by Suzanne Rock
Jason covered her hands with his. “She lies to everyone, princess. That’s her job.”
“I’m so stupid.” Tears stung her eyes as she looked up at him. “You were right. I never should have spoken with her. I’m sorry I didn’t believe you.”
Jason wanted to say that it was an easy mistake to make, but the doctor chose that moment to come in and discharge Ari from the hospital.
Time passed far too slowly for Jason’s peace of mind as they filled out the paperwork, promised to fill her prescriptions, and got on the road. During the entire exchange with the doctor, Ari had provided one-word answers to the doctor’s questions, but was otherwise silent. She silently obeyed Jason’s request to let him wheel her out of the building in a wheelchair, and once in the car, she folded her hands in her lap and stared out the passenger’s side window.
Something was obviously wrong. He missed the spunky vixen who liked verbal sparring. Ari seemed defeated somehow, and he wasn’t quite sure what to do about it.
“You’re not stupid,” he said, guessing that her mood had something to do with the nosey reporter.
“Yes, I am. My brother was right. I have no business running that charity. Instead of cleaning up the family’s controversy, I seem to have added more.” She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “I’m such an idiot.”
“No, you aren’t. Amanda knows how to twist what people say into a story that will sell magazines. She’s a manipulator. It’s why she is so good at her job.”
“You didn’t believe her.”
He sighed as he pulled up to the security gate of his apartment complex. “At one time I did. We were two weeks into a relationship before I learned that she was using me and my connections to gain tips on stories before her competition.”
The security guard nodded to him and let him pass into the underground parking area. Unlike Stone Suites, this area had cameras and security personnel constantly watching. He felt good that there would be people looking out for her welfare while he was out with Deacon getting his revenge.
Ari turned away from the window and faced him. “What did you do when you found out Amanda was using you?”
“I broke up with her,” he said as he stopped the car in his designated parking spot. He turned off the engine and grinned at her. “But I ended the relationship in such a way to ensure it didn’t make the headlines.”
She twitched her lips. “Really? How?”
“Oh no.” He waved his finger at her. “I never give away Stone secrets.” He flashed her an evil grin. “Let’s just say I didn’t show up in that Whispers tabloid again until they started doing that ‘Most Eligible Bachelors’ feature.”
She chuckled. “So that’s why my brother is number one on that list.”
“What are you talking about?” Jason hurried around to the passenger’s side door and helped her out of the car. Satisfied she wasn’t going to faint and fall over, he went to get her suitcase from the backseat.
“Well, I always wondered why my brother was number one and you were number two. Now it makes perfect sense. Amanda would never make someone who dumped her number one on her list.”
He laughed as he closed the car door and pulled out the handle of the suitcase. “I think you’re giving me too much credit.”
“Doesn’t it make you angry? The list is biased.”
“I don’t care about that list, or any other.” He kissed her temple and pushed the button for the elevator. “Not anymore.”
“I thought you played to win,” she joked as they stepped into the elevator.
“I do.” He slid his key card into the control panel of the elevator. “But you’re assuming I’m playing the game.” He punched a code into the elevator and it began to climb.
“I suppose you’re right. It’s still not fair, though.”
“It doesn’t matter. The magazine is just a tabloid and doesn’t carry any weight with anyone important.”
“Jason Stone not caring about a competition.” She glanced sideways at him and smirked. “You better watch out. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re changing.”
“Perhaps.” The elevator doors opened. “Ah, here we are.”
“Wow.” Ari widened her eyes as she broke away from his arm and stepped into the large foyer of the penthouse suite. “This is amazing.” She stumbled on a dip in the floor.
“Easy.” Jason grabbed her arm, steading her. “Here, let me help.”
Before Ari could react, he wrapped his arms around her knees and torso and lifted her into the air.
“Jason,” she said as she put her arms around his neck. “I got hit in the head, not the legs. I’m perfectly fine and able to walk, you know.”
“I know, but admit it. This is more fun.”
She giggled as he swept her through the brightly lit foyer and into an art deco–styled living room.
“How … contemporary.” She glanced at the walls, which were filled with contemporary art similar to the type she had seen at the hotel, yet more skilled. “These paintings are gorgeous.”
“I like to collect art. It’s another of my vices.” He placed her gently down on a large crimson sofa.
She stared at the paintings, taking in the bright shapes and colors. She didn’t know a lot about art, but these pieces seemed to suit his personality. They were bold and exciting, just like him. “They’re quite good.”
“I’ll let the artists know,” he said.
“You know the artists?”
He smiled and picked up a remote off the coffee table that was painted to look like a domino. “Coffee?”
“Please.”
He punched a few buttons. “Of course. I fund painters, sculptors, and lots of other struggling artists.” He put the remote back on the coffee table. “Don’t act so surprised.”
“I just didn’t know that your venture capitalist activities extended into the art world.”
“I invest in whatever interests me.” He glanced around. “Although I have to admit, sometimes the artist interests me more than the art itself.”
Something beeped from the other room. Jason stood up from the couch and went to the wall as a small section opened up, creating a shelf. On the shelf were two mugs with steam coming out of them. “Cream and sugar?”
“Yes.” She nodded to the mugs. “Another invention?”
“Investment. I wanted to test the software program out before I put it in my hotels.” He brought the mugs over to her. “I should introduce you to the person who developed it. She’s quite the thinker.”
“She?”
He nodded. “Young thing. Lots of ideas, but not the capital to do them.” He shrugged. “I wanted to help her out.”
“It’s not the art you’re investing in, but the artist.” She took a sip from her mug. “This is delicious.”
“The people interest me more than the things they are trying to sell. I seem to have a good eye for character.” He held up his mug.
“A benevolent benefactor.” She raised her mug and clinked it with his. “I like the sound of that. It suits you.”
He chuckled and put his mug on the coffee table. “I wouldn’t go that far. I do profit from my investments, after all.”
She smirked and raised the mug to her lips. “A man’s got to earn a living somehow.”
“Exactly.” After she drank, he plucked her mug from her fingers and placed it on the table. “Now, let me check that wound on your head.”
“I told you, I’m fine.” Despite her words, Ari leaned forward and let him take a look at her bandage. “It doesn’t even really hurt anymore.”
“That’s the medication talking.”
She snorted as he examined her head. If only the public knew what he did to help starving artists and small business owners. He truly cared about others, which was a rare thing in this day and age. Unfortunately, the media was more interested in who Jason Stone was dating, not the lives he made better with his money.
She supposed that they
were a lot alike in that regard. They both used their money to change people’s lives for the better. In both cases, the press decided to overlook the good they were doing in favor of creating scandal. Jason was the opportunistic playboy. She was the vapid party girl.
He started to pull away, but she grabbed his wrist and pulled him close. “You’re a good man, Jason. Don’t let the media tell you different.”
He stared at her for a long moment before responding. “You’re the only one who thinks so.”
The sadness she saw in his face made her heart ache. She knew that kind of loneliness all too well.
Ari placed her fingers on either side of his face. “I don’t think so, I know so.” She tilted her head and brushed her lips against his. It was meant to be reassuring, but soon heat flooded her system. Her heartbeat quickened at the intimate contact.
“I suppose I should thank you,” she said as she inched away.
“For what?”
“For taking care of me.” She shivered as she withdrew her hands. “I was so frightened. When I saw you, I instantly felt safer.”
“I’m glad.” He brushed a stray hair from her face as something hungry passed through his gaze.
“It’s okay, you know.”
“What is?”
“I just got a bump on the head. Nothing serious.” When he didn’t move, she leaned forward and brushed her lips against his own.
The kiss was slow and soft, as if he was afraid she might break. She slid her arms around his neck and pressed deeper, silently willing him to explore further. He brushed his tongue in long, leisurely strokes against hers, refusing to rush the moment. Ari’s heartbeat quickened as desire rushed through her core.
“Take me, Jason,” she whispered against his mouth.
“But you’re hurt.”
“Let me be the judge of that. Just shut up and take me.”
He kissed her again, and this time it was harder, more possessive. As their tongues dueled, he slid one hand down her neck and shoulder, slipping it underneath the blanket. With a swift, bold stroke, he pushed the thick fabric aside, exposing her to him.
Ari lifted her leg, positioning it along the back of the couch. Instead of moving on top of her like she had hoped, he continued to kiss her slowly, intimately, as he ran his fingers over her bare skin.
“Jason,” she gasped as he cupped her breast and squeezed.
“I wish I could have been there for you,” he whispered. “I could have stopped it.”
“Don’t beat yourself up over it,” she said. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“You’re wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, it was my fault.” He kissed her again.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” she said when she came up for air.
He inched back. “If I never left you, you never would have gotten hurt.”
“I’ve been by myself millions of times. There was no way you could have possibly known—”
“I’ll never make that mistake again, Ari,” he said as he brushed his fingers over her cheek. “I promise.”
He seemed a little intense about it all, but before Ari could question him, he covered her lips once more. The pressure was gentle, more exploring than taking, more playful than possessive, and soon desire rolled through Ari once more.
She tore at his shirt, trying to lift it off his body. He caught her hand and pinned it beside her head. “No.”
“I want to touch you.”
“Let me do this.” He kissed her neck, sending tingles of warmth across her skin.
Ari groaned as he slid his hand down from her wrist and eased it under her shirt. He touched her belly, her sides, and heat trailed wherever he brushed her skin.
Ari slid her arms up over her head, letting them dangle off the end of the couch, as he lifted her shirt and began kissing where his fingers had just trailed.
“God, Jason,” she whispered. “Don’t stop.”
He slid his hands around to her sides. She arched her back, letting him reach around and unclasp her bra. He pushed both the shirt and bra up, exposing her breasts. Ari moistened her lips as he bent his head and flicked his tongue over her nipple.
“Oh, God.” She reached down and threaded her hands in his hair, but he removed them and placed them back on the couch.
“Don’t move,” he ordered as he returned to his work. He dragged his tongue around her nipple, coming close, but not quite reaching the center.
“Jason…” He kissed the side of her breast, then underneath, taking his time to cover every inch of her skin with his teeth and tongue. Ari twisted and turned as need rolled up through her center. “Please.”
He glanced up at her, holding her gaze as he flicked his tongue against her tip. She nibbled her lower lip as he leaned back and blew hot air, causing her to shiver with need.
“Jason—”
He took her nipple into his mouth, sucking and sliding his tongue over her skin. Ari moaned and turned her head, falling deeper into the moment. With every touch, she became more desperate, with every lick, more needy. By the time he’d finished with the first breast and moved to the second, she was shaking with desire.
“Let me touch you,” she said.
“I want to do this, Ari,” he whispered as he blew another puff of hot air against her skin. “Let me have my fun.”
She watched him as he worked, helpless to do anything else. The look in his eyes suggested that what he was doing meant more to him than their normal playful romp. She wanted to know what was going on in his head, but then he scraped his teeth lightly over her nipple, and her thoughts scattered into bliss.
“Tell me what you want, Ari.”
“What?” She tilted her head to look down at him.
“You said that you wanted to take charge, so take charge.” He kissed the canal between her breasts and smiled up at her. “Tell me what you want.”
She spread her legs apart on the couch as far as they could comfortably go. “Isn’t it obvious?”
“No,” he said as he kissed a long, hot trail down her abdomen. “Tell me.”
That tongue. It was so sinful. As it flicked over her belly button, she imagined it dipping into another part of her body.
“I want you to make me come,” she whispered.
Chapter 14
He slowly raised his head from her skin and lifted his brows. “Oh really?” He made a pointed look at her injury. “Are you sure it’s safe?”
She lifted her brows right back at him and tried to look regal and in control. “I think I should be the judge of what I can and cannot handle.” She cleared her throat. “Now I want you to make me come. With your mouth.”
He chuckled, blowing warm air against her skin. “Yes, ma’am.” He kissed her again, and as his tongue flicked across her skin, he hooked his fingers into her skirt and panties. She lifted her backside as he slid them off her completely.
As soon as the clothes were removed, he was on her again, kissing a long, sensual line down her abdomen and over her mound. Ari reached for his hair, but he gently pushed her hands away.
“Jason…”
“Just enjoy this, Ari.” He put her hands back up over her head on the pillow. “Relax.”
Perhaps it was their earlier conversation, or his request that she tell him what she wanted. Whatever the reason, Ari felt a little bold and adventurous. As he was moving back between her legs, she leaned up on her elbows and fixed him with a commanding stare.
“No.”
He lifted his gaze to hers. “Excuse me?”
She twisted her lips into a half-smile. “You wanted me to tell you what I wanted.”
“And you said to make you come.”
“Yes, I want you to make me come with your mouth, but you didn’t let me finish.”
“There’s more?”
“Yes.” She lifted her chin. “I want you to be on your back when it happens.”
“Really.” He pointed to the couch. “Right here
?”
“Yes.” She flashed him a seductive smile as she sat up. “Right here. Right now.” She placed her hands on his chest and eased him back onto the pile of throw pillows. “I want to be in complete control.” She stood and waited for him to put his feet up on the couch.
“You have to realize this is a little out of character.”
“So?”
“So … perhaps you were hit in the head harder than we thought,” he joked.
“Just for that…” She grabbed the pillow behind his head and yanked it away. “You don’t get to be comfortable.”
His eyes sparkled with desire as she straddled his shoulders. “You’re in control, huh?”
“Yes,” she said as she raised her hips.
“I could get used to this.” He slid his hands up her legs and wrapped his fingers around her ass as she inched forward and lowered herself toward his mouth.
He met her halfway, sliding his tongue over her folds like a hungry man. Pleasure rocketed up her center, and Ari grabbed the arm of the sofa for support.
“Oh my.”
Jason groaned as he slid his tongue between her folds.
“Yes.” She lowered herself a fraction of an inch more, allowing him better access. He slid his tongue around her opening and collected the moisture he found there. Ari made a low, throaty sound as she curled her fingers into the soft fabric.
“Wow.” She inched lower, and was rewarded when his tongue slid up and flicked her clit. Need rippled through her muscles, winding them tight. She leaned forward and pressed her hips closer. “Oh, that’s good.”
“You taste good.” Jason used his fingers to spread apart her folds and feasted on her flesh, driving her crazy with desire.
“Yes.” She performed shallow thrusts against his mouth, eager for him to be inside her. Pleasure spiraled through her body and brought with it the familiar pressure of need.
“Enter me,” she whispered. “Please.”
He refused, instead remaining just outside her opening.
“God, Jason, you’re driving me crazy.”
He eased his head away. “Then don’t ask for what you want. Tell me.”
She hesitated, a little uncomfortable with voicing her needs out loud. Then again, this was the new Ari, the confident woman who took what she wanted instead of blindly following other people’s commands.