by Theresa Papa
“You’re so perfect! Sit back on me so I can enjoy your luscious body. I want you to use me to get off like you never have before so I can gaze at your gorgeous face while you do.”
I reach down and kiss him briefly before I sit back up straight, using my hands to feel my body and my breasts to give him the show he requested. The release is like no other I’ve felt. I have lived through the threat of death with this man and now that we’ve pledged the rest of our lives to each other, it has somehow joined us in a way that challenges reality. His face says he feels the same. As my breathing starts to slow, Nico flips us both and lands on top while he rests all his weight on his good arm. Still inside me, his girth grows even more as he rhythmically increases his movements. Our eyes remain locked in a trance that defies all negativity and exhibits unending devotion as shudders of pleasure comingle through our bodies.
Chapter 61
Nico Pope
Giselle’s death has made me feel bad, but I carefully hide that fact from Samantha. She already has guilty feelings over being the one to cause Giselle’s tumble to her death. With some persuasion, I’m able to convince her that it’s a blessing that we’re still alive. The rocky shoreline was very near. The fact that Giselle’s body ended up on the rocks instead of in the water like we planned proves that. Shit, I don’t even want to think about the explosion that would have taken place had we crashed into the rocks.
My mind is only on one thing the whole time it takes to get back to the penthouse. I’ve got to ask my girl that important question before the night is over. I am so lucky that the ring box stayed safely tucked away in my pants pocket. While tied up on the bow of the boat, I came to terms in my head that I can’t have every detail perfect when I ask her. To waste any more time for that stuff would be a sin. She’s not the type of girl to be affected by all the details anyway; she just cares about being with me. And all I care about is being with her forever.
The special moment happens perfectly. I’m able to say all the heartfelt things I would want her to know in the event of my death had Giselle gotten her way. Who gets to do that? When I faced death tonight at the hands of crazy Giselle, I made a list of things I wanted to tell Sam before my doom. Many people go through life never telling their loved ones how special and important they are. Whether it’s because of pride or the fear of looking silly, nothing should stop us. I’m just very lucky and grateful I’m still here with the opportunity to say them. She cries, goes crazy over the ring, we kiss a lot, and then she takes my hand and leads me to the bedroom. What she does in the next hour to me, with me … well, I assume I died and am on my way to heaven anyway. We make love like never before and connect on a level that exists in another stratosphere.
We lie in each other’s arms after our lovemaking, and Samantha props her head up to look at me with an inquisitive expression.
“Now that Giselle is dead, will they still look into Marcus’s murder more thoroughly? Will this be good for Liz?”
“The fact that Giselle’s death makes things less difficult for Elizabeth in regard to Marcus’s murder is a convenient, positive outcome. I still don’t even know if the police have deduced that Liz was at the murder scene.”
“So hopefully the evidence that points to Giselle will be sufficient to close the case. If they were ready to arrest her, that should be why.” She lays her head back down on my chest.
“I hope you're right because with all the problems Elizabeth is dealing with right now, she needs a break. Tony has a location, but there’s now another money-hungry, sleazy kidnapper after her. The same guy shows up on his surveillance every time he gets close to Liz.” I slide my fingers through her dark, silky hair. “Try to get some sleep, beautiful.”
The next morning, I wake early and leave Sam to slumber longer so I can check on arrangements for the party. I want to make sure everyone knows the surprise is still happening in spite of our bad luck boat ride last evening. I have to ask Samantha if she would still like to go out on the lake for the afternoon on The Pulse of Pope so we can pull into Navy Pier tonight as planned. If she is still too shaken up, I’ll change the arrangements. We have to meet Jax for brunch, so I don’t have much time and hurry through the calls. As I hang up with my last call, Sam’s footsteps pad down the hall. I finish just in time to look up and appreciate her wrapped in the sheet standing at the top of the step.
“Someone left me abandoned in bed to wake up feeling lonely,” she whines with a cute little pout on her face. I smirk, feeling my boxers getting tighter by the second as I take in her curvaceous silhouette from the effect of the sun shining through the sheet. From her soft as mink waves that fall over her shoulders to her huge brown eyes and pink pouty lips, everything about this woman gets me hot. She strolls over to me with a sway in her hips that I swear will knock me out. Then with a wicked smile, she bends over and puts her hands on the arms of my chair while she pushes to roll me backward away from my desk. She straightens, and her desire shows in her expression when she slowly peruses my body as I sit there in just my underwear. Then after we make fiery eye contact, she lets the sheet fall to the floor to reveal her luscious curves and smooth, soft golden skin. When Sam straddles me on my chair, I take the opportunity to feel my way around and bask in the fact that she’s so wet for me already. I stand and wrap her legs around my waist while I support her mostly with my one uninjured arm. Once I set her down on the desk, she leans back with a sexy smile and props her heels up on the edge to display her pink luscious petals. Oh yeah! I love that this woman tells me exactly what she wants without even a word. Using my fingers, I spread her open and bury my head between her thighs to taste her. The mewling sounds of pleasure that come from her as she crests drive me mad with lust. I quickly change position, turn her around, and bend her over the desk. She follows my lead, grabs on to the desktop on the opposite side with both hands, spreads her legs wide, and drives her sensuous ass upward to grant me the best angle for her gratification. I push slowly inside until I’m buried completely sheathed in her heat. In a matter of seconds, I maintain my rhythm, but she starts to get enthusiastic, pushing back into me.
“Yes! Harder! Faster!” she screams.
I won’t lie; this is hot, so we both get a little wild and crazy. In the end, we’re both on the floor on top of the sheet in each other’s arms, sweaty, panting, and with a lot of giggles.
“Looks like I need to call Jaxson and warn him we’ll be late for brunch. There are circumstances beyond my control,” I shout breathlessly while Samantha giggles even louder.
An hour later after an eventful shower that further explored our wild sides. Samantha and I walk into the restaurant to find Jax already waiting for us. He kisses Sam to greet us, and we all sit down.
“So what the hell happened to you two last night?”
“Giselle went batshit crazy and kidnapped both of us at gunpoint with the intention of blowing all of us up on The Power of Pope. She was on some heavy drugs,” I explain.
We go on to describe how we escaped and the fact that Giselle is dead.
Jaxson spies the ring on Sam’s finger. His reaction at first looks to me as regret. But then when he comprehends how her face lights up at his mention of it, his whole demeanor changes to happiness.
“It’s obvious my brother has claimed the ultimate treasure. Congratulations you two!” Jax says as he gestures toward Samantha’s ring on her left hand. Sam holds out her hand proudly to show him the ring with excitement and happiness. Jaxson leans over to encase her in his arms with an affectionate hug.
“Welcome to the family, Sam. I’m so happy that you and I have become close friends.”
“Speaking of close friends, how’s Jennifer?” I inquire.
Jaxson rubs the light beard on his chin and shakes his head to contemplate an answer.
“She’s still staying at my house, and I’ve given her a job through the firm. But it’s a position where she works out of the house office for me.”
“She really hasn’t totally confided in me yet either. I just try to problem solve whatever she needs at the moment to get her through the rough spots. Jennifer is a complex woman. When she’s ready, she’ll open up,” Jaxson admits with an almost confused look on his face. His expression makes me speculate what the extent of his relationship is with Jennifer. Sam and I got different answers when we asked each of them if they were sleeping together. Either you are or you aren’t. But then again, I can understand how females get mixed signals from my brother. I’ve been witness to it all my life ever since we’ve been interested in girls. There were many broken hearts and egos left in Jaxson’s wake over the years. Most of them ended up confused as to why he suddenly spurned them when it really had nothing to do with the girls at all. It’s all about Jaxson.
“Well, I appreciate you helping my friend.” Sam kisses Jax on the cheek. He smiles and changes the subject quickly.
“I talked to Tony, and he has reason to believe that the website that offers the reward for Elizabeth’s kidnapping traces back to Richard Harrington. I thought we were finished dealing with that sleazy fuck when he left the country. What Tony and I can’t figure out is why all of sudden is he after her again now?”
I start to feel sick to my stomach, and it must show because Sam gives me a worried look.
“Honey, are you all right?” Samantha puts her hand on mine. “You look like you’re going to be sick.”
“I’m fine, but just to contemplate what that man did to Liz when she was young makes me physically ill. If there were a picture to describe evil, it would be of him. To think that his obsession with her still exists to the extent where he would offer a million dollars to obtain possession of her is just nauseating. Not to mention what the vile bastard plans to do to her.”
“Well, you said that Tony is close to where she is right now. He will make sure nothing happens to her, right? What can we do to help?” Sam asks.
Jaxson leans forward and moves his empty dish to the side.
“Tony says if we try to go to her, it will only draw attention to her location. It will make it easier for all the amateur would-be kidnappers who want the money to have a chance to capture her. Right now, he says she only has one guy on her tail who seems to know all her moves. Tony will try to pick the guy up before he can get his hands on Liz.”
I want to ask Jaxson a question, but I’m not sure he’ll answer in front of Samantha. Jaxson casually dates Richard Harrington’s daughter, Amanda, who he’s known since our childhood. But Jax won’t be happy if I ask about anything to do with his women in front of Sam. So I come up with a vague question, and I will let him elaborate if he wants.
“Have you seen Amanda lately?” I ask nonchalantly. Jaxson smirks and just shakes his head. Then he changes the subject again.
“Are you guys still going out on The Pulse today? The lake is so calm, and the weather is enjoyable.” Sam looks at me confused. I didn’t get a chance to mention it to her yet. I link my fingers with hers and explain.
“I wanted to ask if you would like to still go out on the boat today. But I didn’t get a chance yet.” I give Jax a dirty look, and he shrugs. “Are you still too freaked out by last night to go out?” I look back at Sam.
“You’re sweet to worry, but I’m okay if you want to go out today.”
“Great, let's get a move on then. Jax, I’ll talk to you later, bro.” We all get up, and I grab the bill to pay up front and drop some cash for the tip on the table.
Samantha and I pick up our swim things at the house and head over to Burnham Harbor. I call and have her dress that I picked out especially for the engagement party delivered to the boat and hidden in one of the staterooms. I just know that if I can pull this off tonight for her, it will make up for the night of the proposal getting messed up. She deserves to have the best memories of these special times in our lives together, and I intend to supply them every chance I get.
Chapter 62
Samantha Marconi
The rays of the sun glitter off the ripples of the lake. It’s a balmy Saturday afternoon; I’m very glad Nico and I are out on the yacht today. He thought I would be hesitant after our traumatic experience last night with Giselle, but to be perfectly honest, being back out on the lake is not what still affects me. I can’t get the picture of Giselle’s broken body on the rocks out of my mind. It was gruesome and unsettling because even though she tried to kill us, I didn’t wish her to die. I can’t blame the woman for falling head over heels in love with Nico. God knows I am, twenty million times over. I’m so in love with him that sometimes it actually hurts. Pain, physical pains when I ache for his touch and attention but circumstances rob me of it. I would stay wrapped up in his arms every minute if we didn’t have our day-to-day responsibilities.
Strong arms circle my waist from behind and bring me out of my thoughts. Nico gently sweeps my hair to my right shoulder so he can begin his assault on the left side of my neck. His lips blaze a trail down my neck to my collarbone, setting my insides on fire. I turn in his arms and bury my head in his neck to breathe the scent that is exquisitely Nico. His scent is like pure ambrosia for my mind and body that arouses and relaxes me at the same time. I want him to hold me incessantly and never let me go. There’s this incommunicable feeling that I want to crawl up inside him because no matter how close we are, it’s never enough. Sometimes I wish I could put what I feel into words for him just like he so eloquently describes what he feels for me all the time.
“Nico?” I whisper still with my face buried in his chest.
“Hmm?” he answers lazily as his thumb rubs my spine.
“I never thought it was possible to love someone as much as I love you. When I asked my mother once how I would know who the right man is for me, she told me I would know in my heart, soul, and mind. She said that it would be as if suddenly I am whole when I’m with that person, and somehow lost and incomplete when I’m not. That’s exactly how it feels with you, and her words explain it perfectly.” My eyes fill up as he lifts my chin to raise my gaze to his shimmering blue one.
“As you already know, I’ve felt this between us since we met. It scared the shit out of me at first. I thought I must be crazy to feel so deeply for you so soon. It was painful when you ran from me the first time I tried to kiss you, but it only made me more determined to win you. Then fate put us together at the club because … because, baby, we are meant to be together. Doesn’t the fact that we defied a horrible, fiery death prove that?” He smiles dimples and all. Then his lips consume mine, and I open willingly to him.
The rest of the afternoon is spent lazily together as we float on Lake Michigan. Thank goodness the lake is so vast it’s possible to avoid the area we ended up with Giselle. At around five o’clock, Nico sits up and gently sits me up with him.
“You’re sunburned. It’s time we shower and get ready for dinner. I have a special place I want to take you to tonight to celebrate our engagement.”
I let him lead me to the bath where we take a sumptuous shower together. Nico washes my hair the way I love. Then he turns off the water, grabs the towel to lightly dry my body, and then his own.
“Lie down on the bed on your stomach Sam, I’m going to pamper you a little more.” Yes please!
He begins to gently massage cooling lotion into my sun-kissed skin. My favorite jasmine and coconut scent delights my senses. His thumbs dig into that achy spot between my shoulder blades to release all my tension. I moan loudly with my appreciation. Down my spine, strong fingers proceed to radiate like white-hot lava to my ass, where they knead erotically. This time, I can hear Nico’s passionate exhalation at the reveal of his favorite visual turn-on. His arousal is evident as he leans against my leg, but he continues without fail. He travels down my legs and ends with my feet; the pressure f
rom his thumb on my inner arch produces extremely intense pleasure.
“Oh! That feels so good.” He concentrates there a little longer in response to how much it pleases me, and then he turns me over on the bed. I’m glad at this point that he’s the one to move me around because my body feels like a limp noodle. Sexy jazz music drifts in from the upper deck. The subtle rocking of the yacht along with the scent of the lotion stirs my senses as well as Nico’s carnal touch.
He gently fans out my hair on the pillow probably so it will dry nicely while I’m on my back. He makes everything perfection. With a small amount of lotion, he begins this time with my hands. It feels surprisingly intimate as he laces his fingers with mine and uses his thumbs to massage my palms and wrists, then he places both arms above my head before he continues.
“Keep your arms here and don’t move them until I tell you,” he commands.
I never want to miss this vision of Nico as his naked body straddles mine. The heat and weight of his manhood can be felt against my stomach, which awakens the need to have him inside me now. I struggle to keep my arms above my head. The desire to touch his body is acute. We stare into each other’s eyes as he leans down and rubs my shoulders; his hands swirl around to cup my breasts, and his fingers roll and tease my nipples to stiff peaks, eliciting another moan from my lips. His knuckles lightly graze back and forth on my rib cage, sending a shudder of anticipation through me.
“Please, Nico. I need you now.” The featherlike touch spurs a potent rush of yearning. He smiles, knowing I’ve waited long enough. His long fingers skim downward lower and lower as he moves his body alongside mine on the bed. I open for him eagerly to get him to touch me there, massage me there. Rhythmically strumming, his fingers expertly fly me from one cliff to another while he makes my whole body tremor endlessly.