by C. J. Thomas
I grabbed my dick and squeezed.
“This is all because of you,” her velvety voice said.
“Keep fucking yourself.” I glanced to the road. My cock twitched. “You deserve the escape.”
Kendra’s face twisted as she pushed her head back deeper into the seat and mewed.
I gripped the steering wheel and asked, “Tell me, Bella, what are you doing now?”
A sexy whimper whistled over her lips. “Two fingers are inside.” A deep breath released. “I’m imagining it’s your thick cock fucking me.”
“That’s it, sweetheart.” I reached over and gripped her hair. “Build yourself up.”
Her wrist worked harder, faster, until she became breathless.
Watching the road, I said, “Tonight, you’ll orgasm so fucking hard you’ll forget it was ever a problem.”
She gripped her tit and furrowed her brow. It was a sexy sight I promised to never forget.
“Don’t do it now.” I turned to her. “Though I know you can. Save it for me, Bella. I want that orgasm on my dick.” I leaned over and gripped her wrist, needing to feel the power behind her fingers thrusting in and out of her pussy.
“It’s there,” she mewed. “I can feel it.”
I slowed the car and pulled into the hotel entrance. “Keep touching yourself,” I said as I unbuckled my belt to lean over and kiss her. There was a hint of orgasm on her lips—cool to the touch. Her shallow pants left her lungs with controlled desire. She was on the edge but holding back for me. Even if Kendra tried, she wouldn’t be able to stop the climax I was determined to give her. Tonight was her night—our night—a step into the future of forever.
A minute later, we trotted through the glass door entrance.
Hanging off my arm, Kendra was anxious to get checked in. “Why here?” she asked.
The salty breeze from the coast lingered on our clothes and clung to our skin. Turning to face Bella, her cheeks were flush, hot with insatiable desire. Her desperation killed me, though I knew it was the main ingredient to fulfilling what she’d lacked the last couple times we had sex. It was all part of the plan.
“Someplace new.” I took her at the shoulders. “Someplace we’ve never been before.”
She smiled. “Our vacation.”
I shook my head. “A getaway. The real vacation will come later.”
“You promise?”
“I do.”
Once we were given our room keycard, we rode the elevator to the top floor. Kendra teased me about the possibility of flowers and chocolates waiting for us at the top. Yanking her scarf away from her, I slung it around my neck and told her, “The only thing waiting for you is my tongue moving between your body’s lips.”
The doors dinged open and we crashed into our room with clothes falling off our limbs, trying not to trip with each step we took. Tangled in the frenzy, I was painfully hard. She caused me more anguish the moment she revealed her blood red lingerie beneath her dress. “Jesus Christ, woman, I swear you are a goddess.”
We kissed our way to the bedroom, not paying much attention to the floor-to-ceiling windows and glorious view below. Falling to the bed, Kendra caught my face between her hands.
Our eyes danced.
A calm fell over us.
Then she said, “I love you.”
Lowering my mouth over hers, our lips brushed when I said, “If you want a baby, I will have your baby.”
Her arms and legs wrapped around my entire body as she laughed and kissed me. Seeing her this happy was unlike anything I had ever felt. It had been so long since I’d shared in someone else’s joy. She brought life back, gave me a future I looked forward to. And, as I was lost in my own fit of laughter, Kendra flipped me onto my back and cut off my vision with her red scarf. Tying it over my face, my world went black. A second later, I gasped as I felt her sheath my dick with her hot pussy.
38
Kendra
I woke feeling completely rested. My chest was light. A permanent smile filled my face.
Listening to my own heartbeat, it sounded whole again. I rolled on my side, tucked my arm beneath my head, and watched Kelly sleep.
I raked my gaze over his strong jaw, imagined his lips parting beneath the blindfold as I fucked him in slow, drawn-out strokes. Red claw marks scarred his chiseled chest and my legs were still jelly from climaxing with the man who said he wanted to be the father of my child.
My hand flew over my mouth, stifling the giddiness bubbling up inside of me.
What a turn of events. A change of mindset that began with dinner and ended with the surprise of staying here, at this luxurious hotel.
Allowing my thoughts to drift to the wall, I marveled at the gorgeous penthouse suite. It was modern, clean, and new. From the wood trim to the marble bath, it spoke of riches and fame—the life Kelly imagined for us.
I hooked my leg over Kelly’s and spooned him under the sheets.
Resting my head over his heart, he barely stirred. He took his time waking up, blinking against the brightening day. Soon, his fingers twirled my hair and, through a husky, sleepy voice, he murmured, “Good morning, sunshine.”
“It’s gray skies,” I said.
“Not inside my head, it isn’t.”
I tipped my head back and laughed. Kelly’s eyes were closed as he grinned. Then he lifted his head and pecked at my lips.
The orgasmic throb from last night was back. Kelly made sure I’d experienced what he said I deserved. Surprising even myself after all my struggles, it wasn’t as difficult to get off as it had originally seemed. Not after the truth was spilled. I could trust him with all my heart, and he the same. He helped me drop my cloak of insecurity and fear and, in turn, I surrendered to vulnerability, knowing today’s loss was tomorrow’s opportunity.
The gentle hum from the air conditioner near the window brought me back to the present.
My body buzzed with warmth as Kelly’s big, warm hands moved up and down my body. A wave of giggles burst into all-out laughter.
Kelly smiled and arched a brow. “Care to share what’s so funny?”
My eyes were moist from sheer joy. “I’m just happy.”
His sexy dimples deepened. “If one night in a hotel can do this to you, I can’t wait to see what a vacation will bring.”
“Thank you, Counselor.” I crawled up his chest with hooded eyes and kissed him. “This getaway was amazing.”
“It’s not over yet.” He flipped me onto my back in smooth move. Pinning me to the mattress, he settled between my legs with my heart racing. He pressed the crown of his penis at my entrance, setting my body on fire, demanding a repeat of last night.
I reached for his buttocks and pulled him to me. Kelly nudged himself inside of me just as my cell dinged with a message. Instinctively, I reached for it on the nightstand.
“Leave it,” Kelly demanded.
I already had the screen unlocked by the time Kelly insisted I drop it. My heart stalled in my chest when I read the message from Mom. “It’s Mom.”
Kelly pulled himself out and got out of bed, burying his hands in his hair.
“She wants to see me.”
He had his hand on his erection, gave it one firm stroke before twisting his torso and giving me an arched look.
Perching myself up on my elbows, I said, “Come with me.”
“What? Now?”
Floating my feet to the floor, I held the sheets over my bare breasts. “Yes. Today. After we eat.”
A newspaper slid beneath the front door. Kelly glanced over his shoulder to see what had caught my attention.
“Don’t you want to meet her?”
Kelly only furrowed his brow and it was enough of an answer to know what he was thinking.
“It’s not a trick question, Kelly.”
Both brows raised. “You need to stay away from your parents.”
“I need to make peace.” He held my stare and sighed. “Or close out this chapter. Besides, if you meet with Mo
m, you’ll see the qualities I might inherit.”
“I’d rather not.” Kelly moved to the door and picked up the paper. He flipped it open and his brows slanted.
I knew today’s headline had caught his attention. I could feel the nerves dancing across my tummy as I watched him get further sucked into the story he was reading. Something was wrong. He was far too quiet. His arousal disappeared and, without saying a word, he moved to his jacket and dug out his cell phone.
“Who are you calling?” I asked, trying not to sound so nosey.
Without looking, he said, “Angelina Davis.”
“Is everything all right?” My head spun.
Kelly paused and lifted his eyes to mine. It was impossible to decipher the gaze he was giving me. It could have been fear or frustration. Taking two steps to the bed, Kelly handed me the newspaper.
I held my breath and read the headline that had managed to steal Kelly’s attention.
The tips of my fingers went cold as I felt my pulse slow.
BLAKE STONE TO BE RELEASED OF ALL CHARGES?
The shoe dropped. In the blink of an eye, the honeymoon was over.
Sucking back tiny breaths of air, I feared I would soon be reading narrative discussing Mint. I searched for Kelly’s name, then Wes’s, before finding myself completely enthralled by the article discussing how the district attorney’s office was currently undergoing an investigation and review of past cases under the leadership of Oscar Buchanan.
Lifting my head, I asked, “Did you know about this?”
Kelly held up his finger. Perking my ears, I heard the phone call go to Angelina’s voicemail. “Ms. Davis. It’s Kelly Black. I’m calling in regard to today’s headline—”
I dropped my gaze back to the text and blew out a shaky breath.
“You should be thrilled,” Kelly continued, speaking into the phone. “Stone is working himself free. Wish I could take credit, but I recused myself from his case only yesterday. However, the reason I’m calling is because it also appears that he may be throwing you under the bus. Anyway, I thought you would like to know you got what you requested. Hope you’re satisfied.”
When Kelly hung up, his grinning eyes lifted to meet with mine. A knowing curl tugged at his lips. “How could you have dismissed yourself if you knew Stone was going to be released?” I asked.
“There is more to it than just that.” He moved to me and jabbed his index finger to a section of the article.
I read as fast as I could. The article went on to question the conspiracy surrounding Maria’s and Tonya’s murders. The author knew both women had been murdered similarly, and both had been found at the nightclub Echo. However, Tonya’s case was still open and an arrest hadn’t been made, which left a big question: Who killed Tonya and why? Anonymous sources were mentioned, stating Angelina Davis’s close ties to not only Blake Stone, but Oscar and Madam as well.
“Did you do this?” I asked, lifting my head.
A glimmer caught Kelly’s eyes.
“The cops tried to bait me into telling them what I knew,” I said, feeling my heart pound. “Cobbs stopped me from answering.”
“And thank god he did.” Kelly nodded once.
“Are the authorities working this theory as well? Nothing was mentioned about Timothy Parker.” I shook the paper between my hands, feeling nervous yet excited.
“Maybe they know he didn’t do it?” Kelly shrugged and smiled as he disappeared into the bathroom.
I followed after him. “There was very little mentioned about Mint.”
“Because there is nothing to be said.”
“Except it questioned if this theory was a distraction by Wes to ward off unwanted publicity for the club he owns.”
Kelly turned to me and gripped my shoulders. “Bella, relax. Look around. Look where we are.” He smiled.
“What aren’t you telling me?” My brows knitted. “Did you and Wes do this?”
Kelly smiled, still standing completely naked. “Chill. The truth will shake itself out. Angel needs to take responsibility for her actions.”
“What about the truth of where Maria was killed? Will that shake itself out, too?” I buried my sweaty palms deep into my pits.
Kelly squirted a dab of toothpaste onto his brush, looked me in the mirror’s reflection, and said, “Angel is working to free Stone. They think they’re winning.”
“It certainly seems that way.”
“This article helps our cause.”
“I don’t understand.”
Kelly turned to me. “Once Angel reads this article, she’ll see that having Stone free is actually a bad thing for her. And, if she believes Stone is turning on her, she will talk. Tell the authorities everything she knows about him, his ambitions, and his instruction to kill Tonya as revenge for what Oscar and Madam were attempting to take away from him.”
I dropped my head into my hand and pinched the bridge of my nose. “My head hurts.”
Kelly stepped behind me and caged me inside his arms. “This is a good thing,” he assured me.
“It’s risky.”
“But critical to our survival.”
“And what happens to you if Stone walks?”
“He won’t.”
“There is more to your plan, isn’t there?”
He smiled. “Isn’t there always more to my plan?”
I tipped my head back and let him pepper kisses down my neck before he dragged me into the shower. A half hour later we were dressed and preparing to head out. I chose not to consume my thoughts worrying about Angel. Kelly seemed to have a plan. And, if it worked, Angel would be arrested for murder and Stone’s original charges would remain.
I moved to Kelly. “Are you ready?”
He twisted in my arms. “Remember, your parents need to earn your trust. Not the other way around.”
I nodded. “I know. That’s why I keep visiting.”
Kelly caught my chin and pressed his lips against mine. Stepping around me, he moved to the window and peeled the curtains back, peering to the parking lot below. The way he was acting had me nervous. I didn’t know who he was working with or the extent to their plan, but I could safely assume Wes and Nash were deeply involved.
“They’re here,” he said.
Jumping forward, I glanced through the window. Media vans lined the entrance. A small crowd was beginning to form. “How did they find us?”
“Could be my car. Could be my name on the hotel registry. Doesn’t matter.” Kelly turned to the room and gathered his things. “This is our game now.”
Kelly held my hand all the way to the lobby. He was calm, composed, and in complete control as we checked out. He told me to put my game face on and let him do the talking. As soon as we stepped out, the media swarmed us.
“Are you still Blake Stone’s lawyer?” one reporter asked.
Kelly paused. “I no longer represent my former client, Blake Stone.”
“Will he be released on all charges? How can we assume he won’t pick up where he left off?”
Kelly tightened his grip as we pushed through the crowd. The reporters followed.
“Black, do you know Angelina Davis personally? Is she capable of murder?”
“Look to the facts,” Kelly shouted over his shoulder. “The answers will be found in the security tapes at Echo.”
Kelly ushered me inside his car. As soon as he shut his door, the noise faded. We didn’t speak much on the drive. I thought about how this was Kelly’s last stand. Do or die. Our last chance to finally be set free. I was willing to do whatever it took to achieve his desired outcome.
Kelly chose a dizzying route to my parents’ house, wanting to make sure we weren’t followed. I appreciated the effort, despite tacking on time to our drive. My parents had enough unwanted attention already. So did I. The last thing any of us needed was more media bullshit.
The wheels hummed over the pavement. My stomach grumbled despite the little interest I’d showed in eating breakfast. Soon, my
thoughts morphed into my visit with Mom.
I thought about what I wanted to say, how I imagined she would react. I had yet to decide a path forward. Unsure what I wanted, I supposed a part of me only wanted to know they loved me and were sorry for what happened. I wanted them to own it.
I rolled my neck and glanced to Kelly. He was lost in his own deep thoughts. In him, I saw a future. Someone I could believe in. There was no looking back. Just him and me, carving out a life we’d never imagined.
Kelly caught me staring and muttered, “Patrick’s grave isn’t too far from here.”
A surge of empathy rushed through my arm as I reached out to take his hand inside of mine. “We can stop if you would like.”
Kelly briefly flicked his gaze to me. “Not today.”
I swallowed. “Would you visit if I wasn’t here?”
“Let’s focus on your parents first.” He squeezed my fingers.
“I’d like to meet him sometime.”
Kelly only smiled.
39
Kendra
Stepping up to my parents’ front door, I paused to glance back at Kelly before knocking. His hand came to my shoulder as he nodded. “Remember, you’re in control.”
I smiled, feeling the tangled ball of yarn clench my belly. Thank god Kelly was here because I could barely breathe. My ribs squeezed and constricted with each little movement I made, leaving me feeling lightheaded and dizzy.
Clearing my throat, I made a fist and knocked.
The house seemed quiet. The neighborhood, too. A low flying aircraft filled the sky with a rumble as we waited patiently for Mom to answer. Another minute passed and I covered my eyes and peered through the opaque glass, looking for any signs of life inside. It was dark and hard to see but, because of Mom’s original invite this morning, I knew they were home.
“She’s probably doing something for Dad,” I said to Kelly.
He turned his head and let his squinted gaze travel up the block. I wondered what it was he thought about the neighborhood I’d grown up in. It was garbage compared to the properties he owned, and I was a product of this trash, the reason I was who I was. Everything I did happened because of here. I had come so far.