Resist

  Resist

  by Lilly Avalon

  Copyright 2014 Jessica Sankiewicz

  All Rights Reserved

  This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an addition copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please go to Amazon and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  Cover design by Marie Landry

  Edited by Stephanie Parent

  Also by Lilly Avalon

  Here All Along

  Resist

  Allegra Maxwell is sick of the monotony of life. It’s all work and no play, and right now she wants to play. She shows up at her company’s yearly meeting with one goal in mind: have a one-night stand with a stranger. What she doesn’t count on is Devlin Pierce walking through the door.

  When Allegra first met Devlin, she knew he would be nothing but trouble. After he proved her theory true last year, she made a vow to avoid him at all costs. He’s the last person she wants to see, and he knows it. He refuses to leave her alone though. As much as she tries to fight it, the pull he has on her is undeniable. Her ability to resist him proves impossible when Devlin makes her an offer she can’t refuse.

  One night. That’s all he asks. That’s all she wants. Or is it?

  Table of Contents

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Acknowledgements

  About the Author

  Excerpt from Here All Along

  Dedication

  To the real embodiment of the fictional Devlin Pierce, wherever he is. May we meet somewhere other than just my dreams someday, okay?

  Chapter One

  This is a mistake.

  Not pairing the silver stilettos with my brand new blue dress—no, that was genius. The mistake is coming here tonight when I should have stayed in my hotel room. It’s not like I couldn’t come up with a believable excuse. I’m relatively good under pressure. Not to mention the fact that lounging in nothing but a robe and watching from my window as the sun sets behind the Manhattan skyline sounded exceptionally better.

  Why am I here, then? I’m on a mission.

  The lobby in the Quartz Hotel is exquisite. Red velvet-cushioned chairs and golden framed early 1900s-style artwork line the walls. You feel like you’ve traveled back in time, expecting to find a mink stole draped over your shoulder when you peer into one of the vintage mirrors. This whole place is much fancier than I usually am. Tonight, however…

  Stepping off the elevator into the lobby should bring a smile to my face. Instead, I’m sighing as the doors close behind me and the nerves creep in. There’s still time to push the button and get the hell out of here.

  “Allegra!”

  Well, there goes that option.

  When I turn, an older gentleman is walking in my direction. “Mr. Morris!” I say as I shake his hand, flashing him a huge grin. “It’s so great to see you again.” Mr. Morris, or Walter as his close friends know him, is the founder of the company I work for, Morris Enterprises. His goal upon finishing college was to start his own business. After a few failed ventures with fellow businessmen, he finally started Morris Enterprises. We dabble in various types of online businesses, including a website that sells quality office supplies. Twenty years later, the company is still running strong, largely thanks to his determination.

  When Mr. Morris smiles, his forehead wrinkles, giving away his age. “Oh, Allegra Maxwell, it’s always a pleasure to see you. How’s Jack been treating you?”

  “Very well.”

  “Wonderful. You look great, by the way.” He gestures to my dress.

  I glance down, and then back up at him. “Oh, thank you. So do you. So spiffy.” I touch his arm lightly. “Tell me, how’s your wife? Is she here? I’d love to say hello.”

  He shakes his head. “Unfortunately, Beverly had to stay home tonight. She’s been feeling a little under the weather lately with the temperature changes.”

  Lucky bitch, I think. I give him a disappointed frown. “Oh, that’s too bad. Please send her my love.”

  “I will definitely do that, Allegra. You enjoy yourself tonight and try not to get into too much trouble.” He gives me a wink as he shakes my hand one more time before he walks away.

  Now that Mr. Morris has seen me, there’s no escaping. Get ready for two hours of forced smiles and sucking up to bosses and executives. The annual company dinner may have the most delectable dishes and desserts, but it’s boring as hell. The only thing that saves it is the men who show up. At least half of them are good-looking, handsome, and, dare I say it, sexy. Which brings me back to my mission and why I chose tonight to carry it out.

  When I hit my mid-twenties last month, it felt like hitting rock bottom. I spent four years climbing to the top of this company straight out of college. I may have achieved success and a strong foundation for the future complete with a full benefits package, but there’s not much to show for it, aside from a padded bank account. Yet, after all that overtime, what’s the point of money when you have nobody to spend time with?

  It’s been years since I had a boyfriend. In fact, my last serious boyfriend was in college, and that’s just depressing. I want nothing more than to settle down and have a steady relationship again. However, my job makes that nearly impossible, and the last time I had a relationship… Let’s just say it didn’t go as expected. Since I can’t get serious with anyone, I’ve settled on the next best thing: a one-night stand with a complete stranger.

  Don’t get me wrong, I would love to find “The One”. Every girl wants to find him. Since I haven’t found any suitable contenders for the position, I might as well have some fun while I’m still young. And let’s face it, I have needs—needs that haven’t been taken care of in a year.

  A whole year.

  Screw finding The One. I just need one night. That’s all I ask, at least for now. A palate cleanser, if you will. I need to feel that desire—the longing—that comes with a roll in the hay. I haven’t felt it in a while, and I’m overdue for it. Long overdue. A girl can only take care of herself for so long until she needs someone who has the equipment for the job.

  Before I have to go suffer through the dinner, I find a spot off to the side but in full view of anyone walking into our private dining room. I take my phone discreetly out of my clutch and speed-dial my best friend, Sonya. The first thing she says is, “Why are you calling me? Aren’t you on a mission?”

  “That’s why I called. I need moral support.”

  “There’s nothing moral about what you’re about to do.”

  I accidentally let out half a snort, then bite my lip to keep from cracking up entirely. “Stop it, Miss Wallace. Don’t make me laugh. If Jack catches me on the phone, I have to look like I’m on an important call.”

  “Yeah, I don’t think our boss would be too pleased to know you’re scouting for bedroom talent. Speaking of which, how are the prospects?”

  “Haven’t really spotted many yet. I just got down here, though.” A couple younger men walk out of the elevator toward the dining room. “There we go.”

  “Score.”

  They’re both probably in their early twenties. The taller of the two has caramel-blond wavy hair, the kind long enough to run your fingers t
hrough. The other has darker, shorter hair, and a chiseled jaw. They glance in my direction and I give them a flirtatious smile. I can tell by the look in their eyes that I’ve already hooked them. I’m extremely thankful for this dress. It has the perfect balance of elegant and sexy with enough professionalism to get away with it. I’m also appreciative of the subtle highlights I had my colorist put in my hair, which I spent the last hour curling in between putting on my makeup. “Just a matter of time before I reel one in.”

  “Ew.” She’s pretending to be disgusted, but I know better. Sonya and I may not go way back, but we’ve bonded since I started working at Morris Enterprises. We’re incapable of hiding what we really think from each other.

  I sigh. “I know what you’re going to say.” Ever since she got engaged, Sonya’s been having a rough time trying to fulfill the wing-woman role in our friendship. It’s not that she doesn’t care, she’s just been too focused on the wedding and the idea of finally being married. But she is interested in helping me find happiness. She wishes it were with someone special instead of this convoluted plan, though.

  “I know you know, that’s why I’m not going to say anything.”

  “Thank you. But I still hate you right about now.”

  “Why? Because I’m happy with Rodney?”

  “Yes.”

  “That’s no reason to hate someone.” She sighs, and I can picture her rolling her eyes. “Look, just have one final fling tonight so that you can come home happy. Then we’ll start our search for The One for you.”

  I want to be hopeful of the elusive One but I can’t stop being cynical. “Good luck finding a guy that isn’t a complete waste of a man.”

  “I don’t even know how to respond to that.”

  Another younger man comes out of the elevator and stops to talk to Mr. Morris. “Well, hello there.”

  “Ooh, another one? What does he look like?”

  “Something tall, dark, and handsome.” I press my lips together to hold back the laugh.

  “Something? Don’t you mean someone?”

  “Probably.”

  “In all seriousness, though…what does he look like? Face, eyes…”

  “Well, unfortunately I can’t get a good look at him.”

  “Why not?”

  “He’s facing the other way.” Squinting my eyes, I try to see if I can make out the details of the handsome something. He’s wearing a very expensive suit by the looks of it, navy pinstripe over white button down. He obviously works out based on how perfectly tailored it is. I mean, that ass… Yowza. That’s all I can see from this angle though. Come on, show me your face. I need something to boost my spirits.

  He finally finishes his conversation with Mr. Morris, and starts walking toward the dining hall. After a few steps, the light hits his face just right so I can make out his features. He seems familiar, very familiar. That’s when I gasp. I recognize the well-defined face. The dark brown hair. The smoldering dark emerald eyes.

  “Anything?” Sonya says.

  “Holy shit,” I breathe, nearly dropping my phone. This can’t be happening.

  “That good, huh?”

  I can barely speak, but not for the reason she’s thinking. I’m flabbergasted. Floored, even. He looks familiar because I have seen him before—right at this very place—almost exactly a year ago. My heart races and breaks all at once when the memory returns. I thought I had buried it back then.

  “Allegra? Are you still there?”

  Somehow, I discover my voice again. “I’m gonna have to call you back.” I hang up on her before she can respond. I’m not sure what to do with myself. I’m not sure of anything at this moment.

  Because the man who stepped off that elevator is Devlin Pierce, and his eyes have landed on mine.

  Chapter Two

  “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I say under my breath.

  If it had been a year ago that I was standing here, it would be impossible not to admit my interest. Not just impossible—absolutely inconceivable. He still looks irresistibly handsome with those full lips and the allure in his eyes. Also, the way he carries himself, his commanding presence, hasn’t changed. The only thing that’s different is that he’s clean-shaven, unlike that hard-to-keep-your-fingers-off stubble from last year.

  But it isn’t last year.

  How could I forget that Devlin Pierce would be here? Have I gone temporarily insane to the point where I can’t remember such important details? He is Jack’s nephew, for crying out loud. Of course he would be here again. And, of course, he would be heading right for me.

  He approaches me, sizing me up from head to toe. I leave my expression blank, not because I want to keep my thoughts as a mystery, but because I have no idea where my mind is. All I know is that I’m in the same building as him and he’s about to get under my skin, and not in the good way.

  He reaches me quickly, barely allowing me a moment of recovery from my panic. There’s a smug joy in his eyes as they connect with mine. “Ah Allegra, we meet again at last.”

  His voice is like fire, coursing through me, stirring up the desire I initially felt for him. The desire quickly fades into a painful burn and I flinch inwardly. Looking around, I furrow my brows. “Wait a second. Where am I? Because I could’ve sworn the last time I saw you, I told you to go to hell.”

  He frowns. “Come on, Allegra. You can’t still be mad at me.” I’d believe he is truly upset if it weren’t for the puppy dog eyes he’s giving me.

  “You expect me to just let it go like that?” I snap my fingers.

  He shakes his head. “That’s not it at all. It’s been a year and you never even gave me a chance to explain myself.” He takes one step closer to me, his eyes pleading.

  He wants to talk, but I’m not in the mood. I hold up a hand. “I don’t want to hear your ‘explanation,’ Devlin.”

  He pushes down my hand, reaching out to take a lock of my hair between his fingers. “I really wish you would,” he murmurs.

  The scent of his cologne begins to seep in, dulling the rest of my senses. You know, the kind of cologne the government should make illegal because it short-circuits your brain. It’s like a great panty dropper, overpowering your sense of decency. That, along with the intimacy of his move, stirs up those long lost feelings of the brief moment we shared last year. It takes me a few seconds to register what he’s doing. I smack his hand away with my arm. “Don’t hold your breath.”

  He sighs heavily as he steps back. “Look, I have no expectations. It would just be nice to have some level of respect as colleagues. Or, at the very least, you could be cordial.”

  I cross my arms over my chest. “This is me being cordial.” If only he knew how nice I’m being at this moment.

  He seems to realize this, but it doesn’t appear to faze him. He cocks his head, saying, “I doubt that.” He looks toward the dining room. “Have you seen Jack?” he asks, apparently giving up on changing my mind.

  “No, I haven’t.” I allow myself to breathe in his heavenly scent as casually as I can without his notice. It really irks me how much I love the way he smells.

  “Well, I suppose I ought to find him. It really is nice to see you again, Allegra.” He nods to me, and then walks away.

  “I wish I could say the same,” I call after him. He glances back at me, smiling. He’s smiling at my remark. What the hell is his problem?

  According to the old-fashioned clock on the wall next to me, dinner will be starting in only a few minutes. I knew this was a bad idea. I wish I had stayed in my hotel room after all. I want nothing more than to get out of here, but several people have already seen me. I can’t leave now; I need to suck it up and stay for dinner. It’s possible Devlin may have ruined the chances of me taking some random hottie to bed, so I deserve a free meal out of the night at least.

  I sigh loudly. This dinner better not last too long.

  After about a minute of deep breathing, I reluctantly saunter toward the dining hall, head held high
. It doesn’t take long for Jack to spot me. His shoulders relax and he hurries over. “There you are,” he says as he locks my elbow with his. “I was beginning to worry.”

  I touch a hand to my heart. “Worry about me? I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

  He gives me a serious look. “You better not. Mr. Morris likes you and our branch could do well to expand a little bit.”

  I ask, “He does?” Jack nods. Huh. Guess all that sucking up pays off after all.

  He drags me over to our table. I can already smell the aroma of our upcoming dishes for the night. They probably hired the same catering company as last year. Maybe this won’t be so bad, I think. Good meal, fine wine, delectable dessert… That’s when Devlin comes over to my table and that theory is dashed to pieces. Why would I think I could escape Devlin when I’m sitting with Jack?

  Jack gestures toward Devlin and says to me, “You remember my nephew, don’t you, Allegra?”

  Do I remember him? Yes, I do. Do I want to remember him? That’s another story. I give Devlin a sweet smile and shake his hand. “Of course I remember. How could I ever forget that night?”

  Devlin raises an eyebrow, but smiles back. “I don’t think I could forget it either. Your hair looks very lovely tonight, Allegra.” The smug look reappears as he holds out my chair for me.

  An overwhelming urge to smack him comes over me, but I keep my cool as I sit down. “Thank you, Devlin. You’re such a gentleman.” Thankfully, my sarcasm doesn’t come through too much in my voice.

  “You have no idea,” he says as he takes a seat across the table from me. He tilts his head, and it feels like he’s challenging me. To what, I’m not sure. I do know one thing, though.

  This is going to be a long night.

  Chapter Three

  Dinner lasts about an hour with all the courses—starting with an almond chicken salad, then fettuccine Alfredo, ending with a silky chocolate truffle cheesecake. The cheesecake is to die for. Unfortunately, I’m unable to enjoy it thanks to Devlin. He isn’t directly bothering me; he’s been talking to Jack and the other associates at our table. It’s just his presence that annoys me.