Taming Todd (Maple Hart) Read online

  Marco looked thoughtful.

  “They were coming home from a party. A friend of theirs got engaged. It was winter. The roads were all covered in ice. Both my dad and mom forgot to put their seatbelts on. They collided with another vehicle. I’m told if they had their seatbelts, they would’ve survived the accident.”

  “Oh Marco, that’s awful.”

  I wanted to kick myself.

  I was never good at comforting someone. Still, Marco shared that piece of himself with me. We were making some progress.

  For a second, Marco helped me forget about my problems. I wondered if he told me about his parents just to distract me from Randy’s latest gifts.

  Was it arrogant of me to think that?

  “You’ve been working late. Is it always like this?” He asked.

  I was glad for the abrupt change in topic.

  I shook my head.

  “Not always. We’re a little behind schedule but once we catch up, filming will be less intense. After this season is done, I get to enjoy some downtime. I don’t mind working late nights. Usually, anyway.”

  Long hours meant I didn’t need to think about my lacklustre love life.

  I was focusing on my career and had no time to date. That was what I always told Aaron and the rest of my family.

  After seeing several of my cousins finding their mates and settling down, I secretly began yearning for more.

  My career wasn’t enough.

  “Usually?” He prodded.

  Marco picked that up, huh?

  I wasn’t surprised. Marco was sharp and perceptive.

  The first time we met, I was a little apprehensive Marco would write me off as an alcoholic but he figured out I was drinking more thanks to my stalker.

  By now, he probably had a clearer picture of me in his head.

  “I’m freaked out, okay?”

  My frustration sometimes got the better of me. I took deep breaths.

  What was wrong with me?

  I shouldn’t be rattled this much. I was in one piece. Randy just sent me more gifts. That was all.

  “He’s gotten more dangerous. He probably knows you hired a bodyguard,” Marco said.

  “What does that mean?” I demanded.

  Marco shook his head. “You’re tired. Get a good night’s rest and we’ll talk about this more tomorrow morning.”

  “No. Marco, let’s talk about this now. Please.”

  I added the last word, hoping he could hear the desperate plea in my voice.

  “The press doesn’t know you’ve hired a bodyguard and you’re a private person. You’re too busy working to go out to parties or events. Your stalker probably knows someone who works at the studio or he works at the studio.” Marco explained.

  Goosebumps appeared across the length of my arms at those words. I had a sneaking suspicion Randy had somehow found out about Marco but it never occurred to me that Randy could be someone I worked with.

  I just assumed he was a fan who lived far far away from me.

  “Hey, this is all speculation for now. I’ve been looking at everyone you work with. I’ll start interviewing some of them discreetly.” Marco paused and continued, “Todd, I’ve promised you this before, but you need to hear it again. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

  I let out a breath. Marco’s words felt like the blanket of comfort I needed at that moment.

  Unlike me who was in panic mode, Marco was calm and rational. He’d done this plenty of times before. Marco was a professional and I was in good hands.

  This Alpha would keep his promise to me.

  Marco stopped the car and I realized we were finally at my apartment building.

  I shivered, staring out the windows but I didn’t want to get out immediately. Some coward I am.

  “Todd?” Marco asked.

  I said nothing for a few moments.

  How could I tell him that I didn’t want him gone? That I wanted him to stay the night because seeing those maggots and rotting roses petrified me on a whole other level?

  4

  Marco

  I had a feeling Todd was trying to tell me something important. I was just too dense to see it.

  My mind kept replaying that moment in the dressing room over and over again. It wasn’t just Todd’s assistant Gary who had access to his dressing room.

  Make-up artists, members of the production team, and other staff members came and went as they pleased.

  It wasn’t going to be easy narrowing down Todd’s stalker but angry people had a tendency to make mistakes.

  Todd’s stalker had a change of heart after seeing me with Todd. Randy was bound to slip up sooner or later. This scenario also had its drawbacks.

  Desperate and pissed-off people acted in unpredictable ways.

  Who knew what this stalker was capable of?

  Todd still hadn’t budged or unfastened his seat belt.

  “Todd? Whatever it is, spit it out,” I said.

  I had no intention of driving away after sending him home. After seeing the disturbing gifts Todd’s stalker left behind, I intended to stay the night in my car.

  This way, I could watch the street for any suspicious characters.

  I could demand Todd let me inside his apartment. I could keep an eye on him better that way but I wasn’t sure if that was the right decision.

  Three days.

  I’d only been working for Todd for 72-hours and yet I had trouble controlling myself around him.

  Oh, I made sure he wouldn’t notice.

  Todd didn’t need to know that over the past few nights, I went to sleep with my fingers over my dick. Todd starred in all my erotic fantasies.

  Todd finally took a deep breath and looked at me. Todd was an actor but at that moment, he couldn’t quite contain his emotions.

  He seemed apprehensive, worried.

  “Can you stay the night? It would give me peace of mind if you’re close by. I know it's not under your contract but it’ll just be tonight. I promise,” Todd said.

  I gripped the steering wheel and took a deep breath. I was about to refuse. It was for Todd’s safety.

  When it came to him, all the bets were off. I didn’t act like my normal self, but something on his face gave me pause.

  I’ve watched Todd often enough to know that when he interacted with his co-workers and the other staff in the studio, he always seemed sure of himself.

  Todd wore confidence, cockiness, and mischief like his outer armor. Right now, however, my Omega looked fragile and vulnerable, just like he did in that diner the first time we met.

  “Okay,” I said.

  “Really?” Todd looked relieved. “I have a spare toothbrush, extra towels. Anything you need.”

  We exited the car and entered the apartment building. It wasn’t my first time here. Two days ago, I checked his security system and convinced him to get a better one.

  However, I never really had the chance to study the space.

  Todd flicked on the switch, illuminating the enormous apartment. It was twice, maybe three times the size of mine.

  Todd had poured his heart and soul into making this place his home. I could see his personality shining in the bright mosaic artworks hanging on the walls.

  There were plenty of framed photos of his family as well. Clark and Todd came from a huge family and it showed through the smiling photos.

  I was an only child. Ever since my parents died, I moved from one foster home to the next. My foster parents did their best but they didn’t know how to handle a grieving and angry Alpha.

  I always felt alone. Clark was like the brother I never had.

  How would it feel like, growing up in a big family?

  I thought back to our conversation in the car. I’ve never told anyone about my parents, not even Clark.

  He knew the vague details but never once pressed me for information. I didn’t know what it was about Todd, but I felt comfortable around him.

  I knew he was my client and it was m
y number one priority to keep him safe.

  Somedays, I felt we could be more. Friends or something more than friends?

  “Thank you for agreeing to this. When you refused my invitation for coffee twice, I started to wonder if you secretly hated me or something.” Todd joked.

  He did that often, I realized.

  Todd used humor to diffuse tension in the room. It was one of his gifts. I recalled how he easily calmed two pissed-off actors yesterday.

  Both were Alphas and it was clear both had one too many drinks. Todd had gotten between them before I could stop him. He managed to calm both Alphas down with a wink and smile.

  Honestly, the attention Todd was giving them made me a little jealous. There was no reason for it, I knew. I was nothing to Todd, just his bodyguard.

  Yet, a large part of me yearned to be more. It would be easy to get past Todd’s defenses when he was at his most vulnerable but that would make me a grade-A dick.

  “I could never hate you,” I told Todd. I didn’t want any misunderstandings to occur between us. “I knew if I accepted, I might cross a line.”

  Todd knew what I was talking about. “What if I said I don’t mind if you cross those boundaries?”

  Todd approached me. I stood still as a statue as Todd rested his palm against my left pectoral.

  My body burned like a furnace and my dick rubbed uncomfortably against the zipper of my jeans.

  If I tugged Todd close, he’d feel how hard I’ve gotten for him. He’d know the truth.

  Since I started working for Todd Bright, I couldn’t look at any other Omega but him.

  I closed my hand over his wrist. Todd’s breathing turned harsh as he looked into my eyes.

  “This is a bad idea,” I told him.

  If Todd was hurt by my remark, he didn’t show it.

  “Why?” He demanded. “You have the hots for me. I feel the same way.”

  I could dash all his hopes away and tell Todd he was wrong, that he had a wild imagination. Hurting Todd, however, was the last thing on my mind.

  I couldn’t lie to him either. He deserved the truth.

  “I have a hard time being professional when we’re in close quarters,” I admitted. “I have a rule. I never get romantically involved with a client.”

  Todd pouted at me. Fuck but the sight of the adorable Omega trying to get his way was a huge turn-on.

  Taming Todd was going to be a hell of a challenge but I was looking forward to it.

  “Screw the rules,” Todd whispered.

  He wrenched his hand from mine, only to grip my shoulders. Todd rose on tip-toe and stole a kiss from me.

  Too shocked for words, at Todd’s audacity, I gripped the back of his neck and pulled him close. His sexy body felt like a perfect fit against mine. He was so eager and hungry.

  So was I.

  I knew once we started down this road there was no turning back. I’ve worked in security for almost a decade but never once I broke the rule I set for myself.

  I kissed him back. I wanted, no needed to take control.

  I yearned to dominate him, to push him on his hands and knees, and rut him like an uncontrolled beast.

  My sassy Omega would cave, would submit perfectly to me.

  I ran my tongue over his bottom lip and slipped it down his throat. Todd’s pupils dilated.

  I slipped my hands under his shirt, touching bare and heated skin. I moved my hands down his waist, and past the waistband of his jeans to cup his tight ass.

  I’ve often admired the shape of his ass in the skinny jeans he seemed to favor.

  I imagined it was me slipping his bottoms down his legs and exposing his thickening cock, his balls, and pink asshole.

  Todd could be mine if I wanted. Todd was practically offering himself to me on a platter. His body was a feast I’d take my time enjoying.

  This is wrong, a voice inside me said.

  Todd just had a hell of a night. A potent combination of fear, desperation, and loneliness triggered Todd to push himself on me.

  I couldn’t take advantage of him. Our first time shouldn’t be like this. As hard as it was, I pulled my mouth away from his.

  “Don’t stop,” Todd said with a moan.

  He rubbed his body against mine. I groaned, gripping his shoulders. I placed some distance between us, even though it was the hardest thing to do.

  Todd looked confused, and a little annoyed.

  “It can’t happen like this,” I told him. “Now go take a hot bath and get to bed. You have a long day ahead of you tomorrow.”

  Todd silently fumed at me. He fisted his hands by his sides. Then he spun on his heel and stormed away. I heard the slam of the bathroom door later on.

  I couldn’t relax. I felt edgy, unsatisfied as Todd was. I checked his security system, his doors, and windows.

  Certain we were safe and nothing and no one was coming in without alerting me, I allowed myself to slump on the sofa.

  Todd was sure taking his sweet time but that was fine. I made us both miserable by choosing to back away.

  By now, I could’ve gotten Todd out of his clothes. I pictured Todd kneeling in front of, his pink lips wrapped around my cock.

  I groaned.

  I sure as hell regretted my decision now.

  5

  Todd

  What the hell just happened?

  I didn’t understand Marco one bit. One moment, things were getting all hot and heavy between us, then he suddenly turned frosty.

  I peeled off my clothes and entered the shower. I didn’t turn the heater on. The blast of icy liquid didn’t wilt my erection one bit.

  “You know it was the right thing to do,” I whispered to myself.

  Marco told me outright he didn’t get involved with his clients.

  On the plus side, at least I confirmed he wanted me as much as I desired him. I curled my fingers over my tormented shaft and began to work myself.

  I moved my hand up and down my shaft. In my mind’s eye, I saw Marco ripping off all my clothes with animal fury. He would throw me down on the sofa and climb on top of me.

  He’d pin my arms above my head, restraining me while I furiously tried to rub my dick against his like some horny uncontrolled Omega in heat.

  God.

  Just imagining Marco sliding his huge dick inside my ass made me hot all over.

  Would he fit inside me? Would he knot me?

  Alphas only did that with their special Omegas. Being Marco’s fated mate might explain how I’d fallen head over heels for an Alpha I’ve only known for a few days.

  I barely felt the water running down my body. With a groan, I squeezed my prick. That did the trick.

  I came, painting the tiled walls with my seed. I rested my forehead against the walls, feeling spent.

  I might’ve orgasmed, but I still felt empty. I wanted the real thing.

  I couldn’t stay mad at Marco. The Alpha was only doing his job, the job I hired him for. Clark was going to kill me if he knew I had the hots for my bodyguard.

  I was distracting Marco when he was laser-focused on his task. I ought to be ashamed of myself but I wasn’t.

  I finished showering. I put on a pair of clean boxers and an old white shirt.

  It was time to face the music.

  The adult thing to do was apologize to Marco for my earlier actions. I was the one who kissed him after all but he also kissed me back.

  I shivered, recalling how big and warm his hand felt on the back of my neck. It almost felt like he wanted to hold me in place, to prevent me from escaping.

  Infuriating Alpha.

  Didn’t Marco know I could date anyone I wanted?

  Is that the truth? Asked a cynical voice in my head.

  I exited the bathroom only for the smell of garlic to hit my nose. My stomach rumbled, reminding me I’ve only eaten a ham sandwich the entire day.

  I was famished.

  I could eat a damn horse.

  Was it possible Marco cooked for me?


  I never pictured the big and dangerous Alpha as someone who knew his way around the kitchen. Then again, I had no right to make assumptions about anyone.

  I found Marco in my kitchen. Marco set two plates of steaming pasta on the counter.

  “What smells so good?” I asked, already salivating at the prospect of tasting real food.

  “Cream prawn pasta,” he said, handing me a fork. “I hope you don’t mind. I rummaged through your fridge for ingredients.”

  Licking my lips in anticipation, I took a seat at the counter. My stomach let out another embarrassing rumble.

  If the Alpha heard it, he didn’t make a comment. Marco sat in front of me. This almost felt like a date but it was probably more of an apologetic dinner.

  “This is sweet,” I told him. “Thanks for cooking. Now don’t mind me. I’m going to devour this in less than five minutes.”

  I shoveled a huge chunk of pasta into my mouth. Rich flavors exploded on my tongue.

  Huh. Who knew Marco could actually cook?

  I moaned, letting him hear the pleasure in my voice. Marco paused from eating to stare at me. His gaze was intense. Hungry.

  I didn’t how he found me desirable at that moment, because I finished off my entire plate like a starved savage.

  “Do you want more?” He asked with a raise of his eyebrows.

  I shook my head, suddenly embarrassed. Marco pushed his plate towards me.

  Wait a second.

  Me, shy?

  I twirled my fork into his pasta and took a bite. I then picked off all the prawns on his plate, making him scowl.

  “Prawn thief,” he grumbled.

  Did I imagine the fondness in his voice?

  I pushed his plate back at him, so I wouldn’t appear too greedy. Marco took quick bites. After he finished his meal, he reached for my plate. I batted his hand away.

  “I’ll wash up. You already did the cooking,” I said.

  I snatched his plate, aware the Alpha followed me to the sink.

  “No one’s going to make a move on me in my kitchen,” I said in a light voice.

  I might sound calm and even a little flirty on the outside but inside? I was a mess.

  My heart hammered. My skin felt flushed as I scrubbed the dishes.