Beautiful Betrayal (The Ravenhead Corporation Book Two Read online

  Professor Marx had told me to trust in Maxwell. He told me to seek help. But we both knew better. If I even dared tell a soul, and if I didn’t deliver, his wife, my father, all of us would wind up dead. I wasn’t about to give up my life for a set of blueprints to a facility that I could care less about.

  I turned and gave Max a subtle look. I was here to do a job and I wasn’t leaving until it was completed even if it cost me the one thing I desired most.

  “I’m perfectly fine. Excited to get started, really.”

  Max nodded slowly. “Good. I’m glad to hear it.”

  I watched him move almost stealthily across the room, he stared down at me as he propped a muscular thigh on the edge of a seat. “Tell me about yourself, Victoria. I feel the need to know everything there is to know about you.”

  I swallowed hard and hid my eyes from his. I had this urge to divulge all my truths. I quickly concluded that I would not lie to him about me, so I gave him the only truth I knew. My truth.

  "My father is a simple businessman, my mother was a sweet woman. She, unfortunately, left me and my Father when I was very young. He and I both moved to England when I was eight years old where he left me there while he returned to Russia."

  “Who did he leave you with?”

  “A friend,” I whispered, my eyes catching the sunlight. “He was a good friend of my father’s.”

  He nodded and rubbed on his beard. “How did you decide on Cambridge?”

  I swallowed, not wanting to go into detail. He didn't need details, instead, I gave him a brief explanation. "Cambridge was my dream so I excelled in all my classes and managed to get myself in," I stated matter-of-factly, hoping he'd move on.

  "You are very smart, Victoria. Beauty and brains are a powerful combination on a woman."

  I blushed and turned away. I’m not smart, Max. I’m a fool.

  It was lies, all lies that I hated playing on. Maxwell Cunningham was a good man who didn’t deserve to get hurt. I felt his fingertips brush my cheeks and I turned. He had gotten down on one knee by my side. When he smiled my heart fluttered uncontrollably.

  "Nick taught me how to handle life. My Father said I'd be better protected if I stuck with him. He was a boxer, a champion. He taught me how to throw a tight-fisted punch," I gently swung at his shoulder and he grimaced playfully.

  I looked down at my hands feeling the pain tug at my heart. I missed Nick and wished I knew where he was. He’d disappeared as soon as I had left England and no matter who I contacted, no one had seen him. I only hoped he wasn’t lying in a ditch somewhere.

  “I barely know my Father, he’s always been away. I maybe saw him a handful of times while growing up, Nick was the closest I knew to a parent growing up. He always told me my Father was working hard to make sure I was well and protected.”

  “At least you knew he was a good father.” Max nodded, and I gave him a faint smile. Reaching up, I caressed his cheek. “He was a man I barely knew.”

  And in the back of my mind, I wondered how I could be so loyal to a man I had rarely spoken to. A man who had in a sense abandoned me to another. But he was my father, my blood, and I owed him at least this much.

  “Don’t look so sad, Beautiful. Everyone’s past isn’t always butterflies and roses, it’s those of us who have lived a hard life who know what it truly means to live.”

  He leaned in to kiss him, but I pressed my hand to his chest, holding him back. He looked into my eyes and cupped my cheeks. “Don’t fret, Victoria. I won’t bite. Unless...”

  “I want you to,” I whispered and his growl said it all. His mouth captured mine in a breathless kiss and I hung on wanting more, needing more of his sweetness, of his honesty, of his strength and power. I held on to everything I needed from a man I was slowly falling for.

  “We need you to do a favor for us, Miss Petrov.”

  I sat alone in my newly refurbished office. After getting the complete tour of Ravenhead, Max had dropped me off here with the promise of taking me to dinner in a few hours. He’d told me to get acclimated and if I needed anything that Lee, Drake’s assistant, would be able to help me.

  I was grateful for the small respite since I wanted to call Professor Marx, but instead, I had been cornered by Catchfire once again. As soon as I had a moment to glance at my messages, there were three that demanded my attention and all of them were from The Client.

  I bit my lip worried. “I believe I’m out of favors here, Sir.”

  “Let’s just say we are expanding your objectives. I’m asking nicely, Victoria. Then again you are free to say no. It’s up to you, I just want to be very clear that the consequences still stand.”

  “Bloody fuckers,” I seethed into the phone.

  “There, there now, Miss Petrov. No need for insults. You just do as we ask, and everything will turn out perfectly fine.”

  “What do you want?”

  “There is a package in the mail for you, it should arrive in a few hours. Take the item inside and head to Ravenhead in the morning. At some point in the day, you’ll need to enter Drake Archer’s Security facility.”

  I shook my head. “That’s impossible. I don’t have access to that area.”

  "Get access," the voice demanded, sending a cold chill down my spine.

  “How in the world do you propose I do this without getting caught? You are putting the whole plan at risk.”

  He clucked his tongue and I grimaced. “Now, now, Miss Petrov. We both know this task is nothing compared to what you have managed to accomplish in your log, dark past. If I correctly recall, you were able to infiltrate the CIA’s security system at one point. Am I wrong?”

  I frowned. “That was by accident. I didn’t realize I had come across that particular firewall.”

  “Well then, I’m sure the CIA will be very glad to know that Queen Glitch has been right at their fingertips this entire time.”

  I closed my eyes and breathed in. “What do you want me to do?”

  "There's a good girl. Take the items and stow them in your purse. Arrive at Ravenhead early, before Drake Archer arrives. Make your way through the offices and to the back-control room. All you'll need to do is place the box against one of the control panels. This will allow us to intercept feed and interrupt camera footage for when we need you to gain access to the blueprints.

  “How am I supposed to get through security with this…item,” the word slipped out with disdain.

  Separated, the parts will not set off any alarms. When you get up to the offices, assemble the pieces and complete the task. Not complicated in the least bit for a mastermind like yourself."

  My heart felt like it would beat out of my chest and I placed a hand over it, breathing deeply. You can do this Victoria. I know you can.

  “One more thing, Miss Petrov. If the item isn’t in place by tomorrow morning at ten, we may need to revisit your loyalty to this mission. Remind you of those pesky consequences.”

  I bit my tongue from the retort I wanted to lash out at him. “There will be no need for that. I am well aware of the game plan. You’ll get what you want.”

  “I’m sure you are very professional in your negotiations, Miss Petrov. I look forward to seeing you in action.”

  I smirked as my eyes traveled across the mountains in the far distance. "What you don't realize is that I deal with scum like you on a daily basis. Scum like you need people like me. Shadows who can do the dirty work for you. And you damn well know you won't find anyone else like me. I can assure you that if you harm a hair on his head, the whole of Ravenhead will know who sent me."

  He chuckled and the cynicism in his voice brought chills down my spine. “Are you threatening us, Miss Petrov.”

  “Just a warning,” I stated. I was taking a chance with my father’s life, but I wasn’t going to do what they wanted without a fight. I still had that in me.

  “Careful, Miss Petrov. Wouldn’t want your father to go missing a body part, now would we?”

  I gritted my t
eeth and kept silent. After a few drawn out seconds, he spoke. "Very well, Miss Petrov. Ten AM then?"

  “Ten AM,” I confirmed and hung up on him, wanting to distance myself from them as much as I could.

  I checked the time and realized I only had half an hour before Max would return. Quickly, I dialed out to the Professor. He had managed to get himself a secure phone line where I could contact him and we could talk without anyone listening in. It was risky, but it was needed.

  The phone rang twice and then his hushed tone came on. “What is it Victoria, I’m in the middle of a class.”

  “I’m in.”

  “What?” He paused for a few beats and then I heard him tell his class that they were dismissed for the afternoon. A few minutes later he was back on the line, his voice crisp and clear.

  “How did it go?”

  “You were right. Maxwell is a good man.”

  “Did you tell him?”

  “Of course not. If I tell a soul, I’ll go to jail and all of you will suffer. I don’t want anyone to suffer.”

  "I have no means of contacting him, they have me completely wired. They know my every move, Victoria. You have to do it."

  “I can’t! I’m in too deep.”

  “What? Did you sleep with him?”

  The silence said it all and I heard him sigh on the other end. “Charming, fucker.”

  I silently agreed with him and waited for him to tell me what our next steps were going to be. “Are you in love with him?”

  I didn’t expect the question and as I stared out the window, that warm feeling I had every time I thought of him, seeped in and made my heart pulse erratically. “I don’t know what I feel for him. All I know is he is a good man.”

  “He is. Maxwell Cunningham is an exceptional man, which is why you need to tell him. He’ll know what to do.”

  “And what if he doesn’t? What if he is as blindsided as we are?”

  “He has connections, Victoria. Powerful connections. Someone will be able to help us,” he paused and when he spoke his voice had a finality to it that told me I needed to set aside my feelings and do what was right. “Look, I know you are scared. We are all scared. But this cannot continue. You are the only one of us that is close to salvation. Hold onto it Victoria and no matter what, don’t let go. Tell Maxwell. Please.”

  The phone went dead and my hand slowly dropped to my lap. I stared down at the dark screen as thoughts streamed through my head, horrifying thoughts of death and ruin. Of a man with crystal blue eyes and the warmest smile, I'd ever seen.

  5

  MAXWELL

  I plopped down on my living room couch and turned my phone on. It was late, and I was upset, Lucian's meeting had run long as always. I had wanted to see my raven-haired beauty again, but instead, I was forced to cancel on her and listen to Lucian and Drake drone on for hours on the safety of the company and the new products being requested.

  I opened up my email and quickly looked over the new blueprints that had just come in for the weapons solicited by the Navy. I needed to approve them before they went into manufacturing, which entailed creating a new budget and making sure that legally every item bought measured up to legit proceedings.

  I left an email to my team asking them to be in early for a morning meeting in regard to the new supplies coming in. I needed to make sure they were on board with the new plans as well as find out about any hiccups that might arise for us if we proceed. I looked up and stared out my window. The sun was setting and there was a stillness in my apartment, one that never bothered me before, but was now grating on my nerves. I contemplated going out, clearing my head. I was about to do just that when the familiar ping on my phone made me look down. Victoria had texted me back in response to my email.

  Victoria: I’ll make sure to be there at first light. What kind of treats would you like me to bring to the meeting, Mr. Cunningham?

  I smiled at myself picturing her lying naked across my desk, her pussy glistening and ready for me to taste. I adjusted my growing bulge and instead, I quickly typed my response. I was definitely thinking with my cock and not my brain.

  Max: You’re sweet pussy sounds like an appetizing delicacy. Bring that.

  I smirked and waited for a response which never came. Frustrated, I dialed her number and stared at the pink and purple swirls left behind by the sun as it dipped into the horizon. Dusk was my favorite time of the evening in New York City. It always felt as if the city calmed, like the quiet before the storm. As soon as the sun disappeared the demons would come out and play, and boy did my demons need to play tonight.

  “Hello,” her sweet voice interrupted my thoughts.

  “Did you think you could make me wait all night?”

  “It was my intention, yes.”

  “Your intention?”

  “Yes. I don’t answer insanely inappropriate comments from my boss.”

  A slow smile spread across my lips. I fucking loved her wit. By the time this conversation was over, I was going to have her begging for me to finish her sweet pussy off with my inappropriate comments.

  “Is that so? Well then, Miss Petrov, I suggest you prepare yourself for a slew of inappropriateness tonight.”

  “Oh,” she whispered softly and my dick reacted.

  “I can’t stop thinking of you,” I confessed, stroking myself through the thin material of my slacks.

  I heard her small gasp and it made me yearn to hear more. “Where are you?”

  “Home.”

  “Home, where?”

  “Home in my bedroom,” she whispered.

  “In your bedroom already?”

  “I was resting.”

  “What are you wearing?”

  She paused and then slowly tried to divert me. “I believe my question was never answered.”

  “What question?” I asked, frustrated by her evasion.

  “What kind of treats should I bring tomorrow?”

  “I already told you, Miss Petrov, or should I describe in detail exactly what I want?”

  I could hear her soft breathing quickening. I could tell she was already getting excited. As much as she wanted to seem unfazed, it was more than apparent that I affected her.

  “I doubt any description would be of help, Mr. Cunningham.”

  "The only treat I want, Victoria, is having you lying across my couch right at this very bloody moment so I could spread those amazingly juicy thighs apart and dive into that delectable pussy of yours."

  “Mr. Cunningham...”

  “Max!” I cut her off and I could hear her soft breathing through the line. “When we’re not at work, Victoria, I’m Max, and when I’m calling you to tempt you into touching that pretty pink slit for me I want you to moan my name for me Victoria. I want to hear those husky whispers and drawn out whimpers as I tell you just how much I want you.”

  “Max this is not something we should be engaging in...”

  I could hear the hitch in her voice and I knew I had her. “Is it wet?”

  “What?” She breathed, the question lingering on her tongue.

  “That sweet morsel between your legs, the one that has me addicted to no end. Is. It. Wet?”

  “Max,” she breathed but kept avoiding the answer.

  “Answer me Victoria. Slide your fingers into the seam of your panties and tell me the truth.” I paused giving her a moment and I could hear the rustling as she shifted into position. “What are you doing, Victoria?”

  “Nothing,” she whispered. “Absolutely nothing,” her voice broke and her breathing hitched and I knew she was right where I wanted her.

  “Then maybe we should continue with sweet nothings.”

  “Mmnngh, Max,” she whispered breathlessly.

  “That’s my good girl.” I smiled at her sexy little purr. “Spread your legs, Beautiful. Tell me in detail what naughty nothings you are doing.”

  “Max I...ohhh, I can’t do this with you.”

  “You can’t or you won’t.”
/>   “My God, I’m so wet for you.”

  “Are you, now?” I smiled, slowly taking out my cock and giving it a long stroke, picturing her voluptuous frame spread out before me.

  “Where are you, Beautiful?”

  “Lying in bed,” I heard that rustling again followed by her labored breathing.

  “Are you naked?”

  “Mmph, no.”

  “Well then, maybe we should rectify that... right now.” I waited a moment and began to tell her exactly what I wanted her to do. “Take everything off Victoria and lie in bed, leave those pretty little knickers on.”

  I waited a few minutes and she came on again. “Mmkay.”

  “Take a picture. I want to see you.”

  “Max, this is crazy,” she moaned again and my cock twitched in eagerness. Fuck this was hotter than anything I’d ever done before. If she only knew just how completely infatuated I was with her, she’d probably run away scared.

  “The picture, Beautiful.”

  A moment later it came through. Her thighs spread and the camera angled so that I can see her luscious legs, the red toenail polish she wore matched the tiniest piece of red lace that covered what I wanted the most.

  “Good girl,” I growled into the speaker and I heard her whimper for me. “Let me see those pretty tits, beautiful. Squeeze them for me. Imagine my lips pulling that tender nipple. Pull on them Victoria and cry out for me.”

  She did just as I asked. Her cry of pleasure made me pump my cock faster, humping at my hand as her breathing grew heavy. A moment later a picture came through. Her sweet flushed face and her breasts came into view. Her nipples extended into the most tantalizing peaks. I stared at her while I jacked off to her body. I was addicted to her, I couldn’t help it.

  “So beautiful,” I grunted. “So fucking beautiful.”

  "Oh, Max, I need you," she whispered, her voice sultry.