by Anise Storm
While he stood there, Xavier watched another male guest approach Calista. Standing at five foot seven, with mid length sandy blond hair, the cowboy had his look down from the animal skin cowboy boots to the large metallic belt buckle, to the hat that was too large for his head. Xavier wasn’t worried in the slightest about losing his chance to talk to her. From what he and Zane could tell about Calista, this urban cowboy didn’t stand a chance.
Crossing his arms, Xavier watched Cowboy Bob pitch his best line. “Are you looking for any company tonight, miss? I’d love to buy you a drink.”
As expected, she smiled politely, declining the advance he’d offered.
Chuckling softly, Xavier watched the rejected would-be suitor take his wounded pride and move farther down the bar, most likely waiting on the next single woman to arrive. Having never been accused of being modest, he waited for the perfect time to approach her. There were rules when seducing a woman and he knew them all. Hell, he wrote most of them himself.
Taking another sip of her drink, Calista turned slightly to scan the room, her eyes finally landing on his. The sadness he saw in their depths made him growl.
Turning back toward her drink, Xavier could tell his window of opportunity was closing by the way she shifted in her seat and toyed with the cocktail napkin in front of her. More than likely, she was telling herself the night was a bust, deciding it was time to go back to her room. Once there, she would change into pajamas, climb into bed, and lose herself in a book or something similar. The loneliness in her eyes would only grow deeper.
While she might be thinking her night would end alone, Xavier planned to erase the sadness, replacing it with something much different. Straightening up to full height, he made his way to her end of the bar, intercepting Calista before she had a chance to rise from her seat.
“I’ll take two fingers of Glenmorangie Pride and another of whatever she’s drinking.”
Chapter 8
CALI’S HEAD JERKED BACK at the sound of the raspy voice beside her. She had just cut short one man’s attempt to pick her up and wasn’t in the mood to do so again. The more she tried to drink, the more she realized whatever the hell she’d hoped to accomplish tonight was futile.
Taking a deep breath, she turned in the direction of the voice, nearly doing a double take. Sitting beside her, practically devouring her with his eyes, was the most delicious looking man she’d ever seen. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome. Dressed in well-tailored clothing, his shirt accented an athletic build and made him look even taller than he already was. Dark brown hair was parted to the side in casual disarray, as though he’d recently raked his hands through it. The clothes and hair weren’t what captured her attention, though. It was the carved-from-granite cheekbones, along with a pair of piercing eyes that seemed to be stripping her clothing away with each passing second. She lowered her head at the sight of the hazel orbs staring down at her. There was no way she could turn down the drink, especially when she couldn’t even form a coherent thought.
Knowing she needed to say something, Cali cleared her throat and was able to choke out a simple “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, belleza. What’s your name?”
She nearly swooned at his Spanish accent.
Shit! Did he actually expect her to have a conversation with him? Of course he did. The man had just bought her a drink, so it was social etiquette to talk to him. Cali realized how silly she was acting and after a few harsh words to herself, she looked up at him and smiled brightly. “My name is Calista, but everyone calls me Cali.”
The man picked her hand up, brushing his lips over the backs of her knuckles. “That’s a beautiful name and very befitting for the woman who uses it.”
The words flowed off his lips so smoothly and it was impossible to ignore the automatic tingle his touch elicited. While she knew he must use that particular line often, Cali pushed that thought to the back recesses of her mind. Usually, she was more annoyed when men tried to flirt with her, but this one intrigued her. The bartender chose that moment to set a new drink down in front of her, and she took that action as a sign she needed to focus on something else. Thanking the stranger once more, she sipped from the glass.
She was becoming a bit unsteady. The vodka laced drink was making her head swim. Or was it the effect of the intoxicating man sitting beside her? Whichever the cause, she knew this would be her last drink or else she risked embarrassing herself. The last thing she wanted to do was heave all over his designer shoes. What a great impression that would make.
As Cali went to straighten her posture, the effects of her cocktail kicked in, making her sway toward him. On instinct, he reached out to steady her, the movement stirring his clothing. It was then that she caught a whiff of his cologne. Damn if he didn’t smell as good as he looked.
“Thank you, sir. I’m—” she managed to get out before he stepped even closer, cutting her off mid-sentence.
The woodsy scent of his cologne was now even more prominent in this close proximity, making her shiver. He began to speak, and she found herself entranced just by listening to him. His voice was a rich baritone, silky smooth, but with raspy undertones. Her brain went on another detour, taking the path of repeating a lot of the words she’d been writing in those romance books of hers, but with a Spanish accent. She began to grow damp between her legs, the reaction surprising her. Lost in her own thoughts, she was jerked back to the present when he spoke once again.
“My name is Xavier. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Cali.”
“Likewise,” she told him with a smile. Nervously, she tucked another strand of hair behind her ear and wondered awkwardly what to do with her hands.
He seemed fascinated by the motion, prompting her to drop her hand back to the bar. Xavier was so far out of her league; Cali still didn’t know what he could possibly want with someone as plain as she was. This had to be fate’s way of being cruel…teasing her by placing someone in her path that seemed to have it all: looks, charm, and sex appeal.
“There’s no need to be nervous,” he told her before grinning. “I’m not planning to devour you… yet.”
The last word came out softer than the others and she tried to pretend she didn’t hear it at all. Her body wasn’t in tune with her mind, though, because her nipples immediately hardened at the image his words invoked, while a small bead of perspiration trickled down between her breasts. The air around them practically lit up with sparks. She’d never had this reaction to any other man before, so it was all more than a little unnerving. Nothing could cool her down. Not the air conditioning in the bar, or the rest of the drink she’d just consumed. Her plan for the evening was coming together. Would she be able to go through with it after all?
If not, it certainly wouldn’t be because no one had caught her interest. She was very interested in the man currently running his hand up her bare thigh.
The room began to spin, causing her to grab the bar top just as his hand slid beneath the silk material of her dress. Oh my God! It was all she could think while her clit pulsed with need. It had been months since she’d last been with a man and a strangled moan escaped her at the thought of Xavier being the next one. He was so incredibly sexy. This whole experience was surreal, and at any moment, she expected to roll over in her bed to find that this was all a dream.
“I-I’m sorry,” she managed to stammer, stopping as he chuckled.
“I like hearing how much you enjoy being touched.” He leaned in closer, his voice a low rumble. “Do you want to know what else I’d like?”
She swallowed hard, shaking her head slowly.
“I’d also like to see those beautiful eyes glazed over with passion when I remove those damp panties you’re wearing and settle between your delectable thighs.”
All color drained from her face as all the blood in her body rushed straight down to the area he’d just mentioned. She’d reached a crossroads. When in her entire life would she ever be approached by someone else l
ike Xavier? His hand continued to rub back and forth over her thigh and she quivered from head to toe.
If all this was an act he used to bait women into his bed, then he could pat himself on the back where she was concerned. He had just reeled her in hook, line, and sinker. Xavier leaned toward her and brushed his lips against her earlobe.
“Ven conmigo, hermosa, y luego ven por mi.”
Her brow furrowed up at the Spanish words he spoke. It had been several years since she’d used much of the language. Xavier flashed a wicked grin before translating the sentence for her.
“Come with me, beautiful, and then come for me.”
Chapter 9
CALI DIDN’T EVEN REMEMBER responding to Xavier, but the next thing she knew, her hand was firmly in his as he led her down a stone pathway. While her room was close to the bar, his appeared to be even closer. Once they were right outside of what she presumed to be his accommodations, he spun her around, pinning her between the wall and his hard body.
His lips came down on hers and Cali’s parted in response. Xavier seized the moment, slipping his tongue between them to explore her mouth. Her hands moved to his shoulders, trying to keep her body upright. Cali clung to him while he deepened the kiss, one that was stealing the breath right from her. Everything was moving so fast and where logic told her to slow things down, her libido definitely had other plans.
By the time he ripped his mouth from hers, she was breathless, able to do no more than rapidly draw air back into her lungs. The effect this man had on her was frightening but also exciting. Never had she responded to someone so quickly, completely, and wantonly. She didn’t recognize this woman who was allowing a stranger to make out with her.
“I think we should—” Cali couldn’t even finish the sentence before his mouth was on hers again, leaving her dizzy…intoxicated…and completely unlike herself. It was almost an out-of-body experience. Not wanting to think about her actions, she pulled him even closer.
His hands slid up her rib cage, stopping just underneath her breasts. As though he could hear the silent screaming in her head to move his hands, Xavier cupped her flesh, rolling the tight buds of her nipples between his fingers. Cali moaned and arched closer, trying to meld herself to him completely. It didn’t matter to her in that moment that they were in public, but it mattered to him enough to pull back.
“Let’s take this inside, somewhere more private, belleza.” His eyes had darkened considerably, the pupils huge. He waited patiently until she nodded, giving her consent.
Her lips were swollen and achy, her entire body a live wire about to spark. Brushing his thumb over her bottom lip, he pulled a key card out of his back pocket. A few seconds later, he ushered her inside of his room.
Cali should’ve guessed that he stayed in one of the most expensive villas since he exuded power and wealth. She told herself not to look around because if she did, her common sense would return, putting an end to the current fantasy she was enjoying. She simply couldn’t allow that to happen. She wanted Xavier more than her next breath.
She watched as he walked around the room, dimming the lights as he went. Darkness was even better for her. She stood in the center of the space, her eyes following his fingers while he loosened the buttons on his crisp white dress shirt. As each one slipped free from its hole, she caught a more enticing glimpse of the man beneath the clothes.
Holy hell, this man is built. The shoulders she’d admired in the bar led to a chiseled chest and six-pack abs, all of which were covered with bronzed flesh. The anticipation of touching him had her pussy practically dripping.
Xavier removed his shirt completely, laying it over the chair near the desk area. He joined Cali in the middle of the room, stepping behind her to place his hands on her shoulders. Her entire body swayed back against him, the temperature difference between her skin and his noticeable. Heat radiated off him like a furnace while she felt chilled. The air in his cabin was cool, but Cali knew that the room temperature had nothing to do with the uncontrollable tremors racking her frame.
Soft lips moved across the back of her neck, making her whimper. That spot was such a turn-on to her. As his mouth trailed along the line of her neck, her pulse beat wildly. His teeth grazed the throbbing pulse point in her neck before he sank them down into it. Another moan escaped her lips, but this time he swallowed the sounds of it as he turned her head, fusing his mouth to hers.
Xavier was a fantastic kisser, and if that particular skill was any indication of others he possessed, he’d have to be phenomenal in bed. Cali leaned further back against his chest, wrapping what part of her arms she could around his neck to keep herself upright. His hands snaked around her body, palming her breasts and kneading her aching flesh.
“A perfect fit,” he rasped, nipping her earlobe. She had no time to react before his hands traveled higher so he could slip his fingers beneath the thin spaghetti straps on her dress. Dropping her arms to her sides allowed Xavier to slide the material down her limbs. With her dress now resting just above her hips, Cali brought her hands back up to where they had been and closed her eyes.
He returned to kissing her leisurely, as if he had all the time in the world to strip her naked and fuck her. Just when she thought he would continue with this excruciatingly slow pace all night, he captured one of her exposed nipples between his teeth. Moaning against his lips, her eyes flew open to find Xavier still kissing her. How could that be? If his mouth was on hers then who was currently suckling on her nipple? The man was good, but not that good.
Tensing, she immediately pulled her mouth away, looking down her body to find a pair of arctic blue eyes staring directly up at her. It was the man she’d seen from her balcony. What the hell is he doing here?
Releasing her nipple from his mouth with a wet pop, he straightened, raising himself to full height. She began to feel surrounded and dwarfed by these two men. There was just so much male in the room. Her first instinct was to cover her breasts, which she quickly did, earning a scowl from the blond stranger.
“Calista, I’d like you to meet Zane. Z for short.”
Cali looked back and forth at both men, taking a few steps sideways to collect her thoughts. She had no idea what was going on, but the night took on an alarming note. Fighting back a small panic attack, she gauged the distance to the door.
Xavier stepped toward her, tipping her chin up with his long fingers. “Don’t go, belleza.” His eyes were completely mesmerizing, as was his voice. She felt her body’s reaction to him in every pulse of her clit.
“I-I don’t understand. I…” she stammered, her voice drifting off. The two of them acted as if they did this little routine together often. As if encroaching on the other man’s territory, however temporary, was the most natural thing in the world. She was aware there were men who liked to share women. Granted, she’d never met anyone like that, but she’d heard enough about them from friends like Emily.
Already, she could imagine her best friend’s response to this situation. If Emily even believed her to begin with. Cali was having a difficult time taking it all in.
“Have you ever been with two men at the same time?”
Cali’s head spun around as Zane spoke. His voice was as heavily accented as his counterpart, though he didn’t sound or look Spanish. Her eyes were drawn to his chest and she couldn’t help but stare at the impressive expanse of muscle. To meet one perfect male was luck, but two was unbelievable. It was even more unbelievable that they both wanted her.
Unable to speak, she merely shook her head in response.
“Together we can bring you a great deal of pleasure, Calista.”
While he spoke, his hand reached out to gently stroke her arm. His touch was a direct contradiction to the heated intentions she could see in his gaze. She didn’t have a lot of experience in this area, but Cali could recognize desire when she saw it.
Remembering back to the night before, she recalled being drawn to Zane. From the moment she’d caught him staring
at her, there had been a pull toward him. Her dreams last night had been filled with those visions. She’d even entertained fantasies about him all afternoon. That was until she had met Xavier.
Turning toward Xavier, she knew he could sense her confusion, but he seemed content to let her make up her own mind. He obviously didn’t want to pressure her into making a decision.
“Calista?”
The sensation of Zane’s thumb brushing over her knuckles jolted her mind back to the lingering question. No, she’d never been with two men at the same time. Could she really do something like that now? When hoping to find someone to pass some time with, never did she imagine it would include two men.
The few sexual encounters Cali had had before could never be considered wanton. In fact, they were more instructional in nature. She would touch her partners where they wanted her to touch, and they would do the same to her in return. Both parties would find satisfaction and the man would then promise to call. Cali would walk away knowing that her phone would never ring, but it was okay. She had a feeling that tonight would indeed qualify as wanton and she would more than likely regret it for the rest of her life if she chose to leave.
“We will make you feel all the things you’ve ever read about or dreamed,” Zane said, bringing her hand to his lips and placing a kiss in her palm. “All you have to do is trust us. We won’t hurt you…” He paused and then chuckled. “Unless you beg us nicely to do so.”
Her eyes widened at the last part and she worried her bottom lip with her teeth. She couldn’t believe she was even considering what was being offered. Zane continued.
“We’ll worship every inch of your gorgeous body and not a single freckle will be left untouched. By the time we’re finished, you will…”