“I’m fine.” I reassure him, flattered that he was concerned.
“Who is this Max chap?” He growls.
“Some random fellow in the coffee shop. No need to get your shorts in a twist.”
“Do you have any idea how worried I've been?” He breathes out on the other end, and I feel a bit guilty for teasing him, until I’m reminded he could be on the receiving end of my anger.
“Not half as angry as I've been.” I inform him, standing to pace my office.
“Look Scarlett,” his voice is heavy, “I didn't want to leave. I had to leave. Come home. It’s my mum, she's sick and- look I really don't want to have to do this over the phone.” A heavy sigh fills the line.
I can hear the pain in his voice and I know that he must've left for good reason, but the fact remains that he left. I'm not about to be someone's doormat.
But instead of firing back, I say the thing that any decent person would. “I'm sorry to hear that Cohen, is she okay?”
A long pause before he whispers, “No, but she will be.”
I’m left wondering if he's coming back, but my pride won't let me ask.
“The other night was… I can’t wait to see you again.” My chest flutters as my heart skips a beat.
“So you're coming back?” I try to keep my tone even.
“Yes, I have some unfinished business.” His voice drops to a sexy whisper and I’m turned on at the thought of seeing him again. The memory of his hands on me, his mouth.
“When? I may be busy I'll have to check my schedule.” I try to keep the conversation light, because on the inside I’m dying to see him again, desperate to know it was just a one night thing, or something more.
I also know if we are going to get to know each other a little better, we need to be in a public place, so he will behave.
Watching traffic from my window, I spot red flashing by and an idea hits me.
“I hope to be gone no more than a week.” Cohen tells me, his voice breaks through my thinking.
“Give me a call when you're back in town, I'll see what I can do.” I sass him, because it seems to bother him so much to be challenged.
“Cheeky little thing aren’t you?” He tsks. “I’ll call you before then, but I'll see you in a week.” He tells more than he asks.
“Okay.” I find myself replying, as I walk back and sink into my chair.
“It’s a date then?” He asks. A date?
“So it would seem.” I laugh. “How would you feel about playing tourists for a day?”
“With you as my guide?” His voice drops an octave, making me think naughty thoughts about being with him all over the city I love so much. Focus!
“I’m at your complete disposal.” I reply before realizing how it sounds.
“I look forward to it, love.” He replies. “And I have a few ideas myself, so I may need you all weekend. London is a rather large city. This is going take more than one night.”
“Then, I’m yours for the weekend.” I tell him before we say our goodbyes.
There is a good chance I’ll be his long after this weekend.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cohen
Securing my Rolex Submariner on my wrist I glance at the time. It’s half six, I need to be going, I don’t want to keep Scarlett waiting.
Before leaving the hotel suite, I take one last look around, making sure everything is perfect, just like she deserves. I upgraded my room from a standard luxury suite to the KnightsBridge suite, for the extra privacy and to indulge Scarlett in romantic weekend. Nothing but the best. Two bathrooms, a lounge, large bedroom with fireplace and dressing rooms may be a little much. But I plan to have her in every single room and on every surface. I adjust myself as I imagine her in the black and white marbled bath as she comes apart under my touch.
I’ve only told her to pack a bag for the weekend, but she doesn’t know all of my plans. She intends to play tour guide, but I’m taking control of this weekend and taking her on a proper date. A date for for a queen. A weekend of pampering and ecstasy.
Sliding my fingers one last time through my thick black mane, I study myself in the lounge mirror. I’ve left a bit of stubble because I know how much she likes it. It’s bristles scratch as my palm runs over my chin.
I do look like him. As much as I don’t want to admit it. I hope looks are all I inherited from James Black. I don’t want to hurt Scarlett the way he hurt my mum.
I can’t fathom doing that.
But you’re still keeping secrets. My conscious chimes in.
Not for long. I’ll tell her. I will. Just not tonight...after this weekend.
After I make her need me as much as I need her.
The ride to her house seems to take forever even though it’s only a few miles. I help myself to a drink in the back of the hired car, just to take the edge off. A bucket of champagne is chilling on ice, but I go for the amber liquid, the once guaranteed to settle these nerves.
The oaky scent hits my nostrils before the sweet taste of bourbon invaded my mouth.
We pull up to her flat and I down what’s left of my drink, before climbing out of the car.
The walk to her door is torturous. The last time I was here I ran away, I tried to escape what she was making me feel.
But it didn’t do any good. She followed me, her scent, her taste...her witty mind and even her darkened, battered heart.
Raising my fist, I knock on the glossy back wood.
So here I am. Back for more. I just have to remember to maintain some semblance of control.
The door squeaks open and all the breath is sucked from my body.
Scarlett stands at the door in a cobalt dress wrapped tightly around her body like bandages. It barely brushes her knees. My eyes sweep from her polished toes, feet covered on strappy black heels with point toes have me sucking my bottom lip into my mouth to keep from growling. Gorgeous, creamy skin is exposed until the deep blue fabric, which hugs her hips and waist, all the way up to where her breast are perched and just shy of being on display.
When I still haven’t spoken, she clears her throat, and my gaze moves up her slender exposed neck to find ruby lips begging to be kissed, and dark eyes filled with desire. Her platinum blonde locks, fall down her shoulders in smooth curls.
“Wow.” Is all I can manage, stepping over the threshold to pull her into my arms.
“You like my dress?” She laughs?
“That’s not a dress.” I murmur, reminding myself not to muss her all up before dinner. “That’s temptation, seduction and dessert all wrapped into one.” Breathing in her sweet and spicy scent, I nibble on her neck to spare her lipstick as she purrs into my ear.
“Miss me.” She whispers, seductively.
“What do you think?” I press my body tightly to her, so she can feel just how much.
“Same.” She wraps her arms tightly around my neck, threading her fingers in my hair.
We stay frozen like this for just a moment, enjoying the feel of being wrapped in each other’s arms and blanketed with silence.
Two people who are used to taking what we want and walking away, are standing on the threshold of something neither of us knows how to handle.
Two seconds into this date I’m already in trouble. Because I can already feel the control slipping.
#####
Scarlett
“If we don’t get out of here, we may not make our reservation.” He groans against my neck, just below my ear, as his tongue swipes across my heated skin making slow, lazy circles.
“You promise?” I can’t help but tease him, leaning into his mouth, offering up my neck, begging for more. One more kiss, one more swipe...Never enough.
His palms run down my sides and his lips drop lower as he traces the curve of my collarbone and lower still, until his mouth meets fabric. Electric blue material that prevents him from devouring my breasts. I strain into his touch, relishing in the heat coursing through my veins as we say hello in the fo
yer.
“You little vixen.” He huffs out, his fingers digging into my hips.
“It’s just...” Breathless, I try to find the words.
“Me too.” He sighs, loosening his grip.
Pulling apart, his forehead falls forward, to rest against mine and wraps his arms around my waist. I try to catch my breath as he holds me in his strong arms.
He looks mouthwatering in his black trousers and black button down, with the top fasten left undone. Beneath his sun-kissed skin, where his shirt is open, I can see his pulse fluttering. His familiar ocean scent washes over me.
“Shall we go?” He places a kiss to my temple, lighting a fire and steps back, offering me his arm.
“Quite the gentlemen this evening.” I tease as he grabs my bag, that’s been sitting next to the door for two days, waiting for him to arrive and take me away.
“You have no idea.” He mumbles under his breath and a shiver runs down my spine at the promise of what’s to come.
He practically carries me to the waiting car, as anxious as I am to begin our weekend.
His smile is wide, reveling a tiny dimple in his chin as he ushers me in. The magnitude of having that smile directed at me is a bit overwhelming. He’s breathtaking, while remaining masculine. A sexy pirate. The corner of my mouth lifts My sexy pirate.
Butterflies swim in my stomach, but this isn’t some nursery school crush. This is something I can’t even put into words.
Once nestled safely in, he pops a bottle of champagne and pours us each a generous flute as the car pulls away. My neighborhood disappears in a blur, and I see that we’re headed to the heart of London. Cohen hands me my glass and scoots me closer to him, my legs drape over his lap as he proposes a toast.
“To taking chances.” He raises his glass and stares into my eyes.
“To taking chances.” I touch my flute to his with a clink, taking a sip and letting the bubbly wash over my tongue.
When we’ve both had barely half a glass, the crystal is removed from my hand and set aside as Cohen slides to his knees in the floor, in front of me.
“What are you doing?” I giggle, glancing at the blackout privacy glass in front of us, as his hands start at my ankles and slowly graze their way up over my knees, stopping at the hem of my bandeau dress which is riding dangerously high on my hips. My skin lights up under his hungry gaze and there is no laughter in his deep blue eyes as his palms gently pry my things apart.
His head dips and my eyes flutter close as his lips brush the insides, his five o’clock shadow tickling my skin as his head moves higher.
“Kissing you.” He answers like it’s the most logical thing in the world.
“The driver?” I ask, swallowing deeply, my legs falling open, wider to allow him access.
“Can’t see or hear a thing.” He grips my hips, siding me to the edge of the seat, the leather squeaking beneath us.
“Oh.” Falls from my lips as my head falls back against the luxurious seat as his finger tip swipes my sensitive bud.
“Yeah, oh.” He breaths against my sex as he pulls lace aside and tastes me, with a moan of approval.
My hands move to tangle in his hair and I shift upward, eager for more of what he’s offering. Mind blowing pleasure.
On a groan, he throws my legs over his shoulders and devours me like his life depends on it.
London flashes by in a whirl, but I don’t see. I’m too busy seeing stars, courtesy of Cohen.
I try to remain quiet, but forget all about the driver and being quiet when he sends me over the edge with his mouth.
When I’ve slowly come down, and we’ve cleaned up, he takes his place next to me on the seat, pulling me close again.
“That was some kiss.” I breath out, squeezing my thighs in remembrance.
“I didn’t want to mess up your lipstick.” He quips, placing a gentle kiss to the corner of my mouth.
This man is melting me, from the inside out.
“What about you?” I suddenly think out loud, noticing the large bulge in his trousers.
“There’s plenty of time for that later.” He winks. “Where here.”
He smiles at me as the door is opened and he helps me out of the car.
I’m met with a larger than life Ferris wheel, sat next to the River Thames.
“The London Eye!” I stare up at one of the city’s greatest landmarks.
“I thought we could have a private dinner at sunset, and then do the champagne experience as we take in the breathtaking views as proper tourists.”
“The view will be unparalleled, no doubt.” I smile up at a historic part of my home town that I’ve never allowed myself the luxury of indulging in.
“I’m betting on it.” He rasps out, and I look over my shoulder to find his eyes are looking only at me.
My heart flutters and my pulse quickens at what he’s suggesting, as he takes my arm leads me to a private entrance.
It’s in this moment, that I know, I would follow him anywhere.
I always thought that being lost and being lost in someone was the same thing. I was wrong.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Scarlett
The morning sun streaming into the suite wakes me with its warmth. Rolling over, careful not to wake a gently snoring Cohen, I slip from the luxurious tufted king bed.
Padding through The KnightsBridge suite, I pick up his shirt from the floor, and throw it on, letting his cool ocean scent, still clinging to the fabric, engulf me.
Ordering room service, I go to the marbled toilet and freshen up, the heated floors warm my feet in the chilly morning air, away from the warmth of Cohen’s arms. My eyes fall to the massive tub and I think a soak in the Jacuzzi might be a nice way to end the evening. I’ve just climbed out of his bed and I’m already thinking about tonight.
As I move through the suite, it’s almost as if I’m dream walking. Being here with him, the night we shared, it was more than I could have expected, on every level. He says he’s not romantic but he leaves no stone unturned to pamper and pleasure me. Sinking into the soft grey sofa in the lounge, I wait for the coffee and pastries to be delivered.
The suite is exquisite, white panel walls, an ornate fireplace. It has an old world charm, with a vibrant and modern flare, very similar to my own tastes. A quiet knock alerts me, and I open the door as the house butler wheels the cart in, the smell of coffee and warm cocoa fill my nose.
“The tip.” I blurt out, realizing not only am I half dressed, but my clutch is in the bedroom.
“It’s no trouble at all, madam. Everything has been taken care of.” He dismisses himself.
My cheeks heat in embarrassment at my disheveled state, though it’s possible they’ve seen worse.
Preparing a cup, and grabbing a pain au chocolate, I head for the private balcony. Pulling my knees to my chest and snuggling to the oversize lounge chair, I look out at the city below as I take a sip of the steaming dark roast. My private little view of Old Brompton Road and the Queen’s Gate. I could get used to this.
Sitting aside the lovely embossed mug, I enjoy the delicious flavor of a warm, buttery croissant with chocolate melted inside, as I wait for my coffee to cool. I thought about ordering scones, but since I’m not having tea I felt like it might be sacrilege.
I lose track of time as my mind keeps replaying last night with Cohen. After the amazing time that we had at the London Eye and dining on fabulous fresh seafood, we came back to the room for dessert, each other. The feast lasted all night long. The bed for royalty, the circular daybed draped in fur, even the robin egg blue velvet chair. I can still feel the soft and sensual fabrics that caressed my bare skin as he worshipped my body like it was his life’s ambition.
I look over my shoulder to find a sleepy Cohen, smiling at me from the doorway.
My skin heats under his knowing stare, I’ve no doubt have eyes full of lust.
“Morning.” His voice is a bit hoarse.
“I didn’t want to dist
urb you, sorry, I took the liberty of ordering some breakfast.” I smile over my shoulder at him.
“Looks more like the desert that we didn’t get to finish last night.” He teases. “I haven’t slept like that in, well never. I don’t usually sleep that much.” He yawns, as he steps over the lounger I’m sitting on, scooting me up and straddling the chair behind me, pulling me close.
I know exactly what he means, because when I’m with him I feel settled.
“Nice shirt.” His fingers toy with them hem that’s riding high on my hips.
“I thought so.” I breathe out as his fingers flutter up the line of buttons, teasing me.
“What’s on the agenda for today?” He asks, some of his usual heaviness gone from his voice, as he dips his hand in an opening and runs his fingers around my navel. I love seeing the relaxed side of Cohen.
“You’re going to pretend like I haven’t figured you out? I know you’ve basically hijacked the weekend, and I’m perfectly fine with that. You don’t have to pretend to let me play tour guide, if today is anything like last night, I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeves.” I laugh, snuggling back into his arms.
“Shall we get dressed and go find out?” He nips at my neck, and squeezes me hip, breakfast forgotten.
“Just five more minutes.” I sign, melting into him as his hand moves back to undo the rest of the buttons.
“You’re the guide after all.” He teases and captures my laughter with a kiss, turning me over to face him.
#####
Cohen
We step outside of the Kensington and find our ride waiting for us. A large, shiny red double-decker bus with an exposed upper deck awaits to take us around the city. Whirling around Scarlett fixes her eyes on mine in a wide stare. Looking like a doll in her fitted jeans, rolled at the ankle, grey tee shirt and white sneakers. From evening gowns, to lounge clothes, she looks incredible in anything she wears. Her long blonde hair is thrown over one shoulder in a loose braid and her face is makeup free and relaxed.
Never Say Never (Written in the Stars Book 2) Page 18