He sat in the large leather chair next to his fireplace. He loved this room and it was where he spent the majority of his time when he wasn't holed up in his office. Most of the rooms went unused. The only time they were entered, was when his housekeeper and cook Wanda Miller cleaned. He only used her culinary expertise when he entertained, but he paid her well to be at his beck and call.

He'd purchased this house the same day he bought the building for his company. He'd gotten both at a fraction of their true value. Working long hours with the top designers and architects had restored the mansion and office complex to their original beauty. Buffalo had proven to be the opportune city to settle down in and offered him almost everything he wanted at a much reduced price. He loved the city and had spent hours visiting the art galleries and museums, but most of all Niagara Falls. Connor loved the theater district and they'd spent many enjoyable nights having dinner and seeing the latest plays.

He inhaled sharply at the memory of Connor and him returning here after a night on the town, tearing one another's clothes off as they rushed to his bedroom, where they'd made love for hours. He'd loved the lingerie Connor wore and how she'd seductively run her hands up her stocking-clad legs, teasing and tantalizing him with her bedroom eyes and sultry voice. He'd nuzzled her neck, loving the light scent of her perfume as he'd tied her wrists to the bedposts. With her lying there spread eagle, innocent and trusting, he'd become the master of her body and he'd come alive with the power he'd lorded over her.

He'd loved her body and took his time licking every inch of her, teasing her as the wet juices from her cunt left tiny droplets on his silk sheets. She'd become almost delirious with desire, pleading with him to fuck her...and fuck her he did.

He grew hard as he remembered how wonderful it felt ramming his rock-hard cock into her hot pussy as she screamed for more. His forehead creased. But Connor had ruined everything. Why couldn't she have just enjoyed being a woman who had all the comforts she could ever want and a man who knew how to fuck her the way a woman should be fucked? But no, she had to have a career. When he'd voiced his opposition, she'd become angry.

His jaw twitched. Some day she'd be sorry for walking out on him. Now he had a new conquest and once Connor found out, she'd beg him to come back to her. In the meantime, he'd enjoy everything Sage Ralston had to offer. She was putting up a good fight, but she'd be worth it in the end. He licked his lips. Soon she'd be his. Her defenses would come tumbling down and when they did, she'd succumb to him just as all the others had. He had to take his time with Sage, though. He knew that now. He'd moved too quickly and it had angered her into wanting to leave the company. But he wouldn't allow it to happen. He had to use a softer tactic with her.

He thoughtfully tapped his chin, then picked up the telephone.

* * * *

"Wow! Look what was just delivered." Heather carried a huge bouquet of roses to where Sage was standing at the small kitchen stove stirring a pot of stew.

Sage set down the spoon and turned to Heather.

"Those must've cost a fortune," exclaimed Debbie, there for dinner.

Sage smiled, her heart becoming lighter than it had in weeks. "They're beautiful!" Ryan did care! She tore open the attached card. Her heart sank as she read the message.

"Well?" Debbie asked. "What did Ryan say?"

"They're not from Ryan." Sage's voice was flat.

"Who?" Heather asked.

"My boss."

Debbie's eyebrows shot up. "Your boss? Why would your boss send you flowers?"