My eyes widened as my heart beat to a staccato pulse. He’s here? I looked over at Ian and saw he was as surprised as me. Jonas walked onto the stage and everything else disappeared. One word sprang to mind. Stunning. His looks were mesmerizing and combined with his presence, he outshone all those around him. He was dressed in a designer tux that fit his lean muscular frame beautifully. His dark, wavy hair hung longer than I remembered and swept back from his chiseled face. But what made me truly catch my breath were his sea blue eyes that moved over the crowd. The eyes that bore into mine in my dreams. Then there were the sensual lips that I remembered touching all over me. His eyes flashed on me, and a trace of a grimace formed, but instantly morphed into a broad smile, showing off his perfect set of teeth.
I, like the crowd, couldn’t look away as he took the podium. Before he could speak, a statuesque buxom blonde in a gorgeous blue gown came up to him and planted a kiss on his cheek. I knew before Ian whispered to me that she was Melissa Finch. Her head tilted upward, showing her perfect profile and the pearly white smile that had a pageantry-winning lilt to it. I had no doubt that if she had ever been in one, she would have been the winner. She stood next to Jonas with confidence, and I realized I was now the one with a grimace on my face.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my beautiful daughter, Melissa. Maybe we’ll have a double wedding?” Arthur mused, and the crowd clapped.
Jonas smiled at Arthur. He shook his hand, kissing Rita on the cheek.
“If you match my contributions and throw a party like tonight, I might consider it,” Jonas said.
The crowd went wild.
My fingernails dug into my hands. Even though we were not together, I wasn’t prepared to see Jonas move on. But this wasn’t just him moving on. She was like Dani. A perfect match for him. I was happy when the lights dimmed, as I knew well enough I wouldn’t able to hide the pain that gripped me.
Ian reached out and rubbed his hand on my arm, leaving a trail of warmth as well as an offer, if I was willing to take it. I wasn’t. If I touched him I would fall apart. I was barely holding it together. Knowing Jonas was with her, and may have touched her like he touched me, hurt deeply.
Jonas launched into a speech about the Arthur Finch foundation and the list of charities with a video and power point presentation accompaniment. We were all spellbound as he went through the value that the charitable organizations brought to society like a true professional, inflicting the right intonation, and pausing at just the right moments. I was enthralled by his skill and proud of him at the same time.
Jonas paused as he reached the end of the list, his tone softening. “The final charity to make our list this year is an equally worthy addition. The Salomé Love Legacy.”
The image that appeared next was of my parents and me at the first Perchance to Dream.
My jaw dropped open and I covered it with my hand. “How is this possible?” I spluttered.
“I don’t know,” Ian answered absently. “These things are usually set well ahead of time. Congratulations.”
I then realized the picture had come from the Salomé Love Legacy’s website. I had given Jonas the information weeks ago along with Ms. Parker’s contact information. She would have had all my mother’s binders, including a detailed diary with the progress of the event.
I was enraptured as Jonas continued his speech, speaking eloquently about the story I had shared with him about my parents. Tears flowed down my face in an endless stream to my heart.
He looked directly at me. “I will end with this special video that was created for tonight. Please enjoy.”
The hall filled with an instrumental of Adiago Cantabile from Beethoven’s, Pathetique. I didn’t know where to go or what to do. He had completely undone me. My heart spilled over with love and gratitude as memories of our first night together came to mind. He had thought of me almost as too innocent that night, until he took possession of my body. We’d come together, and I knew even in those moments, and the subsequent days that followed, I was falling in love with him.
My shoulders shook and Ian lightly touched my back, alerting me that I needed to get a hold of myself. I gulped in air and dabbed my eyes with the facial cloths from my clutch. Then, I joined in on the applause that was deafening in the hall.
“If you would excuse me, I need to be alone for a few minutes. I’ll be right back,” I said quickly.
The lights were rising in the hall and I didn’t want anyone to see my tear-streaked face or the overwhelming emotions that flooded me. Ian rose, but I turned and walked briskly away, not awaiting a response. I quickly maneuvered around the tables until I made it out of the hall. I walked outside, welcoming the cold air that cooled my skin. My mind was racing around all that I had seen this evening.
Finding a bench, I sunk down and tried to comprehend what had happened. Jonas helped fund my dream, my legacy.
“There you are.”
I looked up to find Jonas charging toward me. My heart pounded in my chest as he stood before me, the electricity of our connection sparking between us and stealing my breath.
Jonas held out his hand for me to take. “It’s too cold for you out here.”
I clasped it and the spark of our connection came to life. A shiver went through me. Jonas didn’t acknowledge it or pause. I found myself almost jogging beside him as he moved me back inside the building. Once there, he headed down a marble corridor away from the main hall and stopped before a room marked “Small Conference.” He reached inside his inner pocket and removed a small card. He waved it before the door, releasing the lock, and closed it behind us.
I found nothing in the room that would be used in a conference. A small, fixed modular couch was set up along a corner, and there was a coffee table with snacks out for eating. Opposite that was a small buffet set-up and a kitchenette with a banner above it displaying, “Congratulations to Bryon and Rita on their upcoming wedding.” Jonas lightly touched my waist and I turned around to face him. His gaze pinned me.
“I was completely off guard. I don’t understand why you did it. But on behalf of my family and the program, thank you,” I babbled.
“You don’t have to say that,” he said, still touching me.
“Yes, I do. I didn’t. I mean I didn’t set out to get your funding. I hope you know that,” I stuttered.
“Take a deep breath,” Jonas said, giving me one of his winning smiles.
He delighted in the effect he had on me. I stepped out of his arms and did as he asked. My breath eased, though my pulse still sprinted.
“As far as you seeking funding, that never came to mind. It was last minute that I was able to attend this gala, though your foundation inclusion was planned after we discussed it during our first evening together.”
He paused and the memory washed over me, as well as a blush warming my face.
“I would have invited you, but you asked for space,” Jonas said in a clipped tone.
I was happy he didn’t mention our conversation on the phone or my ending our companionship. Reaching out, he took my hands in his. I peered up at him and looked down again. His presence was almost too much. I felt little next to him.
“But I’m trying to understand why you chose my project. There are so many other well established foundations that needed the money….”
“Why not? You told me about it. It seemed a worthy cause, so I had Finch add it to the list of charitable organizations this year. I spoke to Ms. Parker and she was on board with it. You said you were waiting for a promotion from Arch, but why should you wait when I can help you now?” Jonas said with a lift of his chin. “It’s a start. The Finch Foundation will help connect your foundation with philanthropy committees, and the public. The Legacy can build on the exposure. Give you a start on your dream. You might one day head your family’s foundation and not be just a publishing assistant at Arch.”
In a flash, I realized what he meant. This was a stepping stone towards my dream of running the Legacy program and ma
king it my full-time job. Jonas had made my dream into a possibility. I could keep the work and memory of my parents alive, and for his help with that alone, I was grateful.
“I can’t express in words how much this means to me.”
He said a lot of kind and supportive things. Still my mind niggled at his mentioning “just a publishing assistant.” My greatest fear when it came to him was that I wasn’t good enough. I needed to be better than I was to be any more than a companion to him. I swallowed down the sting, but his eyes were on me and rarely missed anything.
“Did I say something wrong? I hoped this would make you happy. ”
He pushed his hair back and a small smile formed on my lips. He had no idea how drop dead gorgeous he was. This wasn’t the time, and I didn’t have the relationship with him to discuss my insecurities.
“I am. Truly. I’m grateful,” I said as fresh tears fell from my eyes.
Jonas cupped my face so that I was looking up at him. “You cry when you’re happy?” he mused.
He guided me over to a small sink, where he dampened a cloth. He wiped clean the streaks on my face. His brows lowered and my pulse sped up as he scrutinized me.
“Dark circles. You’re not sleeping.” His gaze ran the length of me. “You’ve lost weight, too.”
I peered at him through my lashes. “Are those compliments?” I tried to joke.
“No, but I’ll give you one. You look beautiful tonight,” Jonas said, his lips turned up in a smile.
My eyes connected with his, and when our connection sparked between us, my heart soared. I wanted him. All of him. But he wasn’t and couldn’t be mine. I needed to leave.
“I should go….”
Jonas’s eyes squinted. “I don’t know why or how you got in touch with Ian. He didn’t mention it when I saw him at the conference,” he said hoarsely.
“With Melissa Finch.” My voice rose at the end. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him.
“Melissa had business in San Francisco, and she accompanied me. I wanted you to go, but you ended things with me,” Jonas said.
I nodded, not trusting my voice. My gaze bore into him, willing him to define his plans with Melissa.
“Melissa and I are not together, but she was my companion before you.” He cleared his throat.
I sat quietly hoping he would proclaim he wouldn’t pursue more with her, but he didn’t. He broke our silence by stating, “I didn’t know you were dating Ian.” His tone was clip.
“I’m not dating Ian. He invited me as a friend,” I said.
“I know Ian, Lily, and friendship isn’t his intention. I’m also sure he hasn’t told you he wants to be only your friend,” Jonas said.
I squirmed. “No. He didn’t say that.” I flicked my eyes at him and could see that seeing me with Ian bothered him. That wickedly made me feel better. “I still should go,” I said, but didn’t move from the spot in front of him.
Jonas held his hand out. “Can you spare a few more minutes with a friend?”
I looked up and his eyes softened as they bore into mine. I clasped his hand and let him guide me over to the small couch. I then watched as he unbuttoned his jacket and took the seat next to me. We stared at each other, unable to speak.
Could he feel the love I had for him?
Jonas moved closer and my pulse sped up. “You’re hiding something and somehow I’m the only one that you’re not sharing it with. That bothers me.” His voice broke.
My face fell as shame filled me. I wanted to tell him, but I still worried I’d elicit his pity. I stared into his eyes, willing him to understand me. Once I was strong. I’d tell him everything.
“Maybe not tonight….” His finger stroking under my chin. “But I still want you to consider continuing our companionship.”
I averted my eyes. “I told you how I feel. I feel like this is more.”
I wanted more.
“Yes, but we haven’t even been together long. And with my life what it is, I’m not ready for more,” Jonas said softly.
My shoulders dropped. “It could be as it is now, but we could be truly dating….”
His eyes dulled, and he gave me a look as if I was a stranger. “The companionship works better for me. I’m barely divorced, and I’m a workaholic. I’m not ready for another committed relationship. What I can offer could be beneficial for both of us, if you’d let it be. Without the labels what is all that different?”
Tears filled my eyes. The difference being you would be mine completely and I’d have access to the heart he kept showing me. You’d be mine.
“I guess if you put it….”
“Lily. Don’t.”
Jonas cut me off with a kiss that stole my breath. He held out his hand again and I took it as he pulled me on his lap, his head bending down to nuzzle against my neck. He nipped me and a moan escaped my lips. My body heated up. His hand cupped the side of my face and turned my head so that I met his eyes.
“I can’t sit here and not touch you. Not want you.”
I wanted his touch, too, and moved to kiss him again. That was all he needed, and he responded by kissing over my face and down my neck. I found myself doing the same, kissing along the smooth-shaven skin along his square jawline. His mouth found mine and he kissed me hard, demanding access to my mouth. The familiar taste of Scotch and mints crossed my palette as his tongue tangled with mine. Jonas moved my back against the couch, and I panted as his hands pulled up the bottom of my dress, exposing the scrap of lace I wore beneath.
He sucked in a sharp breath as his gaze devoured me. “I prefer you bare, but I’ll leave those on you,” he said hoarsely.
My heart sung as I let out a shaky breath. Jonas had a way of making me feel desirable. My breasts swelled and I was slick between my thighs. Even though my mind admonished me for being so easy, I parted my thighs. There was nothing more I wanted at that moment than to feel his hands on me again. Jonas let out a triumphant groan as he slid a finger around the lace and the wetness there.
There was nothing more I wanted at that moment than to feel his hands on me again. Jonas let out a triumphant groan as he slid a finger around the lace and the wetness there.
“Soaking wet for me?” he asked roughly. “Open wider.”
My breath hitched as a shiver went through me at his command. I followed his instructions and he rewarded me with sensual strokes through my pussy, rubbing the pad of his thumb around my clit while I moaned in pleasure.
He lifted his finger and traced my lips. “Did you let Ian taste you?”
He grunted. A peek at his jealousy; the same jealousy I had toward him with Melissa. My skin was on fire, but it cooled me on what was happening between us.
“You know I didn’t. How could you ask that? You have Melissa,” I said irritably.
“We haven’t….” The unspoken “yet” hung in the air. He looked tormented. “I’m sorry, Lily. The thought of you with anyone….” Jonas went to his knees, and I peered down at him through a fan of lashes.
“I don’t want anyone else touching you,” I said, letting out a gasp as his fingers parted me, and his tongue languidly dragged through the slick flesh of my sex. I moaned again.
“Only me…So sweet,” he whispered.
His tongue swirled around my swollen clit. The sight of this incredibly powerful leader on his knees, with his head buried between my thighs, was enough to send me over the edge. His fingers clutched my rear as he lapped and licked my pussy. The idea was heady and had me about ready to burst with the feeling of being desired and wanted. He pushed his tongue inside me and growled. My back arched as I ground my hips against his mouth, the pleasure consumed me. I was close to climax as his tongue lashed against me. I was unravelling.
“Come for me,” Jonas grunted as he drew on my clit, and I did.
I shook with a full body tremor as the orgasm rippled through me.
“Jonas,” I sobbed.
He wasn’t done. He added another finger and stroked my i
nner walls as he gently suctioned my clit, demanding another climax. I loudly cried out as I quivered under him, forgetting where I was. Forgetting everything but him and his command over my body. As my vision cleared, and he allowed me to come down, he unzipped his trousers and pulled out his cock. I undulated, willing him to do what we both wanted. And he did, pushing in with one long thrust, filling me.
“Oh, God.”
Oh, Jonas. Nothing like him. He took me with an urgency. Hard fast slams of his cock inside me, griping me tightly with his arms and gasping as he came.
“Come again,” he gritted
His jaw clenched tight as he moved his hand to stroke on my clit as he thrust into me. And I did, my legs convulsing around him as I gripped him tightly. We finally let go and he sat down on the couch next to me. I couldn’t speak or move, but Jonas’s words summed up everything.
“That’s my Tiger Lily,” he whispered.
I would have done just about anything he wanted at that moment. In pleasure, Jonas owned me. I was and wanted to be his. He leaned down and kissed me passionately, slipping his tongue inside my mouth and giving me a taste of my arousal. I gave myself completely to him and his kiss.
When we broke apart, Jonas nuzzled my neck. My hand was in his dark wavy hair.
“Don’t you see what you’re doing to me?” I whispered.
Before he answered, the door vibrated with a few succinct, hard raps.
“It’s Melissa. Jonas? The TV stations are here. We need you now,” she called out.
“I’ll be right there.”
Jonas cursed and stood, then moved to the sink and tried to clean up. I closed my eyes and pulled my dress down, ignoring the wetness soaking my thighs. How could I feel so incredible one minute and so dirty the next?
He touched my arm and held out a cloth. I took it and turned away.
“Just go, Jonas. You proved I can’t resist you. You won.”
Tiger Lily: Part Two Page 5