Please don't forget to vote and comment!

''I'm going to work tomorrow.''

Braden and I are currently sitting in a very fancy restaurant that requires fancy clothing. Braden insisted he takes me out to a dinner today and I knew I had to dress up. Much to my displeasure, because I'd rather just stay at home and cook something very quick.

This dressing up, doing my hair and make-up is all very tiresome and it just isn't me. I'm more of a pants and shirts type of a girl, but I know if I want to be in Braden's world, simple jeans and a T-shirt won't always do.

Braden leans back in his seat, his eyes staring at me above the glass he's holding to his lips, making small sips of the wine. His expression doesn't give anything away and it makes me fidget in my seat.

He silently puts a glass down on the table, correcting it with his middle and index finger so it stands in the place he imagined it. ''Do you think that's wise?'' Braden suddenly asks with a voice that doesn't give away much. He leans back in the chair and clasps his hands together in front of him. A posture that probably makes many men sweat.

I try not to be affected by the pure businessman he's coming off as. He doesn't show any trances of my lover, of a man that makes my heart flutter everytime he's near. He looks like he's making a deal and I don't quite like it when he's that way with me out of all people. ''The doctor said I take one week off. That one week is going to expire tomorrow.''

Braden's eyebrow lifts up slightly, an amusement tracing his features. ''I don't care that much about doctor's orders, Rory. Rather than that, tell me if you feel well enough to go back to work. If not, you know you can take off more than a week.'' Finally, with his last sentence, that warmth and love crawls into his voice. It's almost as if he can't fight to show affection for me and can't stay unaffected around me.

My lips tug at the corners, wanting to lift in a smile. ''Yes, I think I'm ready to go back to work,'' I tease him back in my business tone.

His eyebrow cocks up. ''You think?'' His head tilts to the side.

I sigh and groan. ''Jesus, Braden, if you're acting that way in your business, no wonder why you're doing so well.'' I shake my head, taking a sip of a well-needed cold water.

His low chuckle rings in my ears like the sweetest melody. ''Why is that?''

I stare at him, asking myself if he's serious. ''That exactly.'' I point my hand at him. ''With that bloody short answers that make me want to bang my head against a wall in frustration, with that cold demeanor and that searching, deep look. They must all fear standing against you!''

He chuckles again and his body relaxes a bit in his seat. I notice that a few of the women turn and stare at him. I try hard not to glare back at them.

''Rory, dear, everyone who fears dealing a business with me is not from the right dough for this business.''

I lift my shoulders. ''I confess I'd fear sitting across the desk, doing a business with you,'' I tell him.

His lips form a secretive smile. ''I doubt. You're a fierce little thing and you have more bravery in you that you give it credit,'' he tells me, his words holding a deep sincerity.

My breath is stuck in my throat from his warm words. ''I'm glad you think that highly of me.'' I lower my head. I was never that good at receiving the compliments. It's probably because I doubt myself too much and I often think that I'm just not good enough.

''Rory, look at me,'' Braden demands.

My gaze quickly lifts to his and I notice he leaned forward, putting his forearms on the table.

''I fell in love with you, not because you're weak and dependent. You're a very strong woman, Rory, and you've been through a lot. I admire you in more ways than one. And I strongly dislike it, hate it even, when you doubt yourself so much and think so poorly of you.''

His words hit me straight in my chest. I don't think I'll ever get used to him proclaiming his love for me. It's something I'll hold dearly to me and I doubt there will come a time when my heart won't stutter at hearing those sweet words from him.

''You're such a great man, Braden, surrounded with so many great people that I sometimes fear you won't see me good enough for you anymore and you'll realise that I'm just not what you want,'' I confess him my fears. ''I'm not strong when it comes to you,'' I say, completely defeated.

His face transforms in a deep frown, his eyes shining with pure disbelief. ''There's no one else in this world that I'd want more than you, Rory. There's only one of you and I fear that I'm going to mess this up and lose you.'' He puts his big, warm hand on top of mine. ''It'd kill me if I lost you ever again, Rory. It'd kill me to have to live without you, so don't think it's going to be me that's going to walk away from what we have. And don't think it's going to be you, either, because I won't let you. Ever.''

What he said completely disarms me and tears blur my vision. I put my palm over my lips and Braden grimaces. ''Please, don't start crying,'' he says quietly, helplessly.

''I'm sorry,'' I choke on the words. ''It's just that ... I love you so damn much I don't know how to express it. You always say the right things to me and always know what I need.''

Braden smiles softly, tracing my hand softly. ''It's because I know you. I love to take care of you and to do that, I observe you. Every time you ask me for something it makes me insanely happy that I can give it to you. Me. No one else but me.''

My lips lift up in a soft smile. ''That's because you're the only one I need.''

His eyes sparkle at my admission and his expression grows very soft and kind. ''You're the only one I need, too, Rory,'' he whispers meaningfully.

I have to wipe my tears before the mascara gets smeared all over my face and I come out as a mess. ''I think we're getting too sentimental for this dinner,'' I say.

Thankfully, the waitress brings us our food, interrupting our moment. I really don't want to turn this evening into a crying mess. ''So, about me going to work ...'' I trail off, still waiting for Braden to give an opinion. I know he can't decide for me, but I know he holds his best interest in his heart for me and his opinion means a lot to me. Besides, he's my boss after all and I'm answering to him.

Braden purses his lips, thinking through my proposition. ''To be completely honest, Rory, I'd rather not see you work at all. But that's a subject for some other time, so for now, I won't stand in your way of doing something you clearly want and means a lot to you.''

He throws me off guard by his admission. ''What do you mean not working at all?'' I repeat, almost choking on the words. He can not be serious.

His eyes search my face, not leaving out any detail. It makes me nervous and I fight not to lower my eyes down and show him surrender. ''Let's not talk about this right now. It's not the right time, nor the right place. I want to enjoy this dinner with you, yeah?''

I sigh and mumble, ''Okay,'' digging into my food. But my brain can't stop processing what he said. I hope he doesn't expect me to be that woman that's going to stay at home and wait for her man to return from work. Especially when he works that much. I'd surely go crazy.

I sense that some of the tension fell over us and I really don't want to ruin this dinner.

''I just remembered, did you fire that woman today?'' I ask him, waiting for his reply. I cross my fingers that she didn't lose her job because of something stupid like this. I know Braden can take his protectiveness to a whole new level, but Jesus, this is completely out of line and I won't make him do that stupid decision because of a simple misunderstanding.

He chews and swallows, his Adam's apple distracting me momentarily as it bobs up and down. I take another big sip of the water.

''So what if I did?'' Braden challenges me.

I stare at him across the table, my eyes narrowing on him. ''I swear, Braden, I won't forgive you if you did ...'' I threaten him weakly, knowing that my threats probably don't mean shit to someone like him.

He sighs, rubbing his eyebrow – a sign that he's getting frustrated. ''No, I did not fire her.'' My body sags in relief. ''But I did give her a last warning, though.''

I smile at him, closing my palm over his hand affectionately. ''Thank you, Braden.''

He shakes his head with a small smile, his eyes telling me silently that there's not much he wouldn't do for me. I hold that trust with all that I have, clinging to it – to his love, never wanting to drop it.

''Tell me about your day,'' he tells me then, starting to eat again.

***

Braden insists on taking me to his suite, telling me we'll have more privacy there and that he likes me having there. He didn't have to do much conviction. I liked his suite, too.

So I packed a small bag to take with me and there we went, our mood in high spirits. After that dreadful conversation that we had that put us both in a bad mood, the other part of dinner went amazingly well. We had a great time, talking with each other and laughing a lot.

My cheeks literally hurt from smiling so big, but being around Braden makes me want to giggle all the time anyways. He's a great company and, even though we have our downs, the ups always make up for them.

I'm leaning my head on Braden's shoulder, our hands are intertwined together as his driver drives us through the dark streets, illuminated by only street lights. I don't know why, but I like driving in the dark. It's something magical, seeing all those car lights in the dark and everything's just more beautiful in the dark.

When I went back into the flat before, Brooke was absently flipping through the TV channels, not really focusing on anything. She was in a strange mood ever since she found out that Damien, our neighbour and her somewhat-ex-lover was back from wherever he disappeared to.

Seeing her in that way, sitting on the couch, hugging her knees with her hands, her head resting on them, made me question to go with Braden to his suite. I wanted to stay with Brooke, but she shooed me out, reassuring me that Aaron's probably going to stop by. She also said if she has to hear us having sex one more night, she's going to sleep outside.

So I went, leaving her with a heavy heart. I know she has a lot of thinking to do. She has to clear her mind and accept some things and deal with them on her own. I doubt anyone can help her with that because only she can set her mind straight. I know I'm going to support her no matter what decision she makes.

I sigh, rubbing softly at my eyes, careful not to smear my mascara. Braden hugs me closer to him, his warmth embracing me.

He kisses my temple just as his phone goes off, startling me a bit from the comfortable silence. Braden groans at the interruption, pulling his phone out. ''Moss,'' he greets coldly and I instantly know the phone call is connected to the business. ''That's correct. Heathway sent me those numbers before, along with all the documentation. I have it on my mail.''

He continues talking about the business I have literally no idea of and I don't try to even understand him. My eyes slowly start closing and before I realise it, I'm dozing off, nuzzling into Braden's warmth and comfort.

***

The next thing I'm conscious about is the cold air hitting my body. I moan and nuzzle tighter to the warmth that's surrounded around me. I inhale deeply, recognising that familiar muscular smell with that all too known cologne. I blink a few times, trying to keep my eyes open, but I give up and just close them, giving in to the comfort that Braden's body brings me.

I'm aware he's walking and when he steps into the building, the warm air hits me and heats my body. When he carries me into the elevator, I blink my eyes open and stare up at his handsome face.

When he notices I'm awake, he looks down, flashing me his perfectly white, straight teeth. ''Hey,'' he breathes softly.

I smile back at him, although my smile is small. I can't stop staring at his handsome features. I put my hands on his cheek. ''You're really handsome,'' I blurt out. My head is too sleep-filled to think through my words.

Braden's chest vibrates as he chuckles. ''And you're gorgeous,'' he says back, his eyes staring warmly down at me.

I feel my cheeks flush. I stir in his tight hold. ''You can put me down now,'' I tell him. I must be heavy and I don't want him to carry me all the way up to his suite.

But his hold on me tightens and he brings me even closer to his body. ''I like it just the way you are.''

I don't argue further. I like where I am, too, so I won't make any complaints about it. Instead, I rest my head back on his shoulder and enjoy the closeness between us.

When the elevator door opens, we instantly come into the living space of his suite. When Braden carries me up the stairs into the bedroom I catch a glimpse of the magnificent night view from the windows and I realise that in this moment, I couldn't ask for anything more.

''Are you tired?'' Braden murmurs, looking down at me.

I'm actually perfectly awake now. I give him a secretive smile. ''What do you have in mind?''

He grins naughtily and carefully puts me down on the back. Then, he stands back and I stay laying down, looking at him funnily. I see he has plans tonight. I lick my lip appreciatively and anxiously.

Braden unbuttons his suit jacket and puts his hands on his hips, the expensive material deliciously stretches over his muscular chest. ''Clothes off,'' he orders me in an even tone.

I roll a bit on my bed and stretch my hands up above my head. ''Why don't you come here and take them off yourself?''

Braden's eyebrow lifts. ''If you don't want your dress to lay ripped in shreds on the floor, I suggest you start undressing.''

I pout a little. It wouldn't be the first time he'd ruin my clothes, but I can't let him keep doing that. I like the dresses he bought me and they weren't that cheap that he can destroy them all.

I sit up and turn around on the bed. ''Help me with the zipper at least,'' I tell him because I won't be able to reach it.

Braden swaps my hair over my right shoulder and then slowly brings the zipper down, careful not to touch any naked skin of mine. It makes me frustrated that he's so close to me that I feel him standing behind my back along with the long breaths he's exhaling on my neck, making the hairs there stand up. But I realise all too quick that he wants to have complete control tonight.

And my body approves because the anticipation keeps growing inside of me and my throbbing pussy clenches in pure need for the man behind me.

When the dress is unzipped, he quietly steps back and it has me to turn around and push him down on the bed and straddle him. But with all the force that's left in me, I will myself to let him take control tonight and wait and see what he has prepared.

When I'm left in only lacy red lingerie and sky-high black heels, I hear Braden groan. I feel his gaze burning into my back. I go put the dress over the couch, not wanting to put it on the floor and parade back to Braden in only panties and bra. I stand in front of him and step out of my panties, my eyes never leave his.

I unclasp the bra behind my back and release the straps down my shoulders, then let it fall down on the floor along with my panties. Braden sucks in a sharp breath.

His thumb traces the necklace I'm wearing – the one he gave me before we went on that trip to New York where he took me shopping.

My body feels the touch as if he would touch my skin, but he never does. My nipples tighten and by the small smile that forms on his lips I know he notices.

''As much as I want you wearing this and nothing else, I'm afraid you'll have to take it off. I don't want you to get hurt by any accident.''

My eyebrows jump up. Get hurt? By accident? Jesus, what is he going to do to me?

He makes a circle with his index finger, showing me that he wants me to turn around. I do as he says, trying to brush against him as I do, but he's quick to move and I'm disappointed yet again. Braden releases the clasp of my necklace and takes it in his palm.

''Go back on the bed and lay down on your back,'' he orders me.

I oblige, clamping my mouth shut. I have that strong urge to argue and to tell him to stick his orders in his ass, but I like when he takes the control in the bedroom because it always ends up with a spectacular sex and amazing orgasms. I'll let the objections and the fight for outside the bedroom.

I lay down on my back and wait for his next orders. He just stands by the bed, still wholly dressed and stares at me with deep, lustful eyes. I see the line of his cock through his pants, see how much he wants me, but he's restraining himself.

''Wait for me and don't move. I'll be right back,'' he says with a dark voice that shows he's affected by my nakedness. He goes out of the room and I panic a bit because he leaves me completely naked and vulnerable in the middle of the bed. What is he going to do?

It seems like I'm holding my breath until he comes back, because when I see him come through the door frame, I release a deep breath and relax again. I notice he's holding two boxes.

He puts them down on the bed next to my body and stands back to his previous position. He nods his head to the boxes. ''Open them,'' his voice is court and controlled yet again. With one last glance at him, I first pick one box and carefully open it. My mouth falls open slightly at the content laying in there.

I lift my eyes to Braden and see his head is tilted and he's watching me with careful expression. ''Braden, I –''

''Open the next one,'' he says.

With a deep breath, I pick the other box up and open it. I stare down at the content in the box, my thoughts taking many different directions.

''Do you trust me, Rory?'' Braden asks me suddenly, his voice gentle. I look at him and see some vulnerability in his expression. Is he nervous?

I nod without hesitation. ''Completely.''

He seems satisfied with my answer. ''Then trust me to give you nothing but pleasure. The last time we did it, you seemed to like it.''

I eye the boxes again. ''Is that what you want?'' I ask him.

Braden releases a breath through his teeth, putting his hands in his pockets. ''Not if you don't.''

His answer calms me down. I know he's not going to hurt me and the last time we did something like this, I really liked it.

I hold the boxes out to him and look him deep in the eyes. ''I want this,'' I say with reassurance. My heart is racing in my chest and the lust is growing inside of me. My body is ready to burst with only a single touch of his.

Braden searches my face, making sure that I'm completely okay with this. I make sure that my face shows nothing but the truth. I'm sure he can read the excitement in my eyes.

He nods and first takes the restraints out of one box. ''Go up on the bed,'' he says and goes on the side of the bed, leaning his leg on it.

I give him my hand and he wraps his big palm around it, clasping the restraint around my wrist. Then he takes my wrist up to the column on the bed, takes the other end around it and takes my other wrist in his hand, clasping the restraint around it, restraining me on the bed.

He checks that the restraints aren't too tight on my wrists and