Modern Romance May 2019: Books 5-8

by Cathy Williams

  She moaned, totally overcome. ‘Leon—’

  He stepped back so suddenly she nearly stumbled. He quickly clamped an arm about her but somehow walked her forward at the same time. He waved and hailed a taxi. Of course one pulled over immediately—he had that way about him. People instantly recognised power, influence, money, and moved the minute he asked.

  He thrust a couple of large notes to the driver through the window. ‘Just drive.’

  He hustled her into the cab ahead of him, then joined her on the back seat and pulled her in as if he’d been starved of kisses for aeons and was now making up for it. A famished, demanding man now feasting. She was okay with that. So okay. Because she’d discovered her own hunger—her own pleasure in exploring him too. She ran light fingers along his jaw, feeling that hot, sexy stubble—still unable to believe that she was really touching him and he was touching her. She was suddenly super-hot, although neediness made her shiver.

  His hand skated over the hem of her dress. His teasing fingers circled, finding bare skin, seeking out more. Ettie quivered but he kept kissing her, and excitement thrummed throughout her body. Who knew kissing could be this erotic? This intense? This incredibly awesome?

  She never wanted it to end. Time needed to stop. Because this was it. This was her moment—just for her. And he knew—he kept kissing her, increasing the dizzying intensity and turning up the heat with every luscious lick and slide. His teasing fingers skimmed her thigh so lightly it was only a slight tickle. Yet powerful waves of heat rolled over her. Her mouth parted more as she moaned and lifted her hips to quicker meet the delicious, unpredictable stroke of his fingertips. The tease was intolerable. She wanted a firmer touch. She wanted more.

  He deepened the kiss further still, his tongue wickedly caressing inside her mouth until she was dizzy on the delight of it. He’d unleashed a hunger, a driving need she’d never known. She soared on the sensation, strung higher with that exquisite tension he drew her along with. She couldn’t stop the rock of her hips now, instinctively enticing him to touch further, touch harder. His teeth nipped her lower lip just as he skimmed his fingertips higher—all the way to her soft, simple cotton panties. She gasped at the caress. He stilled and lifted his lips a mere millimetre from hers. Then those trespassing fingers stroked once more—so intimately that she violently squirmed, unable to hold back a moan as her fingers curled into fists. Yes. That was what she wanted. But he suddenly broke the kiss. Breathlessly she stared up at him. His gaze ensnared hers—his eyes were dark with promise, with satisfaction, with hunger.

  He growled the address for Cavendish House to the taxi driver, their gazes still locked. Dazed, she read the determination in his eyes, felt the possessiveness of his hand cupping her so intimately, and understood exactly. He wanted everything.

  If she was going to stop this, to say no, the time to do it was now. But it was also the time to say yes. Was she really going to be another of Leon Kariakis’s conquests? His challenge for the night?

  Yes.

  Now she was in this other world of touch and light and scorching sensation, nothing could stop her from having this. Having him.

  Just once.

  She’d worked hard to rein in her natural impulsiveness. She’d had too much responsibility to be reckless…but this was only one night.

  ‘Yes?’ he prompted in a gruff undertone.

  She nodded. She wanted the experience she knew he could give her. He swooped and kissed her again—pure reward, pure promise, invoking that breathless restlessness all over again. But he slipped his hand from beneath her dress and rested it on her breast instead, almost holding her captive. She acquiesced to everything, to the kiss, to the utterly foregone conclusion of this night—and simply drowned in the flood of pleasure his exquisite passion pulled from her.

  But as they neared the building she suddenly clutched his wrist and whispered with panic, ‘No one can see me.’

  ‘In my company?’ He half laughed at her drama and discomfort. ‘I’ve already thought of that, don’t worry.’ He leaned forward and spoke to the taxi driver again. Moments later the gate to the underground garage slid open, letting them escape the cab unseen.

  In the lift Leon pushed a series of buttons on the security pad. ‘The lift will go straight to the penthouse. It won’t stop on any other floor.’

  Even so, she stood as far from him as possible because there was still a security camera in there. She wasn’t ashamed but she was protective of her privacy and she didn’t want her colleagues knowing that she’d… Embarrassed warmth flooded her and she fixed her gaze to the floor and let her hair fall forward, hoping her face couldn’t be seen. At the ding of the bell, the doors slid open to his penthouse suite.

  Leon led the way, keeping a little distance as he swiftly shrugged off his jacket and tie and tossed them onto the nearest sofa. ‘Toby’s asleep,’ he said easily.

  Ettie took the moment to pause and settle her heartrate. The elderly dog was comfortably curled in his basket and she could see he’d drunk some of his water. She breathed out a little of her tension as she glanced back at Leon. ‘Why’d you take him?’

  ‘Same reason you would have if you could,’ he answered. ‘Why did it surprise you so much that I did? Why think I’m such an ogre?’

  Was there a hint of hurt in his eyes?

  ‘I don’t think you’re an ogre,’ she said softly. ‘You can just come across as a bit stern.’

  ‘You want me to smile?’ He sounded sardonic.

  ‘Yes.’

  But he remained as still and as serious as ever. ‘Come here.’

  His request—command really—was impossible to ignore. She was drawn to him; she had been from the first moment she’d seen him. So she went to him, her heart thundering faster with every step.

  ‘You’re sure about this, Ettie?’ he asked.

  ‘Just this once,’ she whispered. ‘Only this once, okay?’

  Leon didn’t reply. He was so very still, so very serious. She knew he was thinking, she just didn’t know what. But she sensed his tension, some kind of warring within. Instinctively she reached out and placed her hand on his chest.

  His heart echoed hers—beating with a fierce gallop. The pace reverberated through her palm, up her arm and into her own tightly wired body. His enigmatic gaze glittered down at her.

  And then he smiled.

  CHAPTER THREE

  ETTIE BLINKED, STUNNED again by his instant transformation from moody male model to sinfully arrogant tease. Oh, she was in such trouble. ‘What are you thinking about?’

  ‘The best way to begin.’

  She swallowed as her poor heart raced even more. But lower down she melted with anticipation. ‘Did you need some help with that?’ she asked weakly. ‘Should we list the options?’

  He laughed, which made him all the more heart-stoppingly handsome. But just as she gaped—beyond dazzled—he swooped. He caught her gasp in his kiss, sending Ettie straight back into that intense desire she’d felt in the taxi. Oh, the man could kiss. He was playful and teasing—alternating deep, luscious licks with light nibbles that were designed to provoke her to madness. She had more freedom now than in the car, so she wound her arms around his neck and pushed closer, revelling in the press of his hard, masculine body against hers. He was tall and taut and she felt the strength in his core stillness. But his wicked hands wandered again, back to the hem of her dress, back to the silky skin of her inner thigh. She moaned, collapsing against him and letting her feet slide further apart as he trailed those fingertips to the top of her leg, teasing so, so close to where she ached to be teased.

  Oh, yes. Please, yes.

  But she didn’t say it, didn’t chant the plea circling in her head. She couldn’t—she was too busy being kissed to glorious dizziness. But he must have read her mind, because then he went there—skilfully circling that tight bundle of pure sensitivity. She gasped, breaking the seal of the kiss as pleasure rushed upon her.

  ‘Oh…’
>
  He clamped her to him with his other arm, supporting her as the orgasm sent her body into spasms of blissful sensation. Never had she come so quickly with a man. Well, never had she actually come with a man.

  Panting and suddenly so self-conscious, she pressed her forehead against his chest. He stroked her back but kept that other hand gently cupping her so intimately, soft touches easing her down yet keeping her hyper-aware of him.

  ‘I’ve been imagining that all day,’ he muttered low in her ear.

  Really? Breathlessly she laughed as he suddenly switched his hold and lifted her off her feet to carry her through to the master bedroom.

  ‘Me too,’ she muttered shyly as he lowered her to stand at the foot of the big bed. So much.

  His smile flashed again and it was like being concussed—all circling stars and dizziness, and she really didn’t think she could stand for too much longer. She didn’t think she could ever get enough of those smiles. But he stepped close and her eyes drifted shut as he kissed her all over again. Vaguely she heard the slide of her zip and before she realised it her dress had slithered to the floor in a sleek heap at her feet.

  ‘Multitasking?’ she mumbled in a moment of embarrassment at the simplicity of her exposed underwear. It was black, cotton—no lace or fancy silk and nothing like what any of those models would wear.

  But he was still and staring again, erotic hunger stark upon his face. ‘You’re even more gorgeous than I imagined.’

  She crossed her arms and shook her head.

  He smiled again but there was an edge of craving to it. ‘You don’t believe me?’ He stepped forward. ‘Never mind.’ He caught her in a kiss again and then pushed her so she fell back onto the bed. He moved onto the bed too, braced above her, kissing not just her yearning mouth but also down her neck and then lower still. She wriggled but he put a firm hand on her.

  ‘Let me,’ he ordered with a low mutter. ‘I’ve wanted to for hours.’

  He removed her bra with the skill of a man who’d undone many women. Frankly Ettie was glad as he then kissed his way from one breast to the other, teasing each nipple to a stiff peak of yearning. She quivered as he trailed teasing hands down her ribs to her hips. What was she supposed to do? How could she possibly resist? Her legs had a will of their own and simply spread—earning her a burning glance and then another of those soul-searing smiles. And then he put those lips to even better use.

  ‘Oh, my, oh, my, oh, my.’ This time she muttered the chant over and over as he teased her. As those hands pulled the panties from her body and his fingers sought out even more secrets. He was kissing her where no one had bothered to kiss her before. It was so shockingly intimate. So incredibly good.

  ‘Leon,’ she moaned, half drawing her knees up in rejection as his tongue swirled to even greater intimacy.

  She felt the hot breath of his laughter. It tickled and she wriggled a little—half escaping, a whole lot eager.

  ‘You didn’t think you were done, did you?’ he said, putting a hand on her hip and holding her still.

  But what about him? She’d already…she’d already…

  But that swirl of his tongue made any more thought impossible. And then his fingers pushed right into her slick heat. She arched taut, locking those talented fingers in place. But even then he teased. His mouth kept up that magic, sucking hard, while his tongue added rough slicks of pleasure. Unstoppable waves of heat rolled over her in a torrent of ecstasy. He growled against her in appreciative hunger as the convulsions started, applying more pressure with his fingers—pumping deeper, pressing harder against her inner walls, and he ate at her like she was the sweetest treat imaginable. Unbearable pleasure tore through her, harder this time as she squeezed on his hold and rode out the crest he’d conjured for her.

  ‘Leon!’

  It was a long moment before he answered, sliding up the bed, licking his lips and sending her a smug smile. ‘Better now?’

  He didn’t seriously expect an answer, did he? Because she was still struggling to return to reality, still catching her breath and still desperate for what more that was to come. She wanted all of him.

  ‘This is you making the most of opportunities?’ she eventually sighed, trying to keep it light even when she was almost buried in need for him.

  His gaze turned smoky. ‘Yes.’

  ‘Please,’ she muttered in total, helpless surrender.

  That smokiness flared to fire—pure, burning lust. He thrust back off the bed and pretty much shredded his clothes. He reached into the drawer of the bedside cabinet and retrieved a condom.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ he muttered. ‘I have plenty.’

  She trembled with anticipation—her mouth drying as she watched him. He was very…well built, and so highly aroused the sight of him made other parts of her moisten. He knelt on the bed and looked at her. He was a hot, experienced, sexually demanding man and right now he was motionless again—thinking.

  The sexual suspense was almost killing her.

  ‘How do you want…?’ She trailed off. She had such little experience, she had no idea what to suggest.

  ‘You have a list in mind?’ he teased with a half-smile. ‘’Cos I do.’

  ‘You go first, then,’ she muttered in a low voice, blushing—and then blushing harder as she realised she blushed all over.

  ‘Oh, glykia mou,’ he chuckled. ‘This first time I’m watching every moment flicker over your beautiful face.’ He braced himself over her, running his hand down her side in a manner both soothing and stirring as he looked into her eyes. ‘I want to see everything, feel everything…’

  She felt a flash of vulnerability but he pressed closer and she could see him too—into those brown eyes that she knew had such depths. Right now, she saw desire and humour and the sharp bite of hunger.

  ‘Then do what you want,’ she whispered.

  He kissed her into softness and stirring heat again. She couldn’t believe this was happening. He overwhelmed her—his size, his heat, his musky scent.

  ‘Breathe,’ he muttered, gently probing her tightness. At the catch of her breath he hesitated and gave her a searching look.

  ‘It’s been a while,’ she mumbled, burning with both desire and insecurity.

  Another emotion flared in his eyes—hotter than ever. ‘I know.’

  He knew? How—because she was so desperate? Because she barely knew what she was doing?

  ‘Relax. Kiss me.’

  He lifted her, nudging her legs further apart so she could take him more easily. Then in one smooth movement he kissed her and thrust deep at the same time. She cried out with the shocking pleasure of it and clutched his hips to keep him there.

  ‘Okay?’ he growled.

  ‘Mmm-hmm.’ She was almost delirious with the delight of it—he felt so heavy, she so full.

  And it didn’t just feel good, it also felt right. For the first time she actually understood why people liked this so much. He muttered something she didn’t understand and crushed her closer.

  And this was what she’d wanted most of all—him with her as completely as anyone could be. He moved, watching her, kissing her, riding her swiftly to that point beyond thought. It was unbearably awesome. She gave herself up to complete hedonism, not caring about anything but the demands of her body—driving her hips in the way instinct dictated she must. His breathing roughened, the glitter in his eyes sharpened.

  ‘Ettie.’ He huffed her name harshly and pumped harder.

  She curled about him more tightly still, screaming as she came harder and longer than she could bear. She heard his roar of need and felt the sudden, full force of his lust unleashed. He slammed into her. Again, then again and again until they collided, interlocked, shaking together for a sublime moment of eternity, lost in that realm of total ecstasy.

  She couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t believe.

  ‘We’re doing that again,’ he muttered rawly. ‘Now.’

  * * *

  The dog was gone. Rubbing hi
s sleep-fuzzed head, Leon glanced at the empty basket with a frown. Ettie must have woken early and taken him for a walk. Leon wished she’d woken him—he’d have gone with her. Or better still, delayed her a little longer. His body was hard and ready—despite the aches from the full-on, all-night best sex of his life. His curiosity was fully aroused too. For the first time in a long time, he wanted to know more about a woman.

  He paced the penthouse, running his hand through his hair again, aching for her return. One night wasn’t going to be enough. He’d guessed they’d be good together, but he’d not imagined quite how hot. He grimaced wryly at the condom wrappers littering the bedroom floor. They’d barely bothered with sleep. After that first intense experience, he’d lifted her into the shower and taken his time to soap her up—easing away the last of her shyness and exposing the sly humour he’d seen fleeting snatches of. He’d held off letting her get off until she whispered something she wanted him to do and learned she knew a few curse words too. Hell, in that moment he’d have done anything she asked. She was generous and sweet and funny and he wanted nothing more than to kiss her everywhere until she came all over again.

  Half an hour passed and still she didn’t return. A prickle of foreboding slid down his spine. Why hadn’t she come back? The full quota of staff would be on shift by now and she hadn’t wanted to be seen by any of them.

  He stilled, irritated. Was he actually worried about her? And the damn dog?