“Fuck,” he says, stilling for a moment.
“Oh… Enzo,” I say, my hands anchoring to his shoulders as our hips lock the vibrator between our bodies.
“Shit.” He keeps swearing, moving in and out of me.
There’s no sweetness to the way he’s hammering into me, and I don’t want whispered words and slow circles. This is the animalistic side of a man who is going to take what he wants. And he wants me. So much he’s unable to contain himself.
“You’re so wet… and that vibrating.” The words mindlessly leave his lips.
Just as I feel the two of us losing control, he looks down at me and that’s it. That’s all it takes before I explode. Whether it’s the smoldering desire laced in his eyes or what I swear is hidden underneath that look, I unravel.
He reaches between us and changes the speed to level one before pumping into me a few more times and coming himself.
Falling on top of me, he kisses my forehead. “Damn, I never thought I’d enjoy this thing.” He pulls it out from between us, shuts it off, and places it to the side.
“Aren’t you happy I like to share?” My hands slide through his sweaty hair.
“We’ll be adding to this collection.” His head falls into the crook of my neck and he kisses me. “Let’s just fall asleep like this.”
I wrap my arms around his neck, holding him.
Yeah, we’re in trouble.
Chapter 29
Enzo
* * *
“She’s going to see us,” Carm says, peeking out from behind a fake bush placed in between the bar and restaurant.
“He pulled out her chair, so that’s good,” Dom says. “Gentlemanly.”
I drink my beer, pulling up my email on my phone.
* * *
To: Annie Stewart ([email protected])
From: Lorenzo Mancini ([email protected])
Subject: Bored
* * *
I’m bored and I want to come over. Come being the most important word in that sentence. ;)
* * *
I know she’s on her computer because she told me, for the first weekend night since we’ve been together, that we’re not meeting tonight. The tampon pitch is next week, and she needs to concentrate. Hence why I’m here with my brothers, spying on Blanca’s date with Jake.
I’m usually a convincing guy, but Blanca was suspicious when I told her I had a great coworker to set her up with. She’s not stupid. She knows what we’re trying to do. But she agreed anyway, which goes to prove that she does want to find someone.
My phone vibrates.
* * *
To: Lorenzo Mancini ([email protected])
From: Annie Stewart ([email protected])
Subject: Family time
* * *
I thought you were going out with your brothers for some quality time? Don’t call me later for a booty call when you’re drunk.
* * *
I press Reply.
* * *
To: Annie Stewart ([email protected])
From: Lorenzo Mancini ([email protected])
Subject: Booty Call Benefits?
* * *
If I were a lesser man, I might ask what the point of having a girlfriend is if you can’t booty call her. I own that booty! Truth is that I really want to slide into bed with you tonight.
* * *
Xo,
Enzo
* * *
I place my phone down. Carm is playing peek-a-boo through the bushes, and Dom’s ordering food. Does the guy ever let himself get hungry?
* * *
To: Lorenzo Mancini ([email protected])
From: Annie Stewart ([email protected])
Subject: In that case…
* * *
If you own my booty, that means your dick is mine.
I’m shocked you used the word girlfriend. How hard was that to type? Should I send the paramedics?
BTW - I’m thinking it’s not my bed you want to slide into.
* * *
I laugh.
Dom hands the menu to the waitress, who’s practically tongue-tied while waiting on him. “What’s so funny? Texting your assistant? Don’t say I didn’t warn you when this all blows up in your face.”
I hit Reply, ignoring my brother’s advice.
* * *
To: Annie Stewart ([email protected])
From: Lorenzo Mancini ([email protected])
Subject: My Honey Bun
* * *
I’m not even addressing the girlfriend remark. Which brings up the question… any pet names you want me to call you?
Also, you caught me. What I want is to slide into your honey pot. What’s a guy have to do to make that happen?
* * *
Dying from blue balls,
Enzo
* * *
“Shit. We may have been spotted.” Carm picks up a menu and hides behind it.
Dom stands and leers over the bushes. “They’re talking and the waitress just brought over wine.”
“Why are we spying? I mean, he’s a good guy… I think. Annie endorses him, so he must be.” I sip my beer, waiting for her to reply to my last email.
* * *
To: Lorenzo Mancini ([email protected])
From: Annie Stewart ([email protected])
Subject: My Shy Guy
* * *
Get it? Like when someone calls the fat guy tiny? As far as honey bun… No, but you can dip your finger in my honey pot anytime. Except tonight. :P
* * *
Need to finish work,
Your _____________
* * *
“Put the phone down,” Dom says.
Carm looks over my shoulder. “You’re emailing her? What a waste. Join us in the future where there’s sexting. You don’t even need complete sentences. An emoji of an eggplant, a peach, and a champagne bottle says it all.” Carm smiles, snagging a piece of the complimentary bread while I roll my eyes at him. “Speaking of ancient times, how’s that whole permanent hook-up going, Dom?”
I’ll be amazed if Dom manages to pull that off without any drama. Annie wanted no part of anything like that, but lately, I feel as if I’m the one who’s more attached. Which sucks on nights like this, when she’s put the palm out on sleepovers. Not only does it suck, but it’s unsettling. It’s getting hard to picture my life without Annie in it.
I reply as Dom tells Carm how awesome it still is. He’s heading over to her place after she’s done clubbing.
You’re telling me a regular hook-up is getting more action than I am tonight? I don’t think so.
* * *
To: Annie Stewart ([email protected])
From: Lorenzo Mancini ([email protected])
Subject: Sweet pea, Cuddle muffin, Snuggie woogems
* * *
There are some choices. ^^^ Pick one. As for shy guy. Hell no. I don’t do that reverse meaning bullshit. Here’s a list of suggestions for you to select from: Captain, champ, tiger, stud, hunk, sexy… daddy?
* * *
Put me out of my misery,
Enzo
* * *
I set down my phone and sip my beer.
“She doesn’t even care. She’s the one kicking me out or leaving my place right after. It’s literally just sex and it’s fucking awesome.” I catch the tail end of Dom’s description. “No cuddling. No chick flicks. No chick food. It’s like a dream, really. That’s exactly why that”—he points toward where Jake and Blanca are—“has to work out, because I am not letting Mama force me into some relationship.”
I sip my beer and rehash Dom’s words. Annie hasn’t made me watch a chick flick… or wait, yeah, she did. Somehow lying naked in bed with her while watching Ryan Reynolds pour his heart out isn’t that bad though. Chick food? No way. Annie’s diet is worse than mine. Oh, but she di
d that whole bet about who could refrain from fried foods longer the other day. Cuddling? I don’t care. I’ll take it. Annie’s ass cheeks are my cock’s favorite place to rest.
“Hello!” Carm waves his hand in front of my face. “Daydreaming about Dom’s situation? I know. How do I find myself one of those?”
Dom smiles as if he’s Zeus.
“Seriously?” Annie’s voice sounds from behind us, so I turn around.
“Hey,” I say, my mood improving.
She puts her hands on her hips. “Why are you three here?”
I pick up my phone and realize it’s been a while since she sent her last message. I stand and wrap my arm around her waist, my lips going to hers. It’s a little unsettling how happy I am to have her here.
She lets me give her a chaste kiss, but when I try to deepen it, she shifts her body toward my brothers.
“Shit. Denied!” Carm calls, and the people at the next table glare at us.
“Well?” she asks with her hip cocked.
This demanding side of Annie is turning me on. So much we might have to make a pit stop in the bathroom before I follow her home like a lost puppy dog.
I pull out my stool, and she sits down.
The waitress narrows her eyes at Annie as she puts Dom’s food in front of him. Fried pickles and tilapia with green beans. There’s no rhyme or reason to the shit he orders.
“Interesting,” she says, staring at his food.
“Don’t mind our big brother, he’s like an ogre.” Carm leans forward on the table.
Dom looks at him like he does right before he’s about to put him in a headlock.
“Far from an ogre,” Annie says with a chuckle.
Jealousy weighs heavy in my stomach.
Annie holds up her finger to the waitress, who reluctantly stops. “Can I get whatever they’re having?”
She nods and walks away.
“Don’t take it personally, apparently only Dom gets a smile tonight. She has no personality.” Carm flashes his bright white smile.
I knock him with my hand. “Slide over to the other stool.”
“No. You go over there.”
The only open chair is next to Dom. I’m not sitting next to Dom instead of Annie. He’s delusional.
“Go.” I nudge again.
“No… unless.” A gleam lights up his eyes before he holds his fist to his palm. “Play for it?”
“I’m not playing rock, paper, scissors to sit next to my girlfriend.”
The table quiets and Dom and Carm stare at me.
“Girlfriend?” Carm asks Annie more than me.
“I know, and he didn’t even choke the word out.” Annie pats me on the back like a proud parent.
“Well, on this special occasion, I’m going to give you a pass at losing,” Carm says as he moves next to Dom.
I slide my stool as close to Annie as I can.
“So tell us about this little revelation?” Dom motions between Annie and me.
I shake my head. This isn’t a conversation to have in front of Annie. These two won’t understand it. Hell, Carm is jealous because Dom gets to have sex with a girl who throws him out a minute after he comes.
“How did you know we were here?” I change the subject.
“Jake texted me. Do you know how nervous you three are making him?”
“He’s not sixteen,” Dom says.
“You’re her brothers. He can’t be himself with you watching his every move.”
The waitress slides Annie’s beer onto the table without a smile or a word to any of us.
“She’s friendly,” Annie murmurs but directs her attention back to us. “How would you feel if the roles were reversed?”
Dom wipes his mouth and hands, staring at her for a moment, then me, then back to her. I want to tell him to bite his tongue before he opens his mouth.
“Well, we don’t have to worry about that because you’re his girlfriend now. You can come to Sunday dinner and we’re all off the hook.”
I slide my finger across my throat. Annie will not be coming to dinner for a long time. Ma would get her hopes up and I’m already struggling to figure all this out.
“Um…” Annie looks at me with wide eyes.
I really hope I’m not about to piss her off when I say what I’m about to. “Annie’s not coming to Sunday dinner yet.”
Her lips tip down for a moment, but she nods in agreement.
Carm leans back with his beer as though he’s enjoying the show.
“Why not?” Dom asks.
“Mind your own fucking business,” I say.
He picks up his fork and digs into his tilapia. “It was just a question.”
“And you know what Ma says, Enzo. ‘Don’t be impolite. Answer the questions that are asked of you.’” Carm imitates our ma with a high-pitched voice.
“You know what? You assholes can stay here and spy on Blanca. We’re leaving.”
“Oh, don’t be such a sour puss,” Dom says. “Let’s all play to see if Annie comes to Sunday dinner.”
He and Carm put their fists on their palms.
“Grow the fuck up,” I say.
“Do I get to play?” Annie props her fist on her palm, already ready whether they say yes or no.
“Then it’s going to end up in a tie….” Carm chimes in with a polite answer meaning no.
“I’ll play for us. Since we’re a duo now.” She smirks.
My dick twitches at her sarcasm. I’m not usually a guy who likes a woman to fight his wars, but this is damn sexy. She can bet that we’re leaving after this showdown and I will be spending the night.
Dom and Carm look at one another as if there are rules and silently asking if the other one is okay with it.
“This isn’t the Super Bowl, dipshits,” I say.
“Fine,” Dom says.
Carm blows out a breath.
“I win, and I don’t have to go to Sunday dinner. I lose, and I’m there.” Annie’s confidence is inspiring, but my gut churns.
I’m not in control. Annie might not understand how important this is. I’ll recite the word girlfriend a million times, but Sunday dinner? Nope.
“One,” Dom says.
“Two,” Carm says.
“Three,” Annie says, and I almost close my eyes.
Dom shoots paper.
Carm shoots paper.
I look at Annie, peeking through one eye.
Annie shoots scissors.
She uses her two fingers to chomp at Dom and Carm’s hands. They look at her as if she’s an alien.
I laugh. “Suckers!” I slide the bar stool from the table. “We’re out.”
Dom and Carm stare at one another as if they were hustled, shaking their heads.
“Nice seeing you guys.” Annie waves. “Better luck next time.”
Her cocky arrogance diminishes the last of my willpower.
“I’m not even going to make it to your apartment,” I say into her ear from behind while we walk toward the exit.
“I figured.” She stops at the hostess table, and the woman there lifts a bag from behind the counter. “I packed a bag.”
I smash my lips to hers and force her to walk backward all the way out the doors to the street. “You’re amazing.”
“I know, but you can say it again.” She giggles and I open a cab door for her.
I’d follow that sound to my grave.
Fuck, I’m in… deep.
How the hell did that happen?
Chapter 30
Annie
* * *
“I’m so nervous.” I pace Enzo’s office.
“You’ll do great. I love the campaign.” He leans back at his desk, his fingers steepled in front of him.
“You know nothing about tampons.”
“I like the direct approach you took. It’s honest, which is different than anything out there right now.”
“Different isn’t always good.” I fall back onto his couch, picking up my notes an
d sketch pad. Enzo gave me little direction on the campaign, letting me carry it through all the way to the end.
He rounds his desk before sitting next to me. His hand lands on my knee. I pick it up and move it back to his side.
“We’re at the office,” I remind him.
Not that I hold it against him. It’s hard not to cross the line when outside of this building, we’re constantly touching and kissing. I’m actually impressed with us, but I don’t think Mr. Jacobson is going to grade on a curve for our willpower if we’re caught.
“Remember when I told you no excuses months ago?”
I nod.
“You’re going to go in that room with your shoulders back, head high like this is the best idea and you are the ass they need to kiss for delivering it to them.” He taps my sketchpad. “This is a great campaign. I can’t relate, but that’s okay, because it will speak to women. The testing group raved about the approach and laughed at the truthfulness of it.”
“But Coddle has wanted heartfelt for all their other products.”
He picks up the sketchbook, puts it on the table, and grabs my hands, squeezing harder when I try to retract them. “Relax. There’s nothing heartwarming about a woman sticking cotton up her vagina.” He tips his forehead to mine. “It’s a fact of life.”
I nod. He’s right. Why can’t I have an ounce of his arrogance?
“Listen, if it makes you feel better, I threw up before my first pitch. Twice.” He holds up his fingers. “But you’ve got me, and I’m your biggest cheerleader. I’ll be there, and if that doubt creeps in, look at me and think, he’s the most talented guy in the world, he’s a legend in advertising, and he thinks it’s a knock-out-of-the-park pitch.”
Forbidden Desires Page 33