by C. C. Gibbs
What did she think? It was impossible! Inconceivable! But her body wantonly opened in welcome, as if reason had become a marginal issue to irrepressible lust.
‘I think I’d like it,’ he murmured, driven by some redhot, sexed up irrational impulse. ‘A body like yours was made for babies. Interested?’
Since he was moving in her with the kind of undulating rhythm that inflamed and bewitched, overwhelmed intellect with fiery sensation, propelled her frenzied nerve endings ever closer to orgasm – and since she understood that she couldn’t climax without his approval, her immediate answer was never in doubt. ‘Whatever you want,’ she breathed in a dissolving exhalation as he dragged her back into the unyielding rigidity of his erection.
With her climax hovering on the brink, Dominic knew how she’d answer – still, such unchecked largesse was intoxicating. Almost as intoxicating as the image of Miss Hart nursing his baby.
He went absolutely still for a split second, an error message flashing wildly in his brain. Another second passed before he resumed breathing, then another before he concluded that the conversation about procreation at lunch was to blame for his bizarre thoughts. Or the illusion suggested by the dangling pearls. Or perhaps it was only that Miss Hart unclothed triggered images of voluptuous fertility.
None of which mattered with his sanity fully restored. This holiday was about sex and games of mastery and submission, power and control. Nothing else. Miss Hart hadn’t lost her focus; she was swinging her bottom back and forth, being proactive in her quest for orgasm, her breathing erratic like it was just prior to orgasm. So get with the programme. Talk her over the edge.
‘You have a lot of cum running down your legs, Katherine,’ Dominic said gently, smoothly matching her rhythm, conscious of her fast approaching orgasm with the first small tremors fluttering up his dick. ‘If we’re going to get you pregnant, it might be better if you were lying down. Or I could just keep fucking you so you were always filled with cum. That way we’d be sure to make a baby before too—’
She sobbed in a sharp little outcry and climaxed in a rapid fire series of hard convulsions that spiked through Dominic’s brain like a dynamite charge, stole his breath away, ignited an instant, simultaneous ejaculatory explosion that did fill the lady.
And left them both gasping for breath.
But Miss Hart was still slippery wet around him, fully available, delivering herself up to him with her bottom raised high. He felt invincible. As if he could fuck for ever, as if his cock was made of rock, impervious to all but the lure of Miss Hart’s lush, lubricated pussy and his militant lust.
As he proceeded to test his theory of invincibility, he didn’t hear Kate’s safe word after his next orgasm or the next. But her frantic, high-pitched, ‘No, no, no!’ finally broke through the hardcore death-by-screwing strategy he was pursuing. ‘A few seconds more,’ he gasped, grabbing her around the waist to hold her up as her arms gave way. A grunt, a jerk, a half-dozen violent, shuddering thrusts later and he stopped moving. And a second after that, he swept her up into his arms, kissed her parted lips, inhaled her breathless sob, and murmured on a laboured breath, ‘Poor baby – I didn’t … hear you.’
Carrying her over to the bed, he gently deposited her on the silk coverlet, loosened the nipple clips, softly kissed each pink crest, tossed the clips on the bedside table. Pushing his damp hair away from his face, he dropped into a sprawl beside her. Her eyes were shut, she was motionless, her breathing unsteady. ‘I’m sorry. That was too much.’ He touched her fingertips. ‘You have to say “no” louder when I’m that buzzed. We’ll have to practise.’
She heard the smile in his voice and whispered, ‘Fuck you.’
He laughed. ‘At least you can still talk. I thought I might have to call in a doctor.’
The scary thought jolted her awake. ‘No doctors,’ she hissed, coming up on one elbow, lasering him with her gaze. ‘That better be in my contract.’
‘Whatever you want,’ he said, smiling up at her. ‘I’m in a generous mood.’
A withering glance. ‘I wonder why.’
Half rising in a ripple of hard, toned muscle, he leaned over and kissed her – light, brushing kisses on her temple, cheek, the hollow behind her ear. ‘I’m really sorry,’ he whispered into her silky curls. ‘Don’t be mad.’
‘I should be after all your damned orders, but’ – she sighed and dropped back on the bed – ‘how could I be? I’ve never come – like that … so wildly, and so many times.’
He leaned back on his elbows, thinking it shouldn’t matter whether she’d come like that a thousand times before. ‘How many times have you come before?’ Shocked that he’d asked, he debated countering his question with some bland levity. But didn’t.
‘Never like that – never, never. Other than masturbating, I came – maybe twice before I met you. Although, I’m not sure if they were real orgasms.’
If you’re not sure, they weren’t real. The thought warmed him in a strange and reckless way.
‘Although now that I know how fabulous it feels,’ she said with a soft sigh, ‘I probably didn’t climax with – well … anyway – it didn’t feel like it does when I climax with you.’
‘I see,’ he said politely, his pulse rate spiking. But a heartbeat later, he cautioned himself about overreacting. It didn’t matter when and if she’d come before. Seriously. Case closed. He ran his finger up her inner thigh, purposefully redirecting his thoughts. Told her they could dine on The Glory Girl if she wished or at home – it didn’t matter.
When he received no reply he looked up and saw she was sleeping.
So he covered her and quietly left the room.
CHAPTER 17
Quickly washing up, Dominic put on the white terry-cloth robe hanging from the hook on the bathroom door and retired to his study. His first call was to his captain. He arranged to have The Glory Girl outfitted for a sail tonight with the stipulation that the plans were provisional. Danny Flynn, an Australian ex-surfer with blond dreadlocks who could sail anything with canvas, said, ‘If you show up, you show up. Don’t worry about it. It won’t interfere with my drinking.’
Dominic laughed. ‘Good to know we won’t be cutting into your entertainment.’
‘Bringing a lady, are you? Leo gave me a heads-up. Just in case, he said.’
‘He’s always a step ahead of me.’
‘You pay us enough, he should be.’ Both men had served together in the Australian commandos and had entered Dominic’s employ the same time as Max.
‘We can order dinner from Lung King Heen if we come on board,’ Dominic said. ‘I’ll let you know.’
‘Good fucking, man. I hear she’s fine.’
‘Miss Hart has to be treated with respect,’ Dominic warned.
‘Don’t get your knickers in a twist,’ Danny cheerfully replied. ‘Leo already threatened me. I’ll treat her like the bloody queen. Cheers.’
Dominic’s second call was to Max.
‘Sorry to call on your off time,’ Dominic said, ‘but I need some information. Who takes care of our grants at MIT?’
‘Bill Vandevore.’
‘Have him email me the grant amounts, departments, projects and the names of the participants by tomorrow morning.’
‘For? As if I don’t know.’
‘Then don’t ask.’
Max sighed. ‘I’ll see that Bill gets back to you. I was just about to call you about something.’
‘That tone of voice sounds like Liv needs something.’
‘The philharmonic charity event was supposed to be at the chief executive’s house tomorrow but his wife had a heart attack a few hours ago. I told Liv I’d ask you if we could transfer the affair to your place.’
Dominic groaned.
‘It’s Liv’s pet charity or I wouldn’t ask.’ The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra had been part of the ex-pat community since 1895, was now officially under government sponsorship and unofficially a prestigious charity for the moneyed
class in Hong Kong, no matter their origins.
‘Yeah, I know.’ An almost imperceptible pause, then Dominic said, ‘Send the guest list to Leo and tell him what you need. What time do I have to be there?’
‘Six.’
‘What?’
‘It’s cocktails, seven to nine, but you’re the host and some people always come early. The Principessa, for one, when she hears it’s at your house. Her husband just signed an oil tanker deal with China for two and a half billion so Liv wants a big cheque from Antonia. We’re counting on you.’
‘I’m not fucking her, Max, if that’s what you’re saying.’
‘Everything but, then.’
‘Jesus.’
‘Look, she should be good for a hundred grand at least and it’s not as though you haven’t fucked her plenty of times before.’
‘I happen to be busy right now fucking someone else.’
‘Then you’ll have to be real diplomatic. Either to Antonia or Miss Hart. That’s up to you.’
‘Thanks for the advice,’ Dominic grumbled. ‘And if I catch your eye at the damned party, you’d better get your ass over and pry Antonia off me. Got it?’
‘I’ll have Liv invite Lieutenant Penzance from the embassy. I hear he’s in demand with the ladies.’
‘Now you’re thinking. I won’t be there a minute before six. Miss Hart will be my companion.’
‘Careful.’
‘I intend to be. She’ll be introduced as a business associate – which she is, at least temporarily. But you owe me big-time for this. I’d prefer not interrupting one of my better holidays.’
‘I understand. Thanks.’
‘She’s really remarkable, Max. Out of the ordinary.’
It wasn’t like Dominic to speak so plainly, especially about the women in his life. He was generally reticent about the women he entertained or who entertained him. ‘I thought so when I met her,’ Max replied. ‘I’m glad you’re pleased.’
‘I’m more than pleased. Anyway, thank you for finding Katherine. I mean it sincerely.’
Max told his wife afterwards that he felt as though someone had punched him in the gut when he heard Dominic speak about Katherine Hart with such unreserved emotion. Dominic didn’t expose his feelings. He always kept everything personal locked up inside. On the other hand, Dominic didn’t do permanent and that’s what women always wanted. ‘Although I doubt she’ll be in Hong Kong long,’ Max sardonically added, standing in the doorway of his wife’s small office where he’d come to give her the good news. ‘You know Dominic.’
Olivia smiled. ‘She must be spectacularly better than his other playmates if he’s escorting her to a public function.’ Olivia was fully conscious of Dominic’s attractions. Money, youth and good looks were a rare combination. ‘She’s the usual gold-digger though, I expect.’
‘She’s not.’ Walking in, Max dropped into a chair near his wife’s desk.
‘You can’t mean it.’ Having trusted her husband to get results, Olivia had been scrolling through the email list of participants that had to be notified of the party’s venue change. She turned in her chair. ‘Every woman Dominic knows is after his money.’
‘She really isn’t. You forget, I vetted her. She’s a small-town girl. Midwest. Focused on her skill set, not interested in money. Dominic had told her she could write her own ticket when it came to her contract, but she asked for only a modest fee. And after she saved Dominic twenty million in Singapore, she turned down his bonus offer.’
‘Good Lord.’ Olivia’s brows arched high. ‘A saint?’
‘No, but different from us. Exemplary small-town upbringing. Not at all like you, darling.’ Olivia was a slender, blonde aristocrat from a diplomatic family, with a refined beauty bred through six centuries of wealthy male forebears who’d married beautiful women because they could. ‘But you’ll like her. Katherine Hart is open, natural, whip-smart and fully aware of Dominic’s track record with women. She told me she did her research before the interview. I’m sure she did.’
‘I see. Then she won’t be surprised when he sends her on her way.’
‘Probably not. She’s sensible.’
‘And beautiful, no doubt. You forgot that. Always a requirement for Dominic.’
‘She’s pretty rather than stunning. She’s not every hair-in-place-put-together kind of glamorous like all of Dominic’s’ – he shrugged – ‘pick your label.’
‘Paid escorts?’
Max shrugged again. ‘Dominic likes temporary arrangements.’
Liv smiled. ‘I’ve noticed, everyone’s noticed. By the way, speaking of paid escorts, Antonia is sure to appear once she understands the event is at Dominic’s.’
‘I’ve already told him he’s to be nice to her. You want a sizeable donation.’
‘Thank you, darling. You’re a dear.’
‘But you have to invite Lieutenant Penzance to lure Antonia away from Dominic. I have orders to drag her off him if she’s too persistent. He’s apparently concerned about Miss Hart’s feelings.’
‘Her feelings?’
‘You should look surprised.’ Max grinned. ‘Personally, I’m looking forward to a philharmonic charity event for the first time in my life. Watching Dominic deal with both Antonia and Miss Hart will be worth the price of admission.’
Olivia held her husband’s gaze for a moment, her eyes alight. ‘Do you think this unusual young lady has breached Dominic’s protective defences? Insinuated herself past that cool indifference?’
‘Ask me next week.’
She grimaced. ‘That means no.’
‘Not necessarily. Dominic’s not the same with her. I actually mean wait until next week. He’s scheduled to fly out on Tuesday.’
‘Without you, I hope. Your holiday isn’t up yet.’
‘Dominic’s going on to London without me. I’ll meet him in Paris later. We’ll see if Miss Hart goes with him or goes home.’ He nodded at her computer. ‘You can hit send on your email list now. Then email Leo a detailed inventory of what’s needed for the party; he’ll take care of the rest.’
‘It’s very sweet of Dominic to agree on such short notice.’
‘He always comes through.’ Max grinned, thinking of Dominic’s grudging assent. ‘Even when he’d rather not. So if you’ll go out of your way to be pleasant to Miss Hart, I know he’ll appreciate it. Dominic’s strangely protective of her.’
‘You said she’s young.’
‘Just out of college.’
Olivia’s gaze narrowed faintly. ‘And she’s keeping him interested?’
‘Who knows why? She’s bright as anything. Definitely a change for him.’
‘IT, you said. That is different. Not sleek and finished like the others.’
‘Greta’s dressing her.’
Olivia sat back in her chair, her hand to her breast in a small gesture of surprise. ‘Julia’s designer.’
‘Yes, Julia’s designer.’
‘My heavens.’ She dropped her hand, her blue eyes sparkled. ‘I can hardly wait to meet this fantastic woman.’
Kate slept through the dinner hour. Dominic cancelled their sail on The Glory Girl with a bland explanation.
‘You have to treat the sweet young things with more respect,’ Danny teased. ‘It’s solitaire and whisky for you tonight, my man. If you ever need any advice on handling the newbies, just ask.’
‘As if. The only sweet young thing you know is your sister.’
‘Want me to ask her what women like who don’t charge by the hour?’
Dominic laughed. ‘Fuck off.’
‘Seriously, if the lady wants a sail – we’re here any time. Day or night. Leo says you like her.’
‘You say that like it’s strange.’
‘Hey, man – who you talkin’ to? It is strange, OK?’
Max and his friends had come on board after Julia’s death. They’d only seen one Dominic Knight.
‘But nice strange.’
Danny could hear the s
mile in Dominic’s voice. ‘There you go. Life’s good. Take pictures for your photo album.’
Dominic chuckled. ‘I’ll call you if Katherine wants to go out on the water.’
‘You know my number. Cheers.’
Dominic went into the bedroom every half hour, checking to see that nothing was wrong, that Katherine was still breathing, that he hadn’t harmed her in some way. But she was always sleeping peacefully, curled up and cocooned in green silk with red dragons. He finally brought in his laptop rather than continually come and go, pulled up a comfortable chair near the bed and worked on his email.
He started getting hungry by eight and went to his study to order dinner.
‘Just send me two sandwiches now. I’ll call you when we’re ready for dinner. No, nothing elaborate. Not tonight. Something simple. You know what I like. And if you’ll set the table and put out the food, I’d appreciate it. I’ll give you a ten-minute heads-up. Thanks, Deshi.’
He’d eaten his sandwiches, spent another hour on his laptop and had just gotten up to check on Kate again when the phone in Kate’s messenger bag started ringing.
He made a dash for the chair where the bag had been dropped, managed to pull out the phone and was just about to shut it off when it stopped ringing and a text popped up. Hey, babe. Remember me? The guy who makes you smile?
Dominic’s temper spiked, every muscle in his body tensed. What did the asshole mean – makes you smile? A heartbeat later he quickly locked away his anger because Kate was looking at him with faint bewilderment. ‘Your phone.’ He tossed it on the chair. ‘I didn’t catch it in time. Sorry it woke you.’
‘What time is it?’ She pushed her tousled curls off her forehead.
‘A little after nine.’
Eyes wide. ‘It can’t be.’
‘It’s not a problem. We don’t have to go anywhere. You were tired.’ He smiled. ‘My fault. I kept you up all night and this afternoon was’ – another quick smile – ‘fatiguing.’
She smiled back. ‘Is that what you call it?’
‘Call it anything you like.’ A dip of his handsome head, another gorgeous smile. ‘It was grand. Would you like a bath – a shower – some food?’