by Amelia Wilde
Lowering my forehead to his chest, I hesitate only a moment before pushing myself out of his arms and sitting on the opposite side of the small sofa. I’m flustered and horny, and my brain feels swirly.
We watch Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson lose round after round on the roulette table until all their money is gone, and Moore starts to cry.
“Idiots,” I grumble. “Roulette is the worst game you can play in a casino. It has the highest odds in favor of the house, and they increase with every spin. Why didn’t they quit and go back to craps?”
Cal chuckles from the other end of the sofa, and I look down to see him watching me. “You know a lot about gambling.”
Whoops. I blink fast trying to find an excuse. “My dad liked to gamble.”
“Liked?” He pushes to a sitting position and slides closer to where I’m perched.
“He died when I was really young.”
Warm hands go around my waist, and Cal pulls me onto his lap, facing him in a straddle. Only, I won’t meet his eyes. I keep my head turned, my gaze fixed on the television.
“I’m sorry,” he says, pressing a fiery kiss to the base of my neck.
Clearing my throat, my breath comes faster. “It was a long time ago,” I manage to whisper.
His arms are at my waist, and his kisses move up the side of my neck until he’s at my ear. “Still, I’m sorry you lost your dad. I know how that feels.”
My whole body shivers, and I try to pull away. His arms only tighten around me. “Where are you going?”
“Cal…”
I feel his arousal hard against my thigh. My hands hold his biceps, and we’re nose to nose, sharing our breath. He looks deep into my eyes.
“Let’s say you and me do some good old-fashioned fucking, Zelda Benedict.”
I blink fast, away from his gaze. “I can’t,” I whisper, even though my insides are liquid, and my lips heavy with desire.
“Sure you can,” he whispers, leaning forward to cover my mouth with his.
Fingers thread into the sides of my hair, and his kiss is even more passionate than before. It’s hungry and demanding, and I’m losing the fight this time.
Cal doesn’t gently request, he invades, pillaging my senses. We lean back on the couch, and he’s above me, moving my mouth with his. I’m not stopping him. I’m desperate with desire. My hands are on his neck, and I’m kissing him back, hungrily keeping time with his movements.
He pulls away, and a little noise of disappointment comes from my throat. It makes him smile as he reaches down and lifts me off the couch.
“Don’t worry, sexy. I’m nowhere near finished with you tonight.”
“Cal…” My brain is fighting with me to get control, but he tosses me onto the bed, pulling his shirt off in one swift move.
My protests die when I see his bare body. He’s ripped and golden, beautiful, lean and muscular, and his light brown hair is tousled and tempting. My eyes trail down the lines of his stomach, getting tangled in the V at his hips, and all rational thought vanishes.
“Now you,” he says, climbing on his knees beside me on the bed.
He takes the hem of the shirt I’m wearing and lifts it over my head. My instinct is to cover my bare breasts, but he catches my arms.
“No way,” he grins, leaning us back on the bed. “Your tits are far too gorgeous for you to hide them.”
My face heats, and I start to laugh. “Stop it.”
He leans over me, then lowers gently until our bare bodies are stomach to stomach, skin against skin. We both exhale a groan.
“You feel so good,” he murmurs, moving his lips over my shoulders.
I can only whimper, “So do you.” I am so screwed right now.
I can’t stop him as he slides lower, covering my left nipple with his mouth and swirling his tongue around the hardened peak before giving it a firm suck that registers straight between my legs.
“Oh, god!” I gasp as he moves to the other side to repeat. His hand is on me, giving my nipple a pinch before moving up. I meet his eyes as he pushes his thumb between my teeth.
Closing my lips around that thick digit, I give it a suck, and his eyes darken. “Fuck me,” he groans, rising up fast to claim my mouth again.
I’m on fire. Energy hums up and down my thighs. I’m so close to coming, he only has to touch me once more, and I’ll explode.
“I knew it would be like this,” he breathes, cupping my lips with his. “You are so fucking passionate. I want to fuck you so hard.”
“Cal, oh, god!” Those seem to be the only three words my obliterated brain can conjure.
I’m so ready for him to be inside me, and he’s gone, sliding down my body, kissing my sternum, my navel, then jerking the boxers off my hips.
“Oh, shit, bare pussy,” he groans before wrapping his forearms around my hips and pulling me to his mouth.
One slow sweep of his tongue across my clit, and I cry out. I’m trembling and exploding, pleasure snaking up my thighs like a vine. I can’t remember the last time I had sex, but lord knows it wasn’t with anyone like MacCallam Lockwood Tate.
“Jesus,” he gasps.
“Please,” I beg.
He hops off the bed so fast, I just barely see the large erection tenting his PJ pants before they’re gone. A rip of foil, a quick roll of condom, and he’s back above me.
“You are amazing,” he says.
“If you don’t fuck me now—”
A hard thrust, and we both cry out.
“Oh, yes!” I moan.
“Jesus, god,” he grinds.
He’s hard and huge and perfect, stretching and massaging me in the most erotic way. His hips speed up, moving fast and punishing, demanding, taking, holding my face as he kisses me roughly. I can only grasp his shoulders and ride this out. I’m building to my second orgasm, and he’s taking me there by delicious force.
Our bodies are covered in sweat. A bead rolls from his beautiful, messy hair to the scruff of his square jaw, and I lean up to lick it away. Salt fills my mouth just before he turns and covers it with his.
He’s rocking, and I’m soaring. We’re holding onto each other when the sky explodes. My hips buck and clench, and he groans my name. I feel him pulsing inside me, filling the condom, coming deep between my thighs as my muscles hold him, pulling more and more.
“So fucking good.” He kisses my neck.
Our arms are around each other, and his forehead rests on my shoulder. We don’t move for several moments as our breathing starts to calm, as our bodies start to come down.
I’ve never been fucked like that in my life, but it’s more than that. I feel like I understand what the term making love means, which is insane. I’m not here to be Cal’s girlfriend, and lord knows this “playboy prince” has a reputation for getting around. Reggie somehow worked that into a previous conversation.
“Zelda,” he murmurs, pressing his lips against my skin, cutting off my spiraling thoughts. “You are amazing.”
I exhale a laugh. “High praise, I’m sure.”
His head pops up and he grins, resting it on his hand. “It is, actually, but I mean it. You’re as good as you look. Better.”
“Maybe we should stop talking about it.”
That makes him laugh, and he leans down to give me a firm kiss. It lingers a bit longer, warm and delicious until he breaks away.
“I swear that mouth drives me crazy.”
“You’re not too shabby with yours.” Reaching out, I touch his bottom lip with my thumb. He drops his chin and bites me, sending a little thrill through my midsection.
“I’d barely even started.” He cocks an eyebrow. “Just wait until Round 2.”
A shiver passes through me, and his eyes darken. “You like that, don’t you, dirty girl. I’ve been trying to get in your pants since that night at the ball.”
He’s teasing, and I pretend to pout. “And now that you have, you’ve lost all respect for me.”
“Never! I have very hi
gh respect for women who are dynamite in the sack. I plan to take advantage of you several more times tonight.”
I can’t help laughing. “Several?”
“How is your ankle?”
“I don’t even feel it.”
“That’s good, although I suppose your riding me tonight is out of the question.”
Pressing my lips together, I do a little frown. “I probably shouldn’t sit on it, which means I probably shouldn’t sit on you.”
“Shit.” He props his head on his hand and traces a finger along my lips. “I have this fantasy of you on top of me, straight up, bucking those hips, this gorgeous hair falling all around your tits.” He leans down and kisses me again. “I’m getting a semi just thinking about it.”
“You’re insatiable. Give me a chance to breathe.”
“Come here,” he rolls onto his back and pulls my cheek to his chest. I listen to his heartbeat as he threads his fingers into the back of my hair. “I wanted to punch Rowan in the nuts tonight when he swept you up in his arms like some kind of fucking superhero.”
“Hmm,” I say, feeling my eyes growing heavy. “That was a great moment. You should try it sometime.”
“I fucking would’ve if he hadn’t. Show off. I saw you first.”
“Mm-hm.” I say through an exhale, my cheek blissfully pressed to his toned chest.
On the television, I watch as Demi Moore takes a dollar coin from Robert Redford that has tails on both sides and gets out of his limo.
“Dumb movie,” I grumble, and I feel Cal chuckle.
“It’s my favorite part.”
“I hope you’re teasing. She should’ve stayed with him. Who lets their wife have sex with another man for money?”
Cal’s fingers slide across the back of my neck. “They did a pretty good job of making them out to be desperate. I don’t know from personal experience, but I don’t think desperate people always make smart decisions.”
A lump forms in my throat as I think about his words. I think about my situation, and the decisions I’ve made. I know what it’s like to be desperate. Closing my eyes, I try to push away the guilt of what I’ve done, but I’m not sure I can.
His fingers still. “Are you falling asleep?”
I barely nod. I don’t want to think about personal experience and wrong choices. I want to sleep in Cal’s arms and pretend nothing else is waiting outside this room.
“I think I’m feeling the wine,” I say softly.
“And all the strenuous activity.”
“Mm… that too.”
He gently moves me to the side, curling his body around my back. I slide my palm down his forearm and lace our fingers together as I allow his warmth to comfort me. It only takes a few moments for me to slip into unconsciousness.
My eyes pop open as the sun is just lighting the horizon. The sound of heavy breathing is at my back, and my heart sinks. Oh god, I’ve ruined everything!
Without even looking back, I slowly move to the edge of the bed and slip my legs out, rising as gently as I can without shaking the mattress. It’s one of those foam mattresses, and Cal doesn’t even stir.
He’s lying on his back sleeping soundly, and I take a moment to admire his beautiful body. The white sheet is draped across his waist, and in the dim light, the lines of his muscles are deep and defined. Everything in me wants to crawl back in bed, wake him, and take care of that morning wood, but I know that would be a huge mistake. Even bigger than the one I made last night.
As quietly as possible, I step into my leggings and pull them on. My ankle is stiff, but as I predicted, it’s much better this morning. I think about Cal’s fantasy and my body warms. I could ride him today… Ugh! Fuck my life.
Shaking that away, I pick up my sweater, but instead of wearing it, I pull on Cal’s navy tee. It smells like him, and I bury my nose in the collar as I watch him sleeping. My chest aches, but I know what I have to do. Picking up my purse, I creep to the door, and with one last look, I disappear.
10
Regrouping
Rowan
The noise of footsteps overhead causes me to minimize the browser on my laptop. Cal appears at the living room entrance, and for a moment he only stands there, looking around the room.
“Coffee?” I say, nodding toward the tray on the low table holding a carafe and two additional cups.
His shoulders drop, and he stalks forward to the coffee service. He appears well rested, but he’s scowling and clearly pissed. I watch as he yanks up the carafe and roughly pours a small cup of espresso.
My brow lines. “What’s the matter with you?”
He only takes a long drink, shakes his head, and walks to the French doors, looking out at the water.
“Shall I call Doctor Hebert now or wait a little longer.”
“Why would you call him?” He’s still standing at the window looking out.
“Our house guest?” I’m starting to get annoyed. “I didn’t want to call him too early in case she slept in, but it’s after ten. I’m sure he has other patients.”
“Don’t bother.” He turns and walks back to the table, depositing his cup before starting for the exit.
“What do you mean? We said we’d have the doctor look at her ankle—”
“She’s gone. She isn’t here. She must have left some time in the night.”
For a moment I sit looking at the empty fireplace, trying to understand. “Why would she do that? Did something happen to make her feel uncomfortable?”
“I wouldn’t know.” He’s about to exit, but I stop him.
“I considered inviting them to the casino tonight, if they’re both well enough. Will you be around?”
He turns halfway back and for several moments seems to think about what I just said. “You’re inviting Zee to the casino?”
“And Ava. I thought you might join us to sort of… round out the numbers.” It suddenly dawns on me what might be wrong. “Unless you have other plans. I realize I’ve been monopolizing your personal time lately.”
He continues in that spot, thinking. I’m starting to wonder if I should call the doctor in to check him out, when he seems to reach a decision.
“Yes,” he says solidly. “I’ll go with you tonight. That’s a good way to get some answers.”
Whatever the hell that means.
“I’ll give them a call.”
Zelda
I’m deep under the covers when Ava bursts through the door and jumps on my bed. “What time did you get home? I just saw your text, and I wasn’t expecting you for hours!”
“Mm,” I groan. “Go away, Ava.”
She only jumps harder on the bed. “Wake up and tell me what happened! You twisted your ankle? Is it the same ankle you sprained trying to play basketball?”
I push the covers up and burrow down further into the plush duvet. The last thing I want is to rehash last night or confess my Super Colossal Screw-up. Lucky for me the doorbell rings, and Ava takes off to see who it is. I hear her voice in the other room.
“Oh my goodness!” she whisper-cries. “They’re absolutely gorgeous! Zee, you have to see this!”
My curiosity is piqued, but not enough to make me emerge from my protective cocoon. The noise of voices is followed by the sound of the door closing. Everything is quiet for a few moments, then Ava returns.
“You’re not going to believe the bouquet Rowan sent!”
“Rowan?” I crawl a little closer to the light, still unsure if I want to emerge.
“It says, ‘Sorry you’ve been ill. I hope you’ll be well enough to join us tonight. Yours truly, Rowan W.T.’ and it’s the most enormous bouquet of roses I’ve ever seen! It fills the entire front table!”
“Rowan sent you flowers?” My voice is muffled coming from under the blankets. He didn’t send me flowers. Then again, he probably thinks I’m upstairs in his guest room right now.
“You should come out and look at them. Or just come out and stop being a weirdo.”
&n
bsp; I can’t hold it in anymore. I press my face into the pillow and yell it out: “Fuuuuuuck!” I feel the little tears in the corners of my eyes. “Oh, fuck.” I whisper, pushing them away.
The bed depresses, and I know she’s sitting beside my back now. “That’s a word I haven’t heard out of your mouth in ages. What happened last night?”
I can’t breathe. I’m not sure if I should even tell her, but I know I have to. What I’ve done impacts her future as much as it does mine. Oh, god, I’ve never done something so careless in all the time I’ve been taking care of us. I’ve always been the dependable one, the one who finds the jobs and then sees them through to the end. I’ve never been the one who screws them up. It’s not who I am.
Taking a deep breath, I force myself to climb out from the covers. It’s time to stop acting like a child and face the consequences. I sit up and push the blankets off my head, down to my lap. Ava’s eyes are round, but she starts to laugh.
“Your hair is crazy!” Reaching forward she smooths it around my head. I almost can’t take it.
“I’ve messed up, Ava-bug.” I finally say, looking at my lap. “I might have cost us the whole job, our future, everything.”
Her round eyes narrow with a frown. “What did you do?”
I push my face against my bent knees and say it fast. “I slept with Cal. Last night. I slept with him… as in we had sex.”
It’s so quiet in the room, the noise of the second hand seems as loud as a hammer. Ava’s lips are parted, and she only stares at me.
“Time out,” she says softly. “Did you just tell me you slept with Cal last night? Rowan’s brother Cal?”
“Do you know any other princes named Cal?”
I confess, despite my external misery over what I’ve done, that damn little fish is still flipping around inside my stomach when I think about last night. FML.
“I don’t know any other princes period.” She rises off the bed and walks around the room.
“I don’t know how I’m going to do the deal with Rowan now. How can I go after him when I’ve slept with his brother? I’ve ruined everything. We might as well start packing.”