Arranged

by Jennifer Kittredge

  “Hey there, big guy.” I knelt down to scratch him behind his ears, leaning my forehead on his and receiving the warmth I needed from him. Taking a steady breath, I exhaled softly, thanking him silently for always being my steady source of comfort.

  “Ready for bed, Mrs. Andrews?”

  “Actually, I am. It’s been a long, emotional few days. My body is exhausted.”

  “Let’s get you upstairs, then.”

  Bear followed us up. Sam had taken the liberty of buying him a huge, round Tempurpedic dog bed with his name monogrammed on it. He loved it and slept soundly in our room every night. He had an identical bed downstairs, where he slept near John when we were out of town. He would be highly disappointed when it was time to leave this place, I thought with a now familiar sense of dread coiled in the pit of my stomach. My mind continued to wander to the end of us. It felt so close. I kept reminding myself this was a business arrangement. Sam had never made any promises other than the clearly defined parameters of our contract, yet my heart felt heavy. I’d never experienced loving someone as much as I did him and knowing it wasn’t reciprocated. It was painful—much worse than I’d ever imagined.

  “Penny for your thoughts, Mrs. Andrews?”

  Looking him in the eye, I shook my head. “I’m not really thinking about anything. I’m just tired.”

  “For some reason, I don’t believe you. Tell me what’s on your mind.”

  If I hadn’t been so afraid of his answer, I would have taken this moment to confess my love for him. But I didn’t have the courage. I already knew the answer anyway. He stepped toward me and I flinched slightly.

  “Sydney, are you all right?”

  “Yes, I’m sorry. I think everything that has happened over the last two days has me on edge. I’m sorry. My emotions are a little raw.”

  It wasn’t a lie but also wasn’t the entire truth. He approached me cautiously, taking me in his arms, and drew me into his chest. I inhaled deeply, the scent of him as intoxicating as ever. Lifting my chin with his fingers, he tilted my head up to him, his eyes searching mine.

  “What aren’t you telling me?” he asked.

  It was as if he could see right through me, that he knew I wasn’t completely honest with him.

  “I—” I snatched a breath, trying for a calmness I didn’t feel. “I-I keep seeing flashes of Marcus and what he did to me. It has me on edge, is all.”

  “You’re safe with me, Sydney.”

  Leaning down, he brought his soft, supple lips to mine. I opened instinctively for him, and his tongue invaded my mouth, eliciting a moan from me. My arms wound instinctively around his neck as our kiss deepened. He lifted his hands to my face, holding it gently and caressing my jawline with his fingers. Then he stepped back a little, my face still in his hands.

  “I don’t want to go anywhere you don’t want to go after what happened yesterday. I want nothing more than to make love to you, but if you aren’t ready, just say the word and I won’t go any further.”

  God, I loved this man. He always put me first, thoughtful of my emotional state, no matter what he felt.

  “I want you to go further,” I whispered, my eyes never leaving his.

  Slowly, he took my mouth with his again. He released my face to move his hands to my blouse, his fingers loosening each button with ease. Letting the garment fall easily to the floor, I took the liberty of releasing the zipper on the back of my pencil skirt, letting that puddle around my feet. Standing before him in my black lace push-up bra, lace panties, and heels, I felt the old familiar rush of exhilaration as he inhaled quickly.

  “Exquisite.”

  Reaching up, I took my time unbuttoning his shirt, letting my fingers skim his bare chest with each button I unfastened. When I finally found the last button, I let my fingertips skate across his rock-hard arousal. He moaned, which empowered me to unzip his zipper and grasp his manhood. Kissing his chest, I tightened my hand around his aching shaft. I kissed him from his chest to his waistline while unbuttoning his pants, letting them fall to the floor. I knelt before him.

  “Sydney.” His voice seemed little more than a husky breath.

  I looked up at him. His lips were parted, and his eyes were closed. I felt powerful as I slid his boxers down to his feet, motioning for him to step out of them. When he did, I moved my mouth toward him, licking the bead of moisture off the tip of his arousal. A low groan escaped him. My lips encircled his throbbing shaft. I loved the taste of him. His intoxicating scent mixed with the saltiness of his molten liquid was inebriating. His hands tugged my hair gently as I devoured him with my mouth. Taking hold of the bottom of his shaft, my hand applied pressure, twisting it in time with the rhythm of my mouth.

  “Sydney,” he said breathlessly, “that’s going to make me come undone.”

  His words fueled me on. I wanted him to come undone in my mouth. I wanted to taste him, to feel his hot, salty liquid slide down the back of my throat. Knowing he was close, I continued my assault, feeling the low pulse at the base of his manhood. With his hands still in my hair, he pushed his hips forward, slowly pumping his arousal deeper into my mouth. My tongue swirled around his shaft. He crested, and his intoxicating burst of warm pleasure hit the back of my throat. I swallowed voraciously, then kissed my way up his chest, licking each of his nipples on my way to his jawline.

  There was something about Sam’s angular jaw that turned me on. Perhaps it was the light stubble that shadowed it, or how the hard line of it made him look statuesque, like a GQ model. Whatever it was, I couldn’t help but run my tongue along it, nibbling my way up to his ear. I pulled my head back, bringing my mouth to within an inch of his. I was filled with a strong need I had only ever felt for him. He pulled my hair back, taking hungry possession of my mouth. A low growl escaped me. He ripped my bra to the side of each breast, exposing them, the material stretched under them and pushing them up toward my chin. He pinched my nipples hard between his fingertips.

  “Ohhhhh.” I shuddered beneath his touch.

  “Does that feel good, Sydney?” he asked seductively in my ear.

  “Yes,” I replied.

  My tight-beaded nubs stood to attention, craving more of his delicious torment. A dull ache began to build at the center of my core. He slid his hands down my belly, around my back, and lower to cup each cheek of my bottom. He squeezed firmly, pulling me closer to him. Still in my heels, I stumbled a little, and he steadied me and dipped his head, running his tongue over my neck. I arched my head back to give him more access. He trailed his tongue down my neck, capturing my breast with his lips. I arched further, pushing my sensitive breast forward into his mouth. He sucked and licked, then bit down on my aching bud. I felt his bulging erection at the base of my belly. After sliding my hands down his chest, I took his rigid flesh in my palm, allowing my fingers to find the moisture at the head of his firm flesh. I rubbed my thumb in a circular motion over the fluid, massaging it into his swollen skin.

  “Sam…” His name escaped my lips.

  He moved his mouth to my other swollen mound, taking my erect nipple between his teeth. There really was a fine a line between pleasure and pain. As much as it hurt, I didn’t want him to stop. I loved the sensations that ripped through my body when he held me there between the two extremes.

  “On your knees, Mrs. Andrews.” I thought I heard him say it but didn’t move because I wasn’t sure if I’d imagined it. Still holding my ass in his hands, he moved his mouth up to mine. My eyes opened when his lips didn’t touch me but hovered, hot and tantalizing, so close to me.

  “On your knees, Mrs. Andrews.”

  I hadn’t imagined it. His sultry, masculine voice was thick with desire. I released his manhood and dropped down to my knees.

  “Well done,” he replied. His erection was at my eye level, so I leaned forward and licked the tip of it. A devilish grin spread across his face.

  “Sit back on your heels and spread your legs,” he commanded.

  I didn’t hesita
te. I wanted him to control me in that moment and was his, willingly. Whatever he asked, I knew I’d do. I trembled with anticipation.

  “Touch yourself, Sydney.”

  I gasped. Touching myself wasn’t something I ever thought I’d do in front of others. It had taken me a long time to get up the courage to masturbate. Emily encouraged me to when James left. She even bought me a pocket rocket to help me out.

  “Did you hear me, Sydney? I said, touch yourself.”

  His voice was smooth and seductive, with a hint of dominance to it. I moved my hand slowly toward my apex and quivered as my fingers delved between my moist folds. I was slick with need. My senses were on high alert with this new role he had initiated. He walked around me, stopping behind me to caress my hair. He twisted it around his hand, pulling it back toward him.

  “You look beautiful, Mrs. Andrews,” he said from behind me. “Don’t stop touching yourself.”

  My head was still pulled back, my eyes looking up at the ceiling, and I worked my fingers between my folds, circling the moisture between them. He knelt behind me and lowered his mouth to the side of my neck. His manhood pressed into my back. I wanted him inside me, but I also loved this delicious build up. Releasing my hair, he grasped my breasts with his hands, massaging them, kneading them, pinching my nipples between his fingertips.

  “Slide your fingers inside yourself.”

  I threw my head back onto his shoulder, my body tremulous with a new level of anticipation. Tentatively, I did as he commanded, sliding my own fingers deep inside me.

  “That’s it, Sydney. You look amazing right now. So fucking beautiful.”

  I felt deliciously naughty. Sam pushed me to do things I would never have thought of doing. I felt seductive and empowered—as if I’d discovered this other side of me I never knew existed.

  “Let me taste you. Bring your fingers to my mouth.”

  I drew my fingers out of my channel, lifting them over my shoulder to Sam’s mouth. He sucked them vigorously, licking every last drop of me off them.

  “On all fours, Mrs. Andrews.”

  I leaned forward, bracing myself on my hands. He caressed my bottom as an electric current shot through my body, then slid his fingers between my apex, finding my aching bud.

  “Sam—” His name fell off my lips.

  I hovered in an indescribable feeling between agony and desire. An addictive combination of wanting it to end yet yearning for more. His hard shaft was at my entrance. I pushed back toward him, willing him inside me. He dipped the head of his hard shaft inside me, teasing me with his aroused flesh.

  “Please,” I whimpered.

  Winding my hair in his hand again, he pulled my head back then slammed into me.

  “Ahhhh,” I exclaimed.

  I couldn’t move. I didn’t want to. I was at his mercy and I liked being there. He thrust into me harder and harder, our skin making slapping noises with each thrust.

  “Touch yourself.” His words spurred me on.

  I did so immediately, bracing myself on one arm. My body was ready to detonate the minute my fingertip brushed over my nub.

  “Come with me, Sydney.”

  Letting go of my hair, he clamped his hands down on my ass. At one deep thrust, I jumped off the precipice, swept away in waves of pleasure. Uncontrollable spasms rocked my body. He released himself into me with one last powerful plunge. His arm snaked around my waist, lifting me up and pulling me to his chest.

  “You are absolutely delectable, Mrs. Andrews.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  I wasn’t surprised when I woke up alone. Disappointed, but not surprised. Sam was an early bird and liked to start his day at the crack of dawn. I, however, was quite the opposite. I stayed in bed until the last possible moment, not wanting to leave the warmth and comfort of it until I absolutely had to. Sam had taken to walking Bear early in the mornings. It was “their” time, he said. I knew Bear enjoyed it, while I, not much of a dog walker, preferred to play in the yard with him instead.

  After I got ready, I headed to the kitchen. I reached for the steaming cup of coffee he held out for me.

  “I heard you coming.” He grinned, tilting his head to the left as if trying to get a better view of me.

  “Thank you.” Heat rushed to my cheeks as memories of last night filled my head.

  “Tell me your plans for today.”

  “I have a meeting with the potential clients on Bayshore at eleven. Then I’m heading over to Seminole Heights to show one of the bungalows I have listed.”

  “Who is going with you?”

  “Um…no one.”

  “Sydney, you said yourself yesterday that if you left the office, you would take someone with you. That still stands today. Nothing’s changed.”

  As annoyed as I was, I knew he was right. I had no idea who I was meeting at either location. God only knew if Marcus had set something up to torment me again. The thought filled me with dread.

  “I’ll find someone to go with me. I promise.”

  He leaned down and kissed my forehead.

  “Thank you, Mrs. Andrews. That makes your husband feel much better.”

  I was happy to be back at work. It helped to keep my mind occupied. I chatted with Em over coffee for fifteen minutes before I headed to my cubicle. Approaching my desk, I noticed an envelope sitting on top of my keyboard, my name written across it with what looked like a black sharpie. Curious, I peeked around to see if anyone was watching, thinking it was from one of my co-workers. Pulling the letter out of the envelope, I unfolded it and inhaled quickly. My hands started shaking as I read the words before me.

  YOU’RE RUNNING OUT OF TIME. YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO.

  GET IT DONE BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

  The blood drained from my face.

  “Syd? Are you okay?”

  I knew Emily was there, waiting for a response, but I couldn’t seem to find the words to answer her.

  “Syd? What is it? Let me see that.”

  She grabbed the letter out of my hands. “What the fuck is this, Sydney? What the hell is going on?”

  I still couldn’t speak. Panic had set in, my mind swirling with thoughts of Marcus hurting my family. I shook violently, staring blindly into space where the words seemed to be scrawled larger than life. I heard her on the phone but couldn’t comprehend what she said. She ended the call, then gathered me close.

  “It’s okay, Syd. It’s okay. Sam’s on his way.”

  Fifteen minutes later, Sam arrived. His expression was tense. Turning toward him, my gaze met his. His jaw was tight as his eyes searched mine.

  “Sydney…” He paused for a moment. His eyes gave him away, full of concern as he moved closer to me.

  I looked at him, taking in his beautiful features as if from a distance, struggling to focus on the familiar, to ground myself in what I knew was rock-solid. His emerald eyes were stormy as he tried to conceal his anger. I loved his eyes. And I loved this man. I loved him so much my heart ached, which was why even I was shocked when the words tumbled out of my mouth.

  “I want a divorce, Sam. I can’t do this anymore.”

  I saw his body tense at my words. Emily gasped behind me.

  “Sydney, what are you doing?” she asked.

  “Emily, if you’ll give us a moment, please.” It was more of a command than a question, coming from Sam, and I realized numbly that she didn’t argue. Her footsteps grew faint as she returned to her desk. I sagged into my chair, and Sam knelt down in front of me.

  “Sydney, I know you’re scared. I get it. But I will handle this. Please, just trust me.”

  “I can’t live like this Sam. What if he hurts my family? I could never forgive myself. I’ve had enough heartache over the last few years. My heart can’t handle any more.”

  He took my hands in his, rubbing the tops of them softly with his thumbs.

  “I know. I’m sorry. But if you leave now, you let him win. Neither of us wants that to happen.”

  I let out
a long sigh.

  “You’re right, I don’t want him to win, but I also don’t want my family hurt. If there’s a choice, I choose my family, Sam. I’m sorry.”

  “Can we discuss this further tonight after work?”

  “I’m not sure there is anything further to discuss.”

  “All I’m asking is for us to talk, Mrs. Andrews. Can you at least give me that?”

  Knowing he needed me to stay married to him, I nodded my head that I would at least give him that.

  “I have to get back to work. Marcus is really good at keeping me from it.”

  He stood, releasing my hands.

  “Are you going to be okay today?”

  “Yes. I’ll be fine once I get my head back in the game. I’ve asked Michael to accompany me today when I meet with clients.”

  Sam’s eyebrow raises questioningly.

  “He’s gay, Sam. He has no interest in me. Besides, there’s no one in my line of sight. Only you.”

  If only he felt the same way about me. Then I would stay against all odds. Since this was merely a business arrangement, it was better to get out now before I got myself in any deeper and more people were hurt. He bent down and kissed my forehead.

  “I’ll see you tonight after work, Mrs. Andrews. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

  I tried to focus on my work for the next hour. It wasn’t easy because my mind refused to cooperate, continually throwing reminders of Marcus at me. I’d never felt hate like I did toward him. He was pure evil, a person who would stop at nothing to inherit his fortune. I didn’t know how he and Sam could be from the same family. The fear that had risen up in me because of him was frustrating. I hated that one person had so much control over my emotions.

  It was an uneventful day of meeting with clients. Michael accompanied me, happy to be out of the office. I should have been thrilled that I got the listing on Bayshore. If I sold it, my commission would be more than I made last year alone, but Marcus’ note this morning had left a sour taste in my mouth. It was hard to be thrilled about anything when I lived in fear for my family. I ended my day at five and headed home to Sam with a feeling of dread at the base of my stomach. I felt totally out of kilter. I knew it was Marcus and his threats to harm my family, but I couldn’t seem to shake the uneasy feeling I had within me.