She was over the whole “friend” thing. She was ready to move to the next level. The only problem was; all of her subtle attempts to tell him had gone unnoticed. Short of knocking him to the ground and having her wicked way with him, which was fast becoming option number one, she wasn’t sure what to do. Sure, Mateo limited when and where she’d do the attacking, but he was a good sleeper. His nightmares were few and far between now.
Unlike hers.
With a sigh, she stood and walked into the attached bathroom to take a shower. She checked the clock as she moved back into the bedroom, toweling her hair dry. Just after five a.m. No use trying to go back to sleep. She dressed, and grabbing the nanny cam monitor, made her way down to Mateo’s room, checking in on him before walking down to the kitchen. Moving in here had been a great idea, sexual frustration notwithstanding. She felt so much safer living here than she had in the apartment.
She made herself a coffee and sat on the window seat.
“You’re up early,” Aedan said with a smile as he walked into the kitchen.
What did he have to be so happy about? Obviously he wasn’t spending his nights locked in erotic dreams about her. Bastard.
Okay, grouchy much?
“What do you want for breakfast? Eggs?” He opened the fridge and pulled out a carton of eggs and some juice.
“I’m not hungry.”
“That wasn’t an option,” he said easily.
“I’m not in the mood to be handled this morning, Aedan.”
He paused and studied her. “You’re still not sleeping well.”
“What makes you think that?” Did she look that awful?
“You look exhausted.”
“So I look like shit?”
He frowned and moved over to her. Standing close, he folded his arms over his chest. “That’s not what I said. What’s going on?”
“I think I’d like to take Mateo to the park on my own.”
Wait. What? Had she really just said that?
Aedan took a seat next to her. “You sure you’re ready for that?”
No. But she was sick of living with this fear and she needed to do something to help get past it. To get her life moving again.
“Nope. But I’m not sure I ever will be.”
“You don’t have to push yourself into anything you’re not ready for. It’s only been four months. You need to take things slow.”
“I’m sick of taking things slow.” She banged her fist down on her thigh. “I’m tired of living with fear. I don’t want to wait anymore. I’m fed up with being the crazy woman who jumps at her own shadow!”
“You have to be patient, Natalya.”
“When have you ever known me to be patient?” she asked with a wry grin.
“Well, that’s true. But there is no point in pushing yourself into something you’re not ready for.”
“But I am ready.” She turned toward him. “I want you, Aedan.”
“What?” He looked shocked.
“I want you. I want to fuck you. I want to lick every goddamn inch of you. I want to screw you until our brains explode.”
“Ahh, I think I’ll come back later.”
Natalya turned to stare in horror at Declan, who was standing in the doorway. He winked at her.
“Get out,” Aedan said in a tight voice, not taking his gaze from her.
Declan quickly left. Wow, that was embarrassing.
“Natalya, are you sure?” Aedan asked.
“Yes, I’m damn well sure. I’m not fragile, Aedan. I know I must seem that way to you. But I know what I want and I want you.”
“About fucking time,” he muttered, before he took her into his arms and kissed her.
It was a soul-stealing, toe-curling, scorching kiss that turned her body to mush. He pulled her onto his lap, his hands holding her tightly against his firm body.
Flames licked through her body, setting her blood aflame, as arousal flooded her senses. Her world narrowed to him. His touch. His scent. His need.
Aedan could scarcely believe that he finally had her back in his arms. This friend shit was damn hard work. So many times she’d brushed past him, smiled at him, hell, just looked his way, and his cock had surged to attention. He’d had to hold himself back from taking her into his arms and storming off to his bedroom to fuck her.
Knowing it wasn’t the time or the place, he still couldn’t resist cupping her breast with his hand.
Oh fuck yeah.
He felt like an addict who’d rediscovered his drug of choice after a long, long dry period.
“Aedan, please,” she begged. “Take me.”
“God, I would like nothing more.” He stood with her held tightly in his arms, where she belonged.
“Mama?” Mateo asked, as he walked into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes.
Aedan glanced down at Natalya, who appeared as dejected as he felt. “Later,” he whispered. “Once the monkey has gone to bed.”
She nodded, smiling up at him.
Aedan released her. “I was just about to make breakfast, buddy. What would you like?”
“Ice cream!”
“No ice cream.” Natalya gave them both a stern look.
Aedan winced. He’d only fed the kid ice cream once for breakfast and dealing with the result had surely been punishment enough. Who knew one small boy could have so much destructive energy? Aedan had been exhausted by the time Mateo had run out of steam.
“I’ll just scramble some eggs,” he said hastily.
Natalya sent him a small wink. His cock surged painfully.
It was going to be a very long day.
Chapter Eleven
Natalya nervously studied the park, trying to spot any threats. What had she been thinking, insisting that she wanted to come here with Mateo alone? She wasn’t ready for this. Nausea bubbled in her stomach as she shifted her weight from foot to foot. The back of her neck itched. Someone was watching her. She was sure of it.
You’re being silly. No one is watching you.
Mateo waved at her as he ran by, thoroughly enjoying himself.
She forced herself to wave back even as she longed to reach out and snatch him.
“Your little boy is so cute.”
With a gasp, she jumped and turned to stare at the woman standing beside her. She was dressed in jeans and a sweater; her long, mousy hair pulled back into a ponytail.
“Sorry, did I scare you?” the other woman asked curiously. She pointed at the kids. “My daughter loves the slide. I’m going to have a hell of a time getting her off it.”
Natalya quickly turned back to the children. How could she have taken her gaze off Mateo?
She slumped in relief as she saw him over by the swings.
“Umm, I have to go.” She knew she was being rude, but she didn’t care. She’d had enough. This had been a terrible idea. She wasn’t ready.
“Mateo, we’re going home.”
“No.”
“Mateo,” she said sternly. “Come here please.”
“No.” He glared at her, his lower lip poking out. She wasn’t about to give in to him though. Not only because her fear was close to bubbling over, but because he needed firm boundaries. If she let him, Aedan would spoil him terribly. She needed to have a word with him about setting rules and sticking to them.
“Mateo, I’m going to count to three. One…two…th—”
Mateo raced over toward her.
“Good boy.” Thank God he hadn’t let her get to three. She didn’t relish racing around the park to catch him.
“Ice cream?” Mateo asked.
“No ice cream, it’s time for lunch.”
“No fun.”
No, this wasn’t fun at all.
***
Aedan answered his cell quickly. “Declan? Everything okay?”
“All good. They’re both home safe and sound. They left the park abruptly though, and Mateo looked upset.”
Aedan didn’t feel guilty about sending Declan to secret
ly watch over Natalya and Mateo. He didn’t think someone would actually try to hurt them. All the men who’d been involved with Mateo’s kidnapping had been taken care of.
However, he didn’t want Mateo or Natalya always looking over their shoulders, constantly worried that someone might hurt them. There were so many crazies around; he was just trying to protect them.
He’d sent Declan to watch over them because even though Natalya might be ready to do this on her own, he wasn’t. He’d give them the illusion of being alone, but he took his vow to take care of them seriously. He would never risk their safety.
“All right, I’ll head home.” He was due in a meeting, but nothing came before his family.
“I don’t think that’s necessary. They’re both having a rest.”
“All right.” He checked his watch. “I should be home just before dinner.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll look after them until you get back.”
***
Aedan slowly walked into his house. He felt so old today. He’d planned on getting home much earlier, but there had been a crisis in London that had needed his attention, and he’d spent the last few hours dealing with it. He’d much rather have been wrapped up in Natalya’s arms.
Maybe it was time to pull back permanently. His staff had proven themselves more than capable over the past few months, and he finally had something worth being at home for.
Shedding his jacket, he placed it in the hall closet. Leaning down, he picked Mateo’s jacket off the floor and hung that up as well.
Hopefully, Natalya was still awake. He really wanted to take up where they’d left things that morning.
Aedan walked into the living room, his body tightening as he spotted her on the sofa, the television playing softly in the background. As soon as she saw him, she smiled, her brown eyes warming.
“Damn, I have been looking forward to coming home to you all day.” He strode over and picking her up, sat back on the sofa with her on his lap.
He cupped her cheek and kissed her leisurely.
“Hmm, that was worth waiting for,” she murmured.
“The only thing that would have made it better is if you were naked.”
She grinned. “Might give Declan a shock if he walked in.”
“He’ll stay far away if he knows what’s good for him,” Aedan replied, sitting her up so he could strip off her t-shirt.
She wasn’t wearing a bra. There was a God.
Natalya closed her eyes as Aedan cupped her breast, pinching the nipple lightly. Her head swam, buzzing with need.
“That feels amazing. I’ve been dreaming about this,” she confessed, opening her eyes to stare up at him.
“Have you? And have you been using your vibrator while you were dreaming about me?”
Oh Lord, he wasn’t going to make her confess, was he?
“Natalya?” he growled, rolling her nipple between his finger and thumb. A jolt of sensation slammed through her body, landing on her clit.
“I don’t want to tell you.”
He pushed her pants down over her hips. “I am definitely placing a ban on underwear.”
“Not going to happen, buddy.”
“Naughty brat. You definitely need to be punished.”
He pushed his hand beneath her underwear, his running his finger up and down her slick folds. Natalya bit her lip to stop herself from begging for more. Drawing his finger free, he held it up with a lascivious smile.
Natalya watched as he licked his fingers, her whole body tightening with need. She looked longingly at his skilled fingers and that wicked tongue. What she wouldn’t give to have his tongue licking her clit right now.
“Oh, you should see your face. You need this badly, don’t you, lovely?”
“Yes.”
“I want you to stay nice and still,” he told her. Aedan returned his fingers to her pussy, strumming her clit before thrusting two fingers deep inside her. She arched, groaning as he brushed her clit with his thumb.
“Tut-tut, very naughty,” he murmured.
“I’d like to see you stay still if I was playing with your cock.”
He grinned. “Am I being too demanding, lovely? Would you like me to back off?” He removed his fingers from her pussy and she grabbed his wrist, holding him still.
“No, wait. I’ll be good. I’ll be good. Promise,” she told him frantically.
“I’m sure you will be,” he murmured, before pushing his fingers deep inside her once more. He circled her clit with his thumb, driving her insane. A soft sweat covered her body as she grew hotter, wilder. Small, electric pulses raced over her skin.
Closing her eyes, she gave herself over to the sensuality of his touch. His scent made her head swim, and her breath come in fast, low pants.
Dios mío, she was so close. So close… he drew back, denying her the fall over into bliss. Natalya growled in frustration, opening her eyes to glare up at him. What did he think he was up to?
“What are you doing?” she questioned as he stood, picking her up in his arms.
“Taking this upstairs.”
“You could have let me come first.”
His grin was wicked. “I don’t think so, lovely. You’re being punished, remember?”
“What? No! Can’t you just spank me or something?”
“You want a spanking?” he asked, as he walked them into his bedroom.
“Yes! Spank me.” It would be over quick and then they could get back to where they’d left off.
He set her down on her feet and drew off her pants and underwear. Then he sat on the bed, still fully dressed, and drew her over his lap.
“Ahh, you know, I’m not sure—” she began.
He laid a small slap on her right butt cheek. She barely even felt it. Another spank hit the other cheek. She peered over her shoulder at him. “Seriously? You call that a spanking? Ow!” she yelped as he gave her a hard slap. “That hurt.”
“Isn’t that what you wanted? You’re calling the shots here.”
“I don’t want to call the shots.” She trusted Aedan to look after her if she let him take control.
He paused, staring down at her, meeting her gaze. “You’re sure?”
“I’m sure,” she panted. “Take control. Take me.”
“With pleasure.”
Aedan smacked his hand down three more times before pausing to rub the heat into her skin. The sting evolved into a burning desire that had her pussy throbbing. She’d never been spanked like this before.
Turns out, it was a total turn-on.
“Part your legs,” Aedan commanded. He placed his hand between her thighs, cupping her pussy. “Does being spanked turn you on, lovely?”
She couldn’t answer. She couldn’t admit it, could she?
Another smack landed. Then two more. Without meaning to, she let out a low moan of pleasure.
“I’ll keep spanking until you answer me,” Aedan drawled, massaging her stinging ass.
“Oh,” she cried as he thrust a finger deep inside her pussy.
“Your body can’t lie. But I want to hear it from your mouth. Does being spanked turn you on?”
Another three spanks.
“Yes,” she told him, knowing she couldn’t take much more. The need to come was overwhelming.
“Good girl,” he praised, as he ran his finger through her folds, gathering up her moisture.
He spread her ass cheeks and she tensed. What the hell was he doing?
“Relax,” he ordered. He brushed his damp finger over her asshole. “I have a little toy for this delightful asshole. Would you like that, lovely? Would you like to have a plug inside you?”
“I don’t know.”
“I think you would.” He pushed the tip of his finger inside her. “So damn hot. I can’t wait to take you here.”
“You won’t fit.”
“I will. I promise. I’d never do anything to harm you.”
“I know.”
He slid her off his lap onto
the bed. “Lie in the middle of the bed. Arms above your head.”
Natalya kept one eye on him as she shifted into position. Her breath caught as she saw the handcuffs in his hand.
“Arm out.”
Holding out his hand, Aedan waited patiently until she moved. He attached one cuff to her wrist, running the chain behind one of the rails in the headboard. She raised her other hand without being asked and he locked the other cuff on.
“Okay?” he asked, brushing his fingers down her cheek.
“I trust you.”
He didn’t know when it had happened, he hadn’t just woken up one morning this way, but he trusted her as well. It had been a gradual thing, something that had developed as they’d slowly gotten to know each other again.
This time around they were stronger. They knew they had to work at some things. Aedan no longer hid parts of himself from her, and Natalya was working on opening herself up more.
Aedan smiled then kissed her. He drew away from her lips to kiss his way down her neck to her breasts.
“Aedan, oh hell,” she cried as he licked, bit, and sucked on her nipple. He swapped to her other nipple, and she arched her hips up. Her body was on fire; need swamped all of her senses. That damn vibrator he’d bought her couldn’t even come close to this.
“Please, don’t torture me,” she cried out.
“Ahh, but you’ve been naughty, haven’t you?”
“You just spanked me.”
“Only because you asked me to.” His grin was devilish as she gaped at him.
Aedan almost laughed out loud at her disgruntled expression.
“Oh no lovely, I’ve got something else planned for you.”
“You bastard.” The look on her face told him she was dreaming of ways to remove his balls from his body. Tying her up had been an excellent idea. He kissed his way down her stomach.
“Spread your legs.”
“If you promise I’m going to come.”
“Oh, you’ll come.” Just not any time soon.
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