by Calista Fox
When they were the only two left in the room, Braedan said, “This isn't over."
"Don't be foolish.” Garrett's tone was neither patronizing nor intimidating. He spoke matter-of-factly, silently stating the obvious. He and Serena had connected last night in a far more powerful way than Garrett had hoped for—they bonded on a level that went far beyond physical pleasure. They belonged to each other. It was destined to be. And the Council had sided with Garrett. Partly because they knew Braedan was not trustworthy or deserving of a mate. He'd never treated his women well, and they all knew Serena would be no different.
But the Council also knew Braedan had likely set his sights on Serena because Garrett had. Their rivalry was legendary. Whatever Garrett had, Braedan wanted.
Garrett had the cards stacked in his favor, though, and as he'd said, Braedan would be a fool to think otherwise.
Yet Garrett didn't underestimate his adversary. Nor did he have any delusions that Braedan would let this slight go. Whether Braedan posed a threat against just him or Serena, as well, he didn't know. But Garrett had sworn to her that she was safe, that he would protect her. And Garrett was not a man to go back on his word or fall short of his duty. He wouldn't let anyone harm her.
"You had Clarissa,” Braedan said, his jaw tight, his chest lifting and falling with his quick heartbeat. “And I didn't interfere. But this time...” His amber eyes narrowed. “I won't be so forgiving."
His gaze remained locked with Garrett's a moment longer. Then he stalked from the room, leaving Garrett with a knot in his gut.
* * * *
Serena stepped into the palatial foyer of the Silver Lake Ski Lodge, which looked more representative of a posh resort in Aspen than a local ski-town lodge in Wyoming. Despite its size, the enormous reception area managed to look cozy and inviting. A tall fireplace, framed by smooth, polished river rock, commanded attention as it stood sentinel in the center of the room, its hearth opened on both sides to maximize guests’ enjoyment of the warmth it emitted. Rich burgundy leather sofas were situated throughout the lobby and in front of the roaring blaze. Matching oversize chairs were scattered about the area. Coffee and end tables in a deep mahogany added to the living room-like setting.
Overhead, beautiful crystal chandeliers hung from the tall ceilings. The hardwood floor was buffed to a glossy sheen and covered, in some areas, by plush rugs.
It was elegant and sophisticated, and yet still rustic in nature. Some much so, that it inspired visions of cozying up in front of the fire after a long day on the slopes, sipping champagne with friends. Serena could almost hear the laughter floating on the air, so strong was the scene that formed in her mind.
The lodge reminded her of Garrett.
She smiled at the thought of him. It had been nearly ten hours since she's spoken with him. That span of time, since he'd called her this morning until now, seemed like a short eternity. He was all she could think about. And she couldn't wait to see him—or discover what he had planned for the evening.
As she surveyed her surroundings, she clutched the handles of her black leather tote in her hands, holding the bag in front of her as she anxiously looked forward to the evening ahead of her. Serena had dressed in a short black skirt and a satiny, silver blouse that buttoned up the front. She wore black stockings and her tall black leather pumps. Clothes she hadn't pulled out of her closet since she'd moved here from New York.
She'd styled her long hair into a straight, glossy curtain that she'd swept over one shoulder, and she'd applied just a hint of makeup and lip gloss. All she could hope for now was that, when Garrett saw her, he wanted her as much tonight as he had last night.
Her insides coiled tight as she remembered her erotic encounter with Garrett the previous evening. He was an amazing lover ... and Serena had given herself fully to him. She could honestly say she'd deny this man nothing. Whatever he wanted from her, whatever he wanted to do to her ... she would acquiesce.
Serena belonged to him. Body, heart and soul.
There was no turning back from the powerful emotions—the passion, the connection—she'd experienced last night. All of which she continued to cling to, holding them close, savoring every extraordinary sensation that only escalated with each passing moment.
Suppressing a grin, she tried to rein in her emotions. She could literally jump out of her skin at any moment!
"Miss Lamond?"
The deep voice behind her startled Serena. She let out a little squeak of surprise, then turned sharply to face a tall, handsome, well-dressed man. He smiled politely at her, welcoming her.
"Garrett is expecting you,” he said in a friendly voice.
That Garrett didn't require his staff to call him Mr. Slater impressed her all the more. He certainly had the right to wield a little power and authority. But she suspected he commanded the respect of the people around him by being a good businessman and a fair boss.
"I'm a little early,” Serena offered. “Sorry."
"It's no problem. I'm Robert.” He smiled warmly at her as he held his hand out. Serena shook his hand and his smile deepened. “May I take your bag?"
She laughed. One would think she'd never been a New York businesswoman. Handing him her overnight tote, she said, “Thank you. The lodge is lovely."
Robert nodded. “Garrett spares no expense. He's expecting you upstairs."
She followed the dark-haired man through the lobby to the bank of elevators. He slid a card key into a slot located discreetly below the button that called the elevator. When the doors slid open with a soft, sweeping sound, Robert gestured for her to step inside. He used the card key again to gain access to the top floor.
Departing the elevator, she followed Robert down the long, marble-tiled corridor to a tall door. He punched in a short code on the keypad below the door handle, then pushed the door open when it beeped. Serena stepped inside as he held the door for her.
Garrett's suite was far more opulent than anything she'd imagined. The cavernous room was stately and elegant. Black marble covered the floor, and beige marble climbed the walls. The enormous chandeliers hanging from the tall, domed ceiling were breathtaking. The crystals sparkled and glimmered in the soft lighting they emitted. The foyer opened into a sitting room with a fireplace. It had been turned into a small dining room. A round table with a long, satiny, ivory-colored table cloth sat in the center. The table itself was set with delicate china and expensive-looking glasses. Baccarat, no doubt.
Classical music flowed from hidden speakers and some heavenly scent Serena couldn't fully identify wafted through the air. Her stomach tightened in anticipation of whatever exotic cuisine Garrett had ordered for them.
She eyed her immediate surroundings, disappointed that he wasn't here yet. But she'd arrived early, so she wasn't really expecting him to be waiting for her. Still ... the desire to see him was overwhelming.
"Garrett wants you to make yourself at home.” Robert gestured toward the table and she walked to it. He held a chair out for her and she sat, facing the fire. Robert deposited her overnight bag on the floor just long enough to open the bottle of champagne resting in the free-standing chiller. He poured her a glass and handed it to her. “I'll take your things to Garrett's room."
He said this with a hint of pleasure in his voice. Not a knowing tone ... like he was making assumptions about what would happen between Serena and Garrett behind closed doors. It was more like ... he innately knew the bond they shared, and he was happy about it. This thought settled comfortably in her subconscious mind as she drew in a long sip of champagne. Serena really did feel at home here. At peace.
When Robert returned from dropping her tote off, he said, “Garrett should be here shortly."
As though on cue, the front door opened and Garrett's large frame suddenly filled the doorway.
Serena's heart did a curious little flip. Her stomach fluttered. She sucked in a sharp breath as he speared her with a heated look that resonated all the way to her toes, targeting one p
articularly sensitive spot along the way. She pressed her thighs together in hopes of keeping the thrumming at the heart of her from intensifying. No such luck. She literally squirmed in her seat as the tension built between her legs.
With just that one look, Garrett had her hot and restless, in desperate need of him.
She suddenly wished Robert would disappear into thin air. Serena wanted nothing more than to be alone with Garrett. Preferably naked. And it didn't even matter whether they made it to the bedroom or not. She wanted him more than she'd ever wanted anything.
To hell with the dinner that was waiting for them.
As though he sensed the passion that arced between Garrett and Serena with just a look, Robert discreetly backed out of the room, granting Serena her wish.
Closing the door behind him, Garrett crossed the room with a long, graceful—somewhat predatory—stride as he approached Serena. His gaze remained locked with hers the entire time, inciting a riot of sensations inside her. When he reached the table, he knelt before her and took her hand in his. He pressed a kiss to the palm of her hand, then his lips slid lower to her inner wrist. His breath was warm, his touch gentle. Her skin tingled where his lips grazed spots she'd had no idea could be considered erogenous. But they were.
Oh, God, were they ever!
With every sweep of his tongue and mouth across her wrist, she grew more and more excited. Her pulse raced, her heart hammered in her chest. Deep within her, she felt that intense throbbing again. Her inner walls clenched in anticipation of making love with Garrett.
"I can smell you,” Garrett said as his head lifted. His eyes glowed in the firelight, reminding her of how captivating—how inviting—his gaze had been last night, when he'd been buried deep inside her, bringing her the kind of pleasure she'd only dreamed of but had never known. Until Garrett. “You want me."
She bit back a grin. “You're so arrogant."
"Not about you,” he said in a low tone. “Just stating the obvious. If it makes you feel better, I want you just as much."
Her head tilted to the side as she regarded him for a moment. He grinned at her, and it warmed her heart, making it swell with love.
At the exact same moment, as though the move had been choreographed, she parted her legs and he moved between them. Her skirt hitched up as he invaded the tight space. Serena plowed her fingers through his hair as his mouth pressed to the inner swell of her breast, exposed to him because of the low neckline of her blouse.
She let out a long sigh of contentment. This was exactly what she wanted, exactly what she'd hoped for, without even really knowing it. Garrett's slow, subtle seduction made her feel cherished. He drew out her passion, sparking her desire from the onset, then slowly building the tension between them. He didn't take anything for granted, didn't expect her to be instantly ready for him. Though, in truth, she was.
But he worked erotic magic on her, making her so much hotter, so much wetter. Making her want him even more.
His fingers worked the buttons on her blouse, then slid inside. His hand cupped her breast and his thumb whisked over her already hard nipple. The lacy cup of her bra only served to create more friction on the overly sensitive spot.
Garrett's head lifted and he caught her in a long, sultry kiss. It was slow and sexy and so very exciting.
As he continued to toy with the tip of her breast, a moan lodged deep in her throat. Her fingers tightened around strands of his thick, silky hair. His tongue tangled with hers until they were engaged in a sensual kiss that not only heightened her arousal, but which intensified the connection between them.
Garrett shifted between her legs. He stood up and brought her out of the chair she sat on. His body pressed to hers as one arm slipped around her waist. He didn't break their kiss, but Serena felt how ready he was to make love to her. The thought excited her all the more.
When he finally tore his mouth from hers, they were both breathless. His lips grazed her skin as he nuzzled her neck. He whispered in her ear, “Are you hungry?"
Her stomach tightened, but it wasn't food she craved. “I will be after you make love to me. Twice,” she said, her own mouth sweeping over his warm skin at his temple. “Maybe three times."
He groaned. “For starters."
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High Voltage: Chapter 12
Garrett barely made it through the door to his bedroom before he had Serena pressed up against the wall. Within seconds, he had her stockings, heels and panties strewn across the floor. Not on her, thank God. He didn't even waste time removing the rest of her clothing. The urge to bury himself in her warm depths was too overwhelming.
And her fingers clawing at him didn't help matters. She pushed the jacket of his suit over his shoulders and it dropped to the floor. Deft fingers loosened the tie at his neck, then she went to work on the buttons on his dress shirt. In short order, she had him stripped down to bare skin. And then she slid down the wall until she was on her knees before him. Garrett's groin tightened as Serena's fingertips grazed his erection. She wrapped her hand around his thick shaft and he sucked in a breath.
His stance widened a few inches as he braced himself for what was to come. When her tongue darted out of her luscious mouth and connected with his cock, he fought for control. Warmth and moisture caressed him, causing his heart to slam against his chest. He leaned forward and pressed his palms against the wall to steady himself.
Serena's tongue glided up the length of him, then her lips traveled back down to his base. Her fingers lightly grazed his balls as she teased his cock with her mouth. She drew him slowly in, past her parted lips, and he let out a low growl.
She didn't let up. Pleasuring him beyond his wildest dreams seemed to be her intent. And Garrett had half a mind to let her take him all the way to the edge. But he wanted to make love to her.
Yet stopping her now was damn near impossible...
His insides clenched tight. He felt the tension rise within him, knew a powerful climax was just around the corner.
But then the phone rang.
Garrett did his best to ignore it. As did Serena. She continued to lick and suck him, making him hotter and wilder with every clever stroke of her tongue.
The phone continued to ring.
Garrett's gut twisted. He had a bad feeling about this interruption.
But Serena's mouth felt too enticing, too wonderful on his cock to stop her. He just couldn't...
And then her hand gently cupped his balls at the same time she pulled him fully into her mouth, and Garrett came. There was no staving off the intense sensations. They were all-consuming. And Serena's sweet mouth on him was just too damned much for him to take.
Garrett growled deep in his throat as the orgasm rocked his body, making even his powerful legs tremble slightly. He held fast to the erotic feelings coursing through his body.
The phone was still ringing.
"Must be important,” Serena said. She stared up at him. Her tongue traced her upper lip in a provocative manner. Garrett's groin tightened once again. If he just had a few minutes to recover, he could make love to her. But...
His gaze shifted to the phone sitting on the bedside table. Pushing himself away from the wall, he strutted over to the nightstand and snatched up the receiver.
"Garrett."
"We have unexpected guests,” Robert said in a tight voice.
Garrett's fist clenched at his side. “Not unexpected. But definitely uninvited.” He hung up and turned back to Serena. Trying to keep his expression neutral, he said, “I've got to take care of some unfinished business. I need you to wait here for me."
She rose to her full height and crossed her arms over her chest. Curiosity danced in her bright blue eyes, but concern was etched across her lovely features. “Something wrong?"
He nodded. “Yeah. But I don't want you to worry about it.” He crossed to his enormous walk-in closet and dragged on a pair of jeans with a T-shirt and boots. When he returned to the room, he gr
ipped Serena's upper arms with his hands and looked deep into her eyes. “I made a promise to you that no one would hurt you. I'll do anything to keep that promise. No one will come near you while I'm alive."
"While you're alive?” The concern morphed into fear.
"If anything happens to me, I want you to go with Robert. He'll get you out of the state. He'll keep you safe."
Her head shook slowly. “I don't understand..."
"I know. But I don't have time to explain it.” His hands slid away.
Panic flashed in her eyes. “Please don't leave. I need to know what's going on."
Garrett let out a long breath. He didn't want to scare her. He didn't want her to know about the confrontation with Braedan that awaited him. His jaw tightened as he considered what to do. The lodge was empty because they didn't get much traffic in the late spring or summer months, so there would be no audience when he met Braedan. Except for Serena. Unless he could keep her settled in his suite.
Would she stay put?
He continued to stare at her, seeing the determination in her face.
No. She wouldn't stay put. He knew her well enough to know that she would want to know what was going on. She would want to make sure he was safe.
A grin touched his lips, unexpectedly. He cupped her face in his hands and said, “I admire your strength. I respect everything about you, including your nerve. But this is one time when I'm going to ask you—beg you—to trust me and do exactly as I say, no matter how difficult it is for you. The best way for you to help me is to listen to me. Can you do that for me?"
The gravity of the situation obviously registered, because her look softened and she nodded her head. “I'll do whatever you say. I want to help ... not make matters worse for you. Or put you in danger."
He breathed a sigh of relief, then said, “Stay here. Robert is on his way up. He'll protect you. But I need you to do what he asks of you. I need you to just sit here and wait for me. Can you do that, sweetheart?"