by C J Matthew
With a short nod, he said, “So, I spent money to get what I wanted. Bought my way…”
She stopped his words with her mouth. Heart thudding, she was thrilled with his ability to adapt.
The instant her lips pressed to his, Murdoch seemed to get down to business. One of his large hands grasped the back of her neck, adjusted the angle of her head, and he deepened the kiss. His tongue slid between her lips and plunged into her mouth. Taking turns, their tongues darted in and around the wet shadowy depths, dueling, teasing and arousing. She was awash with waves of pleasure.
His other muscular arm encircled her waist, urging her closer. She couldn’t remember ever being this turned on and was ready to crawl all over his body, but the setting wasn’t that private. Instead, she arched her back, rubbed her breasts against his chest, heightening her desire even more. Judging by his loud groan, Murdoch felt the same.
Shit, Ryan would hear them. A bubble of embarrassed laughter rose in her throat.
Murdoch slowly withdrew his lips from hers, then sprinkled butterfly kisses across her cheek until he reached the soft skin under her earlobe. The brush of his short beard against her skin sent goose bumps springing up all over her body. She imagined his facial hair rubbing other parts of her body and her nipples ached.
When his mouth didn’t move any lower than her neck, her brain started to clear. No, don’t stop. “Murdoch?” she whispered in his ear. “What is it?” He couldn’t be worried about Ryan overhearing them. Something else? A sinking feel of dread lodged in the pit of her stomach. Now that she was all in, he’d changed his mind?
Bringing his head up, he cupped his hands on either side of her face, dropped a light kiss on her mouth. When he tipped his head back, she focused on his eyes, and tried to read his mind.
“Everything is exactly right,” he whispered, his breath tickling her mouth. “It’s just that I don’t want any more misunderstandings. I want us to make love, tonight, all night. Tell me, is that what you want?”
Relief flooded through her, re-fueling her desire. “Yes Murdoch, I want you, too. Just not in the car, with Ryan driving. We need privacy, a bed. As soon as we get home, let’s go to your bedroom and have sex. Do you have condoms?”
He choked on a laugh. “Yes, lots of condoms, a California king-sized bed, and an overwhelming desire to make love with you again and again, for the rest of the night.”
“Sounds perfect. Exactly how far are we from the house?”
He glanced out the side window. “Four minutes.”
As the SUV swept through the newly repaired front gate, he asked in a husky voice, “Mind if I carry you upstairs? I can run faster.”
He took the stairs two at a time and they made it as far as the doorway of his bedroom. When Murdoch paused to kick the door closed, she raked her teeth across his earlobe. He let out a loud groan and started peeling off her clothing. Without the support of his arms, she slid down his body, landing on her feet. He gripped her shoulders, pressed her back against the closed door and ravished her mouth.
She scrambled to pull off his shirt, unhook and unzip his pants. At the sound of the zipper, he muttered what sounded like, “Wait.”
Damn it, now what? “Something wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong with you, Sweetling, you’re amazing. Which is why I need our first time together to be—”
“Aww Murdoch, you’re hesitant to nail me up against the wall? Such a romantic.”
* * *
Murdoch
“Quit giving me a hard time,” Murdoch warned. Stepping out of the pants pooled around his ankles, he tossed Annalisa’s almost naked body over one shoulder, caveman style, and had them beside the bed in three long strides. He knelt on the edge of the mattress, worked his way to the middle, and laid Annalisa, his treasure, our mate, down in the center of the bed.
Braced above her, he slowly raked his eyes down the length of her body, her luscious curves clad in only in her new red bra and matching panties. She squirmed.
“You are beyond beautiful,” he told her.
His dragon roared, fighting to be released.
No. Murdoch growled back at his beast. This is my part. I’ll introduce you tomorrow and you can show off for our mate.
Murdoch reached beneath Annalisa, unhooked the bra and tossed it to the floor. Then, starting with the spot under her ear, kissed and nuzzled his way down her neck and sternum until he reached those abundant breasts. Gently cupping one he gave it a little squeeze and watched the nipple grow taut. Annalisa moaned encouragement while she dug her fingernails into his shoulders.
He licked a wet swath over the tight nipple and she gasped. He gently teased the surrounding puckered flesh with his teeth, then sucked hard, drawing the peak and a portion of her breast deep into his mouth. She arched to him, offering and murmuring, “Yes, Murdoch. More.”
Determined to drive her wild, he teased and suckled first one breast, then the other until both nipples were wet, stiff peaks that strained toward him. She was so sensitive, so responsive. Could he bring her to the first climax this way? By only worshiping and stimulating her breasts? He swept his tongue over the silky skin of each mound and reveled in the sounds of pleasure she made.
Finally, he couldn’t ignore the scent of her arousal any longer. It was too sweet and beckoned him lower, to her core. Running his tongue along the top edge of her damp panties, he heard Annalisa’s gasping breath catch.
Murdoch hooked his fingers over the elastic, slid her underwear off, and sent it arching to the floor next to the matching bra. With her knees spread wide open, her enticing center completely exposed, he couldn’t stop staring. “You’re magnificent. Your pussy looks delicious.” Moving to kneel between her legs, he placed her ankles up over his shoulders, and supported her butt with one hand.
Inhaling her unique, tantalizing aroma as he kissed his way down her inner thighs, he murmured, “Can’t wait to taste you.” With his free hand he spread her wet folds apart, then explored the edges with his tongue. “Delectable.”
When her thighs trembled, and she squirmed with anticipation, Murdoch lapped at the opening of her pussy and then to her waiting clit.
She screamed, “Right there,” and he obeyed, working her clit by flicking it with the tip of his tongue. Once he’d established a rhythmic pattern. he trust one finger deep into her slick heat.
“Yes,” she begged, rocking her hips, “I need you inside me.”
He slowly withdrew the finger then thrust it fully into her again. As her breathing became panting, he added a second finger, and increased the speed.
“Don’t stop,” she begged. “I’m coming.”
Her orgasm was just as breathtaking for him Her inner muscles throbbed and squeezed on his fingers. He could easily imagine those sensations on his cock. Continuing to flick with his tongue, fingers thrusting, he drew out her climax.
Finally, she gasped, “No more.”
Gently placing her legs on the bedspread, he crawled up beside her and enveloped her in his arms. He kissed her lightly as tiny aftershocks made her tremble.
What had he ever done to deserve such a woman? Such a life mate? She exhaled a deep sigh. The woman positively glowed with contentment. Annalisa shifted her legs and pressed into his hard cock.
“Whoa. All that just for me?” She teased and reached for him, “My turn.”
He circled one hand around her wrist, stopped her hand. “Let’s save that for later. Right now, I want to watch you come apart with me buried deep inside you.”
“If you insist.”
Chapter 15
Annalisa
Her heart still racing from the first epic orgasm, Annalisa watched Murdoch through half-closed lids as he retrieved a condom from the bedside table and returned to smile down at her.
He placed the unopened packet on top of her pubic bone and stretched out beside her. Then he rolled himself halfway on top of her. Teasing her mouth with quick little pretend nips and long sensuous licks, while
stroking her hair with his free hand, Murdoch managed to fire her body heat and lust level right back up to pre-orgasmic. Assaulting her mouth with deep, wet mouth invasions, he gave new meaning to French kissing.
Stroking her hair with his hands and tracing her skin with fingertips added another layer to their love-making. Caring and affection became a part of the white-hot passion that raced through her body.
Murdoch trailed his mouth lower and sucked her nipple deep into his mouth. She groaned as the sensation resonated in her core.
When his stroking hand delved into her wet folds and teased her clit exactly the way she liked it, Annalisa felt her body stiffen. Just before she melted into the climax, she glanced down to see her breast in Murdoch’s mouth and his shining eyes watching her. Then all she saw was stars.
Again, he prolonged her orgasm. When she started breathing again, he sucked harder on her nipple while he stroked her hip and up and down her thigh.
She lifted her hips. “Now, I need you inside me.” Her movements slid the condom packet across her pelvis. “You know, that’s not how those work.”
He released her nipple with a popping sound and grinned. “Why don’t you show me?”
“No problem.” She sat up and ripped open the packet. She’d never rolled one of these on a man, but she’d seen it done before. Oh lordy. Murdoch was huge. And bonus, as she worked the ribbed latex over his bobbing cock, the lovely thing got bigger.
Protection in place, he took charge again. He plundered her mouth, pressing his body to hers until she was flat on her back. Then he drew up, kneeling between her thighs, and took in the view. “You are amazing.”
He gripped her thighs, guiding her legs to encircle his hips. Teasing the head of his cock over her clit, he finally positioned himself at her entrance.
“Yes?” he gasped.
She tipped her hips, inviting him in. “Stop teasing. Fill me. Now.”
Without a word, he slid his cock deep inside her. They moaned in unison. He filled her and more.
“Fuck yeah.” He began to move, drawing back until only the head of his cock remained inside, then he thrust into her again, balls deep.
“Oh god, yes.” She was on fire. “Again.” At this moment, she needed what he was giving her more than her next breath.
* * *
Murdoch
Murdoch was going crazy with all the sensations, both outside and inside of his body. As he slammed into Annalisa, her breasts moved in time to his thrusts and inside him the dragon went wild. Our mate. Claim her.
He gulped for air, barely able to catch his breath. His heart beat against his chest like a storm pounding the cliffs below his house. Every little sound from his expressive mate drove him closer to his climax. Wait, together.
She planted her feet on the mattress, tipped her hips to meet his thrusts. Her nails raked his shoulders and down over his chest tattoo. “Close,” she moaned.
He slid his open palm across her rock-hard nipple. And almost set himself off.
“Yes,” Annalisa brushed his hand aside and tugged on her own nipple. He had to look away or come right then. She was so fucking hot.
He pulled back until only the tip of his cock remained in her, changed the angle of penetration and thrust deep.
“Yes,” she screamed. “Yes, Murdoch. Right there.” And she climaxed. Her inner muscles gripped his cock, pulsing with her satisfaction. She threw back her head, letting out a long low moan. The sight was too much for him. He gave one final thrust and emptied himself deep inside his mate.
I love you, I love you, repeated over and over through his head.
He collapsed on the bed beside Annalisa, one of his arms and a leg draped over her. When he could breathe again, he lifted his head to check on Annalisa.
“Still here,” she teased. “When you go to the bathroom to clean up, bring me a glass of water?”
After he’d disposed of the condom, he brought her water and several extra pillows. Propping the pillows against the headboard, he sat and patted the spot next to him. He held her water steady while she scooted up to join him. After he looped his arm around her shoulders, she snuggled against his chest.
Handing over the water, he asked, “This is cuddling?”
“Yes, but people can cuddle most anywhere. This is more accurately referred to as pillow talk.”
“Talk that happens while you’re in bed?”
“Well, the subtext is talk during the afterglow of good sex, when couples share deep secrets.”
“And we just had good sex—right?”
“Phenomenal sex. I’ll tell you anything. What secrets do you want me to spill?”
“Actually, I have a secret to show you tomorrow.”
“That’s exciting, but it doesn’t count as pillow talk. Could I ask you a personal question?”
“Anything.”
“Ji and Lance and even Vic seem surprised by the success of your press conference. Would you tell me why? Or was it just my imagination?”
“I don’t mind explaining. Before I met you, my soulmate, in any comparisons between me and Murphy, I usually came out the loser. After a while, I quit competing.” Murdoch swallowed hard. Couldn’t believe what he’d just said. That he’d exposed such a deep, raw place. On one hand, he was proud he’d told his mate a secret truth, on the other hand, he wanted her to think only the best of him.
He hesitated long enough to check her expression.
“Thank you for sharing with me,” she whispered. “Can’t imagine how difficult it must be to have a twin who is actually an older brother and to be in the family business with him.”
He gave the bruise on her chin a tender kiss. “Mind if we change the subject?”
“I don’t mind. Tell me something you like to do.”
“I like creating new ideas, new products, being a development guy rather than a supervisor or a manager. Also, I’m always on the lookout for sideline business opportunities.”
“New products are critical to the success of the business.”
“I’m learning to like being on the receiving end of the respect and admiration Murphy usually gets.”
“You’ve earned it. And you’ll be a hero after we uncover the turncoat. So let’s make sure you continue to get all the admiration and respect you can handle.”
Chapter 16
Annalisa
Annalisa opened her eyes to find Murdoch, dressed in only his black boxer briefs, sitting cross-legged on an overstuffed chair beside the chest of drawers. “Morning,” she said, pulling the covers up under her chin.
“Good morning,” he said with a smile. “Coffee?”
“I’d love some. Also, I keep forgetting to get a new phone. What time are you showing me your pillow talk secret? Should we shop before or after?”
“Let’s eat, check in with Vic by teleconference, go to the village for your phone, and groceries, stop by Chief O’Malley’s. Then we’ll come back here for the secret.”
“You’re really organized for someone who only got about two hours sleep last night.”
He ducked his head, looking sheepish. “Remember what we were doing all night, when we weren’t sleeping?”
“Vividly.”
“I’m ultra-organized this morning so we’ll have time to take a nap and do it again.”
“Then I’d better shower.” She started to throw off the covers, hesitated. “Where did my new clothes end up?”
“I brought everything up here,” he said, pointing to stacks of jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, and a neat pile of underwear on the dresser. “Just in case.”
“In case I agree to sleep with you in your room until I have to go home?”
Eyes wide, he looked stricken. “Home?”
She wasn’t ready to revisit this topic, not until she knew she’d be able to make a lateral transfer from California. And she desperately needed clarification on Murdoch’s mate deal. Besides, they had such an exciting, productive day ahead. Could she reassure Murdoch without
making promises she couldn’t keep? Sure, just watch what you say.
Annalisa threw back the covers, took a running step and launched herself at Murdoch. He caught her but overbalanced and together they tumbled backward out of the chair. Arms tight around her, he twisted in mid-fall. Impossible. No one was that flexible.
However it happened, he hit the floor first and she landed on top of him.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m peachy,” she said, beginning to giggle. “You’re the one who smacked the floor. How’s your head?”
“Too thick to worry about,” he said with a laugh.
After a good chuckle and a warm kiss, she traced the dragon tattoo on his chest. “Is there a story behind this?”
“There is. How about I tell you later, during our nap?”
“Ooh la la,” she said jumping to her feet, “a sexy story.”
When he grabbed for her ankle, she dodged away and ran for the bathroom. “Don’t forget my coffee.”
After her shower, Annalisa dressed in one of her new matching bra and pantie sets, new socks, new jeans, a new sweater and her old shoes. As she braided her hair, she warned her reflection, “Don’t even think about more shopping. You’re the spoiled one.”
“Annalisa?”
She glanced around. It was Ryan’s voice…on the intercom? “Hello?”
“I can’t hear you, Murdoch silenced the bedroom mics. If you can hear me, press talk on the unit beside the bathroom door or the bedroom door.”
She pressed, “Hello Ryan. What’s up? Over.”
Ryan laughed. “No need to say over, just release the button to listen. Murdoch arranged breakfast and the teleconference with Vic in the secure room. Remember the way? Or do you need someone to come get you?”
She pressed, “I know the way. How much time do I have?”
“Could you meet us down there in fifteen minutes?”
She looked at her naked face and wished for thirty. “Roger, ten minutes, Over and out.”
In the secure room, Annalisa forked an oversized bite of eggs Benedict into her mouth when the sleek Vic appeared on the big screen. “Bad news,” Vic announced. “I heard from our traitor an hour ago. I was so close to pinpointing the location he was sending from, I delayed calling you.”