawled out on the floor and pointed to the hall behind him.

  “Out!” he hissed so menacingly that both women jumped at the sound of his voice. Becky scrambled to her feet, ducking out of the office. Alone at last, Michelle's new boss turned his wrath to her. He took a deep breath as though he was willing himself not to do something that he'd regret later, before marching up to her desk. He placed both palms on the surface and leaned in, towering over her. To her own disgust, Michelle found herself cowering under his glare.

  “Tell me, Ms. Grant,” he demanded. “Why have my orders not been obeyed?” Michelle knew it wasn't really a question and his mafia style interrogation was only meant to intimidate her, but damn it, if it wasn't working. He was just so big and his arms looked as though they could crush her in a second. He wore a fitted black suit and in that moment, as he leaned over her desk Michelle felt that he was a panther, ready at any second to strike her down. She leaned back in her chair, fingers trembling in her lap.

  “I can't be here everyday,” he seethed. “This isn't the only business I own, and yes, I own this business. I have left you in charge as a figure head since you're already familiar with the employees. But when I give you a direct order, Ms. Grant, I fully expect you to cooperate.”

  Michelle butted her chin out stubbornly. “And if I refuse, Mr. Hollins?” The moment the words came out of her mouth, she wished she hadn't spoken them. He grinned suddenly, a lethal, cat-like grin, and in that moment he took her breath away. She hated him, but by God, he was such a beautiful man.

  “How I hoped you'd ask that,” he purred.

  Michelle cringed.

  “My wishes for Today's Energy will happen, with or without you, Ms. Grant. I suggest you either get on board with the policies I've implemented, or you start tidying up that resume because you're gonna need it.”

  “You wouldn't dare!” she breathed, her voice barely rising above a whisper. But even as she said it, Michelle knew that he'd have no problem throwing her out on her butt. She felt the tears prick the corners of her eyes at the thought of being removed from the company that she herself built, but she swallowed them back, refusing to let him see how much it hurt her. She wondered for a moment if he did see, because for a split second she thought she saw those glittering blue eyes soften.

  He straightened, crossing his arms over his chest. “The thing that gets me,” his voice had softened. “Is that if you really cared about this company you'd do what I ask instead of resisting me.”

  That got Michelle. Infuriated, she jumped to her feet. Who did he think he was coming in here and telling her that he knew what was best. Hadn't it been her that started Today's Energy and hadn't she been the one to stand by her fledgling company through thick and thin. Sure last year's profits were down, but it wasn't her fault. It was just a flux in the market. These things happened, didn't they?

  “You have no idea what you're talking about!” she seethed. “I have a vision for this company and I tend to fulfill it. You can't stop me!”

  “Are you sure about that?” Now he seemed more amused than anything which made Michelle downright enraged.

  “Every single one of the employees will follow me not you!” she shrilled.

  “Then I will replace every single one of them.”

  Michelle couldn't take it anymore, having lost the last of her poise she snatched up a paper weight and threw it at him. He caught it easily.

  “Assault in the workplace?” he shook his head, mocking her. “You're lucky I find you so pretty or else I'd have called security by now.”

  Her hand had already reached for another paper weight and froze as his words sunk in. He thought her pretty? She came to her senses when her eyes met his.

  “I believe that's sexual harassment,” she informed him icily, sitting back down.

  “Actually,” he perched on the edge of her desk and leaned forward. Michelle couldn't help but notice his intoxicating cologne. “It is only sexual harassment if I have to repeat myself. I am allowed to ask once.”

  “Ask me what?” she asked, suspending – for the moment – her animosity. He was just so handsome and the way he looked at her now with an almost boyish innocence made Michelle forget that he was the ruthless tycoon bent on destroying her life's work.

  “To dinner,” he answered, his voice rich and seductive.

  Her breath caught in her throat, her heartbeat accelerating. Dear lord, did her boss just ask her out? She hesitated. Could she really accept? Michelle had never once in her life mixed business with pleasure and she new t
hat now above all, with everything she held dear on the line, she couldn't risk changing that habit. And yet, she gazed at his lips – so soft and sensuous, she'd be damned if she said she didn't want to. She waited too long to answer. Roger Hollins laughed, standing up.

  “I'll send a car to pick you up at eight tomorrow.” He took her silence for acquiescence, she realized only a little too late as he headed for the door. “Oh,” he called over his shoulder. “Make sure you wear something that shows off those amazing breasts.”

  The door slammed shut behind him, rattling the contents of Michelle's office. She let out a sigh of relief. He was gone for the time being. She chewed her thumbnail, but he'd be back. And tomorrow, she almost hyperventilated, she was having dinner with him! Oh dear God! Michelle slammed her forehead against her desk. Whatever was she going to do?

  Chapter 3.

  The car arrived promptly at eight, just as he had promised. Michelle hurried out of her apartment, stopping only to pat her cat, Brisket, on the head before leaving. Outside she found the driver standing by the open door of the black limousine.

  “Ma'am,” he nodded to her. She bent to get in, but he stopped her. “I'm sorry, Ma'am, but if you'll permit me...”

  Michelle didn't know what he meant until she saw the driver reach behind her and remove the clip that held her long tresses up and away from her face. She could only gape, too surprised for words, at the intimate action as her hair tumbled down over her shoulders.

  “I'm sorry.” The driver really did appear sheepish. “I was only following orders. Mr. Hollins specifically insisted that you wear your hair down.”

  Michelle stiffened. And here she thought he only wanted her to show off a little cleavage.

  “Do you always follow Mr. Hollins' orders?” She was unable to keep the sarcasm out of her voice. The driver didn't seem to notice.

  “Always!” he informed her before helping her into the backseat and shutting the door.

  Michelle leaned back into the leather and noticed that a bottle of expensive champagne on ice and a single crystal flute waited for her. The driver must have opened the bottle as soon as he saw her coming out of the apartment because it still steamed. She decided she could use a little liquid courage and poured herself a glass.