Gilded

Every cut of the fabric, every color, every fit…absolutely perfect. Nothing left to chance, from design to presentation, every name on the guest list carefully selected to either spread the word or invest a fortune. My reputation had drawn them to the fashion show with coveted personal invites, but many faces in the crowd belonged to those who’d love to see me fail.

A shame I’d have to disappoint them. Despite the risk involved, this new venture was already a success. The clothing line I’d almost eliminated now the potential crown jewel, set to make my company stand out in the fashion industry.

But it, like too many things lately, was out of my control.

Which left me standing on the sidelines as the arrogant vultures swarmed vulnerable prey. Not that I’d remain here if there was a hint that they’d cause real damage, but I’d do a fair bit myself if I hovered.

“He’ll be fine.” Luther leaned close as he handed me another glass of champagne, his tone the low, soothing one that tempted me to surrender the power I’d always craved. His lips brushed my ear as he whispered, “I believe he’s earned a reward for a job well done.”

Sipping the Nicolas Feuillatte champagne I’d been gifted and opened for this special occasion, I kept my expression carefully neutral as Alexander Tremaine, the assistant director for the junior line of Ashburne Style and Media Company, made his way through the crowd filling the ostentatiously glitzed up hotel ballroom. The young man had just turned twenty, and really had no business with the position he held, but being the owner gave me the advantage of not giving a fuck what anyone thought.

Alexander had proven himself invaluable in how well he related to the members of my staff. Yes, he was learning much about the fashion business—between school and simple hands-on experience—but it would take years before he developed the skills required. However, his fearlessness when he strode into my office and shared the ideas of my employees was why I’d ignored the typical hierarchy of management and placed him where I needed him most.

The place I wanted him was on his knees, but that could wait until we got home.

“He’s earned much, but if you don’t stop looking at him like you want to bend him over the closest table and fuck him, our peers may question exactly how he earned it.” I smirked against the lip of my glass as Luther tore his gaze from Alexander and frowned at me. “His only rule, Luther. We don’t make it obvious he belongs to us while he’s working. Wasn’t it you who reminded me to respect that?”

Luther Cross, my long-time partner in both business and in life, was the only person I was comfortable relaxing with and teasing—for the longest time the only one I was personal with at all. He’d been my friend since our teens, a constant presence, and I wouldn’t have survived without him.

He’d become my head of security, preferring to protect me and the company rather than spend his days surrounded by sequins and shimmering fabric. Which was for the best since his fashion sense didn’t extend beyond his ties not clashing with his suits.

Tall and muscular, with dark brown skin, deep brown eyes, and black hair that he kept closely trimmed at the sides, but thick enough at the top to enjoy the soft texture of the tight curls, Luther had a presence that drew me to him the second he stepped into a room. Giving in would be so easy, but I’d fought to keep my distance for the longest time, unwilling to let his strength overpower my own. Away from work, I’d indulged from time to time, but until Alexander joined us, we’d had had an understanding that suited us both.

A relationship that didn’t interfere with my ambitions. That didn’t require either Luther or me to sacrifice anything. When either of us craved tenderness, we’d find a submissive young man or woman to play with, setting careful boundaries so the toy wouldn’t upset the tenuous balance we’d achieved.

Without even trying, Alexander had tipped the scale, forcing us—forcing me—to see how fragile our relationship had become. Luther didn’t want a toy to play with, he wanted a man to love. One who would love him in return.

That a boy he’d plucked off the streets—literally, though Alexander had been stealing my car at the time—satisfied my man in a way I’d failed to unsettled me at first. The young thief had seemed like a threat. Instead, he’d managed to bring Luther and I closer together. Proved there was no limit to what we could give. To one another. To him.

Watching him from across the room was difficult, but giving him space was the only way to let him bask in the spotlight. As always, he made sure Judy Stockette, head of the junior line, got full credit for leading the project, but standing at her side he practically glowed with pride. In a dark purple suit, with a bright blue tie, he caught the attention of every influencer in the room. He’d quickly become a fashion icon in an industry many struggled their whole lives to simply be noticed. But to me, he was so much more.

That boyish smile, the fervor in eyes a blue I’d kill to match in a masterpiece of fabric, but selfishly wanted to keep to myself. Light golden blond hair spilled in a stylish mess, long enough to grip in passion or stroke with tender affection. He was spirited, eager to learn and to be something to everyone, so full of hope and excitement I’d never get enough of having him close, of soaking in that pure warmth I’d considered out of reach.

I had a hard time trusting love, but I couldn’t deny how I felt about him.

“You’re looking at him like he’s your whole world.” Luther placed his hand on the base of my spine, his lips brushing the sensitive spot behind my ear and making me shiver. “I love that he’s helped draw out this side of you. I missed it.”

Considering my own warning to Luther, I pulled my gaze away from our submissive and observed the attendees who’d be taking their seats shortly around the runway as Judy and Alexander presented the latest in the rejuvenated line dedicated to teens. Before the guests had arrived, I’d gone to the dressing room on Alexander’s insistence, giving my final stamp of approval for every piece that would be showcased tonight.

As expected, there was not a single outfit I wasn’t proud to have my name on.

Alexander’s official debut in the fashion world would be a success. Still, I was eager to get him home. Luther was right. He deserved to be rewarded for his hard work.

I shot Luther a slanted smile. “You have no problem demanding that ‘side of me’ now.”

“Mmhmm.” Luther let out a soft chuckle, his hand moving down to the curve of my ass. “You like me demanding.”