I’m home alone and an aching need burns in my core.
Thea: What do you want me to do?
Connor: Touch yourself. Slide those fingers over your tits and down between your legs.
My breath punches out of me as I follow his command, stroking over my pussy. Sinking my teeth in my lip, I hook a leg over the floral-print arm and slip my fingers beneath the bodysuit. I’m soaking them already, feeling so turned on.
Connor: You wet for me?
Typing one-handed is always hard, but I manage.
Thea: Yes.
Connor: Mm. Slide one inside. I’m going to suck your finger clean and taste you.
I tip my head back, eyes fluttering shut as I work my index finger in slowly. My hips rock as I push deeper and pull it out, swirling wetness over my throbbing clit. Turning my head to the side, I see a shadow filling Connor’s window. My breath hitches and my whole body pulses.
Instead of a text message, my phone vibrates and Connor’s name fills my screen with a FaceTime call. We never got that far before he revealed himself. The closest we came were the Boomerang clips and voice texts.
“Oh my god,” I whisper, fumbling with my phone. “Shit.”
I answer.
Connor’s face appears on my screen as the video connects. When he sees me sprawled in my chair he pushes out a breath. “Fuck, baby. Look at you. Eyes all bright and hungry.”
He puts a fist over his mouth, leaning against the window frame. He’s naked and hard—I can see his erection bobbing from the way he angles the camera. Those gray eyes flick away from the screen, toward my window, before coming back to sweep over me. Desire flares in his gaze, sending my stomach into a pleasant dip.
“I, um.” I’m trembling, certainmy blush spreads from head to toe. “Hi.”
“Hi, sunshine,” he rumbles. “You texted me.”
“I did,” I breathe.
“What do you want?”
“I—I want to come,” I choke out.
God, this is harder to do when it’s live and I have no time to think about what to say. But Connor grins.
“Prop the phone on the windowsill and turn your chair.” Swallowing, I get up to do it. “Good girl. Now, as cute as this peachy little number is, I want you to lose it. Bare yourself for me, baby.”
I squeak, holding my breasts as I lean close to the phone. “Naked?”
“I’ve seen you before, remember?” He drags his teeth over his lip. “Strip.”
Not moving right away, I put my hands on my hips. “I want to see you first. I…” The words clog my throat, but I push them out. “I want to watch you touch your cock.”
The heat in his gaze grows hot enough I can almost feel it blistering my skin through the phone and across the distance between our windows.
Connor smirks at the camera as he shifts back to fill the frame with his incredible body. The muscles in his forearm flex as he takes his hardness in hand and strokes it, watching me.
“This what you wanted to see? Proof of what you do to me?” He twists his hand and he grunts. “With your sexy body and the way you always challenge me. Mm. Now strip.”
Driven by the confidence and hot pleasure filling me at seeing how I turn him on, I peel out of the body suit, keeping my gaze locked on him through the video connection.
“That’s it,” Connor encourages with a deep rumble, working his hand faster. “Now you’re going to sit back in your chair. Hook your legs over the arms and show me how wet that pussy is.”
My heart stutters as I fall back in the chair. It takes me a second where I need to gather my wits. Connor moans as I absently play with my hard nipples.
“Want to break into your house and drive into you, shit.”
I laugh, a little delirious before we’ve even done much. “This feels a lot different. I know you’re watching me.”
“Hell yes, baby. I’m not taking my eyes off you. It’s just you and me. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” Connor croons. “Show me.”
With a shaking breath, I spread my legs, resting them over the arms of my chair. Connor goes still, staring at me with such intensity, it’s like I can feel him in the room with me. His eyes drink me in.
“Thea,” he whispers hoarsely.
The reverence in his tone gives me courage to let go. I coast my fingers down my stomach, over my mound, and stroke my slick folds. I tip my head back with a soft sigh.
“That’s it. God, I want to lick your pussy until you cry. But I won’t stop, I’ll keep going until I’ve made you come so much, you’re wrung out.”
My heart pounds and I shift my hips to roll against my fingers as I rub my clit. “Ah. Feels good.”
“Yeah. Keep going.”
I push a finger back inside and imagine it’s Connor fucking me on his long fingers. My brows pinch. I need more. “Please.”
“I’m right there with you, sunshine. You hear me? I’m kissing your neck and sucking on your nipples while I thrust my fingers in you.”
Gasping, I pinch a nipple and buck against my hand.
“God,” Connor bites out as his hand fists his cock. “See this?” Connor moves the phone so I can see how he’s leaking pre-come over his knuckles. “This is you, baby. So hard for you.”
A ripple of pleasure crests over my body and I cry out. Distantly, I’m aware of Connor cutting off a curse and groaning while I ride out my orgasm. As I come back down to earth, Connor chuckles. He’s moved to his bed, covering his lap after tossing aside a used tissue. Blushing, I scramble for my discarded body suit and shift around to curl in the chair with more modesty.
“You feel better now?” Connor asks. His eyes are bright with amusement. “All ready for me to tuck you into bed?”
“I, um.” It hits me hard. I just had phone sex with Connor. And I started it. So do I want him? Blinking, I push my hair out of my face. “Yes?”
His shoulders shake as another amused sound rasps out of him. “Sweet dreams, sunshine.”
Whether he can tell I need the space after taking things so far with him, or he got what he wanted and he’s eager to get rid of me, he winks and ends the video call. I melt into the chair and hide behind my hands. When I peek between my fingers, his shadow fills his window again, facing my bedroom. He doesn’t hide behind curtains as he watches me because he doesn’t have them. I close my sheer lavender curtains and dive into bed, not bothering with getting dressed.
“Well. That happened,” I say to the empty room.
My heart races. I have to face Connor tomorrow and we just did that. Were my last two brain cells on vacation?
Eighteen
Thea
As I pace by the front door, waiting for Connor to knock when it’s time to go, my hands itch to sink into dough. I still don’t know what happened the night before. I mean, I know the obvious. Phone sex. Really hot phone sex.
My cheeks heat and I fan my hands to cool myself off so I don’t mess up my makeup. The elegant, beaded gold gown I’m wearing swishes as I pace. It’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever worn.
I don’t know what I want. I don’t know why I started things with Connor last night.
A knock on the door makes me startle. “Oh god.”
I open the door and gape. Connor stands there, one hand in his pocket and the other braced on the doorframe. His tuxedo is tailored to fit his body, and his floppy light brown hair has some product in it, styled to make him look even more dapper.
This isn’t fair. My heart lurches.
He looks amazing. Irresistible. Then he smirks at me and I lose all breathing capabilities.
Sweeping his gaze over me, his full lips stretch into the charm-up-to-eleven smile I’ve never experienced the full force of. Oof.
“Looking good,” he says, offering his hand. “Ready to be thrown to the lions?”
I have every intention of responding, but my tongue gets twisted. Connor takes my hand and tugs me against him.
“Don’t worry, little mouse. I’ll protect
you.”
Behind him, an expensive SUV is parked in the street. He waits for me to lock the door, then tucks my hand in his elbow, guiding me to the car.
“I’m nervous,” I admit.
Connor pauses halfway down the walkway from my house. “Hey.” He cups my face, smoothing a thumb over my cheek. “I’m the one who made you go. I won’t abandon you. I’ll be with you all night. Okay?”
I nod, feeling better.
My nerves spike again as we pull up to the hotel where the benefit is being hosted. Photographers and reporters line the plush carpet leading into the building.
Isn’t Connor’s mom running for city council? This is like a movie star or presidential welcome. It’s a lot more attention than I expected for a local event, but this is Ridgeview. Everything is a big to do.
Connor squeezes my hand as he helps me out and tucks me against his side. Camera flashes and questions start up immediately as we turn to follow his parents.
“Just keep your head down or look up. Those flashes are blinding,” Connor says.
“Councilwoman Bishop, this way! Are you hoping to beat out the funds raised from your election campaign last term tonight? Are you here with your family?” The reporter catches sight of me. “Miss, what’s your name?”
Connor holds me close and strides past the press gauntlet without answering any questions while his mother lingers to smile. I peer over my shoulder before he pulls me through the carved lacquered double doors leading into an ornate, Victorian style parlor room.
“Cocktail hour is in here, then dinner through there.” Connor indicates another set of doors inlaid with frosted window panes.
“This place is so fancy.” I tip my head back to take in the deep colors and the intricate high ceiling, where crystal chandeliers dangle overhead. “Wow.”
“I’ve always thought it was stuffy.” Connor shrugs and swipes a piece of fruit from the spread of appetizers. “Remember our story if anyone asks.”
“Okay.” Interested in the table of puff pastries, I take Connor’s hand and pull him over to inspect it. I pick one up and take a bite, moaning as buttery crust, creamy brie, and tart cranberry burst on my tongue. “Wow, this is so good. How did they get their pastry so flaky?”
Connor stares at me intently when I turn to offer him a bite. He parts his lips and I peek around us. He waits until I give in, feeding him. His lips brush against my fingers, sending a shiver racing down my spine. His gaze stays fixed on me as he chews.
“They’re the top chefs in the country. Mom has them flown in for the event.” His deep voice washes over me as he places his hand on the small of my back. He leans close enough to press his lips against my ear. “Moan like that again where anyone could hear you tonight, and I’ll have to steal you away and stuff something in your mouth to keep you quiet.”
A gasp tears from my throat as Connor strokes over my pulse with his other hand. Heat pools in my core at his words. “But, don’t you have to be seen? They’ll wonder where you went.”
“Don’t care. Not when you’re making sounds like that while standing within reach,” he rumbles, tracing the strap of my dress, slipping his finger beneath it. “No windows separating us.”
How can that simple touch steal my breath and make my thighs squirm together? He watches me closely, granting me a wicked, devious grin. He knows exactly what he just did to me.
“You’re so pretty when you blush.”
“Connor, it’s good to see you.” A portly man with a whiskery white beard interrupts us. He holds his hand out for a shake and Connor takes it. I watch him slip on a mask, playing his part of supportive son. “What’s next for your mother? D.C. I hope. There’s a Senate seat that will open up once her next term on the council ends.”
“She only wants to serve Ridgeview’s residents and do her best for them right now,” Connor says with a laugh I know is for show.
I hope that’s the truth. To distract myself from over-analyzing last night, I spent a few hours researching the legislation his mom passed. What I found didn’t impress me. Given the choice, she’s not someone I’d vote for.
“And who’s the lovely lady you’re with?” The man takes an interest in me.
“My girlfriend, sir. I’m sorry, you’ll have to excuse us. I see someone I was told to speak to.” He inclines his head at the portly man. “You know how these things go. All hands on deck to woo the purse strings into bigger donations.”
The man throws his head back on a laugh. “Too right.”
Connor steers me away and we run right into Maisy’s parents.
“Chief! Looking sharp,” I say.
“Thea,” Mrs. Landry says in surprise. “Darling, you look beautiful! I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Oh, yeah. Maisy didn’t say?” Chief Landry shakes his head, gazing past me to Connor, standing behind my shoulder with his hand planted firmly on my waist. “This is my boyfriend, Connor. His mom is Councilwoman Bishop.”
“We’re well acquainted,” Chief Landry says, coughing when his wife elbows him.
He and Connor share a look.
“Well, have fun tonight, kids,” Mrs. Landry says, ushering the police chief away.
It’s deceptive at first glance, but Connor keeps himself between me and anyone we mingle with during the cocktail hour. I don’t really get why, since I’m supposed to pose as his girlfriend. He won’t let anyone talk to me for long, masterfully but abruptly extricating us from conversations when they get too prying.
When we sit down in the next room for dinner, he pulls my chair out for me. The room drips in splendor, with circular tables covered in white tablecloths and place settings more suited for a ball rather than a political charity fundraiser. This event pulls out all the stops.
Connor doesn’t seem surprised as he takes his seat next to me. His parents are already at the table, Mrs. Bishop nodding as Damien leans over to speak in her ear with a tablet in his hand. He appears to be running the show as one of Mrs. Bishop’s high up staff members.
“We’ll do the speech between the soup and main course. Any later in the meal and I’ll lose their attention and their wallets.”
Her calculating demeanor changes as soon as the other guests who purchased plates at our table arrive.
“We went all out for you this year, Madam Councilwoman.” It’s the man with the white beard from earlier and he’s taking his seat next to me.
Connor stiffens.
“Charles, it’s an honor,” Mrs. Bishop says. “Your support of the campaign is wonderful.”
Connor leans close to me. “Friend of my granddad’s.”
As Charles sits down on my other side, Connor hooks his hand beneath my chair and gives it a subtle yank so my seat scoots toward him. Mrs. Bishop clears her throat across from us, spearing Connor with a pointed look.
Dinner goes on like that, peppered with awkward moments and tiny rebellions from Connor. His mother is doing a scary good job of keeping her cool. It’s almost like Connor is pushing her to see how far he can go before she loses it.
I think it backfires, because all she’s done is give me another taste of how she’s polite but horrible while they have an audience.
“Charles, has Connor mentioned his plans for next year?” Mrs. Bishop asks as we finish the soup course. “Ivy bound. Maybe he’ll be giving your company a run for its money in a few years.”
As Charles chortles, he bumps against my chair. He keeps doing that and Connor doesn’t like it. “Is he now? Of course he is. Spitting image of your father; I’m sure he’s got a mind like his as well.”
“What about you, dear?” It takes a second to realize Mrs. Bishop is addressing me. “Is it state school for you?”
“I haven’t applied yet,” I say.
“Mom. Don’t you remember?” Connor laces his fingers with mine when I take his hand beneath the table. He brings our hands on the tabletop so they can all see us unified. “We’re getting serious. I fell for the girl next door and
finally got her to fall for me after nursing my longtime crush. I’m not about to let her go. Thea and I will get married after graduation and move to Paris for a year. She wants to study from the best pastry chefs. After that, we’ll travel. Do humanitarian work.”
For a second my heart takes a vacation until I remember tonight is fake. I swallow back anxious laughter.
“How romantic,” one of the other table guests coos, about to swoon at Connor’s steadfast declaration.
“Married.” Mrs. Bishop might as well have said drink sewer water with that tone. “I’m thrilled to hear you’re so committed to each other. And at such a young age.”
God, she’s just like my mom.
“I’m always thinking about the future, like you wanted,” Connor says. He tilts his head and peers at me. “Always.”
“Wonderful. You can apply to Oxford for a year abroad, then.”
The tension at the table almost chokes me. Thankfully, Damien appears at Mrs. Bishop’s elbow and she leaves to give her speech. Connor holds my hand through it all, stroking my knuckles.
My head is spinning by the time dinner ends. I slip off to the restroom to freshen up. When I come out, a man with a press badge is in my face.
“Can I get a quote? You’re here with Councilwoman Bishop’s son tonight.”
Connor materializes at my side, hand resting at the small of my back. “She is. What’s your question?”
The reporter motions for a photographer hovering by a potted fern. “The policies your mother supported in the last year cut back on the education budget for Ridgeview. As students, how do you feel about that?”
“Oh, I was reading about this earlier. I think—”
“Those policies were put forth by the mayor,” Connor says, polite but bland as he cuts me off. When I pinch his side, he deftly maneuvers me into posing for the camera with him. “Will that be all? Great. Bye.”
Ruthless Bishop: Dark New Adult High School Bully Romance (Sinners and Saints Book 3) Page 15