“I’m sorry. You are the oldest, though. You probably had more responsibility than the others.”
“How’d you know?” he asked, then shook his head. Of course. Hadn’t the same thing happened to her? She was the oldest sibling, the one who helped her mom when her father abandoned them. “You know because you’ve been there too.”
She rolled her eyes. “My father didn’t die. Yet. If he continues smoking the way he does, there’s no telling.”
“Yeah, but you trusted him. Then he upped and left.”
“Yeah.”
He wondered if that made her trust men less. Had she had any boyfriends? Had she…ever loved anyone? Tension formed a lump in his throat. Why did he care?
“What’s on your mind? You seem mad.”
“What?”
“You frowned and shut your lips, like you were plotting someone’s murder.”
Crap. Busted. What the fuck did he tell her? He remembered her appeal for honesty and decided to go ahead and say it. “I was thinking about how many hearts you must have broken in France. Or even here.”
“Not that many.”
He ran his fingers down her pert nose. “That’s hard to believe.”
“You’re generous…so generous in fact something just occurred to me. Why don’t you offer your services pro bono? If she says no tomorrow…”
Zaine nodded. He didn’t need the money, and if it came to that, he’d be happy to do the project pro bono. He hadn’t thought about it, because he didn’t want to come across as desperate, especially someone as sought-after as he was. But her suggestion reminded him desperate times called for desperate measures. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
…
“I love your vision,” Lara said after Zaine finished presenting his ideas. He’d brought his laptop with a 3D presentation about how he envisioned the hospital based on the little information he had and also shared his portfolio with her.
“Thanks.”
She tilted her head. “Unfortunately, I met with Doug Benton yesterday. I’m friends with his wife, and I quite like his project.”
“Mine’s better,” he said, without needing to see Doug’s. His former friend never took risks, and his designs were not memorable or groundbreaking.
“His is cheaper. He may not be as famous as you, but he’s probably more available and…”
“Pick me. I’ll do it pro bono.”
Lara unfolded her arms, and he saw the bob in her throat making its way down. “That’s quite generous. I didn’t expect that. What’s the catch?”
He took a sip of red wine. “My brother Zachary Cavanaugh lost his battle with cancer when we were teenagers, and I want a wing named after him in exchange.”
“Ah.” She played with her fork. “I understand. I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Maybe you already had something in mind as far as naming the wings, but it’d mean a lot to me and my family. We’d be honored to be able to keep his memory alive,” he said, trying his hardest to keep the emotion out of his voice.
Lara gave him a warm smile, and he squared his shoulders. He certainly didn’t mention his brother to get any pity, but she needed to know his intentions—hell, it was part of his bargain. “By doing pro bono, you ensure the small fortune we would have paid you will benefit other areas. It’ll go toward the children. The board will approve you if I recommend you.”
I know. “Is that a yes?”
“One caveat,” she said, putting her fork to the side and rubbing her hands together. “Ashley has already talked to me, and I’m picking her to be the interior designer. I’ve enjoyed working with her in the past. I can ditch Doug, but I’d love to work with her. Do you have any objections?”
Oh, great. He’d agreed to keep working with Ashley on a few scheduled projects, but this was a monumental workload. After her visit at his house and her toxic friendship with Paula and all the strings attached, he’d prefer to talk to her as little as possible. “If I do?” he asked casually.
She dabbed at her mouth with the linen napkin. “Despite your incredibly generous offer, I’d have to think about it.”
Having to think about it meant she’d go to Doug and ask if he’d work pro bono. Shit, he might do it too, if only because Paula would tell him to. Best to nip it in the bud. “I’m okay with working with her. Ashley’s very talented,” he said, raising his glass.
She raised hers and tinkled it on his. “Perfect.”
For the rest of the lunch, she talked about dates, technicalities, and her team. When they returned to LA, she’d schedule a day to introduce him to the board, after they’d approved him as an architect. But the idea of working with Ashley on such a personal project tempered his excitement.
During the drive back to his hotel where he’d pick up Monique for some more sightseeing, he pondered. Ashley was a consummate professional—hell, she’d always prioritized her career. She excelled at what she did and deserved to get recognition for it.
Maybe she’d compartmentalize their bitter argument when he’d booted her out of his house and deal with it professionally. What if she refused to work with him and made up some stupid reasons? His gut clenched. A possibility, though his offering of pro bono surely had to tip the scale.
Chapter Twelve
“How did it go?” Monique asked when he walked into the suite.
His easy smile reached his eyes, telling her all she needed to know. She stood from the chair and rushed to kiss him. She’d imagined he’d do great, but she had a plan in place no matter what his news was.
“Confident, aren’t we?” he said, pointing to the champagne chilling in the bucket.
“I actually ordered it for myself, to prepare for the surprise.”
He put his briefcase on the chair and undid the top buttons on his shirt. Tilting his head to the side, he raised his brow, sizing up her robe. She’d slipped on the hotel-monogrammed robe to hide what she wore underneath.
Zaine removed his shirt. “What if I didn’t nail the deal?”
“Then you’d need a little pick-me-up to make you smile. Either way, you win with me.” We both win, she added inwardly.
“I like where you’re going with this.”
Damn him, the man had earned his ass fucking. And she looked forward to it. She pulled him by the hand, and he skeptically followed her, until she reached the working desk in the corner. She’d put the lube she brought on there, and also the leather-covered paddle. She’d never used one before, but if there was a man she trusted to use it, that’d be Zaine.
His gaze darted from her to the desk, and he beamed with approval when he spotted the lube. She watched him closely, hoping she hadn’t made a complete fool of herself by buying the paddle. It was wide and black and supposed to be a good toy for beginners.
“Interesting,” he said, picking up the device, running his long fingers on it. Specks of silver flickered in his eyes as he turned to her, his expression sober. “Take off your robe.”
She untied the knot at her waist, and then let it slide down. Her insides sizzled with anxiety and anticipation, and she suppressed a squeal. Down, girl. Relax.
She lifted her chin to him, her stomach curling. His jaw clenched, and he regarded her from top to bottom. It was too late to second-guess her schoolgirl outfit. The cropped white top that knotted below her breasts and brown and gold plaid skirt didn’t leave much to the imagination.
He tapped the paddle on his palm, holding it with intent. “Do you know why you’re here?” he asked.
A thrill of excitement ricocheted through her. “I cheated on my language exam,” she said, feigning innocence. When she’d been eighteen, she’d finally finished her last year of school in France. Back then, she’d had too many worries about her family and the drama of everyday life to fantasize about screwing an older man, much less a school director or principal. Today, she was in charge of her reality, and her fantasies. And, shit, it felt good to share them with Zaine. He didn’t judge her or try to change
that side of her.
“That’s right. We don’t allow cheating at this school.”
She cleared her throat. “I won’t do it again.”
He shook his head. “Not good enough. You need a good lesson to keep from sabotaging your future, young lady,” he said in a firm voice, and for a second she wondered if he had role-played this scene before. Because, damn, he knew how to do it.
“I promise—”
He took one step in her direction, towering over her. “You aren’t following protocol. Are you not wearing a bra?” he asked, pointing to her top.
Her pulse throbbed at the base of her throat. “I was in a hurry when I left home.”
“Take off your top. I want to see for myself how reckless you are.”
She unknotted the top, her tingly breasts bouncing free. They seemed heavier than usual, desire making them rise and fall as her breathing became more labored. She didn’t take it off, just opened it so he could see her tits.
A flicker of pure lust touched his eyes. He shook his head slowly, then sat his hands on his waist. “You’re a naughty, naughty girl, Monique. I should suspend you. Do you have any idea how distracted everyone will get with your perfect tits?”
“Are you distracted?” she asked, cocking her head down, regarding the bulge in his pants.
“Yes, thanks to you, but I’ll straighten you up. On your knees, now.”
She swallowed, dropping to her knees. He narrowed the gap between them, keeping in character at all times, this stern version, one she began to appreciate. She wouldn’t like to date someone so stuffy, but within this fantasy, it worked. He unzipped in front of her, and when his gorgeous dick popped out, she palmed it, loving the feel of his warm flesh.
He groaned, and she didn’t waste time taking him inside her mouth, hungry for his cum. She licked him up and down, her tongue circling his delicious rod, then began to cup his heavy, smooth balls.
“Suck my balls,” he hissed.
Her attention turned to his balls, at first licking the scrotum, then taking each one of them into her mouth. He pulled at her ponytail, and the act sensitized her scalp like someone had lit it on fire. A moan escaped her lips when she switched balls, her pussy wetter than she could handle. She resumed touching his cock, running her hand up and down his length.
“Enough,” he rasped. “I want to fuck your mouth.”
He slid his cock inside her mouth again, but this time he set the pace, slamming into her. Stroking his cock, he thrust it inside her then retreated, only to return with a vengeance, mimicking the crazy rhythm he’d use later on her pussy. Or her ass.
She squared her shoulders, so excited. When he withdrew from her mouth, her head bobbed forward, and she blinked at him, confused.
“Stand up and bend over the desk.”
She followed suit, her legs trembling. “Why—”
“You need the principal to teach you a lesson. You cheated on your test, didn’t wear the bra, and sucked my cock like a pro. That’s not how a good girl behaves.”
“I told you I’m a bad girl,” she said, remembering the conversation they had before, unsure if she should bring it to this little pretend play or not.
“Yes, you are. That’s why you deserve what’s coming for you. Head down.”
She glanced at the dark oak table’s polished finish, her face so close to it she could smell lemony pine cleaner. Hips undulating, she found it impossible to keep from moving. He swatted her ass, and she jolted, a tingly ache quickly spreading across her cheek. Instead of delivering another smack, he kneaded her butt with both hands, caressing her until her skin warmed up for more.
Zings of need formed in her core. “What’s your punishment, principal? For fucking one of your students?”
He smacked her ass harder than the last time, but strangely she didn’t feel pain. A surge of excitement traveled in opposite sides of her body, washing over her in waves, causing her pussy to clench. A sinful pulse throbbed in her clit, and she fought the desire to touch herself. She knew he wouldn’t let her, not when he was in control—and she didn’t mind giving it to him, because she trusted him. Trusted in a way she couldn’t explain.
Trusted him with her body—with her heart.
“My punishment is having to wait to screw you.”
She bit her bottom lip. She wanted to shout he didn’t have to wait, but shit, she knew they’d both enjoy it more if they continued this crazy scene.
He grabbed the paddle and rubbed it between her legs. She arched on the desk, flattening her breasts, fogging the smooth surface with her ragged breath. Gently, he caressed her folds with the edge of the wide side, and the contact with the leather sent a ball of heat through her.
More of her pearly essence coated her folds, and she moaned, loving how sexy he made her feel. Her heart filled with joy, like she had found her home without knowing she’d been lost. She and Zaine fit together in so many ways.
The scent of her arousal and the new leather from the paddle blended into an intriguing fragrance, swirling around her. Sweat slicked her palms, and she struggled to keep her hands from sliding off the desk.
He pressed the paddle at her entrance and just kept it there, still. She sighed, finding comfort. When she relaxed, he withdrew it, and said with a steady voice, “Now it’s time for that punishment. I’ll spank you three times, one for each infraction. You’re ready?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
Smack. “One.”
She yelped as an ache much more intense than when he’d just used his hand pinched her cheek. She closed her eyes, her heart throbbing in her mouth. A rainbow of emotions flowed through her. The ache seared her flesh and brought an awareness that prickled and stung.
Smack. “Two.”
This time, electrifying tingles bolted from her spanked skin to the rest of her. She opened her eyes, moaning, absorbing every impact of his claim on her. A claim she didn’t want to end. The idea of saying goodbye to him, to them, pierced her heart. Tears brimmed at her eyes and she blinked them back, sucking in a breath and willing them away. This is about fun, not overthinking.
Smack. “Three.”
The last one pulled her from her thoughts, and though his hand seemed heavier, the last swat harder than the other two, she was grateful. It grounded her back to the present.
Zaine began to stroke her ass, offering some sort of massaging aftercare, and he blew on her hot cheeks. She sucked in a breath, all her senses overwhelmed and ignited.
He nudged her legs apart with his thigh, and she acquiesced. She heard him reaching for the tube of lube and squirting some of it out. “Easy,” he said, and he must have coated his fingers, for when he began to touch her ass, he did so smoothly.
“Monique, you’re driving me insane,” he said, and she heard the edge in his voice. “I’ve never felt like this before.”
The edge in his voice brought a crazy pounding to her pulse. Did he mean it, or had he said those words in the heat of the moment? I’ve never felt like this before. The words echoed in her ears, reverberating through her.
He thrust two fingers into her hole, and she jerked forward, already starting a trend to move on the desk, shifting her hips the way it suited her. But he was in control, dictating the rhythm, paving the way to his cock with his finger, the friction sending sizzles up her spine.
“Your ass is amazing. I can’t wait any longer… I need to make every part of you mine.”
Every single part? Even my heart? She sighed, his words and actions making her lightheaded. Truth was, she couldn’t wait for him to take every part of her, either. Damn it…she cared for Zaine, against her carefully crafted rationalizations and plans.
Excited, she rocked her hips into his hand, and he thrust his digits deeper into her, manipulating her back entrance. Desire dimmed her vision, and she closed her eyes, enhancing the intensity of the amazing sensations inside her.
When he positioned the tip of his cock into her hole, she arched to
ward him, as if she’d been waiting for a lot longer. Damn it, she was so ready…so ready for him.
“You okay, baby?” he asked, and she could have kissed him for breaking character and showing her that, despite their role-play, he wanted her to be a part of everything. His pleasure was useless if she didn’t experience it, too.
“Yes. Yes,” she repeated, feeling him enter her tight channel. He did so slowly at first, probably giving her time to get accustomed to his fullness, then he ran a hand down her spine, causing little shivers of awareness.
With surprising tenderness, he traced the back of her neck down to her lower back, caressing her skin, helping her relax and melt into his touch. When he intensified his plunges, the friction seared her flesh, and tingles shot up her body, little invisible sparks of fire clogging her throat.
Their ragged breathing and the sound of him slamming in and out of her filled the place as he continued to stroke her back, and then moved it to her front. With a groan, he cupped her breasts, and she moaned as a primitive sensation overpowered her. He teased her, pinching her nipples, the buds becoming harder and tighter under his mastery.
When he kissed her ear, and she felt his sweat-slicked body so close to her, his fingers touching her tits as his cock slammed into her ass…it became too much. Strands of climax surged through her and she called his name. Her heart slammed against her ribcage, her pulse so fast she couldn’t keep up with it. Didn’t want to. Throwing her head back, she moaned one last time, letting the powerful current of pleasure claim her.
…
Zaine gave his heart enough time to resume its normal rhythm, quite a difference from the insane thrumming from minutes earlier. He’d experienced one of the most sensational orgasms of his life, and assumed Monique enjoyed it as much.
Who knew the day would turn out like this?
The lunch with Lara popped up in his mind and he ran his hand down his face. Shit. The harsh reality dawned on him. He’d have to work with Ashley and put up with her being butt-hurt about Monique. Hopefully she’d find a man to date soon, or another way to occupy her mind and leave the subject alone.
Good Girls Like it Dirty Page 11