by Sarah Bale
My head aches as I listen to my professor ramble on. I didn’t sleep worth a shit last night and I’m paying for it now.
“Ms. Mayhem, if I’m boring you, you are more than welcome to leave my classroom.”
“I’m sorry, Professor. I’m getting a migraine.” Standing, I gather my books and slip out the back door.
It’s not a lie. The pounding between my eyes feels like a hangover, except I don’t drink. Crap. I hope I’m not getting sick. Some of my classmates were complaining about a stomach bug going around when class started. I stop by the café on the campus corner and grab some veggie soup and head home.
When I get there, Lucy is gone. She doesn’t have class today, which means she’s probably with Andrew. That’s fine by me, because I’m planning on eating my soup and vegging out on the couch. After picking a rom-com on Netflix, I change into my PJs and grab a blanket.
I fall asleep at some point and wake up when someone pounds on the front door. Sitting, I’m pleased to find my headache is gone. I pad to the door, opening it. No one’s there. There’s not even a car parked on the street. But there is a large envelope leaning against a flowerpot. Picking it up, I see that it’s addressed to me.
I’m not expecting anything, so this is odd. There’s no return address. Or even a stamp. Just like the last gift I got. Unease creeps up my spine and I go to my room to get my scissors. My hands shake as I open the envelope. Inside, is a single photo that’s been blown up. It’s from the Purring Pussy Champagne Room.
I’m riding Saint, and my head is tilted back. The look of pleasure on both our faces gives away what we’re doing, or close to it. If it wasn’t taken without my knowledge, it would almost be beautiful. The intense look on his face. The way my lashes fan across my cheeks. The contrast of color in my skin as it heats from passion. The way his fingers dig into my hips.
Who in the fuck took this? Flipping it over, I gasp. It’s the same scratchy handwriting as the note that came with the lingerie.
Little sluts get what they deserve.
Bile creeps up my throat and I reach for my phone before stopping. Who am I going to call? Saint? So he can hang up on me before I even say why I’m calling? Agent Hill? Hell, he’s probably too busy to bother talking to me. Jas isn’t here anymore, either. There’s literally no one I can reach out to, and I’ve never felt more alone.
The front door slams and Lucy calls out, “Olivia? You home?”
I shove the photo into my dresser drawer and wipe my sweaty palms on the sides of my shorts. “Yeah. I’m in my room.”
She’s in the doorway a moment later.
“Why did you bail on us? We waited for an hour.”
Crap. That’s why she wasn’t at the house. I was supposed to meet her for lunch after my class ended.
“Shit. I totally forgot. I was feeling sick and left class early.”
She shakes her head. “Just when I think you’re starting to break out of your shell, you do something like this.”
“I took a nap when I got home. I’m just glad it’s not a stomach bug.”
“I guess I can’t be mad at you then. Do you want to watch a movie? Andrew is on his way, but you’re more than welcome to join?”
“Thanks, but I need to go to the library since I’m feeling better.”
She snorts. “Okay.”
When she’s gone, I gather my books. I’m not sure how much studying I’ll be able to get done, but I can’t be here. Not right now, not after getting that photo.
Outside, I inhale the crisp air. It’s hard to believe it’s almost fall, and that I missed summer. The leaves are already starting to turn, falling here and there onto the sidewalk. I reach the library and pass the lone librarian at the desk and head toward the second floor to a table in a corner where no one can bother me.
Finding that photo has left me shaken and unsettled. Is it Chase? He’s the only one I can think of who could have sent it. But how did he know that I was at the Purring Pussy with Saint? The only way he’d know about that is if he’s been following me. Thinking about it makes my skin crawl.
I reach into my bag and pull out my textbook. I’m reaching for my notes when I see movement from the next aisle. Who on earth would be up here at this time of the day? Maybe I’m just seeing things? I flip open my book and try to concentrate. I’ve got to stop this. Freaking myself out doesn’t help anyone. But maybe I should move tables, just in case. I grab my stuff and move to a different table. The feeling of being watched is gone, but that doesn’t stop me from gasping when King steps from the shadows.
“King! You scared me.”
When he moves into the light, I gasp for another reason. He’s lost weight since the last time I saw him and there are dark smudges under his eyes, as if he’s not sleeping well.
“King?”
“I know I’m not supposed to be here, but I just… I couldn’t be alone tonight.”
“Did something happen?”
It’s taking every ounce of self-control I have to not reach out and wrap my arms around him. He’s really here!
He sits next to me. “My mother passed away.”
I reach out, putting my hand over his. “I heard. I’m so very sorry.”
“I got a letter in the mail from her today.” He touches his pocket and paper crinkles. “I knew she was sending it, but it still shook me getting it. Seeing her handwriting – I forgot she was gone for a minute. Felt like I’d been punched in the gut.”
He’s silent for a moment, lost in his own thoughts. The big clock that hangs over the stained-glass window on the other end of the building ticks steadily as we sit there and reminds me of a heartbeat.
“She was one hell of a woman. Most people only knew her as a club whore, but she was so much more than that.” He lets out a shaky laugh. “That woman – man, she had a way with words.”
“What did she say in the letter, if you don’t mind me asking?”
He looks at me, his blue eyes filled with unshed tears. “She told me to come after you. Said I was a fool if I let you slip through my fingers.”
My heart thuds in my chest.
He goes on, “She’s right, you know. I understand why Saint sent you away, but it’s crazy to not live my life just because he’s scared.”
“Wh-what are you saying, King?”
“I’m saying that I want you back. I understand if you’ve moved on, but I just couldn’t go another day without telling you that I messed up and I’m sorry for that.”
Now I’m the one blinking back tears. “King. I’ve missed you so much.”
I throw myself into his arms, pressing my lips to his. Parting his lips, he kisses me back until I’m biting back a moan. When he pulls away, his lips are swollen and pink. He runs his fingers through his blond locks, making him look as disheveled as the first night we had sex.
He says, “I’ve missed you, too.”
“God. I feel like I’m dreaming right now. Like, is this really happening?”
“Oh, it’s happening, baby. That is, if you’ll still have me.”
“Of course I’ll have you, King.” I pause. “What are you going to say when Saint finds out?”
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”
I hate to ask, but I have to know. “What about Bash and Razor?”
“They miss you, too, but for some reason they’re both resistant to the idea of coming after you. I told both of them my intentions tonight, so they know.”
“I miss them, too. Are you okay with that?”
What I’m really asking is, will he still want to be with me and them, if it comes down to it. We didn’t get much time before to explore how this relationship would work with four of us involved.
“I was okay with it the first time, baby. My mom taught me that love doesn’t have to be singular.”
I wrap my arms around him again. “King, you don’t know how much I’ve missed being able to touch you.”
“Believe me, I know. I’d see you leav
ing your place, and I’d have to drive off, so I didn’t do something stupid, like running up to you and taking you with me.”
“I heard you. All of you. Every day since I left.”
Everyone except for Saint.
He must guess my train of thoughts because he said, “Saint is the one who said we should keep an eye on you. Even if he won’t admit it, he cares.”
After my encounter with him the other night, I don’t doubt that he cares.
King points to my books. “What are you working on?”
“Just trying to catch up on some schoolwork. I had to leave class early today because I wasn’t feeling well.”
“I don’t want to corrupt you, but there’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
“You had me at corrupt. What is it?”
He gives me a panty-melting smile. “Ever hooked up in the library?”
My lady-parts come to life and I grin. “No.”
“Want to?”
I look around. We’re alone up here, but anyone could show up.
He tips my chin. “You don’t have to, Liv. It’s just always been a fantasy of mine and you’re giving off some serious college girl vibes.”
This makes me laugh. I’m wearing shorts, a retro Jonas Brothers shirt, and flipflops. It’s nothing special, but I can’t deny the heat in his eyes.
“I want to. But what if someone comes up here?”
“Baby, you’re the only one who’ll be coming. Promise.”
“How can I say no to that?”
He takes me by the hand, pulling me away from the table. We go to a dark corner that looks like it’s never seen the light of day. Or been cleaned, for that matter, as dust lines the bookshelves.
King kisses my neck before saying, “Take off your shorts and panties.”
I do as he says, kicking them to the side. He looks me up and down until I feel like I’m burning.
“You’re so beautiful, baby.”
Reclaiming my lips, he crushes me against him, turning so my back is against the bookshelf. I’ve always loved the smell of old books, but now I think the scent will remind me of this – of King and me. He drops to his knees and runs his hands under my shirt, cupping my breasts through my bra. There’s something empowering about seeing a man on his knees in front of you. It’s the way he looks up, like I’m the most important thing in the world.
While he cups my breasts, he also kisses a trail down my exposed skin, heading straight to the source of my heat. A low moan escapes my mouth when his beard rubs against the sensitive skin of my inner thigh.
“King.”
He grins at me right before pushing my legs apart. He doesn’t give me time to worry about who might see me like this as he covers my mound with his mouth. And the way he eats me out – goddamn. I lean back against the wall to support myself as his tongue works magic on me. Arousal and heat pool between my legs as I throb with need. His tongue swirls around my clit and then he nips it. It feels- So. Fucking. Good.
“King, I’m so close.”
He gives me one last lick before standing. His cock presses again his jeans and I can’t help but to rub against him. He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a condom.
“Came prepared, did ya?”
He grins. “A guy can always hope, right?”
He unzips his pants, rolling the condom on. It’s sexy as hell how he doesn’t bother to shove his pants down his legs.
He lifts me and says, “Wrap your legs around me.”
I do as he says, and he guides his dick to my slick opening. When he fills me, we both moan.
“Better be quiet,” he whispers into my ear. “Don’t want anyone to hear us.”
I’m about to reply when he nips my earlobe, sending jolts of pleasure straight to my core.
“You play dirty,” I whisper back.
He smiles against my neck as he rocks his hips. “But you like it.”
“I do. So much.”
Biting back another moan, I buck against him. Voices trickle our way a few aisles over and my heartbeat thuds in my chest. Oh god. What if we get caught? I look at King, expecting to see fear or at least worry on his face. Instead, he looks hungrily down at me.
“Better hold on,” he warns.
His pace increases and he pounds into me so hard that books fall off the shelf around us.
Someone whispers loudly, “Holy crap. I think someone’s having sex over there.”
King gives me a wicked look, reaching between us and rubbing my clit. My head tilts back as I reach the point of no return. If I don’t come, I’m going to die. A moan works its way up my throat, and I bite my lip to keep from making a sound. But King and his magic cock hold too much power over me, and I moan loudly.
Another voice says, “Should we get the security guard?”
“We better.”
Their footsteps fade away, but King doesn’t slow down.
“King. Make me come.”
His fingers dig into my skin as his thrusts become shallow. Sweat glistens his brow and he looks so sexy. I capture his mouth in a kiss and our tongues mimic what he’s doing to my pussy. My stomach tingles right before I come. Leaning forward, I press my face against his neck as I make sounds of pleasure. He rocks against me a few more times before finding his own release. I love the way his cock throbs deep inside of me, but my bliss is short-lived as footsteps approach.
King grins as he pulls out and removes the condom. He ties it off and tosses it into a trashcan in the corner before grabbing my shorts and panties, handing them to me. Then he picks up a book from the shelf and flips it open. His broad body blocks me as I put on my clothes. I’m able to run my fingers through my hair right before a security guard walks up.
“Evening, folks. Had a complaint that some inappropriate actions might be happening in this area. Do you know anything about it?”
King looks at me before answering. “No, sir. My friend and I were just looking for books on cooking with cumin. Did you know that some people taste soap when eating it?”
The guard looks skeptical. “I think you mean cilantro. If you hear anything, please call campus security.”
“Will do.”
When he’s gone, I burst out laughing. “Cumin? Really?”
“What? It worked, didn’t it.”
“Barely. You’re full of surprises, King.”
“I’m just getting started, baby. Let’s get your things.”
He holds my hand as we go back to the table. My legs still feel like freaking gelatin, but it’s a good feeling. I can’t believe I just had sex. In the library. And, we almost got busted. I let out a small laugh and he peers at me.
“Care to share?”
“I was just thinking. Bash had me watch a porno with him once that took place at a college.”
He nods. “Professor Fucker VI. I’m familiar.”
This time I laugh out loud. “Jeez. I don’t even want to know.”
He shrugs. “The club has its hand in different pots. The adult industry is one of them. I can introduce you to the cast, if you’d like.” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Have a little party.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“So I’ve been told my entire life.” He brings my hand to his lip, kissing it. “Let’s get out of here.”
This surprises me. “You want to come home with me?”
“Well, yeah. Unless you want to go to my place? It’s not much, since I spend most of my time at the club. Never saw the point in having something fancy.”
I can’t stop the smile that’s spreading across my face. “I guess I thought you were just going to leave.”
“No chance, baby. You said you wanted me back. Now you’re stuck with me.” His eyes twinkle as he looks down at me.
“Let’s go.”
Hand in hand, we leave the library and go outside. But, instead of taking me to his bike, we go to a truck.
“Where’s your bike?”
“Had to get some work done on
it. Plus, it’s good to drive the truck every once in a while.”
“I’ve missed riding,” I admit.
“You’re going to be riding a different kind of beast tonight.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.”
We take off, headed for my house. I can’t help but think this is the beginning of something wonderful.
9
Olivia
King kisses a trail down my stomach. “Good morning, sleepy head.”
Groaning, I open my eyes. “What time is it?”
“A little after noon.” He chuckles. “I think I just gave your roommate quite a shock.”
This wakes me up. “What happened?”
“Didn’t know she was here and went to the kitchen to get us breakfast. Naked.”
He is indeed very naked.
I laugh out loud. “Oh my god. King.”
He shrugs. “She didn’t seem mad. Just asked who I was. She’s probably wondering what an old fucker like me is doing here.”
“You don’t look your age, and I happen to like old fuckers.”
“Lucky for me, then.” He climbs into bed, pulling me close to his body. “A guy could get used to this you know. Waking up next to your pretty smile each day.”
I wrap my arms around him, snuggling against his chest. “Me, too.”
We stay like this until both our stomachs rumble in hunger. I don’t want this to end, but King stands, getting dressed.
“Let’s grab some lunch.”
“You don’t have to go to the club?”
He frowns, but says, “Not until later for Church.”
“I’m supposed to go to a party with my roommate tonight.”
He grins. “Great. So, we’ll both take care of shit we don’t want to, and I’ll pick you up later. Spend the night together. Sound like a plan?”
“Sure does.” I pause. “Is it because of me? Is that why you don’t want to go to the clubhouse.”