by Ellen March
“For Christ’s sake, woman, you’ll ruin me the way you’re going.” His lips seared across hers in a wide, open-mouthed kiss. He slid his tongue into her mouth, unable to get enough of her. His hand paved a path between her thighs as she pushed against the strumming of his fingers. “You’re insatiable, you know that?” He nipped at her earlobe, slowly circling it with his tongue.
“Only with you.” She ran her tongue down the front of his throat in one long, lush lick and nuzzled where it hollowed, tasting the saltiness of his skin.
“You’d better be,” he swore. Pulling her head back, he suddenly glared at her. “Why did you go out with Tariq tonight?”
Sally held his face in her hands, making him look at her as she slowly traced his cheeks. “I didn’t want to go, wouldn’t have if you hadn’t given me that ultimatum.” She pressed a teasing kiss against his neck. “It’s you I want, Roman. No one else, trust me, only you.”
“Oh Christ, Sally.” He wrapped his arms around her. He couldn’t say the words, but he could show her with his body.
* * *
The sun shone through the window. Sally moved restlessly. Suddenly feeling one part of the bed blocked, she turned into Roman’s dreamy eyes.
“Morning, sleepy head.” He dropped a kiss onto her forehead and held her close. They’d made love until dawn and had only stopped because he could feel her exhaustion. Yet still she tried to keep up, and he loved her all the more for that ….
The lazy musing hit him with a jolt, and he tried to clear the thought from his mind.
Sally rubbed her eyes, waiting for him to disappear. “You’re still here?”
“I’m not going anywhere,” he promised, kissing her nose then both eyelids. “Ever,” he swore and realized he meant it.
Sally turned in his embrace, coiling her arms tightly around his neck. “Oh, Roman, I do ….” She had been about to say “I do love you” but stopped herself. It was too soon and she didn’t want to scare him or give him the trump card.
“What?” His hand massaged her stomach before wandering downwards towards the tight, curling hair between her legs. His fingers probed deep, and at her soft mewl he forgot about his question. Roman pushed her back and mounted her yet again, luxuriating in her moistness, hot and welcoming. Her sex was tight around him and he powered against her. She arched her back, screaming and shuddering as she came in a glorious orgasm.
“Oh God, I don’t believe it,” Sally said.
He rubbed her shoulder. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m a howler.” She buried her head against his massive chest.
“Sorry?” Roman pulled her head back and gazed down in confusion.
“Me and Paul, we heard you with them. ‘Howlers,’ we called them.” Sally hated the thought of him with another woman and didn’t like bringing it up. “And I’m one!” she cried in disbelief.
“No, Sal,” he said, holding her close. “Listen, the others meant nothing, but you,” he smiled down at her. “You do.” He pressed a flurry of kisses against her forehead, trying to assuage her guilt and loving her for it, as well as the idiosyncrasies that were unique to her
Chapter Sixteen
“So how do you think it went?” Paul asked as he sipped his coffee. It was the same soft brown as Tariq’s eyes, he noticed.
“Perfect,” Tariq said. “It’s about time that man had his testicles confiscated, and besides, it makes things easier on me.”
“As if you need any help,” teased Paul, fluttering his eyelashes hopefully.
“Trust me, when Roman is around, no one stands a chance.” Tariq grinned good-naturedly. “Not even with my wealth! Women are fickle creatures, aren’t they?”
“Hun, I wouldn’t know, thank you,” he said with a shudder.
Tariq let out a booming laugh, enjoying his humour.
“Something funny?” Roman asked as he strolled into the kitchen wearing nothing but his jeans.
“Your gardener,” Tariq said. He was curious to find out how the night had gone and decided to bait Roman. “By the way, I must say I enjoyed my date last night. I’ll have to do it again.”
Roman smiled and casually split an orange with the knife he held. “I wouldn’t try unless you want to come through me.” He stared into Tariq’s eyes.
Tariq swallowed. He’d never seen his friend so hostile. “I take it she’s your woman now?”
“You take it right.” Roman turned as Sally walked in. Moving over to her, he pulled her close, bent his dark head, and kissed her thoroughly, pleased when her hands automatically came up around his neck.
Tariq winked at Paul. “Isn’t it great when a plan comes together?”
“What was that?” Roman asked, coming in on the last bit of conversation.
Paul smirked. “Anyone could see you were attracted to Sally, except you. So we …” he shot a wide smile at Tariq, “well, we thought we’d just move things forward a bit. You know, make you a tad jealous?”
Roman switched his hooked gaze between the two of them and shook his head, still holding on to Sally. “Thanks.” He eventually grinned and let her go, slapping her playfully on the rear. “Woman, see all the trouble you’ve caused me?”
Sally squealed. “Hey, don’t go blaming me.” She gave him a sexy wink. “And if I’m causing that much trouble then maybe I’d better leave.”
He grasped her arm. “Don’t even think of it,” he warned, eyes glinting darkly.
Sally smiled and gently stroked his cheek. “Never,” she whispered.
Paul turned to Tariq and pretended to put a finger down the throat and retch. They both burst out laughing.
Antonia marched in on the merriment, her limp barely present. Taking one glance at the gathering, she glared at Sally.
“Sally, don’t you think you should be working and not wasting Roman’s time?” she ordered shrilly.
Without thinking, Sally started to obey, until Roman’s hand snaked around her waist, holding her still.
“Sally isn’t going anywhere. She’s having a day off today,” said Roman. “We’re going riding.”
Antonia stared at the two of them, looking on enviously as Roman’s arm circled her in a gesture of obvious possessiveness.
“Thought you two had done enough of that,” quipped Paul, enjoying the exchange.
“Never.” Roman dropped a kiss on top of Sally’s head.
Antonia glared at them and swore that somehow, some way, she was going to get rid of the bitch. She was history. Enjoy the honeymoon period, she swore, because it isn’t going to last.
With a final glare, and without uttering another word, she spun round and stormed off.
“That went well,” chuckled Paul, nudging Tariq, who burst out laughing.
* * *
An hour later Roman walked hand in hand with Sally towards the top field and the mares. He carried a saddle bag over his shoulder, which was filled with a picnic.
“I can’t ride, so how are we going to manage?” Sally asked nervously, conveniently forgetting her earlier attempt.
“We’ll double up. Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you.” He snagged her hand and kissed it gently. “In fact, we won’t even have a saddle. We’ll be really close,” he said with a lecherous ogle.
Sally laughed, relieved to know he would be there for her. “So where are we going?”
“Up into the hills. Remember that stream you fell asleep beside?” He waited for her to realize what he’d said and laughed when she gave him a shocked look.
“How did you know?”
“Because I saw you. You looked so beautiful. You were lucky I didn’t take you then.” His lips brushed her lightly on the top of her head.
“In that case, I think I’ll need to keep one step ahead of you.” She tapped his chest. “Either that or learn to cover up.”
“Only in front of other men, love. I’m territorial, I’m learning, and don’t like sharing.” His smile was at odds with the darkness in his eyes.
>
“Ditto.” Sally grabbed his balls and squeezed them gently. “Just make sure you don’t go exercising these again, hear me?”
Roman gave a hearty laugh, loving her possessive streak. It made him feel warm and special; whereas, when any other woman had displayed that trait, he’d felt suffocated. He was beginning to question exactly what he did feel for her.
In a short time the mare was tacked up, and he was seated behind Sally, holding her tight. It was too late now, but he wished he’d used a saddle. The close proximity to Sally’s backside was driving him wild. His hips undulated against her ass as the mare ambled forward across the grassy expanse.
“Will you stop wriggling?” he groaned, feeling her push against him.
“I thought you liked it,” giggled Sally, feeling him rise.
“Behave, woman.” Roman nuzzled her neck. His hand came up and slipped inside her blouse, massaging her breasts. He was momentarily shocked at the feel of her bare skin. “Where’s your bra?”
“At home, with my manners and inhibitions.” She leaned back against his body, relishing the way his hands ran over her, rubbing and massaging, caressing her nipples. Her own hands ran up and down his thighs.
“Sal, what are you doing to me?” he growled, trying to steer the mare. Soon he gave up and let the reins loose, instead concentrating on the task in hand.
The mare ground to a halt and dropped her head to graze, oblivious to the tension above her.
“Roman,” Sally took his hand and pushed it down between her legs, “make love to me.”
“Anytime!” He slid off the mare and took her with him, not caring where the mare wandered off to. He was too intent on loving Sally.
“Oh, Roman, I adore you.” Writhing in his arms, she pulled at his clothes, needing to feel skin on skin. Kneeling over him, she nipped at his throat, slowly tracing a trail down his chest. She stopped to suckle on his nipple, then moved further down his stomach, dipping her tongue into his belly button, circling and sucking. Finally she moved still lower until she met with his erection, strong and hard.
As she glanced up, she slowly ran her hand up his length, from root to impressive tip, flicking the top and caressing his eye. His shaky grumble as he groaned and sucked in a breath sent a flurry of shivers through her. She felt immense pride that she was the cause of his pleasure.
She bent and kissed his whole cock, running her tongue slowly and sensuously down his length. Cupping his balls, she caressed them lightly before taking him deep in her mouth. His hands on her head urged her on as he thrust up.
Suddenly she was pulled away, and his hands grasped her around her ribcage. He hauled her up and sank into her in one sweet lunge. Sitting up, he held her hips tightly and thrust in deep, pushing and striving for the ultimate satisfaction. Shuddering when it came, Roman cried out her name.
For a while they lay entwined on the grass, lost in their own thoughts. Sally wondered if his reaction was normal, and Roman was only too aware that the sex was the most amazing he’d ever had.
She lay contentedly against his massive chest, listening to the rhythmic drumming of his heart. Her fingers crawled in circling motions on his flat stomach. Roman’s one arm lay around her possessively, the other absently fondling her breast.
“I don’t ever want to move.” Sally smiled against his skin, loving this new Roman, so kind and considerate. “I’m afraid if that I do, things will go back to how they were before.”
“What are you talking about?” He rubbed his cheek against the top of her head, revelling in the softness of her hair.
“You, cold and arrogant, ignoring me as if I didn’t exist,” she said. Her hand stilled as she wondered when this utopia would evaporate.
Roman knew what she said was true and tried to explain himself without hurting her. “I was an arsehole. I was trying to protect you but ended up hurting you.”
“I don’t understand.” Turning into him, she looked up into his face, a crease marring her forehead.
“I’ve never had a relationship. I don’t believe in them, not love or marriage, and I knew you wanted all that. And, well, I thought if I severed all ties you’d move on.” He stumbled over his words, trying to explain without committing. Even now he couldn’t admit he loved her.
“So what changed?” Sally felt her heart compress.
“Nothing, I guess, except I couldn’t stay away from you,” he chuckled. Then he felt her shoulders stiffen.
“So, you don’t love me?” She had to voice the words. She loved him so much she wasn’t sure she could stay if the relationship was really one-sided.
“Sal, I just don’t know,” he answered honestly. “I’m jealous, possessive, territorial, everything I’m usually not. And yet, love? I don’t know. All I know is, I can’t get enough of you and don’t ever want you to leave me.” He squeezed her tightly.
“Well, I guess that will have to do for the moment,” she muttered, dropping her sad gaze.
Roman lay there, a question drumming in his brain. He had to ask, “Sal, do you love me?” His voice was a barely audible whisper.
“With all my heart,” she said quietly, without hesitation.
Roman felt like shit. Holding her close, he kissed her on her head, wishing he could make her happy and give her the answer she craved. The only thing he knew for certain was that he’d never felt this way in his life. But is that enough? he wondered, confused as hell.
* * *
It was late in the afternoon when they arrived back at the house. Sally leaned comfortably against Roman’s chest. His hands were around her waist and she absently rubbed his fingers, loving the feel of them around her. Turning, she couldn’t resist kissing him and trailing her tongue along his lips.
“Will you behave? Didn’t you get enough this afternoon?” He laughed, enjoying her enthusiasm, which was equal only to his own.
“I’ll never get enough of you.” She snuggled against him.
When they reached the kitchen, it was empty, but a note sat on the breakfast bar.
Gone to dinner with Tariq. Wish me luck.
—Paul
Roman shook his head. “That man is beyond a joke.”
Sally read the note. “You don’t think they’ll, well, you know?” She reflected that it was a shame that so many handsome men were gay and thought it a waste, but was afraid to voice her thoughts because of Roman’s jealousy.
“Trust me, Paul is going to come home disappointed,” he said. “But I’m glad they went out for their meal since we didn’t have ours today.”
“Well, you were the one who lost the saddle bag.” She gave a cheeky grin. “If you’d kept hold of the horse, well ….”
“It was either the mare or you, so no contest.” His arms tightened around her. “Do you fancy a meal out tonight?”
“I know what I’d like to eat.” She rubbed his groin. “But that’s going to have to wait till later.”
“Woman, I told you, you’re going to be the death of me.”
“Ah, but what a way to go!” Sally squealed as he chased her through the kitchen and up the stairs.
* * *
Roman glared at Sally when he saw what she had on. “You can take that off, for a start.”
“Hmm, it is a bit … well ….” She stared at the reflection in the mirror. The black dress barely covered her breasts. One swerve and she’d be out of the two slips of material.
“Wear it for me in the house or bedroom, but not in front of anyone else.” He strode forward and rummaged through her wardrobe. “Who picked these out for you?”
“Paul.”
Eventually he found something he thought was suitable. She stepped out of the dress and stood in her underwear and high heels, watching him.
“Try this.” He spun round and stared at her hungrily. “For Christ’s sake, Sal, put something on or we’ll never get out of here.” His voice was hoarse, and he realized she didn’t have a clue how alluring and sexy she was. Her long, loose hair swayed around
her hips. Her breasts virtually spilled out of the deep purple bra and her long legs went on forever.
At last she was ready. As she studied herself in the mirror, she thought she didn’t look too overtly sexy. Roman didn’t agree, but it would have to do.
“I’m taking you shopping soon. I’m not having you dressed as if you’re a hooker.” His attention was fused on her breasts, which jutted out enticingly. The skirt, which had appeared conservative in his hands, now clung tight to her hips with a large split up the back. When she walked she revealed a long length of inner thigh.
Sally grinned at his possessiveness. As she settled into the bucket seat, she was struck that never in her wildest dreams would he have thought she’d be seated in a Ferrari and dining out with the most eligible bachelor in the UK.
“Where are we going?” She hoped it wasn’t too far. Her stomach rumbled hungrily. Recently she seemed to be living on sex.
“A small country pub. It’s quaint and has a nice steak.” He steered the car through the winding lane, noting her curiosity. Her green eyes bright and shining, she reminded him of a child at Christmas and he wondered if she really was so hard up for money. All at once he realized how little he actually knew about her.
“Mmm, I really fancy a steak but anything will do. I’m starving.” She scanned the car park they’d turned into and stared at the thatch-roofed pub. Its small windows glinted in the late afternoon sun.
Sally made her way towards the bar, with Roman trailing close behind. Although he was used to women feasting their eyes on him, he wasn’t prepared for the jealous rush that speared him when he noticed the attention Sally was commanding. Immediately moving alongside, he slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close.
“What do you want to drink, the usual?” He knew how she loved wine.
“And with—”
“I know, ice, lemon, lime, and soda,” he finished, amazed she put so much in her glass. He wondered if she could actually taste the alcohol.