"You're a very talented speaker, Mr. Thompson," she compliments me when I stop at the bar for a break.
I lift the glass to my lips and mutter, "Yes, I'm very talented when it comes to mouth work."
Her eyes flick to mine, shimmering with something provocative.
How interesting.
13
JACKSON
"Iheard the bioengineering event had quite the turnout."
Charlie looks at me when I glance over my shoulder, checking to see if she's listening or not. She nods, returning her attention to our surroundings.
"It did, sir, yes," she says coolly.
"Good," I hum, nodding to the doorman as I pass through the doorway. "Let's hope this meeting finds as much success."
She clears her throat, finally showing some sort of interest for the first time today. "If you don't mind my asking... What is this meeting for?"
I grin, smoothing the sleeves of my suit jacket. "I'm meeting with a pharmaceutical company to discuss a potential partnership after they reached out to BioCore about our efforts with regenerative medicine."
"And you're meeting with them alone?" she wonders curiously, stepping into the elevator with me.
I shake my head. "No, two board members will also be there to make sure everything goes smoothly."
She nods thoughtfully. "Any security other than me."
Shrugging, I watch the floor numbers continue to rise. "Not very likely. I'll be the only one in the room who's been assaulted."
Her response is a quiet hum of acknowledgement.
As the elevator doors slide shut, I feel a surge of anticipation. My gaze slides from the neon sign to her body, hard and fit and yet soft in all the right places. The dim lighting casts a seductive glow on Charlie's figure, accentuating her curves and making my pulse quicken. I can't help but admire the way her tailored suit clings to her body, hinting at the alluring secrets hidden beneath.
With a suave smile, I lean in closer to Charlie. "You know," I say in a low voice, "I've always found intelligence incredibly sexy." Her eyes meet mine, and I catch a flicker of surprise before she quickly composes herself.
"Is that so, sir?" she replies with a hint of playful skepticism.
I nod, my gaze never leaving hers. "Absolutely. It takes a certain kind of mind to comprehend the complexities of bioengineering," I say, my voice dropping even lower. "And you..."
The elevator doors slide open, we step out into a sleek, modern conference room. The walls are adorned with abstract art, adding a touch of sophistication to the space. The scent of rich mahogany and freshly brewed coffee fills the air, creating an atmosphere of anticipation.
Taking in the surroundings, Charlie's eyes graze over the guests who have already arrived. Despite her professional demeanor, I catch a flicker of curiosity in her gaze. It's as if she's searching for something beyond the smooth surface of their well-tailored suits and polished shoes.
The scent of expensive cologne and freshly brewed coffee permeates the air, adding to the anticipation that hangs between Charlie and me. She follows me into the room, her eyes scanning every corner, assessing potential threats with a trained precision.
I've got to admit, it's kind of sexy.
The two board members, Mr. Anderson and Ms. Collins, are already seated at the large oak table when we enter. They glance up briefly, exchanging polite nods before their attention returns to the documents spread out before them. As I take my place at the head of the table, Charlie positions herself discreetly by the door, her presence both reassuring and tantalizing.
"We're glad you could make it, Mr. Jackson," Mr. Anderson says with a genial smile. "BioCore's advancements in regenerative medicine have certainly caught our attention."
I lean back in my chair, projecting an air of confidence--though it all feels like a show for a one-woman audience.
"Excuse me, I don't mean to be rude, but," someone across the table points to where Charlie hovers behind my left shoulder, "this is a private meeting. Who are you?"
Setting her shoulders back at the sudden attention pushes her perky breasts forward, catching my immediate attention as the blood rushes from my head. "Charlie Moore, sir," she introduces in that husky voice. "I'm Mr. Harris's personal bodyguard. Wherever he goes, I go."