Fancy Free

by Shelley Munro

  “Wow.”

  “You should get a room.” The tart voice came from behind them.

  James’ sister. The woman seemed to haunt them. Alice opened her mouth to apologize because his sister was right when James pressed a forefinger to her lips.

  “We have a room, Melissa. We’re off to use it right now.”

  “Mother is right. You’re a disgrace to the Bates name.”

  When he opened his mouth, the flash of anger indicating the approach of a verbal zinger, Alice copied his action and placed a finger across his lips. Family was important, no matter what they did or how they acted. James wasn’t responsible for how his mother and sister behaved, just as she wasn’t responsible for her parents. Each person had their own path to tread, their own way to make in the world. “Let’s go home.” She gave him a sultry smile. Her gaze shifted to James’ sister. “Goodbye, Melissa. It was nice to see you again.”

  “Humph!” His sister stuck her nose so high it was a wonder she didn’t suffer from frostbite. Melissa stomped into the Red Fox, letting the door slam after her.

  “Don’t let her bother you.” She kissed his cheek before slipping into the passenger seat, ready for the drive home.

  The drive to James’ house was mainly a silent one, each deep in thought. Alice wondered whether she should move in permanently but didn’t like to presume. The situation between them might change once all the tests on the Good Vibration were completed. And that would be soon according to what Rodney had told her today.

  James pulled up outside his house and turned to her. In the dim light, she caught the glitter of his eyes, the stark lines of passion on his face, and answering desire kicked through her.

  “James.”

  Their gazes held for a fraction longer.

  “Inside,” he ordered. “I want you, and I want you now.”

  “Yes.” Alice grabbed her handbag and fumbled for the door handle, desperate for the throbbing hardness of his erection and the frantic slide of their bodies when they thrust and ground together.

  They met in front of the car. James grabbed her and kissed her hard, his hands busily undoing the buttons of her cotton shirt while he pushed her back against the hood. “Not fast enough,” he muttered in a guttural voice. Her handbag dropped to the ground while he wrestled with her bra. Finally he gave up and scooped her breasts from the cotton cups. His mouth fastened around a nipple and sucked hard. Alice shuddered in helpless pleasure. When he lifted his head, she sobbed a protest. “Shh,” he murmured. “Take off your panties. Let me take away the ache.”

  She squirmed against the hood of the car and attempted to obey his orders. A sob built because her fingers had turned into thumbs and there wasn’t much leverage room since James busily kissed and sucked her breasts again.

  “Not fast enough,” he repeated. “Let me.” He grasped the hem of her skirt and dragged it upward. With two hands, he ripped the seam of her plain cotton panties and tugged them aside. James roughly parted her legs and ran a finger through her drenched folds. When he pumped a finger into her moist center, the wet sound of arousal brought a cry of surrender from Alice. She trembled, desperate for more. An intense burst of heat exploded from the delicious assault of his fingers.

  “James. Please.” Alice fumbled, attempting to unfasten the stud fastening of his jeans. When her fingers failed to cooperate, a groan of disappointment echoed in the darkness. She cupped the bulge in his jeans, marveling at the heat of him. “I want to touch too. I don’t want to come alone.” And it was the truth. She desperately needed the smooth plunge of his cock, the solid reassurance of his body as he pumped into her.

  With a strangled laugh, he managed to undo the stud. The whine of the zipper sounded loud but full of promise. Alice burrowed her hand into the briefs he wore beneath and lifted out his erection. Ignoring his hiss, she curled her hand around the hard shaft and gave an experimental pump.

  “Alice.” Her name emerged disguised as a primeval groan. “No more. I can’t hold back.”

  Alice agreed. She couldn’t take much more of the slide of his fingers across her slippery folds either, but the siren lure to taunt and tease took over. She explored the flared head of his cock, unsurprised by the pre-cum that smoothed the massage of her fingers.

  Their lips met in an explosive kiss. No gentleness, just a carnal mating of mouths. Desperation. Urgency. Pure need.

  “Enough.” He dragged his mouth away and lifted her. Seconds later, he plunged deep into her tight, aching sheath. A unified groan of pleasure pierced the night air. Leaning over her, he took her mouth again while he slammed into her receptive body.

  Alice clutched at his shoulders and held on tight. Jolts of pleasurable excitement went off inside her like solar flares, each one hotter and brighter than the previous. He thrust faster, pushing deep. The pleasure coursed through her body, hot and molten, building hard and fast until her climax broke over her in long waves. Basking in the aftershocks, she was dimly aware of his guttural groan, the harsh sound of animal enjoyment and the flood of dampness when he came.

  James squeezed her briefly before brushing a gentle kiss across her parted lips. “We should shift this to the bedroom before we get side-tracked again.” He pulled away from her, his cock slipping from her pussy. James helped her off the hood of the car. When she straightened, her skirt fell into place. She groped for her handbag and finally located it along with the remnants of her panties. She scooped up both and on unsteady legs, moved up the path to the front door. Behind her, the rasp of a zipper and rustle of fabric signaled James righting his clothing. His footsteps sounded soon afterward. An unsteady laugh sounded. She couldn’t believe they’d done that, even though she’d repeat it again in a heartbeat.

  James reached past her to flick the hall light on. He squeezed her shoulder. “I’ll be with you in a minute. Don’t start without me.”

  Alice chuckled softly and continued to his bedroom. After flicking one of the bedside lamps on, she sat on the corner of the plain navy cover and unbuckled the straps that held her black shoes in place. Once she’d unfastened the buttons on her shirt, she shrugged out of it, unsnapped her bra and tossed it aside. She grabbed Rodney’s condom samples from her handbag and placed them on the bedside table where they were readily accessible.

  He entered with a package under his arm. “I thought we might play and work at the same time. Are you game?”

  The glint of mischief in his blue eyes melted her heart. His expression reminded her of a mischievous boy, but the fundamental heat beneath gave away adult intentions. “Sounds interesting,” she murmured, and stood to unfasten her skirt. The black material slithered to her feet and she stepped out of it.

  “Much better.”

  “Tell me more,” she invited.

  “Do you trust me?”

  “Yes.” Unreservedly.

  James didn’t really react. It was more an impression that her reply pleased him. “Lie on the bed. Place your arms above your head. Spread your legs.”

  Her legs trembled enough that she gladly followed his instructions. Where in the past she might have felt scared and apprehensive, now she felt curiosity and eagerness. Alice lay in the middle of the double mattress and lifted her hands above her head.

  “Perfect.” He set his package aside and opened one of the bedside cabinet drawers. He pulled out two cream scarves constructed of silky material. James fastened one scarf around each of her wrists and tied them to the bedhead. “Good girl.”

  “I feel as though I should waggle my butt.”

  “And a very nice backside it is too. Part your legs for me. There. That’s it. Excellent. Don’t move.”

  Amused, Alice asked, “What about if I get a cramp?”

  “You won’t have time to think about cramps.”

  The positive note in his husky voice made her believe. “What do you intend to do with me?”

  “Oh, I thought we might test a few condoms.” His gaze lingered on the engorged and wet folds between
her legs.

  “And?” She moved restlessly, the hot intent in his face bringing a flood of moisture, making her heart jump in awareness.

  “Have you checked out any of the merchandise in our store?”

  “I haven’t had a chance. We’ve all been so busy with the tests and the associated problems.”

  A soft smile played across his sensual lips. “Pity. You’re missing out. We have some excellent products that complement our condoms. The board members suggested it. A good idea. Profitable.”

  “When do I get to see more skin?” she asked. “Your skin?”

  “Soon.” James paused to remove his boots and socks but that was all. He reached for the package and opened the brown paper that covered it.

  She lifted her head. “What is it?”

  He laughed and leaned over to kiss the tip of her nose. “Curiosity killed the cat. You should take that as a sign.”

  “Humph.” She tried not to laugh but failed. The sly humor in his blue eyes was difficult to resist. “Will I enjoy whatever you intend to do to me?”

  “Maybe.”

  Alice narrowed her eyes. “That doesn’t sound too promising.”

  “Another scarf, I think.”

  “What for?” she demanded, a whip of erotic fear skipping through her. She wasn’t sure she wanted anything too adventurous. “I’m tied up like a trussed turkey.”

  He paused to stroke her arm in a gentle motion. “I thought you trusted me?”

  “Yes.” Without hesitation.

  “I’m going to put a blindfold over your eyes. It will enhance your other senses. It might even stop your questions.” He smirked at her, his amusement captivating. Alice couldn’t help a return smile. He opened his bedside drawer again and pulled out a midnight blue scarf. She watched the silky fabric ripple across his hands and the way he rubbed the soft scarf between his fingers. Her heart skipped a beat, recalling what his touch felt like on her skin. She stared at the scarf with a hint of jealousy before laughing. Jealous of a scarf. Well, heck.

  James let the end of the scarf drift across her breasts. He held both ends of it and slid it back and forth through her cleavage creating a delicious friction. “Can I cover your eyes with the scarf?”

  She exhaled and inhaled again, her heart racing in anticipation. Something new. Arousing. And nothing to do with condom tests. “Yes.” Her response emerged scarcely louder than whisper.

  “I’m going to tie your legs as well.”

  Alice paused then gave an abrupt nod. “Okay.” A quick punch of heat zipped straight to her pussy at the thought of being at his mercy. Gently, he lifted her head and smoothed her hair away from her face. He slipped the scarf over her eyes and tied it firmly, blotting out all sight. She inhaled the lemon tang of his aftershave, a hint of laundry powder from his shirt and the underlying hot male scent she’d come to associate with him. The mattress moved when he stood. A rustle indicated his search for more scarves. He was lucky he had so many available. Then the truth hit her—he’d done this before with another woman or women. Anguish wrapped around her heart and made her acknowledge the truth. She’d fallen in love with James even though he intended to leave. Soon. Alice swallowed in an attempt to dislodge the lump of emotion that clogged her throat.

  Tears stung the back of her eyes when another realization hit her over the head. Once he left, she might have her inheritance and a house, she might have security, but she’d be alone. She flinched inwardly. So ironic. All this time she’d equated money and a home with security but without anyone to share her life with it would be a very lonely one. It was so clear to her now. Loneliness didn’t equate with security. Alice finally understood what her parents had tried to tell her all those years ago when she’d told them she would never, ever follow their example. She squeezed her eyes tightly shut, willing herself not to cry.

  Her parents had each other and were secure in their mutual love. No matter what happened, in the past or the future, they faced it together. A scary thought, one she shied away from because it made her want to rail and sob at the unfairness of it all. All this time and she’d never known.

  “Comfortable?”

  “Y-Yes,” she said, glad of the interruption. Too much thinking. It wasn’t good for her mental health. Time for that later, once she was alone. The cool silk of a scarf slithered around one ankle and then the other. James stood and she tested the bonds, finding he’d tied them securely. She wasn’t going anywhere without his permission.

  “Good.” The faint rustling of paper told her James was opening the mystery package. “Do you like chocolate?”

  Alice chuckled. “Did you hear about the man who asked a genie to make him irresistible to women?”

  “No.” His tone sounded cautious.

  “Yeah. Poof! The genie turned him into a box of chocolates.”

  James gave a bark of laughter. “So the moral of that story is that if I have chocolate, you will find me irresistible?”

  “I love chocolate. Can’t you tell?” She possessed generous curves. Too generous, according to Steven, yet James didn’t seem to have a problem with her ample curves. And yes, the man was too dashing and dangerous for her peace of mind. Definitely irresistible.

  “Alice?”

  A smile kicked up her lips. “Yes.”

  “I have chocolate.”

  “Oh.” Her heart thumped a tad faster and a heavy pulsating sensation burst into life at the juncture of her thighs. She stirred restlessly, the tension from the scarf bindings driving her desire higher. Being bound was an incredible turn-on. If it weren’t for James, she’d never have known.

  “Part your legs as far as you can.”

  It was as if he read her mind, knew how arousing she found the situation he’d placed her in, how provocative. But she was learning how to tease back. Taking her sweet time, she followed his instructions until the scarves stopped her from moving any more. Cool air brushed across her moist folds. She wondered what he saw and what he’d do next. Her imagination ran wild, thinking up all sorts of sexual scenarios. Maybe he’d crept from the bedroom and had left her there, tied up and helpless. Her womb spasmed at the thought, a spike of awareness hitting her like a mellow wave.

  “Are you ready to play?”

  He was still in the bedroom. Her breasts prickled on hearing his husky voice. “I think so. What…what are you going to do with me?”

  “Give you pleasure,” he whispered.

  She sucked in a wildly excited breath. Her very own sexual pleasure slave. The texture of his voice, rough and smoky, plus her imagination brought a flood of arousal. A tickle of sensation whispered across her breasts, her nipples pulling tight in reaction. Alice couldn’t tell if it was because of her sexual thoughts or caused by James. A brush of warm air wafted across one taut nipple.

  “James?”

  “Yes?” When he spoke another puff of warm air feathered across her sensitive flesh.

  Alice nibbled her bottom lip. She wasn’t sure she liked feeling so helpless. “Could you talk to me while you’re doing whatever it is you’re going to do? My imagination is running rampant.”

  “A lot of people enjoy bondage,” he whispered near her ear. The brush of lips tickled her neck. A nibble of teeth scraped across the delicate flesh. “I know you’re aroused. I can smell your juices.”

  Heaven help her, it was true. Although the feelings coursing through her were tinged with a trace of unease, she could hardly deny the erotic pleasure that moistened her pussy and pulled her body taut. It was official. She’d edged into kinky. “I need you to make me come,” she said in a firm voice. Not only kinky but determined. Her initial hesitation had faded.

  James laughed, his fingertips feathering across the curve of one breast. “Ah, sweetheart. We’ve barely begun. The payoff will be better if we wait. But I can take away some of the mystery. I’m going to tease your body until you don’t think you can take any more. I’ll lick, nibble and suck your breasts until your pussy is flooded with honey. W
ith my tongue, I intend to lap up your juices and tease your clit until it’s a hard little nub. My fingers will stroke you, thrusting inside. I’ll find the sweet spot that makes your climax even more explosive than normal. And then…”

  “And then what?” Breathless with anticipation, she prompted him. What would he do next?

  “And then I’m going to do it all over again.”

  Well, she could hardly argue with that. “That sounds okay. For starters.” A definite tremble resounded in her voice.

  “Good. I’d better move on to the teasing part. I’m going to apply some chocolate body paint in a tribal tattoo pattern. Your breasts first.”

  “How will you apply the paint?” Her mind conjured up several possibilities. His tongue. His fingers. Heck, she’d even heard of a man who painted pictures using his penis as a brush. That sounded like a lot of fun and she’d get to clean the paintbrush later. Sudden heat filled her face. Good lord! What was she thinking? Inheriting a condom company had affected her thought processes. And it wasn’t necessarily in a good way. Alice considered that for a moment longer before shaking her head. Nah, that wasn’t it—she’d caught it from the elderly board members. They’d corrupted her! After all, they’d had more years to learn than she had.

  “A combination of methods,” he answered, languid and lazy. His fingers trailed across her breast again and squeezed lightly.

  Oh heck. He really was going to use his cock. A shudder of excitement swept her. The mattress shifted when James moved. She sensed he leaned over. A wheezing groan made her jump. Seconds later cool liquid dripped between her breasts. The chill came as a shock when her skin tingled so warmly, when she felt so aroused. Wow. Alice suppressed a giggle. No cock this time. He was using a squeezy bottle. The delicious scent of chocolate wafted through the air and a hint of mint if she wasn’t mistaken.

  James moved again and she felt the liquid chocolate trickle across her belly and lower between her legs. It ran between her folds, feeling curiously erotic. Arousing. Amazing.

  The mattress moved again. She heard the thud of the bottle when James set it aside. The rustle of cloth indicated James was finally undressing. A pity she couldn’t appreciate the sight of the broad, muscular chest and hard thighs. He straddled her body, his knees cozying up to each side of her waist. A delicate, almost ticklish sensation made her start.