‘Let’s fix this little problem, then, shall we?’
Eva threw a disapproving eye on her mask. ‘How?’
‘I have an idea. What else have you got in the house?’
Eva looked puzzled. She tried to wipe the stupid look off her face and act cool, but she had no idea what the hell he was talking about.
‘Wine, beer, Gin, Evangeline. What have you got?’
‘I have coffee and diet coke. ‘
‘Booze, Evangeline, Booze. C’mon, you must have a stash here somewhere.’
Eva shook her head. ‘I don’t really drink.’
Julian shook his head, appalled. ‘Okay, well that, my dear has got to change. But not tonight. Pass me the bottle.’
Julian pointed to the champagne on the coffee table. Eva really didn’t want any more. She needed a clear head to think herself out of this mess. But she didn’t want to insult her guest so she reached over and passed the bottle to him.
‘Thanks,’ Julian said as he caught it and tilted it until the contents spilled all over the coffee table.
‘What the fuck?’ Eva shrieked and rushed to grab the couple of magazine at the end of the table to rescue them from a watery death.
‘We need those,’ Julian said, taking them back, ripping random pages from the middle and throwing them onto the now sticky and shiny table top.
Eva looked on, too bewildered to react. So he’s hot, but turns out he might be barking mad, she thought soberingly seriously.
‘Trust me, Evangeline. Can you do that?’
Eva shrugged her shoulders. The last time he asked for her trust, she was rewarded by him ripping her knickers with his bare hands. She wasn’t sure what answering that question might lead to next. But she found herself nodding none the less.
Julian roughly tore the label from the bottle, turned it face down and swirled it around on the wet table. He lifted the mask and dabbed the soaking label against it in random places. Every so often, he would soak the label and odd magazine pages a little more in the spill before continuing his strange dabbing technique. The paper was fading, the words unreadable. But the mask was becoming a collage of colours and words.
‘There. All fixed,’ Julian said, holding up his masterpiece. ‘You’re a party girl, deep down, but you only like the good stuff. Krug or nothing.’
Eva smiled, trying not to cry. She liked Julian. She really proper liked him. ‘Thank you. It actually looks really good.’
‘Don’t sound so surprised.’
‘Sorry I didn’t mean…’
‘I’m teasing, Evangeline. Do relax.’
Julian raised the mask to Eva’s face. She closed her eyes instinctively and felt Julian’s lips softly kiss the tip of her nose. She smiled.
‘I wish you’d do that more often,’ he said.
‘What? Smile?’
‘You’re beautiful, always, Evangeline. You’re perfect when you smile.’
Butterflies fluttered widely in her tummy at his sincere words.
‘You smile when you come.’
Screw, butterflies. He’d watched her come. There were fireworks in her stomach and they were exploding like it was New Year’s Eve.
‘I want you to smile more. Do you want to smile more?’
Eva nodded rapidly.
‘Good. That’s settled then?’
‘What’s settled?’
Eva really hoped it wasn’t a rhetorical question. She didn’t want to look stupid. While Julian’s riddles were a sexy and fun, they confused the hell out of her.
‘More smiling means more coming.’ Julian’s eyes narrowed and his left eyebrow raised a fraction. ‘We should probably start now.’
He was insatiable. She was still exhausted from earlier. She didn’t think she could come again, but the thought of Julian naked certainly made her want to try.
Julian pushed his lips onto her mouth and parted her lips with his tongue. The bottom of his tongue was wet and smooth as it ran across the top of hers. He pinched her bottom lip between his teeth and pulled, just enough to pinch. Eva’s eyes shot open with the unexpected, just in time to catch his wicked smirk. He loved shocking her, Eva knew. She also knew her reaction fuelled his passion. She could feel him swell inside his trousers. Her hand twitched and she nervously grabbed his crotch. He gasped. Was he teasing her or did she genuinely surprise him? She just couldn’t tell. She couldn’t read him. She doubted anyone could.
Julian’s pushed Eva back against the couch and forced her knees apart. His kisses never faltered and Eva tilted her head back against the cushions, offering him full control of her body. He kneeled between her and Eva instinctively tried to close her legs but his hips blocked her way. His hand rammed inside Eva’s loose bottoms, and he tossed her knickers to the side with a flick of his fingers. He was aggressive and intent. Eva braced herself. Two fingers pumped hard in her soaking pussy. She didn’t have time to catch her breath.
‘It’s too much…’ Eva mumbled between rough pants.
‘I know.’ He didn’t stop. He gave a little sadistic push. His fingers were so deep, Eva could feel his knuckles pound against her with each rough push. His thumb flicked her clit in perfect rhythm to his darting fingers. It took all Eva’s self-control not to scream. She was right on the edge, already. Her haste to release almost embarrassed her. He made it so easy. She was going to come. Her body stiffened and just as the huge vibration was about to explode inside her, he stopped. She protested with a soft whimper and rocked her pelvis on his stilled fingers.
‘Not yet, baby. It’s not strong enough.’
‘It is. It’s amazing,’ Eva whispered. Her heart raced and she was shaking. It was perfect and she didn’t want to stop. Her clit trembled as it begged for more.
Julian eased himself up to kiss Eva’s cheek. His fingers stroked the contours of her neck and a tingle trickled down her spine. Her body relaxed and her urgency to come eased.
‘Ready?’ Julian asked, an alluring grin shaped his face.
Eva inhaled sharply. She knew what was coming, and although she couldn’t say she was ready, she definitely wanted it. She nodded.
Julian roughly pulled her t-shirt over her head and expressed his appreciation for her perfect breasts with a deep groan. His tongue gently circled her left breast, flicking her nipple and it pebbled in response. He moved across to her right, offering the same exquisite attention to that side. He teased them both with soft kisses and sharp nibbles in turn. He roughly tugged her pants from her hips, and she raised her bottom off the couch to allow him pull them clear off. She lay naked, her heaving body begged for his expert touch. Julian nestled between her legs again and spread his knees, pushing Eva’s legs apart until her hips couldn’t stretch anymore. She was so exposed, so vulnerable and so bloody horny.
‘You’re beautiful.’ Julian leaned lower. He had an exquisitely intimate view she had never allowed anyone before. His fingers traced every part of her and dipped in and out of her glistening opening. He slid his thumb inside her and tilted his head to watch her reaction.
‘Look at me, baby, I want to see you take this.
Eva’s eyes looked into his. She smiled and her eagerness sparkled across her face. His other thumb followed. Eva gasped as fullness stung. Her eyes narrowed and Julian eased his pressure but kept his thumbs locked in place.
‘Take it. Just relax and it won’t hurt. I promise.’
Eva closed her eyes and did as she was told. She breathed slowly and tried to enjoy the intense pressure.
‘A little more, okay? We’re almost there.’
A meek whimper sounded from deep inside Eva. She’d never heard herself make that noise before.
The mix of pleasure and pain had her unsure. Unsure of what Julian would do next but so sure, whatever it was, she wanted it.
‘We’ll take it slow. Just say stop if you need to.’ Julian’s dark chocolate eyes stared into hers, gaging her reaction.
Eva panted hard. It hurt, not unbearably, but enough to mak
e her aware of the pain. But she wanted it. The pain increased the pleasure, and the sting. Pressure and pure ecstasy had her biting her lip not to scream his name.
‘More.’ Julian was telling her, not asking and Eva was content to let him take control. His thumbs pushed deeper, their full length slid inside her and Eva gasped as an uncontrolled whisper of his name rushed from her lips. Julian slowly pulled his thumbs apart, stretching her tiny gap. It really stung now. A hot burning rippled around her opening and Julian’s lips sprung to attention sucking her nipple. She was so full. She’d never felt anything like it before.
Julian pulled harder. She was really gapping. Her breathing became short, sharp gasps for air and she couldn’t concentrate on anything more than the fire inside her. It was almost more than she could take. She wanted to beg him to stop, but his head had moved between her legs, and she knew he was staring inside her. His gentle, deep moans told her he liked it. The sting of her stretching pussy coupled with his primal sound, drove her wild with desire. Julian gave one last force and Eva screamed. It made her eyes water and she panted heavily.
‘Good girl. You’re doing brilliantly. I know it hurts, but it will be worth it. I promise.’
Eva smiled. She believed him, and right now, she wanted it more than anything in the world.
Julian pushed his tongue against her trembling clitoris and licked her with long, even strokes. Fast and hard. His thumbs locked in their silky destination, violating her dignity for her own pleasure. It didn’t hurt anymore. It was just raw, overwhelming pleasure. Julian’s warm lips closed around her clit and sucked hard. She couldn’t hold back anymore. Her pelvis bucked and quivered against him as a massive, uncontrollable orgasm rippled through her body.
Julian released his grip of her. Her eyes were closed but she could feel him watching her as she lay trembling with pleasure beneath him. He moved just enough to lie beside her, kissing her cheek softly. Eva’s heart was pounding so hard, she was worried it might break a rib. The sensation of moments before, mixed with the realisation of what she had just done made her feel a bit sick. Eva shakily pulled her clothes back on and sat on the edge of the bed. She still wasn’t relaxed but clothes helped avoid a complete freak out.
‘I hope I didn’t hurt you too much.’
‘It’s okay,’ Eva said, the ache of the pressure slowly fading between her legs.
‘I wanted to show you how strong it can be.’
Eva turned back to face him. She smiled. Strong was good. She liked strong.
‘It gets better but we’re not quite there yet. It’ll be fun though, just wait.’
Eva raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
The doorbell rang before she had time to ask for details.
‘Fuck.’ Eva hissed. ‘Hold that thought, yeah?’ She awkwardly pulled on her clothes almost hopping on one leg as she struggled to gain speed.
Julian didn’t take his eyes off her and his prurient smile told her she wasted her breath on the question.
‘As you wish.’ Julian winked.
Eva opened the door and prepared to tell whatever sales rep she found herself faced with that she wasn’t interested in a shiny pen set or knifes as sharp as Samurai Swords. She wasn’t expecting to find her colleague and new friend, drenched and pitiful on her doorstep.
Eva glanced at her watch. It was almost ten. What was Nathan doing here?
‘I was just in the neighbourhood and I wanted to check that you’re okay,’ he said as if he read her mind.
Eva glanced back at the couch where Julian lay, wearing just his work trousers with the top button still undone. Damn open-plan design she thought, afraid to open the door any wider. She really didn’t want Nathan to see Julian. She wasn’t quite sure why, but something told her it wasn’t a good idea for them to meet - not tonight, not like this.
‘Erm thanks. I’m fine.’ Eva really didn’t know what to say.
‘No. Shit. That’s a lie. Man, I’m crap at this. I wasn’t in the neighbourhood. I just made that up to sound less pathetic, and here I am now sounding exactly that.’ Nathan ran his hand roughly across his head, tossing his messy curls.’
Eva lowered her head to hide a little giggle. He was adorably helpless.
‘But I really did want to check to see if you were okay. You know, after feeling sick earlier and all.’
Eva was smiling, but she wasn’t talking. While it was very sweet, it was all a bit awkward and she was overly aware that Julian had started to move around behind her. She hoped he was getting dressed. She couldn’t turn around to check, it would be too obvious. She didn’t want to make Nathan uncomfortable. Hell, who was she kidding? She didn’t want to make herself uncomfortable. She crossed her fingers that Julian would stay put, and they could avoid possibly the world’s most awkward introduction ever.
‘Thanks. I’m okay now. You really didn’t have to come all this way to check. Thanks though.’
‘Good. I’m glad.’
Eva smiled more, and nodded, while keeping her hand firmly on the door. She waited for Nathan to say goodbye. She waited, and waited more.
Her heart was beginning to race. Julian was coming; he was actually coming to see who was at the door…in her house. Christ he was ballsy. Or maybe he was just coming to check and see if she was alright. She had been standing in the doorway a long time.
Eva pulled the door over slightly, sliding to the side to remain visible to Nathan.
‘I think I just need a good night’s sleep. I’m sure I’ll be fine in the morning.’
‘Hope so. You looked as white a ghost earlier. Can I get you anything? Pop to the shop for you?’
Ordinarily, Eva would have melted like an ice cube with Nathan’s generous offer, but right now she really wished he would take the hint and bugger off.
‘No. I’m fine, honestly. Just going to head to bed.’ Eva added a huge yawn for authentication.
‘Good, Good.’ Nathan finally began to back away. ‘Well, if you need anything, you have my number. Just give me a call.
‘I will. I promise…bye.’
Eva didn’t have his number but she really didn’t want to correct him. She felt bad enough that she would have to face him at work tomorrow after blatantly lying to his face, she certainly wouldn’t be calling him in the meantime to make things worse.
‘Goodnight, Eva,’ Nathan said slowly walking away.
Eva’s tense shoulders relaxed but the rest of her body didn’t. She was riddled with guilt. This must be what it feels like to be a bitch, she thought. God, how does Mia do it?
Eva yelped as Julian’s hand slapped her backside. She lost her grip on the door. Julian caught it, kissed her on the cheek and pulled the door back, fully open.
‘Cheers for that earlier, mate,’ Julian said, his hand firmly attached to Eva’s ass.
Nathan had turned around, hearing Eva’s tiny shriek. The two men were face to face. Eva forced an oversized lump of air down her throat and rattled her brain for an excuse to offer Nathan. Damn, she couldn’t think. Her mind was completely taken over by the thought of where Julian’s hand rested. She knew Nathan couldn’t see but that made no difference.
‘You know each other?’ she all but whimpered.
‘Your friend was looking for directions to your place, earlier,’ Nathan said.
Eva shook her head and glanced back at Julian.
‘I gave you my address already,’ she said a little confused. Had he come by the office looking for her? Oh God. She’d had a super-hot guy turn up at her work place. Oh holy shit. She really hoped Mia had seen it.
‘Yeah I know, but I was passing and I thought directions wouldn’t hurt. You were on lunch or something but Nate was great. He knows Dublin like the back of his hand.’
‘Never head of Google maps,’ Nathan mumbled, and Eva caught Julian throw him a narrow-eyed glare. She coughed roughly and tried to ignore her ever quickening pulse.
‘It was a game of Hide and Seek trying to find you,’ Julian said, attempting b
reezy but Eva could hear the undertone of irritation in his tone. ‘Nate here was like a personal Sat Nav.’
Eva really didn’t want to talk about Julian’s stupid games. Not in front of Nathan.
‘It’s Nathan, actually,’ Nathan replied, though an odd crackling in his voice made him hard to understand.
‘Oh shit sorry, man. Didn’t mean to offend. Cheers for earlier, Nat-h-an.’
Julian sounded out the syllables of Nathan’s name as if they were painful between his lips.
Eva knew from Julian’s approach he didn’t think much of Nathan. He had a diabolical dress sense and his body language screamed nervous virgin. Eva thought it was endearing but she knew Julian would think it was pathetic. In fact, she knew most people probably would.
Julian’s hand moved from Eva’s bottom and crept around her waist. His other arm followed and he pulled her close to him. Nathan stared, his discomfort written all over his face. Julian kissed Eva softly on the cheek, his lips lingering much longer than necessary. He was making a point, Eva knew. Nathan would have to be stupid not to miss it, but there really was no need, she decided - almost angrily. Almost. Eva’s attention was drawn again to Nathan’s puppy dog eyes. He wasn’t a threat. He was just a nice guy and Eva hated to upset him.
‘You looked so pale earlier, I was really worried. But you’re flushed now. Nathan’s palm swept across her cheek but Eva was distracted by Julian exhaling deeply and raising himself to his full height.
‘Do you have a temperature?’ Nathan continued.
Eva didn’t think it was possible to feel any more guilty, but Nathan’s genuine concern was like torture.
Julian laughed. A dry, undisguised laugh. ‘She’s hot all right,’ he said.
Eva caught them exchange glances but they both looked away before she had time to introduce them properly to one and other. Nathan took a couple of steps backwards, just enough for Eva to notice his slim, average-height physic.
Rules of Harte (Harte Series #1) Page 11