by Sandi Lynn
The look in his eyes was serious and it sent me spiraling down a slope so fast I could barely catch my breath. I reached up and brushed my lips against his. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me into him as our kiss became deeper. My hands raked through his hair as his tongue slid across my neck and I could feel the hardness of his cock as he pressed up against me. His fingers slipped around the thin straps of my pajama top, sliding them off my shoulders and letting it fall to the ground. His hands groped my breasts before moving down my torso and slipping down the front of my pajama shorts. A gasp escaped me the moment his fingers touched my most sensitive and aroused area. I heard the sharp inhale of his breath as he felt the wetness that escaped me.
“We have to go upstairs,” he spoke with bated breath. “I don’t have any condoms down here.”
I couldn’t wait until we got upstairs. I was so turned on and horny that it didn’t matter to me whether he used a condom or not.
“I’m on birth control,” I whispered.
His mouth smashed into mine as his finger dipped inside me. My knees went weak, causing me to lose balance. My entire body was engulfed in pleasure by the man who held me prisoner in his home. I’d already had him once and I wanted him again.
He tightly gripped my ass with both hands and lifted me up. Wrapping my legs around him, our lips tangled with pleasure as he carried me into the living room and laid me down on the floor in front of the fireplace. After he flipped the switch on the wall and the fire brightly started, he bent down, removed my shorts, and slid his tongue along my slick opening, causing me to cry out in ecstasy. The skillfulness of his tongue penetrated me in ways I’d never felt before, bringing me to the brink of an orgasm. My heart was racing and my breath hitched as my legs tightened around his head and I let out a howl as I came.
“Beautiful. Just beautiful.” He smiled as slipped off his pajama bottoms and hovered over me.
As amazing as that orgasm was, I knew the best was yet to come. His lips brushed against mine before traveling down to my breasts where his mouth wrapped around my hardened nipple and his tongue moved around it in circular motions. He took hold of my wrists and brought them over my head, interlocking them with one hand while he used the other to guide his cock inside me. The first thrust was slow and sensual as his eyes stared into mine. I took him in, his entire length, and gasped at the contentment that took over my body. He moved in and out of me with long deep strokes as he held onto my wrists and his free hand groped my breast. His head dipped and our lips met once again. After a few invigorating thrusts, he rolled over on his back and pulled me on top of him. My hands planted themselves firmly on his muscular chest as my hips moved back and forth, grinding against his hard cock, sending my body into overdrive. His arms clutched around my back as he sat up, forcing my legs to wrap around his waist. I slowly moved up and down and then back and forth as moans escaped both our lips and they tangled to the same rhythm of our movements.
“God, you feel amazing,” Gabriel whispered.
“So do you. I’m going to come again,” I panted.
“Try to hold off and wait for me. I’m close.”
Moans escaped us simultaneously while we moved together, bringing us to the heightened state that we both desperately needed. I was there, my body was ready, and there was no holding back.
“Oh God.” I threw my head back as my legs tightened around his waist.
He held me down and moaned as he strained to push every drop of come he had inside me. Our bodies relaxed and my head lay on his shoulder while our heart rates fell back into normal range. The anger I had kept inside me for him started to dissipate. He broke our embrace and pushed my hair from my face, giving me a smile that sent shivers down my spine.
“We better get some sleep,” he spoke.
“Yeah. I think we should.”
“I’m not so sure sleeping in the same bed is a good idea.”
“Probably not.” My eyes stared into his.
I climbed off him, slipped into my pajama shorts, and then went into the kitchen to retrieve my shirt. When I walked back into the living room, Gabriel was standing there in his pajama bottoms with his arm held out. Placing mine in his, we headed up the numerous flights of stairs. He stopped on the fourth floor and I continued up one more flight to my room.
I felt like I was in a daze, as if the world around me stood still; a feeling that I’d only felt once before in my entire life. That day at the airport when we were together. But I quickly let it go because I knew I’d never see him again. Now I would see him every day and I wasn’t sure how I would be able to handle it. I was happy he wanted to sleep in separate rooms because if I was there, in his bed, wrapped around his sexy and warm body all night, I didn’t think I would be able to go through with my plan. I needed to keep my emotions out of this and at a distance. It was something I had mastered a long time ago, but Gabriel was different from any other man I dated or had sex with, and it scared the shit out of me.
Chapter 14
Gabriel
I climbed into bed, her smell still lingering all over my body and the taste of her still on my lips. Rolling on my side, I stared at the empty spot where she should have been lying. But I couldn’t allow it, because if I did, I wasn’t sure if I could let her go once all was said and done. I needed to remember what kind of person she was. Kate Harper conned rich men for their money. She used them, made them fall in love, and then stole right out from under them.
The next morning, after I showered and got dressed for the office, I went downstairs to the kitchen, where Grace was preparing breakfast.
“Good morning, Gabriel.” She smiled.
“Morning. Is she up yet?” I asked as I made a cup of coffee.
“Not that I know of. By the way, did you find out her name?”
“Her name is Kate Harper. I guess I better go check on her.”
Taking my coffee with me, I took the elevator to the fifth floor, and when I lightly pushed the door open, I found her sound asleep in her bed. The corners of my mouth curved upwards into a small smile as I leaned up against the doorway and stared at her. She looked like an angel, but an angel was something she was far from.
“She’s still sleeping,” I spoke to Grace as I set my coffee cup on the counter. “I have to leave for the office now. If she gives you any trouble, call me immediately.”
“I will. But I’m sure she won’t be a problem.”
I chuckled. “You haven’t met her yet.”
Kate
I let out a long yawn as I stretched my body across the bed. I turned my head towards the window, taking note of the streaks of sunlight that cascaded through the sheer blinds. Climbing out of bed, I hopped into the shower first before heading downstairs for some coffee. As I made my way into the kitchen, I notice a shorter woman, about five foot four with sandy brown hair that sat in a bun on top of her head, standing at the stove.
“You must be Grace,” I spoke.
She turned around, stared at me for a brief moment, and then gave a friendly smile.
“You must be Kate.” She held out her small slender hand.
Placing my hand in hers, I spoke, “Yes, and I’m sure Gabriel has told you all about me.”
“Just a bit. Would you like some coffee?”
“That would be great. Thank you,” I spoke as I took a seat on the stool at the island.
“He did tell me that you stole something from him and you’d be staying here until he got it back. May I ask what you took?”
“His Cartier watch.”
“Oh.” She bit her lip as she placed a cup of coffee in front of me.
“Is Gabriel here?” I asked.
“No. He’s left for the office already. Can I make you some breakfast?”
“I can make it myself. I’m sure you have other things to do around this monstrous house.”
“It’s no trouble. Do you like French toast?” She smiled. “I have strawberries and whipped cream to put on top of it.”<
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“That sounds really good.” A grin crossed my face.
Grace seemed cool and so far, I had gotten the impression that she didn’t judge me for what I’d done. She appeared to be in her mid-fifties, wore no makeup, and had beautiful brown eyes.
“How long have you worked for Gabriel?” I asked as I took a sip of my coffee.
“A couple of years. I used to work for his father, and after he passed away, Gabriel hired me to work for him.”
“Oh. So you’ve known him for a long time?”
“Since he was ten years old.” She smiled.
“Then you must know him well. Does he normally kidnap women and keep them hostage in his house?”
She let out a light laugh. “No, sweetie, you’re the first.”
“Aren’t I the lucky one.” I sipped my coffee.
“Gabriel tells me you’re a con artist.”
“I prefer the term ‘entrepreneur.’” I smirked. “You don’t by any chance have about thirty grand you can lend me so I can get out of here, do you?”
“I wish.” She placed the French toast on a plate, topped it with strawberries and whipped cream, and set it down in front of me. “Gabriel is a good man, Kate, and he didn’t deserve to be ripped off.”
And here came the judging.
“If he’s so great, why is he still single?” I arched my brow at her.
“He’s a very busy man and relationships aren’t his top priority right now. He just ended a six-month relationship.”
“Why?” I asked as I took a bite of my French toast.
“Greta wasn’t the right girl for him.”
“And who is the right girl for him?” I asked.
“Someone who is kind, truthful, selfless, and understanding of his work.” Her brow raised in an accusatory way at me.
“Listen, Grace. You don’t know anything about me or what I’ve been through, so stop with the judgey eyes.”
“Everybody has been through something, Kate. So stop playing the victim because the world dealt you a bad hand. What does your mother think? Or doesn’t she know exactly what you do?”
Wow. Was this woman serious? Who the hell did she think she was talking to me like that?
“I don’t and have never had a mother. She passed away the day after giving birth to me.”
The judgment in her eyes dissipated as she stared at me.
“I’m sorry. What about your father?”
“He’s not around.” I looked down as I placed my fork on the plate.
“So you’re all alone?” she asked as she took my empty plate.
“Basically.” I got up from my stool. “Thanks for the French toast,” I spoke as I walked away before she had a chance to ask any more questions or felt the need to berate me some more.
I distinctly remembered Gabriel telling me at the airport that he was single. Did he lie? Did he just say that so I’d let him fuck me? If that was the case, then he deserved to have his watch stolen. I needed to find out when he broke it off with that woman named Greta and why.
Chapter 15
Gabriel
I was sitting behind my desk on a phone call when my brother Caleb popped his head through the door. Waving my hand, I motioned for him to come in.
“Thanks, Brian. My design team will be in touch.”
I ended the call and leaned back in my chair.
“What’s up, Caleb? You never drop by the office.”
“I know, but I was just down the street having lunch, so I thought I’d drop in and see how things were going. Did you find out her name yet?” He smirked.
“Her name is Kate Harper and she’s a twenty-four-year-old woman who was raised by her father.”
“So does that mean Daddy also conned people?”
“I don’t know. She won’t talk about him. But she did say they moved around a lot, so I’m assuming he did.”
“What are you going to do with her? You can’t keep her locked up in your house.”
I sighed. “I know. I was thinking about giving her a job here.”
A light chuckle escaped him. “Seriously? Doing what? Listen, big brother, I know there’s something inside you that feels like you need to save her. I just think it would be in your best interest to cut her loose. Forget about the watch and just move on. You don’t need that kind of bullshit in your life. She’s a con artist, bro. Once a con always a con, and there will be nothing you can do or say that will ever change that.”
Bringing my index fingers together, I brought them up to my lips. “I’m fully aware of that. But—”
“Oh come on.” He laughed. “Don’t tell me you’re in love with her?”
“I’m not in love with her. There’s just something about her.”
“I know that, Gabriel. I’m not stupid and I told you that it was about more than just the watch before. She’s toxic and you don’t need that in your life. Isn’t that why you got rid of Greta?”
“Greta was a child.”
He pointed his finger at me. “I know what this is.” He shook it. “This is about you being a rebel and doing something no one would ever expect from Gabriel Quinn. You spent your whole life doing what Dad wanted you to do. You never got in trouble and you stayed on the path of his life. Now this woman that is every kind of wrong enters your world, and it excites you.”
“Maybe.” I shrugged.
“Or it could be because she’s not falling at your feet like ninety-nine percent of the women do. You see her as a challenge.”
“Maybe.” I smirked.
He sat across from me with a smile on his face, shaking his head.
“I have to go.” He got up from his chair. “We’re playing at the Crowfoot tonight if you want to come. And if you do, bring Kate along.”
“Maybe.” I gave him a small smile.
I spent the entire day thinking about Kate. It was crazy how much this woman was on my mind. Caleb was right; I did have some sort of feelings for her. I knew deep down and underneath the façade of her cons, there was a little girl lost.
When five o’clock approached and I’d finished signing the last of the contracts, I packed up my briefcase and headed home. When I walked through the door, Grace was putting on her coat.
“How did it go today?” I asked.
“Well, I made her French toast for breakfast, we spoke, and then she went back up to her room. That was the last I saw of her.”
“She hasn’t been down all day?” I asked.
“No, and to be honest, I preferred it. She has a little sassy mouth.”
I chuckled. “I know she does. Have a good night. I’ll see you tomorrow.” I kissed her cheek.
Setting my briefcase down, I took the elevator up to the fifth floor and lightly knocked on the door to her room.
“Come in.”
“How was your day?” I asked as I stood in the doorway.
“How do you think my day was, Gabriel?”
“If you chose to stay in your room all day, that was your problem. You had free roam of the entire house.”
“What am I? A dog?” Her brow arched at me.
I couldn’t help but smile at her sarcastic tone.
“Get changed. We’re going out to dinner.”
“You want to be seen in public with me?” she asked. “Aren’t you taking a huge risk?”
“Just get changed and put on something nice. We’re going to Daniel.”
“What’s wrong with this?” She pointed to her gray yoga pants and pink tank top.
“Kate, please just do as I ask.” I sighed.
“I’m not going if you handcuff me.”
“I promise I won’t handcuff you. But if you decide later you would like to be handcuffed, perhaps to my bed, I would take great pleasure in fulfilling your wishes.” I smirked.
“You’re sick. Get out of here so I can change. I’ll meet you downstairs.” She threw a pillow at me.
I let out a light laugh as I shut the door, headed to my bedroom, and changed my cl
othes for dinner. As I waited for her to come down, I poured myself a bourbon and took a seat on the couch. A few moments later, I looked up to see her walking down the stairs in a short black strapless dress and stiletto heels. Her hair was pinned up with strands of curls framing her face. She was simply stunning and I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
“What do you think?” She smiled as she did a twirl.
“You look beautiful.” I grinned.
“More beautiful than Hannah?” Her cheeks blushed.
I walked over to her and placed my finger underneath her chin.
“Yes. You’re more beautiful as Kate.”
Kate
I could feel the heat rise in my cheeks when he said that and a wetness flow down below. There was something about him that made me tremble every time he looked at me. Maybe it was because he saw me as Kate, the real me. He held out his arm.
“Are you going to attempt to run?” he asked.
“No. That would be foolish of me since I’m starving.” I smirked as I hooked my arm around his.
“Then let’s go eat.”
Gabriel ordered us a bottle of their finest champagne and we started off with a Maine lobster salad.
“Tell me about yourself, Gabriel,” I spoke as I picked up my glass.
“What exactly do you want to know?”
“Anything. Tell me about your family.”
“Well,” he picked up his glass of champagne, “I was born and raised here in New York City. My father and mother never divorced but stayed unhappily married. You already know I have a brother, who is my only sibling, and I took over the family business when my father died two years ago.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. If you don’t mind me asking, how did he pass away?”
“Pancreatic cancer.” He set down his drink. “It was very sudden and a complete shock to all of us. When he was diagnosed, he was already in stage 4 and passed away a couple of months later.”
“That’s awful. Were the two of you close?” I asked.
“We were. But not so much him and Caleb. My father wanted both his sons to run the company, but Caleb didn’t like the silver spoon he was born with.”