Desperate (A Contemporary Romance)

by Katerina Winters

  The sudden pressure of his hot tongue against her spread folds made her cry out. Clutching his long gold hair in support, Salene cried out again as his tongue lapped at her wet center. In this position, she was halfway sitting on his face as he devoured her. The scrape of his teeth against her sensitive bud nearly collapsed her in a scream. Quickly the firm grip of his hands lifted her up and swung her around until she felt herself tumble backward onto the bed. Practically naked besides the open billowing shirt hanging off her arms Salene looked up with wide eyes to see Gabriel who now had abandoned his shorts crawl over her pushing her legs apart. Salene had no chance to react before he dipped his head again between her thighs and tasted her for the second time. His tongue relentlessly flicked at the tight bundle of nerves eliciting her moans with each lap, while his fingers slick from her juices pierced her entrance warning her body of bigger things to come.

  Salene was losing her mind, the building feeling he was causing was unraveling her sanity. The sounds he was making between her legs made her clutch the sheets in desperation. Taking the traumatized bud one last time between his teeth Salene shattered beneath him, calling out his name.

  "Fuck," his voice rumbled somewhere above her.

  Vaguely Salene could feel the bed dip as he reached for something out of the nightstand. Putting the black plastic square between his teeth Gabriel prepared to rip the small package open.

  "I'm on the pill," she offered weakly.

  Gabriel's wolflike gaze darkened as he tossed the packet somewhere behind him in the distance. Hot searing flesh met her own as he probed her entrance. Inch by agonizing inch he entered her forcing her tight body to accept his girth. With each hand anchored on either side of her head, Gabriel smoothly lowered his lips to hers. The kiss was slow and consuming taking his time as he coaxed out her complete surrender.

  Not able to take the slow torture he was inflicting Salene wrapped her hands around his neck. "Please, Gabriel."

  Nipping at the sensitive skin below her ear Gabriel thrusted his hips until he was buried deep within her trembling body. The stinging pain along with the impossible stretch of her body caused a tear to slide down from the corner of her eye as if it was her first time all over again. The heavy weight of his body pressing her into the bed made her feel so small underneath him.

  "My God Salene," he growled in a whisper, kissing the trail of her tear. "You feel like everything I had imagined."

  Pulling his hips back Gabriel drove back into her with a deep grunt. Clutching at the powerful muscles in his arms Salene cried out louder with each thrust. There was nothing gentle about the man's lovemaking, how his hips slapped against hers as he pounded into her or how he grabbed one of her legs bringing it up higher so he could reach deeper inside her body. All Salene could do was hold on while crying out his name as he created a firestorm within her.

  The building feeling he was creating was taking her sanity away, Salene wanted him slow down to stop the mind altering urge he was creating. But seeing the dark look of need on his face Salene could not stop what was about to happen. With no voice left Salene gripped his shoulders as she cried out her release. With a final roll of his hips, Gabriel let out a hoarse shout of exultation releasing hot streams of his seed deep within her. Collapsing on top of her Salene barely registered the heavy weight of his slick body as she was claimed by the delirium of exhaustion.

  Chapter 23

  The soft scratching sensation of Gabriel's beard glided along the surface of her cheek as she felt the pressure of his lips against the pulse of her neck. Salene groaned in unison with Gabriel at the insistent chirping of the alarm clock that suddenly interrupted. With one last kiss against her lips, Salene felt Gabriel get up from the bed.

  Secretly she opened her eyes just enough to see Gabriel's bare backside as he walked into the bathroom. Leaving the bathroom door partially open Salene could hear the water from the shower start. Seeing her chance Salene carefully pulled back the covers and tiptoed out of the bedroom, ignoring her incredibly sore body.

  Closing the door to the guest bathroom, Salene started her own morning rituals. Reaching over to the shower faucet Salene turned the nozzle to heat up the water as she sat on the toilet. Last night was unlike anything she had ever experienced, sex with Gabriel finally gave proper meaning to the term of "mind-blowing sex." Hell, Salene never realized she was just getting mediocre sex until now. Closing her eyes, she leaned back against the toilet. My God, just thinking of the way he filled and stretched her last night made her body grow warm again. Stepping into the hot spray Salene smiled as she leaned tiredly against the wall, later that night sometime after she passed out Gabriel woke her again helping her put on her surgical bra she needed to wear at all times.

  It was moments like that, that was killing her. Rinsing the shampoo from her hair Salene tried to make sense of her thoughts. The way he held her while she slept, the way he cared for her while she recovered, and so much more to the ever-growing list. All of it sent conflicting jolts of happiness and pain through her heart. On one side she was obviously very happy with every sweet action. However, it was the doubt eating away at the corners of her mind that stole the enjoyment from the moment. How can they go from loathing each other to what they shared last night? Never in her life has she given herself completely to a man like she did with Gabriel. Salene could still vividly remember the look in his eyes as he drove into her body as if she was the most beautiful woman on earth. Clutching at the terrycloth towel, Salene looked up at the mirror and sighed. Why did she have to feel so unsure? Surely she was deserving of this type of attention, but a small voice deep within could not help but ask how long would it last?

  Looking at the time of her phone Salene pushed the creeping negative thoughts back. Wrapped in her towel, she went across the hallway towards her old bedroom and into the closet. Pulling on her underwear Salene was reaching for her black work pants when she heard his voice.

  "What the hell are you doing?" Gabriel looked at her with angry confusion from the closet door.

  Hair still wet, Gabriel stood there in slacks and a still open button-down shirt. Salene resisted the urge to go over and kiss him for two reasons. One he was not going to like what she was about to say and two there was no telling with the man. There was a good chance he would have her naked and on the bed in minutes and Salene just couldn't risk being late.

  "I'm going to work."

  Salene only had to wait one second for the predictive reaction.

  Cocking his head to the side Gabriel gave her a look that suggested she lost her mind. "The fuck you are Salene, you…"

  "You can yell and shout all you want," Salene pulled up and buttoned the pants she was holding, feeling a little more fortified against his anger now that she wasn't just wearing underwear. "You know I only took a week and a half off. I have to go back, I'm the manager."

  Shaking his head Gabriel stepped further into the closet, making it feel ten times smaller. "No, fuck that," he rebuked everything she said. "You are still sore, I can't…"

  "Actually," she cut him off politely as she pulled the polo shirt on quickly. "I am more sore from last night than the surgery."

  If she expected a look of contrition she would've been disappointed.

  Smiling he grabbed the top shelves on either side of the closet, blocking her from any possible escape. "I won't apologize about that sweetheart, I enjoyed every minute of it." Salene's heart jumped at his deep words. "Would you?" The emerald gaze turned serious.

  Confused by the sudden change Salene frowned. "Would I what… apologize for last night?" He only stood stone still at her question. Looking up at his hard face Salene felt a wave of relief rush through her, he was just as confused and apprehensive as she was. So glad she wasn't alone she reached out to him cupping his face, letting her thumbs run over the scruffy beard. "Of course not."

  Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her closer. "I will be honest, when I came out to see the bed empty, I went a littl
e cold fearing you had left or had regrets or something."

  Hearing the doubt in his voice Salene's instinct to soothe the gentle beast of a man kicked in. Wrapping her arms around his neck Salene covered his lips with her own. That initiative was all he needed, with a low growl of satisfaction Gabriel pressed her against the back wall. There was a slight minty taste to his mouth as he deepened the kiss. Without hesitation, Salene's body hummed to life in response to his hunger. It was the feeling of her pants being undone that brought her back to reality.

  "No Gabriel," she said breathlessly pushing his bulky frame back. "I told you I have to go in today."

  Frustrated he stepped back giving her a dangerous scowl. "Dammit Salene just quit that stupid job. I can…"

  "No," jabbing her finger into his chest she cut him off. Incensed by his words the hot passion he caused was quickly replaced by annoyance. "I will not be some kept woman dammit." Pushing him back out of the closet with her growing ire she stepped past him. "I will not be some random bored trophy just lying around the house waiting for you to come home all day."

  Seeing how serious she was, Gabriel ran a hand through his drying hair giving her a half smile. "I'm sorry baby, I didn't mean it like that," he walked back over to her pulling her stiffened body close again. "I'm probably subconsciously trying to make it, so you only have me to turn to or some psychological bullshit like that."

  Not able to hold onto her irritation she kissed his cheek. "What are you talking about, I have only you to turn to as the last few months have proven."

  Running his hands up and down the length of her back, kneading the muscles soothingly he smiled handsomely. "Salene sweetheart you are one of the strongest women I've ever met."

  Dear God this man was driving her crazy, the temptation to just blow off work and make love to him has never been so strong.

  Smiling back, she replied. "We can pick up where we left off when you get back home tonight."

  Emerald eyes darkened dangerously. "Don't wear anything you want left intact tonight."

  ***

  Going to work was not as bad as she thought it was going to be. The store was well staffed giving her plenty of time to go over the books and schedules. What Salene really feared wasn't her recovery or pain at work it was Kevin. Salene had spoken to Kevin on the phone a couple of times during her recovery and each time he yelled and guilted her about what he termed as an "ultimate betrayal." It was no better when she saw him in person. Eventually, after half an hour of shunning her, Kevin eventually forgave her especially due to the fact that he was practically humming with pent-up news he only wanted to tell her in person.

  Closing the door to her office, Salene sat on the edge of her chair in pure bliss as she listened to Kevin tell her the juicy details of his and Tobias's developing relationship. The look of pure happiness on her friend's face was so pleasing to see. Salene was almost hesitant to bring up the subject of her own developing relationship. Some deep illogical part of her felt that just by speaking about it aloud might jinx it as if it was a balloon ready to pop by the slightest movement. Kevin for some reason didn't seem all that surprised by the news.

  Although a question he asked her as she was leaving that day stayed on her mind for the next couple of days. Kevin asked if the relationship was purely physical or did it feel like it was moving toward something deeper. Honestly, the question scared her bit, for reasons she couldn't quite pin down.

  When her and Gabriel got off work each day, the time they spent together was idyllic. There was nothing they did not talk, laugh, and occasionally bicker about. It was during the occasional bouts of bickering that Kevin's question resurfaced in her mind, unlike the past their arguments had no animosity just a playful tone of trying to best the other. Were they moving towards something more? Was that even something she wanted?

  Being in Gabriel's arms was unlike any other experience she had in the past with other men. Many nights they laid in bed or on the couch watching movies and each time Gabriel followed her lead. In the past with men Salene always found herself fighting off pushy advances when all she wanted to do was enjoy the moment. Gabriel was nothing like that, he seemed to possess an innate confidence that ruled his actions. When she was in his arms never has she felt more cherished and safe. Growing up she never felt that way, being a sibling of a total of six Salene always felt like a cog in some bigger working machine. Valued but not quite necessary. Even her friendship with Amber, Salene felt as if Amber viewed her merely as an accessory. No, not with Gabriel though, with him, she felt like she was the most important person in the room of many. And if she decided she wanted more, he would give her everything. It only took the right touch or one seeking glance to dare the beast beside her, to provoke him into action. Slowly he would answer each enticement with a deep and thorough kiss, wordlessly acknowledging her challenge.

  Once she lit the fire, there was no turning back. Gabriel's desire was as enveloping as a tsunami before she knew it she found herself helpless underneath his hands. Reveling in her weakened state Gabriel was unstoppable, like a machine whose sole purpose was to make her lose herself in his arms. No, Salene wasn't sure about the direction of the relationship was heading or even if it was moving at all. Maybe this is it, maybe there would never be anything more, but for now Salene didn't care she didn't want to think of the future she just wanted to enjoy this moment.

  It had been a couple of weeks since her surgery, and the swelling had finally gone down. Salene nearly cried when she tried on each of her old bras and realized not a single one fit properly. Thank you, God, everything was perfect. Despite it being super crowded in the mall, considering it was three days until Thanksgiving, Salene found herself walking down the marble floor of the upscale mall near their house. It was one of the few malls Salene never got around to seeing. Three stories of shining pristine marble and glass surrounded them as they walked. The upscale mall had everything from ice skating rinks, hotels, and star rated restaurants.

  The lingerie store was located right above the health and fitness store Gabriel needed to go to. The store was lined with eight-foot shelves, all filled from top to bottom with endless bottles of various supplements. Curious Salene wandered slowly down the aisles reading some of the labels while Gabriel shopped.

  "Hi, is there anything I can help you find today?" The friendly voice pulled her attention from the bottle of berry extract she was investigating.

  Wearing some black slacks and what looked to be a very tight Under Armor shirt, the young man in front of her smiled. Not able to stop herself Salene's eyes traveled up and down the length of his sculpted body, stopping at his lazy smile. All of it told her one thing—this guy most likely spent all of his time working out and hooking up. Aww to be young and living a dream she thought with a smile.

  "No thank you," she smiled brightly. "I am just browsing, though to be honest, I'm not sure I can afford a lot of what is in here."

  The look on his face quickly changed from his customer service glossy smile to a look of familiar wariness.

  "Student loans?" He asked as if confirming the shared misery, he detected in her voice.

  Salene couldn't help but laugh. "How did you know?"

  "Oh, I am real good at spotting the touch of sadness in fellow debtors eyes." He smiled widely as his eyes boldly drifted down her body.

  Salene couldn't lie to herself and say that the attention didn't feel good. Maybe it was the new breast size or the extra dose of confidence running through her, she couldn't be sure, but the extra attention male her feel great.

  "Well you're spot on because I am in the middle of paying off my last loan, and it's bleeding me dry." Just thinking about that extra money going out each month hurt.

  Smiling he put his arm on the display rack next to her leaning casually on it. Did he get closer? Salene wasn't sure, but he definitely seemed a little closer than before.

  "So I was wondering would you…" He was leaning forward asking her something when Salene felt th
e presence.

  Turning her head Salene was a little surprised to see Gabriel standing stoically at the end of the aisle. Looking at his hand, she saw he was carrying a simple navy blue paper bag with the store's gold emblem on it.

  "Oh, are you ready?" Already walking towards the silent man.

  Gabriel said nothing as he looked over her head giving an unreadable look before taking her hand and walking out. Salene didn't get a chance to wave bye to the clerk, with the pace Gabriel set they were half way up the escalator by the time she remembered.

  "Gabriel what's…" Salene was cut off asking him what was wrong by the chipper attendant that greeted them as they entered the lingerie shop.

  "Hi there how may I be of assistance?" The tiny redhead was super cute with a large smile. Her outfit, like the other attendants Salene spied, matched the store's decor perfectly. Wearing a deep blood red faux corset with black lace accents and a black mini-skirt she ushered Salene to the private measuring area leaving Gabriel by himself on the red couch.