“You won’t.”
God fucking damn. Fireworks burst over his body from her hand breaching his waistband, touching his most sensitive skin with urgent strokes. He swears through gritted teeth. “No. You’re still recovering. I’m too heavy.”
“I want you inside me. Please don’t make me beg.”
The desperate longing in her whisper matches his own. Unable to resist any longer, he nods against her dainty throat. “Fine. But we’re doing this my way. I’m in control.”
That generates the ‘fuck you’ smirk he’d give up everything he owns to see. Too fucking rebellious to submit to him, never letting him dominate her. In the bedroom or any place else. But, this time she’s going to. The only way they can truly move from being just fuck buddies to a genuine relationship. To break down the final barrier between them.
With her wanton gaze tracking his every move, he climbs off the bed and shrugs out of the rest of his clothes before kneeling between her spread legs. Gliding his forearm under her thighs, he gently lifts her and slides off her panties and skirt. Baring her to him physically and emotionally. All her trauma on display.
Her chest heaves, heavy breaths permeating the bedroom, while he holds her hands against the mattress to keep her from covering herself. He dips down, softly kissing the damage to her torso. “I’m so fucking sorry I let him get to you.”
“No, Max.” Thick hair rustles against the pillowcase as her head twists and she struggles against his tight grip. “Don’t do this.”
He knows how much she fucking hates this, being so exposed. Both of them naked, emotional, completely vulnerable to each other. But, it's the only way to reach her. To make her listen. To force her to hear his confession. “I’m so fucking sorry I left you when you needed me the most.”
His lips press against the longest line, still red and angry after all this time. A permanent reminder of her sacrifice and his failure. “I thought I was doing the right thing. I know now I’ve never been more fucking wrong.”
A hoarse cry overtakes her body, all the fight leaving her as she falls limp against the sheets. The grief still raw from what she endured. Bad enough from Oscar, but even fucking worse because of what he himself did to her. “I’m so fucking sorry I hurt you."
He meets her gaze, glistening with what he hopes is acceptance of his commitment to her. And to them. "Please forgive me and let me spend the rest of my life making it up to you."
Releasing her wrists, he rubs over the delicate skin before letting go. Scared as hell it’s for the last time. Waiting for the verdict only she can decide.
"I do." Slender fingers clutch his hands, drawing him toward her. “I’m yours.”
Almost coming undone from her raspy acknowledgment, he lies down next to her, giving her a gentle kiss. With his head still swimming from the booze, all the sensations of her wash over him. Breathing in her lavender scent as deeply as his first newborn breath. Letting her essence surround them. Enjoying his first feeling of true peace in three months from her soft touch. He needs more. Everything. All of her. Now.
"Trust me." He winks at her eyebrow raise, and caresses her shoulders before slowly rolling her on to her side. “You okay?”
“Yes.”
The silky skin of her back burrows into his chest, releasing the last of his torment and stoking the fire only she creates. His hands slide around her torso, palming her heavy breasts, still amazed how perfectly they fit into his hands. Circling around the taut tips, over and over, before rolling the nipples between his thumbs and forefinger as she arches, her gasp fading to a throaty moan. He kisses the cashmere skin on her shoulder. "Miss me much?"
"Fuck you."
The laughter shakes both of them, his dick springing to full life from her flippancy. "Patience, baby. I plan to do exactly that to you.”
Fingers trace down her quivering stomach, to the throbbing between her legs. Feather light caresses up and down her silky folds, teasingly close to her pulsing nub. A smile lifts his mouth at her hips thrusting forward, following his strokes, seeking the pressure she desires on the neglected peak. But, he can’t give in to her just yet.
So fucking hot she's already wet for him. He curls a single finger inside and then another, readying her for him. It's been too damn long since he’s been inside her heaven, but he can't rush her. Can't treat her like she's anything but his whole world to cherish and love. She clutches his forearm as he dips deeper, brushing her favorite spot.
“So, so good.”
The tremble in her voice signals her tipping point and he pulls out, tweaking her taut clit. Falling over the edge, she pulses in his arms and drags the comforter to her mouth making him chuckle again. Always needing to bite.
Still vibrating against him, he grips her thigh, adjusting her leg to position himself between her soft folds. Fighting the urge to drive hard inside her, he glides in just the tip, forcing himself to let her adjust before pushing all the way in. Shivers rock his body from the slow thrusts, attempting to keep a controlled pace. But her sweet ass grinds against his hips, urging him deeper, giving him permission to take her completely. Unable to hold back, he grasps her hip and plunges hard, welcoming her moans of pleasure as he fully seats himself inside her.
Her body ebbs and flows against him, arching before meeting him again. Almost overloading him with her responsiveness to his touch. To his heartfelt affection. He presses his lips to her earlobe. "I don’t give a fuck if it’s wrong, you’re mine. You belong with me, and I won’t ever let you go.”
Her fingernails dig in the back of his head, pulling his cheek against hers.
"I love you, Max."
She drives him to the final brink with her acceptance of his claim on her, from her strained panting warming his skin. He brings his hand to her mouth. Still slick with her arousal, he rubs across her soft lips. A moan rips from his chest from her sucking his finger into her mouth, her teeth sinking into his skin. Both his chest and his dick explode at her release. "I love you too."
Chapter 21
“Oh my God! Is that her?” Holly peers closer, her rapid breaths fogging the glass before turning back to Gina. A huge smile fills her assistant’s face before she squeals. “Shae Armstrong’s actually here!”
She can’t help grin at the college student’s excitement. “She’s just a regular person. No need to go crazy.”
Attempting to dissuade her is pointless. Holly shivers and rushes out of the office, her heels clicking down the metal stairs. She shakes her head and steps to the window. Only a flutter of purple fabric peeks through the army of Nick’s men surrounding the entryway after Shae steps out of the limo and he ushers her inside. Wonderful friends to support her on the biggest night of her career. Yet, there's one person she wants to see even more.
But, he's been evasive all day, her late-afternoon call to him going straight to voicemail. He swore he would be here. No reason to doubt his promise. Yet, a trickle of worry creeps into her chest at his absence from guarding Shae. That’s a commitment he will never break again.
A murmur of voices greets her as she steps onto the balcony overlooking the once-neglected storefront, now repurposed into an eclectic studio. Breathing life back into the neighborhood as well as her spirit. She indulges herself, savoring the moment. Bright lights and thumping bass accentuate the paintings and the energetic vibe of the artists making their debuts. Just like her, marking her first night as a full-fledged gallery owner.
She really did it. All by herself. Without her father’s power or influence or money. Her stomach dips a little. Or his encouragement.
After everything she’s accomplished, he’s still unable to think of her as a grown woman who can make her own decisions and recover from her own mistakes. But no matter how much he doubts her, this launch isn’t one of them. Neither is Max. And her dad’s lack of confidence in her choices won’t ruin her premiere or her relationship.
Huge hands slide around her waist, and she jumps before warmth engulfs her back from
his broad chest pressing against her. So damn sneaky. And too fucking sexy to be mad at. But he doesn’t have to know that.
"Like a queen reigning over her kingdom."
His lips brush the nape of her neck, heat racing from his mouth through her core to pebble her nipples and dampen her panties. Damn. He owns her with only the slightest touch. Willing to forget the entire evening if he'd bend her over the railing and let her come undone underneath him. "This event is invitation only."
Proof of his need grinds against her ass, his fingers gliding up her quivering thigh until a breathless moan escapes her mouth from his insistent stroke across the silk between her thighs. "Here's my RSVP. Will that satisfy your notification requirements?"
"I guess it will have to do."
A small chuckle vibrates against her skin, already tingling with goosebumps as he breaches the fabric and circles her throbbing clit aching for more. "Good. Because I'm ready to celebrate with you."
Attempting to fight the desire to let her knees weaken from his finger slipping inside her, teasing her favorite spot, she stiffens her legs and shakes her head. "You missed your chance. I don't like voicemail."
Hot breath flames her shoulder again. "Then I have a different present for you."
She forces herself not to squeal like a little kid. But an unexpected gift launches butterflies in her stomach like the flutters of first love. That heady excitement building between them now that they both accept they belong together. She shrugs slightly. "Oh yeah?"
"Yeah." He spins her around. His expression more serious than she expects after their playfulness. "I want you to know how proud I am of you. The past few months have been fucking crazy shitty but you've still worked your ass off to make your dream come true."
Swallowing hard, she manages a small smile. Hearing his praise more intoxicating than his body pressing against hers. "Thank you."
“I know you said you don’t ever want to get married again.” His gaze bores into hers, slaying her with his intensity. “Although I’m never going to give up trying. But, until then, you need something to show everyone you belong to me. You’re mine.”
Mine.
A shiver runs through her from his growling possessiveness. All she ever wanted. Now finally real. With the man she loves. Who loves her. Unconditionally. Completely. Perfectly.
Her heart races from the box he pulls from his pocket and slowly opens. An orange diamond lays nestled in platinum, the metal molded into fingers curling around the edge of the stone. Another set of hands create the border of the pendent.
“It’s beautiful.”
His fingertip brushes the round jewel, flaming as it catches the light. “Lily.”
Her chest contracts as tears prick her eyes. He taps the first curved fingers. “You.” And then glides to the hands holding both of them. “Me.”
Sobs burn in her throat and she gives up fighting their release, letting the bittersweet joy engulf her. This amazing man entwines her past and their present, forever joining them together. Not making her choose between the two people who fill her heart.
“We’ve had to go through hell to get to this point, and there were too many fucking times I thought it would never happen. Now, all I want to do is put the past behind us and focus on the future.” His gaze locks with hers, never wavering as he lifts the necklace from the velvet and fastens the chain behind her neck. He strokes over her shoulders, trembling under his gentle touch. “But I promise I won’t ever ask you to forget about her. She’s as much a part of you as I hope I am. I love you, and I swear to God I’m never giving you up again.”
Her arms coil around him, pulling him closer. Breathing him in. Absorbing his essence. Letting go of everything else but him. All she can manage is a whisper. “I love you, too.”
After a long minute, he kisses the top of her head. “Time to enjoy your party.”
“Yes, it is.”
She looks up, welcoming the love reflecting back in his eyes. Pure and absolute. Just like she feels for him. Pushing up on tiptoes, she grasps his lapels and draws him down. Her mouth crashes into his, her body arching against him from his fingers gliding through her hair holding her place, deepening the kiss. He moans as her tongue collides with his, and he breaks away, panting into her cheek.
“Damn, G. I want you too, but I can’t make love to you with all those people downstairs waiting for you.”
“Fine, you don’t have to.” Her teeth graze his earlobe, reminding him exactly what she wants to do to him. “Just fuck me.”
“Come on, Gin…”
The reprimand slurs her name into a groan when her fingers curl around his dick straining against his pants. Yep, he’s hers. Desire flashes in his eyes and his hands slide up her legs and under her ass lifting her up. Her legs instantly wrap around his waist, grinding against his hardness.
His grip tightens, his body throbbing under her thighs clenching around him. “What are you doing to me?”
“Exactly what you want.”
“Fuck, yes it is. But I have another surprise for you, and I don’t want to get caught by my mother with my fucking pants down.”
She pauses from nuzzling his neck at his bad joke and lifts off his chest. A mischievous smile greets her. “Your mom?”
“Millie and Gabby too. They wanted to be here for your big night.”
Damn it. He’s going to make her fucking cry again. She has got to stop being so damn weepy. But knowing they care about her, enough to come all this way. That he loves her enough he wants her to be a part of his family. The final proof reflecting the depth of his feelings. Returning his sentiment, she shakes his biceps. “I can’t believe it. When do they get here?”
A huge laugh rips from his mouth, obviously enjoying her excitement from his secret. “About an hour.”
“Thank you.” Cupping his face, she presses her lips to his. A chaste kiss that keeps them both out of trouble. “I love it, and I love you.”
He lets her slide down and smooth her skirt. The huge grin on his face never wanes as he watches her. “This is all you, G. Enjoy it. You’ve earned it and you deserve it.”
Heat flames her cheeks. He’s the only one who can make her blush. “Okay.”
“I’m going to check on their flight.” He gestures with the phone in his hand. “Then I’ll meet you down there.”
With a quick caress across his jaw, she strides out of her office and down the steps. Making her way through the crowd, she waves and smiles but keeps her focus directed toward the harsh yet accurate critic she hoped would attend. Dry lips press on each cheek, the richness of his woodsy cologne wafting from his collar. “Thanks for coming, Victor.”
“Of course. You intrigued me, and you were right. At least five out of six. Not too bad, Gina. Not bad at all. You’ve got a good eye.”
Her assistant steps closer and offers them champagne flutes. The young woman attuned to the burgeoning success from their conversation. “Thank you, Holly.” She clinks her glass against his. “I’m glad you approve. They’re all prepped to speak with you, whatever access you need. But, let me tell David myself.”
An approving nod before he smirks. “If you knew, why’d you show him?”
Because she’s a fucking soft heart when it comes to artists whose enthusiasm outweighs their talent. But, Victor can’t know that. The hard ass reputation she’s honed must remain intact. Now it’s her turn to smirk before she whispers in his ear. “Because he’s more talented with his tongue than his brush.”
The smug veneer cracks, and she tips her head to him, his laughter following her as she strides to the people she’s even more anxious to see. Nick’s huge hands encircle her friend’s stomach, holding his wife against his chest while she talks with one of Gina’s most promising sculptors. The line between obsessive and protective as blurry as ever.
Nick nods over Shae’s head at her. With Andy standing guard a few feet away, Nick’s expression conveys a relaxation she hasn’t seen in a long time. Fuck, he might a
ctually be smiling. She’s not the only one finally happy after the hell they’ve all been through.
Shae steps out of her husband’s embrace and hugs her. "Congratulations! It looks like your launch is a huge success."
“Thank you.” She squeezes her tight, relishing the friendship she's finally allowed herself to accept. “I’m pleased how it turned out.”
“I love your necklace.” Mischief dances in Shae’s eyes, enjoying the fun of being in on the secrets. “Is it new?”
Her fingers brush across the pendant, her heart swelling at the reminder of his affection. “Was it your idea?”
“No, he told me about it but he came up with the design all by himself. It turned out beautiful.”
“I think so too.”
Shae’s face lights up even brighter. “And, I can’t wait to meet his family. I’m sure--”
“Excuse me, Gina.” They both turn to her assistant, her flushed face lined with worry. “I’m so sorry to interrupt but the guys can’t find where the extra shipping crates were stored and the caterer is freaking out and needs to talk with you.”
“Okay. I’ll be right back.” She gives her friend a reassuring smile and follows Holly’s quick strides to the rear conference room doubling as a staging area. Easy problems to resolve compared to the normal chaos churning in their lives. But, no worries. Nothing and no one will ruin this perfect night.
*****
Max walks up just as Gina strides away, the sway in her hips driving straight to his groin. Damn, she's fucking sexy. She gives him a wink before leaning into her assistant. The young woman talks furiously in Gina’s ear while they hustle toward the back. Poor girl needs to take a breath before she hyperventilates.
He head bobs Andy and accepts Shae’s hug while Nick remains engrossed in his phone call.
“All your scheming worked. Gina’s so happy with her surprises.” Her tiny hand squeezes his. "She's a lucky lady to have such a wonderful man like you."
Truth About Tequila (Surviving Absolution #3) Page 18