“Come with me.” His voice was needy and desperate with passion.
She was propelled over the edge into oblivion. Pleasure gathered, tingling, shooting through her as he cried out with her. The orgasm rolled, blasting Mia like a tidal wave, potent and powerful. She raked her hands over his shoulders, and he lowered himself on her as if he too had never felt anything so raw and complete in his life.
After a few moments, he kissed her gently and slid out. She immediately missed the connection.
He rolled over and extended his arm for her to lie on. Who would have known Andre liked to snuggle?
“That was . . .” She searched for the right words to describe the elation and utter devastation she felt, knowing she’d probably never have this with another man—knowing this wouldn’t last.
“Perfection.” He smiled.
She lay in a limbless puddle, naked in his warm arms, savoring the moment. Life was just a culmination of moments after all. She was beginning to care a lot more for Andre than she could afford to. Maybe they could just remain good friends after all was said and done.
Ping! Her phone chimed, no doubt with a reply from Mateo. A reminder of why all of this couldn’t last.
Even if Andre somehow wanted this to be more someday, Mia was not free to make that choice. She had promises of her own she needed to fulfill. And none of those involved Andre Stone.
21
Andre
After pulling into an empty parking spot, Andre cut the ignition and climbed out of the truck. His steps had felt lighter this past week. Everything was back on track at the jobsite, and almost every night he ended up at Mia’s door—and then usually her bed. It was the best sex of his life.
He entered through the double doors of the Hope Facility. Passing the lobby, he walked into the large room used for speakers and group meetings. A few clusters of teenagers were gathered in the area, laughing and talking. Andre searched their faces for any sign of the scared accomplice who’d been with their assailant in the alley.
“Dre.”
Andre turned as Aaron’s smiling face greeted him. “My man. How are you?”
Aaron nodded and reached out one of his long arms to slap hands with him. “Not bad, my friend. You?” Aaron asked.
Andre returned the gesture, ending it with a fist bump. He surveyed the room of mostly disinterested teens. “Is there somewhere private we can talk?”
Aaron’s brow furrowed and he crossed his arms. “Sure. Let’s go to my office.”
They walked along a hallway and stepped into a room that Andre had renovated himself. He’d had a big hand in helping Aaron’s dreams become a reality in this place. The centerpiece was a large cherry desk. Pictures of Aaron playing pro ball accented the blue walls, along with his certifications of philanthropy and his degree in social work and psychology. Locked file cabinets lined one side, no doubt filled with the hundreds of names and related documents on each child and teenager who came through the doors needing a refuge.
Aaron took a seat behind his desk and motioned for Dre to sit across from him. “What’s on your mind?” Aaron asked as the chair squeaked.
“My—” Shit, I almost said girlfriend. “My friend and I got mugged last week.”
Aaron sat up straighter. “I’m sorry, man. You guys okay?”
“Yeah. Um, I’m here because the younger kid didn’t seem to want to be a part of it, and the piece of shit who held a knife to my throat threatened his sister. I don’t know. I figured it was worth mentioning to see if you’ve heard anything. I can describe the kid I saw, but not the one with the knife.”
Aaron let out a whistle. “What about your friend? Did they see the other guy’s face?”
Andre drew in a deep breath. “She wants to stay out of it.”
Aaron raised his eyebrows. “She?”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. I don’t need to hear it from you too. Did you miss the part about her just being a friend?”
Aaron smirked. “All right. Well, I have picked up on some whispers about some low-level gang activity happening in the outskirts of the city, specifically Shattered Cove. More like a wannabe gang, if you will. Some of the kids mentioned having run into an older teen, maybe early twenties. Guy has ties to a bigger dealer. Could be him—maybe not. You and your . . . friend should be careful.”
A gang? In Shattered Cove? Andre shook his head. “I can’t believe it. This is the most family-friendly town I know.”
“Drug dealers come in from out of state, get the kids hooked, then turn them into dealers themselves. Most of these kids are dealing with so much pain, trouble at home—hell, you remember what it was like being a teenager. So many hormones, needing to impress, not fitting in. Opioids are an epidemic, and a lot of the population get their first fix from their doctor. They lead a completely normal life, then they get an injury, and bam. They’re addicted.”
Andre had watched Mikel go through his struggles with addiction. “Wish there was something more I could do.”
“Why don’t you give me a description of this kid you saw and I’ll try to identify if I know him? I can ask around.”
Andre nodded.
After giving his friend the details, he said goodbye and headed back to his truck. He’d left work a couple of hours early to make this trip to Aaron’s and be back to surprise Mia with dinner. He’d cook this time. They’d need sustenance for the hours he planned on spending finding new ways to make her come. His body buzzed with anticipation—she was the one person who could make him feel alive. The one person who didn’t drill him about his personal life. Mia lived in the moment, and he wanted more of them.
Pulling into his driveway, his brow furrowed. An expensive-looking BMW was parked in front of Mia’s. He grabbed his lunchbox and headed inside to shower off the sweat and sawdust from his long hours at work.
Did Mia have a friend visiting? An uncomfortable knot formed in his gut as he stripped his clothing and climbed in the shower. The hot water cleansed his skin, but he couldn’t shake the unease that weighed on his shoulders.
After shutting off the spray, he grabbed his towel and dried off. Tying it around his waist, he peered out the window. Her bedroom curtains were closed. He could text her and ask her if he could come over, but he didn’t even have her phone number. Mikel had it though. However, if she had company, then maybe he should give her space. It wasn’t like they were dating. Panic struck him. Was she still seeing other people?
He got dressed and went down to the kitchen to start the pasta. As the water heated, he searched out the window for any sign of Mia. Movement in the kitchen caught his attention—Mia and some tall stranger.
A man was in Mia’s house.
Jealousy burned his veins as he clenched his fists. He should have known better.
“Fuck!”
He ran a hand over his head as he moved to the front of the house, eyes locked on her door as it opened. A man with tan skin and dark hair followed her outside as they walked towards his car. Andre drew in rapid breaths as his chest constricted. Mia was smiling as the man swept her up in a hug and she gave him a peck on the lips.
Did she sleep with him? Why else would he be there?
Mia had money, and by the looks of it, so did this guy. Did Mia want that? Sure, Andre did just fine, but he wasn’t the BMW-owning, suit-wearing type. He was a blue-collar man through and through. Mia was cheating on him. No. They weren’t dating. She’d made that clear. They’d agreed. So why did this feel like his heart was being ripped out of his chest? It hadn’t felt this intense even when Tiffany had confessed.
The water sizzled from where it spilled over, boiling. Andre went to the kitchen and turned off the stove. He wasn’t hungry anymore. He was pissed. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey from the cupboard and filled himself a glass. He threw back the amber liquid until it didn’t burn anymore.
Hours went by. The clock on the wall ticked loudly as if mocking him. Should he confront her? Should he just end this and forget it had ever
happened? Yeah, right. Like that was possible. Now he knew what he would be missing. Maybe it was just a friend. A friend she kissed on the mouth. It didn’t seem like a lover’s kiss though.
He shook his head, the room mildly spinning. He was going to go crazy if he sat here stewing over every little possibility. He stood, setting his empty glass on the side table. He needed to get this over with.
He trudged to her door, breathing in the humid night air. He cleared his throat and rang her bell.
Her soft footsteps came closer as he straightened his shoulders. Her figure, blurred by the glass door, still managed to make his lungs hitch.
Mia opened the door, a big grin on her face. Her tanned body was wrapped in a pink silk robe. His hands itched to grab her, to make her forget any other man’s touch but his. His heart demanded answers.
“Hey, you. I was hoping you’d drop by.” She leaned against the door, her seductive eyes raking over him. Was she playing him?
His whole body came alive under her gaze. Her smell wound around him, pulling him towards her as he stepped inside.
“Are you okay?” she asked, as if sensing his inner turmoil.
“Who was that?”
Mia’s brow furrowed before understanding flashed across her beautiful face. “My friend from California flew in for the day.”
Was this friend in on the benefits too? “Do you kiss all your friends?”
The side of her mouth quirked up. “Only the very best ones.” She headed towards the back of the house and he followed, anger tensing every muscle in his rigid body. Disgust roiled in his belly and jealousy clamored, battering the inside of his rib cage.
His ears rang as she opened the patio doors and walked into the humid night air. The pool glowed, casting her in a blue hue.
He ground his teeth. How could she be so nonchalant about this while he was feeling like a caged animal, roaring and clawing to get out of its prison?
“Mia.” His voice rose in volume with his frustration.
“Yeah?” The silk robe she wore swished to the ground, leaving her naked. The moonlight highlighted the dips and curves of her voluptuous body.
His breath caught in his throat as he struggled to swallow. She stepped into the water, her bare breasts hovering just above the surface, tempting him to forget everything and join her.
No. He wouldn’t be caught under her spell. He needed to know.
“Did you fuck him?”
22
Mia
Jealousy poured off Andre in waves. Was she a bad person because she wanted to make him squirm just a little longer?
“Did you fuck him?” he grated like his throat was full of gravel. The look that flashed in his eyes stole any mirth she’d had at his expense. Pain.
“No. But it really wouldn’t be any of your business if I did.” She moved her finger between them. “We’re not dating.”
Andre’s shoulders lowered as whatever tension he brought with him dissipated. A whoosh of air left his mouth as he scrubbed a hand over his face. An ache formed in her chest. It had been a while since anyone cared about her, and even though this man only wanted her body, it felt good knowing she was wanted by him. For now, anyways.
“This is no strings,” he agreed. “But we’re exclusive.”
She smiled and paddled her hands beneath the warm water. “That sounds an awful lot like a relationship.”
“I thought you didn’t want a relationship?” His dark eyebrows rose questioningly.
“I don’t. But you can’t have it both ways. Adding exclusivity means more room to develop feelings.”
Andre sighed before stripping off his shirt and pants until he was only in his black boxer briefs. He stepped into the water, sending ripples into the pool. His muscular form in the soft aqua glow highlighted every chiseled plane and ridge of his toned body, down to his thick, strong thighs. Strength and power exuded from the man. Her body ached, the throb getting stronger as he walked towards her in the pool. His hands reached out, taking her face in his large palms. How was it possible to feel fear of vulnerability and comfort at the same time?
“I want to continue what we have. No strings.”
The intensity of his gaze mixed with the flutter of emotions battering her insides at his touch. His closeness was dizzying. Heat flashed through her body, singeing her self-control.
“But I also want exclusivity and honesty. Don’t hide shit from me. You want to be with another man, then we’ll end this and go our separate ways. I won’t be fucking you and sharing your body with anyone else. I. Don’t. Share. Are we clear?” His deep voice growled his last words.
Andre’s touch burned her flesh with want and need. After the events of the day with Mateo, she’d been reminded yet again why everything in her life was temporary. Yes, she could give this to Andre. She’d enjoy it while it lasted and hope he didn’t hate her when it was all over.
She nodded.
“Say it,” he commanded.
She glanced at his full lips, and licked her own. “I won’t fuck anyone but you.”
His mouth clamped on her neck as she gasped. His touch became rough and feverish. He tasted like whiskey and determination. This was the first Andre she’d slept with. Raw and needy. Untamed and reckless. Fucking—that was what this was. Pure and simple. Why did her heart ache at the thought? She pushed the question aside, along with all the other uncomfortable feelings that bubbled up in his presence. She locked them away deep down with all her secrets that had never seen the light of day.
His hands roamed over her breasts, pinching her nipples as his suction on her neck increased, blurring the lines between pleasure and pain as need blanketed her.
She moaned.
His mouth released as he looked at her and smirked. “Now everyone will know you’re off-limits.”
She reached for the semi-sore spot where his mouth had been. “You left a mark?”
“I’m just getting started.” His mouth crashed onto hers, his sweet tongue darting in her mouth. She wrapped her arms around him as they became a frantic knot of hands and legs. He picked her up and carried her out of the pool. She never stopped kissing him as they slipped through the back door of her house, the dripping water making the tiles slippery. She gripped him tighter as he turned towards the stairs. Not needing light to find it, he made his way to her bedroom. He laid her on the bed before flicking the bedside lamp on.
“I wanna see you,” he said. Like she needed an explanation.
He stripped his wet boxers off before hungrily raking his eyes over her exposed body. “I also want you to see who’s gonna fuck you so hard you’re gonna feel me for a week. I’m gonna make you come so much you won’t ever need to consider another man in your bed.”
If she was wearing panties, they would have melted. She could have gotten caught on the fact that he used the word ever, as if he expected this thing between them to last much longer than it could. But there was a very gorgeous naked man crawling over her, his hard cock pressing into her soft flesh. She could think later, because right now, she would get lost in this moment. That was all she could afford. Right now. And she wanted him to make good on every single one of those promises.
“You say you’re a man of your word.” She panted, tracing the rigid muscles of his shoulders with one hand as her other stroked his cock as it jerked in her palm. “Show me.”
And he did. For hours, he traced every curve and line of her body with his hungry mouth as if he was memorizing it. He teased her, bringing her to the brink of pleasure again and again until she was breathless, writhing, and begging.
She reached for his cock again, but he grabbed her wrists and bolted them to the bed with one hand.
“You don’t get to touch me,” he growled. “Your body is all mine right now. You can come when I say you can.”
His voice was dominant and possessive, turning her insides to goo.
“That sound good to you?” he asked.
That ache inside her chest grew
as he checked for her consent.
“I’m yours.” It didn’t feel like a lie. What she wouldn’t give to really belong to a man like him, and in turn he would belong to her. Sadness crept up, bringing the sting of tears to her eyes, and she swallowed the lump of emotion.
His own expression flickered with something before it was gone in an instant—back behind the elusive wall he had raised as he thrust inside her. She cried out from pleasure. The connection was too much. It broke the dam that welled deep within. Euphoria radiated through every cell in her body, and as he held her down, there was nothing she could do but feel it all. Everything she kept locked inside came bursting out. A warm comforting feeling washed over her like a wave, drowning out her fears.
His movements were like an erotic incantation, coaxing her into a state of complete rapture. Breathless, unable to even make a sound, her ears rang. The handsome face above her focused solely on her as his expression grew even more intense. As he inhaled, so did she. His body, pounding hard in and out of her at an even pace, drew out the pleasure. He exhaled, his breath mingling with hers in the small space between the lovers.
“Mia, baby, come.”
She was already there, her body spasming again and again as the orgasm rocked through her body.
“Come. Come. Come,” he repeated over and over. And her body obeyed. His thrusts increased as he roared in her neck. The room grew dark as she slipped off the edge of bliss into complete all-encompassing euphoria.
“Mia!” Andre shouted her name, but it sounded like she was underwater.
“Mia! Wake up!” Calloused hands shook her shoulders as she opened her eyes.
She clasped a hand over her face. It came away wet. Why was she wet? The pool, the hot sex, and then . . . blackness.
“Shit. Are you okay?” he asked, his eyebrows were narrowed with concern.
“What happened?” she asked, sitting up. Her body ached in the best of ways. He’d fulfilled all his promises.
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