Heart of Glass Read online

  He caught a cab in front of the club and directed the driver to take him to the DA’s office and wait while he went inside. Once he’d signed for the thick envelope of papers, he returned to the cab and looked up Asher Caldwell’s address on the company’s app.

  Asher lived in a penthouse apartment on Central Park West. After paying off the cab driver, Zach stood on the sidewalk and looked up at the building, wondering what it must have been like to grow up in such surroundings. The Caldwells were Old Money, and he’d heard Asher’s father had retired to the “family home” in the Hamptons with his fourth wife, a twentysomething fashion model.

  He entered the building and was greeted by a security guard at a desk just inside the door. After he gave his name and explained he was from the firm, the guard waved him toward the elevators. Ten minutes later, he was standing in front of Asher Caldwell’s door, and he drew in a deep breath before pressing the buzzer.

  Less than a minute later, the door swung open, and Zach found himself on the other end of a cool appraisal by an older woman wearing a conservative navy-blue dress and a crisp white apron. Her dark brown hair was turning gray, and she wore little makeup.

  “Mr. Caldwell is expecting you,” she said, swinging the door open wider and moving aside so he could enter.

  “Thank you,” Zach said as he stepped into the elegant foyer. “I hope he hasn’t been waiting long.”

  “Not too long,” she replied as she gestured for him to follow. She led him into a sitting room with a huge picture window overlooking the park. The room was decorated with antique furniture, and Zach wondered if Asher had inherited it or bought it. “Have a seat. Mr. Caldwell will be with you shortly. May I get you something to drink while you wait?”

  “No, thank you,” Zach replied, obediently sitting down on the edge of the elegant sofa. He put the manila envelope down on the coffee table, then folded his hands in his lap. “I’m fine, really.” It was hard not to fidget, but he told himself to be cool and not act like a total dork.

  The housekeeper glanced at the envelope, and a questioning look flitted across her face, but she didn’t comment. Instead, she nodded and left him alone to wait for Asher. Fortunately, he didn’t have long to wait. No more than five minutes or so passed before Asher sauntered into the room. The difference between his professional persona and his appearance now was startling. Gone were the tailored suit and designer tie, replaced by faded jeans and a plain white button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up on his forearms and the top two buttons unfastened. His brown loafers were expensive, but far more casual than the Stefano Bemers and Louis Vuittons he wore to the office. His short black curls were tousled instead of styled, and he sported stubble on his sharp jawline. Asher’s blue eyes gleamed as he gave Zach an appreciative once-over, and he approached with a predatory roll in his gait.

  “Well, well, look what a delectable new friend has turned up on my doorstep.”

  If the sight of Asher looking like something out of one of his fantasies hadn’t already robbed Zach of the ability to breathe, the sexy walk and his words would have done it. Zach rose to his feet, cleared his throat, and managed by some miracle to find his voice.

  “Hello, Mr. Caldwell,” he said, his tone low and husky. He held out his hand. “I’m Zach Richardson.”

  Asher moved into Zach’s personal space as he clasped Zach’s hand, his gaze heated and intense. “Call me Asher,” he said, lifting Zach’s hand to his lips and brushing a kiss across his knuckles.

  Zach froze, a jolt like an electrical current pulsing through him at the contact of Asher’s lips. Either he’d fallen asleep and was dreaming, or he’d died and gone to heaven, because there was no scenario he could imagine in the real world which would have gorgeous, untouchable Asher Caldwell kissing his hand.

  “Asher,” he murmured. He was completely out of his depth, and he didn’t know what else to do.

  “Mm, you’re a tall one.” Asher stepped even closer, until Zach could feel the warmth radiating from Asher’s body, and they were eye-to-eye. He’d never been close enough to realize they were the same height, and he’d always thought Asher was taller than his own six-foot-three, probably because of the confident way Asher carried himself. “I like that.”

  He had no idea what was happening, but Zach decided to play along in case this was some kind of joke. After all, Asher would have no reason to know Zach was gay, so maybe he was trying to rattle the new guy. The paralegals in the firm were known pranksters, and they all adored Asher, so it was possible they’d put their boss up to it.

  “Good thing I didn’t want to be a jockey,” he replied, managing a smile.

  Asher’s answering chuckle was warm and deep, and his pale blue eyes were alight with amusement. “Indeed it is,” he said as he released Zach’s hand and slid one arm around Zach’s waist, closing what little distance remained between them until Zach was pressed against his lean, hard body. “We fit together well. Good, that should make things fun.”

  If this was a joke, it had gone way, way too far. But Zach didn’t want to pull away, his traitorous body ignoring what his mind was telling him. He leaned against Asher, and when he raised his hands to push Asher away, they ended up sliding up to Asher’s shoulders instead. Kevin and Erik said he looked sexy, and there had definitely been admiration in the gaze of the blond man at the club. Maybe it was possible that Asher found him desirable too?

  “Fun?” he whispered, looking into Asher’s eyes.

  “Definitely fun.” Asher cupped Zach’s cheek in his palm and stroked it gently with his thumb. “May I kiss you?”

  You can do anything you’d like to me, Zach thought. The practical part of his mind was screaming that something was very, very wrong here, but months of longing for this very thing held far more power. Asher had noticed him, Asher wanted to kiss him, and Zach had no willpower to resist his fantasy coming true.

  “Yes, please,” he said, leaning into the caress as he slid his arms around Asher’s neck.

  Zach saw a flash of approval in Asher’s eyes, and all it took was a little head tilt for their lips to meet. Sliding his fingers into Zach’s hair, Asher took control of the kiss and skimmed his tongue along Zach’s lips, seeking to coax them apart.

  From the first touch of Asher’s lips, Zach was lost. Desire more powerful than anything he’d ever felt rose up, and he parted his lips with a soft moan, closing his eyes and giving himself over to whatever Asher wanted. Asher paused, but then he tightened his fingers in Zach’s hair and claimed Zach’s mouth with a hungry growl, exploring and tasting at a leisurely pace.

  The growl made Zach’s toes curl and his knees go weak, and he clung to Asher like a lifeline. No one had ever kissed him with such intense focus, and he kissed Asher back, his own hunger rising up to equal Asher’s. Asher slid his free hand from Zach’s waist to his ass and pulled Zach tight against him, letting Zach feel the erection straining at the confines of his jeans as the kiss continued, slow and hot and deep.

  The proof of Asher’s desire for him turned the flare of Zach’s desire into a roaring flame. He rocked eagerly against Asher, a helpless moan rising from Zach’s throat at the inadequate friction.

  Asher drew back with wonderment in his eyes, and a slow smile curved his lips. “So responsive. I like that too.”

  Breathless, Zach stared at Asher. He hadn’t been with anyone in a long time, and he was glad Asher was pleased with him, though he wondered if he was coming across as desperate.

  “I’d have to be dead not to respond to you,” he admitted as he lowered his gaze to Asher’s lips, wanting Asher to kiss him again and again. “You’re amazing.”

  “Aren’t you a charmer,” Asher murmured, stroking Zach’s cheek gently. Then his brow furrowed slightly, and he gave Zach a questioning look. “This isn’t your first time, is it?”

  Zach drew in a startled breath. His face was growing hot with a scarlet blush, but he couldn’t help it. “No, of course not,” he denied. He was probably awkwa
rd, but he didn’t think he was so unskilled that Asher thought he must be a virgin. “I’m sorry. I’m probably not what you’re used to. I can go.”

  He stumbled over the words, not wanting this dream to turn into a nightmare of embarrassment. But Asher slid his arm around Zach’s waist again and held him close.

  “You’re right—you aren’t what I’m used to. I don’t remember the last time I was with someone who offered such honest enthusiasm, but I like it. It’s nice to feel genuinely desired.”

  “Who would be crazy enough not to desire you?” Zach asked in disbelief. “You’re incredible! I have a hard time believing you actually desire me.”

  That coaxed a startled laugh out of Asher, and for the first time, Zach caught a glimpse of a vulnerable man behind the professional reserve.

  “All this flattery would do wonders to make me want you, if I didn’t already,” Asher replied, a teasing note in his voice. He slid his hand down to Zach’s ass again and gave it a playful squeeze. “Yes, my pretty, I do desire you. If you want to come with me to the bedroom, I’ll show you how much.”

  Zach would go anywhere Asher wanted him to, and the bedroom sounded pretty damned good. But he wanted to make sure Asher understood him, because this was far too important to him for Asher to think he had ulterior motives.

  “I’d like nothing more than to go to your bedroom, but I want you to know I’m not trying to flatter you. I’m sure you have plenty of people who think stroking your ego will get them what they want, but I’m not one of them. If I didn’t want you, I’d say so and walk out the door, even knowing you have the power and money to wreck my life if you wanted to.”

  “You should never be afraid to advocate for yourself,” Asher replied firmly. “If you aren’t interested, I want to know.”

  Zach smiled, pleased that Asher seemed to get what he was trying to say. He didn’t want Asher to think Zach was using him to try to get ahead at the firm, and even if this was the only time Asher did want him, at least Zach’s conscience would be clear on that point. He took Asher’s free hand, and in a bold move, he pressed it against his crotch.

  “I’m interested,” he murmured.

  Asher smiled wickedly as he gave Zach’s hard cock a little squeeze. “Then let’s move on to my bedroom. I want to unwrap this package.”

  “I’d like that,” Zach replied, unfastening another button on Asher’s shirt. “I’d like to do a little unwrapping of my own.”

  “Darling, you may unwrap whatever you want.” Asher captured Zach’s hand and tugged, leading him out of the room. “I don’t mind a little give-and-take, although I assume you know I prefer to top,” he added, quirking one eyebrow up as he glanced at Zach.

  Zach chuckled. “I figured that out within five seconds of seeing you for the first time,” he admitted. “You do sort of give off that vibe. Strongly.”

  “Good to know.”

  Asher led him down the hall and opened a door at the end to reveal a large master bedroom decorated in solid, heavy furniture in a more modern style than the sitting room. The color scheme was in shades of blue from sky to navy, and while there were a couple of framed photographs on the dresser, the room was neat and clutter-free. He closed the door behind them, then turned to face Zach. A lascivious smile curved his lips as he unfastened the top buttons of Zach’s silk shirt.

  “I believe we said we wanted to do some unwrapping.”

  “Unwrap anything you’d like,” Zach said, shrugging out of his leather jacket and letting it fall to the floor. “I hope you like what’s inside the package.”

  “I’m sure I will.” Asher leaned in while he continued unfastening the buttons, and nuzzled kisses along Zach’s stubbled jaw.

  Zach let his head fall back and hummed, enjoying the contact. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed being touched. He rested his hands on Asher’s shoulders and closed his eyes.

  “Mmmm…. Feels good.”

  Asher nipped at Zach’s earlobe as he slid his hands beneath the folds of silk and caressed Zach’s skin, moving his warm hands slowly as if he wanted to take his time exploring Zach’s body. The touch of Asher’s teeth sent a jolt of pleasure through Zach, and he tightened his grip on Asher’s shoulders.

  “I don’t mind a bit of roughness,” he murmured. “You don’t have to be gentle unless that’s what you want.”

  Asher drew back and gave him a questioning look. “If we get a little rough, what are the limits?”

  Zach opened his eyes and smiled as he slid his hands into Asher’s hair. “Well, I’d prefer no broken bones or stitches, but I can’t see that being your thing anyway. I trust you, Asher. I want to make you feel as good as you’re making me feel.”

  “I don’t want to cause you any pain that isn’t pleasurable as well,” Asher replied, smoothing his hands along the length of Zach’s back. “What if I do something that leaves a mark, like biting?”

  Zach shivered pleasurably, as much from the thought of Asher biting him as the caresses. “I’m good with that.” He knew he sounded breathless and probably overeager, but he couldn’t help it, not when one of his most erotic fantasies was of Asher leaving love bites all over his body. “I’d like it.”

  Asher appeared taken aback for a moment, but then he gave a slow, pleased smile. “Okay, then.”

  He eased the silk shirt off Zach’s shoulders and down his arms, and then he stepped back to look at Zach, an appreciative gleam in his eyes. “Someone spends time in the gym,” he said, trailing his fingertips along Zach’s taut stomach.

  “A bit,” Zach admitted, giving silent thanks to Kevin and Erik for urging him to start working out. “I’m glad you like it.”

  “I’ll like it better when I can see the whole package,” Asher replied with a smirk as he slid his fingers beneath the waistband of Zach’s tight jeans, just enough to tease. “I can’t decide which I’m looking forward to more, licking and biting my way up these long legs of yours, or feeling them wrapped around me while I pound you through the mattress.”

  The thought of Asher doing both those things was almost enough to make Zach spontaneously combust where he stood. “Oh, God,” he moaned. “I want both as soon as possible.”

  “Then why don’t you peel off those jeans for me, so I can get started?” Asher swatted Zach’s ass playfully and took a step back, watching Zach with avid interest.

  Even though he knew he looked good, Zach was blushing as he knelt to unlace his boots, his fingers trembling in his eagerness. Once his feet were bare, he stood up and unfastened the fly of his jeans, then stripped them off, until he stood clad only in the black silk boxer briefs that did nothing to hide how aroused he was.

  “I’m surprised you could fit any underwear under those jeans.” Asher stroked Zach’s erection with the backs of his fingers. “Especially with this big boy wanting to be free.”

  Zach’s cock twitched hard at the caress. Feeling emboldened by the approval in Asher’s gaze, he hooked his fingers into the waistband of the boxer briefs and slowly removed them, making a little show of it, hoping he didn’t look ridiculous.

  “Will I do?” he asked huskily.

  “You will do very well indeed,” Asher replied, his pale eyes gleaming with desire as his gaze traveled up and down the length of Zach’s body at a leisurely pace. He gestured to the huge king bed, which was already turned back. “Get your delectable self on that bed and wait for me.”

  Zach hurried to obey and found the smooth sheets cool against his heated skin. He lay back against the pillows, putting one arm behind his head and watching Asher.

  “Please don’t make me wait long,” he said, licking his lips. “I want you so much.”

  “I won’t,” Asher promised, already slipping off his loafers.

  He undressed with swift efficiency, seeming more interested in joining Zach than in putting on a show, and Zach didn’t have to wait long for Asher to crawl onto the bed and cover him, their bodies aligning perfectly. Zach had dreamed of this happening, b
ut the reality was so much better. Asher’s body was as gorgeous as his face, and the slide of Asher’s hard, warm body against his own felt incredible.

  “Yes!” he gasped, wrapping his legs around Asher’s hips as he arched up, wanting even more contact between them. “Oh, God… feels so good….”

  “Mm… yes.”

  Asher nuzzled Zach’s neck and nibbled on his earlobe again. Zach heard him breathe out a long, slow sigh, and the weight of Asher’s body settled more heavily atop his as Asher rested his cheek against Zach’s shoulder. In this moment, the confident lawyer was gone, and the private man was relaxing in Zach’s arms. Zach had the feeling this was a side that Asher let few people see, and he caressed the smooth skin of Asher’s back, feeling honored at the sign of trust.

  Asher shifted and skimmed one hand up so he could tease Zach’s nipple to a hard nub, but there was nothing rushed about it. He seemed more intent on exploring Zach’s responses than getting on with the fucking. Zach gasped, the sensation pleasurably intense.

  “I like that,” he said, moving his hands upward. He ran them through Asher’s hair, sifting the silken strands between his fingers.

  “I like that,” Asher replied, leaning into the touch. He bent his head so he could fasten his teeth on Zach’s nipple, tugging lightly at first, then harder as if testing to see how Zach responded.

  Zach tightened his legs around Asher’s hips and groaned. “More!” he begged. “Please, Asher, I need more!”

  “More what?” Asher lifted his head and smiled mischievously. “I need some guidance here.”

  “More of you,” Zach replied. “More of your touch, your lips and your tongue and your teeth on my body. I want you to leave your mark all over me.”

  Asher slid down and positioned himself between Zach’s legs. “Why don’t I start here?” He lifted Zach’s left leg and began nuzzling, kissing, and biting his way back up. He paused to give the back of Zach’s knee special attention, laving it with his tongue.

  No one had ever taken the time to explore and drive Zach mad with desire before. “Yes, oh, yes,” he breathed, every inch of his skin coming to life at Asher’s attentions. “I like it. I need it.”