More than Temptation

by Taige Crenshaw

  Morgan stroked his tongue into her mouth, the sounds of her moan echoing in his ears. He moved with her, groaning as she continued to orgasm around his cock. His own release was just out of reach, then he plunged quicker. His sac tightened and he shuddered as he joined her in release. He kept thrusting as he rode out the pleasure then collapsed on her. Bella held him, stroking her hands over his sweat-slickened back. Morgan rolled off her, sprawling beside her and pulling her against him. Bella curled around him. She touched his softened penis and removed the condom, tied it off then threw it over his side of the bed. He heard it plop into the wastepaper basket.

  “Sorry, I’m—”

  “Tired from all the long hours you’ve been working.” Bella kissed his chest. “And wrecked from my seduction of you.”

  “I seduced you,” he said, yawning.

  “Sure you did.” She patted his chest. “Go to sleep.”

  “I—”

  “Shhhh…” She rubbed her fingers over his chest.

  The soothing sensation lulled him under.

  * * * *

  Morgan didn’t realise he’d gone to sleep, but he woke already half hard. He thrust into the semi-closed fist around his cock. He lowered his head and watched as Bella rubbed her thumb over the head of his shaft. Morgan hardened and pushed into her hold.

  “Tighter,” he moaned.

  Bella glanced up at him and grinned. She continued her caress but turned briefly and the next moment she plopped something just above his cock.

  Morgan jerked then stared. “Stuffing.”

  “While you were passed out, I went and ate.” Bella gestured behind her. “I brought you a plate of food. Also came with a bowl for myself.” She shifted to kneel between his legs. “The food was good, by the way. Never had the dish before. The stuffing was perfectly made.” She leaned over and licked his belly.

  Morgan clenched and unclenched his stomach as she continued to eat off of him.

  “As I was eating, I thought of you laying up here looking just like the perfect complement to my stuffing.” Bella glanced up at him, her hair partially covering her face and leaving only her one eye visible. “I let you sleep for a few hours then decided you needed to eat. But first, I need to eat my stuffing.” Bella sucked some into her mouth then opened over the head of his cock and swooped down.

  “Oh, God I’m never going to look at stuffing the same again.”

  She lifted from his erection, swallowed, then said against the tip of his cock, “And I’m never going to want to eat stuffing any other way again.” She licked his hard shaft.

  Morgan groaned and, holding his erection, rubbed it against her plump lips. Bella pursed her lips then circled his tip before sucking him in again. He arched into her mouth as she took him, and as he climaxed his only thought was, I’m going to make stuffing every single day.

  Chapter Four

  “Look at you, Mr Sexy Seventies.”

  Bella touched his back and Morgan pressed into it. He turned into her semi-embrace and kissed her. He kept it light, knowing if he didn’t he’d want to take her right then and there. A week of sexual encounters and he already knew he wouldn’t get enough of her any time soon. Lifting his hand, he patted her huge Afro and smiled. “You’re going to put an eye out with your hair.”

  Bella swatted his hand away. “Don’t touch the Afro.” She pointed a warning finger at him. “My hairdresser worked hard to get this wig just so, and I can’t tell her you messed with it before its big debut.”

  “All I did for mine was get a piece and pick it out myself.” Morgan patted his own wig then scratched his head. “Didn’t think it would be so damn hot, though.”

  “You’ll live through the night. It’ll be cool in the club with the air conditioning going.”

  “Why would you run the air conditioning? It isn’t summer yet.” Morgan touched her hair band, which matched her black and white outfit.

  He studied her psychedelic-design dress, which had a slight flare at the hem that rested against the top of her white, platform, high-heeled boots. The boots came to just below her knee. Morgan slid his hand down her arm and fingered the bell-bottom flare of her sleeves then touched the wide, white bracelet circling her wrist.

  “With the wigs and stuff, people will be hot so we’ll put on the AC to keep it cool.” Bella patted his chest, partially in view from his opened shirt. “Let’s get going.” She picked up his hat then smoothed the brim and put it on his head. “I’m loving this hat.”

  “Thank you, kind lady.” He spun on his heels, clicking his own boots, then held out his arm. “Let’s get groovy.”

  “Sure, big boy.” Bella dipped then put her hand on his arm.

  Laughing, they left her office, and when they opened the door of the soundproof room, he heard the seventies music already playing in the club. They went down the hall and on the way passed various employees also dressed in seventies style. They were busy doing the last minute preparation. In the main room, Morgan looked at the club, which had been transformed. There were many items that had been custom made—the candles in the centre of the tables had seventies theme that ranged from disco balls to Rubik’s Cubes. There were also candies on each table with the same theme. At the end of the night, each patron would get a satchel—the type according to gender—with the Bella’s logo, filled with candles, candies, Rubik’s Cubes and other seventies items. In the centre of the room was a massive Rubik’s Cube cake—the detailing was so real he wanted to pick it up and solve the puzzle.

  “Wow, this is impressive.” Morgan looked up and saw the flashing disco balls.

  “We do one of these themed events every year.” Bella smiled. “People look forward to it. Tickets sell out fast.”

  “I bet they do. Why have I never heard of it?”

  “Why would you? There are things that happen in Singleton that I’ve never heard about. The town is large and you can’t know everything.” Bella squeezed his arms. “Now that you know, you’ll be here. You won’t even need to buy a ticket. Since you have an in with the owner.”

  “Good to know.” Morgan stared around the room again. “I know you mentioned this event was for charity. What is the charity you are donating the proceeds to?”

  “A few of them. Kids’ literacy, one of the high schools in town needs computers, the hospital cancer centre, the college science department and the Couric Park preservation society wants to add more benches for the park. There are a few others.”

  “That’s a lot of charities.” Morgan glanced at her. “And you make enough from tickets and taking out expenses to do all that?”

  “All the ticket proceeds go to the charities.” Bella rolled her shoulders. “Expenses are covered by the club. Some of the items we get donated from various businesses. Usually when I ask, many pitch in. For those who can’t, the club pays for the services. Usually we have staff on schedule but many times all of them come and those who aren’t supposed to work volunteer their time for the event. We get very busy. The partners of Moments also pitch in their services, as well as some of my other family and friends.” Bella went around the room checking to see if everything was ready.

  Morgan nodded to Dakota as he fixed a centrepiece then went on to another. “The centrepieces made by Dakota and his crew he works with for this event get auctioned off and we raise even more money.”

  They ended up by the security desk and he saw the line of people outside waiting.

  “That’s a lot of people.” Morgan grinned as he saw everyone dressed in their seventies best.

  “And once the main event is done, we’ll open the club and people will come to just hang out and have fun.” Bella tapped her earpiece then looked at him. “Time to meet the VIPs.” She slid her hand along his arm then gestured. Morgan followed where she pointed. “Have you ever met the Mayor of Singleton, Morgan?”

  “Not the new one. The one before him.” Morgan frowned. “Why?”

  “Did you vote for him?”

  “Yes.”r />
  “Good. Then you can tell him that.” Bella smiled wickedly. “I’ve know the mayor since he was a snot-nosed teenager who was trying to make me his girlfriend.”

  “Wait.” Morgan stopped. “You dated the Mayor of Singleton?”

  “Nah. He tried, but we’re better as friends.” Bella tugged him to get him moving. “Don’t let him give you the stink eye to intimidate you. He’s a teddy bear.” She bit her lip then said, grinning widely, “One that has really sharp teeth and claws.” She glanced away from him and yelled, “Natty, you better not touch my cake.”

  She hurried away. Morgan watched wide-eyed as she rushed over to the man he knew as Mayor of Singleton. He expected his security to stop her, but they all smiled at her indulgently.

  “For Christ’s sake, don’t call me that, Belly-boo.” Nathan Beckett, the mayor, laughed and hugged Bella, lifting her off her feet.

  Morgan clenched his fist as they embraced. The familiarity the man handled Bella with didn’t sit well with him.

  Nathan put her down then looked at her. “Don’t you look all snazzy?” He patted her Afro.

  “No touching.” Bella slapped at his hand. “You cut a groovy figure yourself.”

  And she was right. The mayor looked dapper. Bella glanced at Morgan and beckoned him over. He went, eyeing the bodyguards with the mayor as their hands went to their jackets. They were all dressed in seventies gear too.

  “This is Morgan.” Bella slid her hand into the crook of his arm.

  “Morgan James, you’re a fire investigator at the Delko Street station.” Nathan stared at him.

  The intensity of his look didn’t intimidate Morgan. In his profession, he was used to people trying to intimidate him. He returned the observation of the mayor.

  “That’s me.” Morgan arched an eyebrow.

  “This one is going to last.” Nathan laughed. “I can tell. Damn the luck.”

  Morgan looked at him, confused.

  “Now, Nathan, you know we could never work,” Bella said. “I thought you had given that up a long time ago.”

  “A man can still hope.” Nathan chuckled. “My predecessor as Mayor told me that it was my duty to come here tonight. That this event was good for my political career. He had no idea I knew you from when you had braces and were a klutz who could fall just standing still.”

  “No telling stories about me,” Bella warned.

  “But I want to hear,” Morgan teased.

  “He wants to hear,” Nathan said. “Come along, Morgan. I have loads of stories about Belly-boo.”

  “I want to know about the nickname,” Morgan said.

  “B—”

  “Go greet your other guests, Bella. I’ll take care of your boyfriend for you.” The mayor smoothly parted them and led Morgan away.

  Morgan glanced back at Bella and saw her frowning.

  “Don’t mind Bella. She doesn’t like to be outmanoeuvred.” Nathan gestured for him to sit. The booth, close to the one he’d been in before, was one of those reserved for family.

  Morgan sat and watched Nathan as he did too. His bodyguards took up posts around the room where they could see him.

  “So, Morgan, tell me, how did you get our Bella interested in you?” Nathan leant back in the booth and removed his hat, placing it on the table before him.

  “That’s none of your business.” Morgan removed his hat too, setting it on the surface.

  “Fair enough.” Nathan smiled then shrugged. “Let me tell you about the Bella I know. She was an interesting teenager. All brash charm and chutzpah. Nothing seemed to scare her. Of course, I had to know her.”

  Morgan chuckled. Bella was still the same in many ways. He talked with Nathan, getting another glimpse into who Bella was. She came over to join them and soon the doors opened. The crowd came in and the excitement made the place seem alive. People milled around, talking and having fun.

  “I’m going to get the event started.” Bella kissed him softly. “I’ll be right back.”

  She rose and walked towards the stage. Her dress moved sassily around her and she greeted people as she went. The lights dimmed then flashed a few times. People headed to take their seats as if knowing it was a signal. The stage was still dark and he couldn’t see Bella.

  “Welcome to Bella’s annual gala.” Her voice came out of the dark. “Thanks so much for joining us.”

  Applause started and she didn’t speak again until it had died down. “This is a seventies-themed event, but I decided to go a little off the theme. But I’m sure you’ll forgive me.”

  The sound of drums started and it increased in speed and complexity.

  “Oh, my God.” Nathan leant forward. “She got them to perform.”

  “Who?”

  “You’re in for a treat.” Nathan stared into the dark.

  People around them talked excitedly. Morgan didn’t know what was going on, or recognise what the fuss was about. A guitar joined in, then a sax filled the darkened area of the stage.

  “She has all of them.” Nathan leant back, a sad smile on his face. “Damn, that woman is good.”

  A trumpet ripping notes sounded, then the rest of the instruments blended with it until it was a beautiful melody. The people in the club started to get more frenzied.

  “What is goin—?”

  “With you by my side, I’m burning.” A growly voice rang out and Morgan stopped speaking.

  The room went silent except for the music from the still-darkened stage.

  “My soul is yours to take.” A rich, female alto filled the club.

  Morgan sat forward, recognising the cadence as Bella’s voice.

  The lights flashed on and revealed Bella with her hand raised, pressed against the neck of a man behind her. Bella’s gaze was focused on the man who had his hat lowered, covering his face as he bent towards her.

  “Take me into your web. You are my diva lover.”

  Morgan touched his hat, which was very similar to the man’s, though his was dark green and the man’s was dark blue.

  “I want your offering, my prince,” Bella belted out, then held a note that caused the hair on Morgan’s body to rise.

  The beauty of the sound made his breath catch. The man lifted his head and Morgan’s eyes narrowed as he saw a face that was of a fallen angel or devil, according to what you thought. The network of scars on one side of his face didn’t detract from his handsomeness—it only added a bad boy exterior. Morgan clenched his fist as the man slid his hand along her stomach, up her chest between her breasts then placed his hand around her neck.

  Morgan stared at the way the man held her as if he had a right to.

  Mine. He sat forward, watching the show as he wondered who this man was to Bella.

  The man lifted his hand and took off his hat before flinging it away. His blond hair, framing his face, enhanced the sensation of danger around him.

  Who the hell is he?

  The chant of the crowd started. “Driscoll and Bella.”

  Now he had a name, but that didn’t tell him anything. Although the pair continued to sing, Morgan didn’t really register the words. Driscoll swayed, moving Bella before him as he gyrated behind her, shifting her with his taller frame. Bella grooved with him as if they knew each other’s motions well. The next words registered.

  “You set me on fire. I crave your taking.” Bella spun away from the man then rotated her hips, beckoning Driscoll to her.

  He moved towards her, each motion like liquid sex. Morgan hadn’t known until seeing it now what that even looked like.

  “With you by my side, I’m invincible. Bathed in your embrace, I’m alive as I’ve never been.” Driscoll stood before Bella and rolled his body as if he had no bones. It was so silky and smooth.

  Morgan sat back in disgust as the women in the crowd went wild. Bella, who was behind Driscoll, lifted her leg, sliding it along his waist then down to his thigh. He held her leg, lifted her on his back and danced, with her perched on him.

 
“Live for me, my prince. Feel for your diva lover.” She stroked her hand along the side of his face, cupping his chin and turning it to her. She leaned close, almost kissing him as she sang with him, their voices in melody.

  “Together we are stronger.”

  They looked away from each other and at the crowd.

  “My diva lover and her prince.”

  The crowd roared, chanting their names. Morgan watched as they finished that song then went into another. They performed with each other so sensually, there was no way they hadn’t been lovers. Bella danced with the band and Driscoll played up to them also, then they came back together. Throughout their act, they added some seventies favourites. When Bella sang Proud Mary by Tina Turner, Morgan watched her hips rolling and shifted in his seat, thinking about how she was in bed.

  “For our last song, we want to sing Embrace the Love.” Bella looked at Driscoll. “He wrote this for me, but we’ve never performed it together. For you tonight we will.”

  “Pain overwhelms my soul as I am torn apart.” Bella’s sultry alto rose with the words and Morgan not only heard the pain but felt it deep inside him.

  The song started with pain then changed to a sense of renewal and triumph. Driscoll held Bella pressed against him as they sang that last line, passion dripping from each word.

  “As I embrace the love, I am reborn to you. Take my soul into your keeping and love me whole.”

  They turned to look at the silent audience, the last note resonating in the room. Suddenly the crowd surged to their feet, cheering and clapping loudly.

  Morgan joined them and so did the mayor. Bella smiled at Driscoll then hugged him before she faced the crowd and bowed. Driscoll was next and he held up his hand.

  “They were always so dynamic together,” Nathan said beside him.

  The rest of the band came forward to take their bows then they exited the stage along with Bella and Driscoll.

  Morgan glanced at Nathan. “There is a story there between them. Tell me.”