You Can Always Go Home

by Rogers, Desiree

  The soft steady beat of the drums and the low wail of the saxophone swept through her, her heart slowing to the rhythm. He pulled her to him, her thighs brushing against his as their bodies fitted together, her head nestled in the crook of his neck. His scent, a heady mix of testosterone, smoke and oak floated up, tickling her nostrils with the warm, spicy smell of his skin. She wanted to burrow closer, feel his body up close to hers.

  The yearning for what they’d had was a sharp pain in her chest and she tried to ignore it. She’d craved him, yearned to be close to someone who made her feel safe and protected and wanted. Squeezing her eyes shut against the pain, she wished that she’d married him, been with him the last two years. The steady thumping of his heart in her ear set off a string of shivers through her body as she realized what that meant.

  “You ok?” Luciano murmured, his large, sizzling hands ran down her back, brushing lightly over the swell of her buttocks.

  “Mmmm...” her voice muffled as she moved closer to his body, her arms wrapping around his neck in a tight grip.

  His hands cupped the back of her neck and Alexina whimpered in the back of her throat as his blunt fingers massaged her scalp, gentle and sensuous in their attentions. The wonderful feel of his body was going to her head, making her dizzy with desire.

  “This makes me think back to prom.” Voice gruff, Luciano spoke into her hair.

  “We didn’t go to prom.”

  “I know.”

  Alexina tilted her head back, puzzled at the bite in his voice. She suddenly found herself unable to move as his head lowered to hers.

  “I don’t think this is such a good idea.” She was breathless, her body quaking as his lips closed on hers.

  “I do.” He murmured, inches away from his mouth. Her tongue flicked out, licking at her dry lips. A harsh groan tore from his throat as he crushed his mouth against hers.

  Her mouth opened beneath his, eager for a taste. She pressed closer, her nipples hardening as they rubbed against his chest through the thin fabric of her dress. His tongue swept in, warm and moist as it danced in her mouth. She tried to whimper with need, but his mouth swallowed the sound, deepening the kiss as he did so. His hand skimmed down her back, cupping and massaging her buttocks. She wanted him closer, wanted to crawl into his shirt and stay there forever. One hand slipped between the buttons on his shirt, connecting with hard muscle.

  He pulled back, his breathing heavy and his hands tight on her back. “Let’s get out of here.”

  She stared up at him mutely, her mind still hazy with desire. She nodded, walking on shaky legs back to their table, his hand warm on her back.

  ~***~

  When they pulled up in front of his house, the exterior lights blazing, Alexina had to take several deep breaths to keep her heart in her chest. She hid it behind a bright smile as he came around to open the car door for her. Her hand tucked into the crook of his arm, they walked towards the front door. The feeling of de ja vu that swept over had her gripping Luciano’s arm tighter, causing him to look over at her. He didn’t say anything, only watched her a moment, before turning back to the front door and opening it for her.

  Instead of leading her into the living room like last time, he led her straight to the kitchen, only turning on the dim lights under the cabinets to light the way. Her legs stopped by the island, the air suddenly humming with some unexplained energy. She heard him walk up behind her.

  “You want something to drink?” a blunt finger traced up her spine.

  “A corona?” it wasn’t really what she wanted, it was just something to help calm the nerves that were starting to spring up.

  A smile creased his rugged face, before he turned and walked to the refrigerator.

  Why was she so nervous? She’d been married before, dated before that. What was so different this time? It was Luciano, that’s what was different. The man she’d used as a measuring stick for all other men, even Donald. None had been able to fill that place in her heart, soothe the ache left by his absence.

  Luciano came back, a corona in one hand, a scotch in the other. He took a sip, handing her the bottle.

  “Let’s go into the living room.” He nodded towards the other room, waiting for her as she turned and headed out.

  He strolled in behind her, turning the lights down and the music on low. Soft music, Diana Krall’s sultry voice, slipped through the speakers. Nervous, Alexina stopped short of the couch, remembering the last time she’d sat on this couch and the embarrassing outcome. His movements slow and leisurely, Luciano traced his fingers down her spine, stopping at the mole on her back. Chills ran up her spine and she had to bite back a whimper low in her throat.

  “I remember this mole.”

  She shivered as his breath ghosted over her neck.

  “I still see it in my dreams sometimes.” his mouth nipped at her earlobe. He took the drink out of her hand, setting it on the coffee table beside his, before straightening and pressing his firm body against her soft back.

  She turned to say something, only to find herself in his arms, his face close. Hands braced on his forearms, the breath caught in her throat as he lowered his face to her neck, puffs of hot air on her skin. His hands burned through the fabric of her dress as they cupped her buttocks, pulling her closer. Another whimper escaped when his lips pressed against the thumping vein in her neck. Her body shivered with pleasure, breasts tingling as they pressed up against his chest, his mouth leaving a trail of scorching wetness as it moved over her.

  “There are other things from that night that pop up in my dreams.” His voice rumbled in his chest, low and earthy.

  “Luc...” she couldn’t remember what else she’d been about to say, falling silent as he nipped at her neck gently.

  “I especially remember your taste.” He murmured, mouth tracing over her jaw line. Her arms moved up, wrapping around his neck, her head leaning to the side to give him better access.

  “Do you think about that night?” Luciano started to sway with the music, humming lightly as he massaged her buttocks, angling her lower body tighter to his.

  Of course, she remembered that night. It had been two days before her father had dragged her from the only home she’d ever had, the only person she was ever going to love; the night she’d given Luciano her virginity in the front seat of his Buick. It was night she’d treasured for years after, calling it up when she’d had a bad date or met someone who reminded her of Luciano. “I...”

  “I wonder if you taste the same.” His mouth slanted over hers with a greedy hunger. His tongue traced the seam in her lips, seeking entrance into the hot depths of her mouth.

  If arms of steel hadn’t wrapped around her, holding her up, she would have melted into a puddle of wax at his feet.

  His hands gripping her waist tightly, he walked her backwards. She had no idea where he was leading her, but at the moment, it didn’t matter. All that mattered was the building firestorm in her loins. As they were moving, she stumbled over one of her shoes, losing it in the process, her mouth breaking free of his. She gave a breathless laugh, feeling a bit foolish. The feeling didn’t last long, not with the wild look in his eyes.

  She started to say something, only to have it smothered by his mouth again. She welcomed it with a hungry moan. God, she’d never been this needy before, never this hungry for intimacy. It was like a thirst that she couldn’t quench. She ground her mouth against his, pressing her hips against the rigid erection that was poking at her.

  This time, he broke the kiss on a harsh groan, his large chest heaving with the effort. “You are going to kill me.” He growled, cradling her close to his body, urging her down the darkened hallway to his room.

  They barely made it to his room, her other shoe coming off as they stumbled through the door. The back of her knees hit the edge of his bed and they tumbled onto the soft down comforter, sinking into the softness.

  The straps of her dress fell to her shoulders, his hands stripping the garment down to h
er waist. He kissed his way down her neck, mouth cruising over the hot flesh greedily. Time slowed as he kissed the slope of her generous breast, savoring each taste. Breathless with desire, her body arched into the caress, needing more. Her hands scrambled over the buttons of his shirt, fighting to get them unbuttoned.

  His mouth never left her flesh, letting her hands push the shirt off his shoulders. His hand gently kneaded and stroked her aching breasts, his mouth tugging gently at the engorged tips. Alexina’s hands fumbled on the fabric as his mouth opened, taking one of the tips between his teeth, gently suckling. She drew in air, finding it hard to take a breath with the rush of desire and lust that zipped through her system. Everything was moving so fast.

  “Luc...I want...” her hands fumbled with the waistband of his pants, fighting to get them open.

  Liquid heat pooled between her legs, readying her body for him as he sprang free of his pants. Her entire body throbbed with anticipation, blood running hot and thick in through her veins.

  Luciano lifted away from her a bit to give her room, his mouth still latched onto her erect nipple. He kicked his pants off, humming in pleasure as he sunk back onto her warm, damp body, skin sliding against skin. He released her nipple with a pop, a finger toying with the moist, dark tip. The digit moved down, running into the pool of fabric at her waist.

  “Let’s take this off you.” His voice was hoarse, electric shocks coursing over her body. An arm wrapped around her and lifted her up. Together they pulled the dress up and over her head.

  He captured her lips again, nipping and teasing them as he pushed her back onto the bed, his heavy body settling over hers. Her hands drifted over his sides, feeling and caressing the muscles rippling under the skin. She wrapped her legs around his waist, holding him close as his mouth plundered hers.

  Alexina felt him fumbling for something beside her, but it barely registered on her senses. His mouth slid from hers to her jaw line, a line of liquid heat in its wake. He nipped at her earlobe, before moving lower to her neck, nipping at the smooth column of flesh. She could hear herself making soft, panting sounds of need. If he didn’t hurry, she was going to explode right here.

  She didn’t hear the condom package rip. She was too entranced by the feel of his hard, sinewy chest rubbing against her hardened nipples; the smell of his hot, sweaty skin; the contrast of his tanned, honey colored skin against hers. The taste of his mouth had her mind reeling, the smoky flavor of scotch coming through as his tongue swirled in her mouth.

  She whimpered at the blunt pressure of his penis pushing against her wet entrance. She wanted him, hot and boiling with an aching need for him to take her, make her his.

  It had been some time since she’d been with another man. The last year of her marriage to Donald they had stopped being intimate and there had been no one since. This made Luciano’s penetration a bit uncomfortable. She tensed up as he pushed into her.

  He instantly stilled, propping himself up on his elbows. He gazed down at her, his eyes soft as they connected with hers. He brushed a curl from her cheek.

  “Just relax. Let me inside.” He whispered, his voice hoarse with need. He gave a shallow thrust inside her, gentle movements that had her breath hitching in her throat, coming out in short, heated gasps. Each push was better than the last, pushing away the aching emptiness that had been her companion for so long. Beads of sweat broke out on his forehead as he kept his movements slow and controlled.

  With one last thrust, he slid the rest of the way inside her. Crying out in pleasure, she savored each inch as he found his way home. She shifted restlessly on the bed, her legs tightening around his waist, trying to pull him deeper. He paused a moment to look at her, his face shadowed in the dark.

  Then, he started to thrust slowly, as if he were afraid she would break, worried that she was some china doll. His hesitancy reminded her starkly of being with Donald and his reluctance to be forceful with her in bed. The memory and all that it meant was more than she was willing to deal with at a moment like this. She needed it hard and fast, anything to make her feel alive again, to fight the feelings that were threatening to swamp her. She raked her nails up his back, arching into his thrusts.

  He grunted, his next thrust harder, but not what she so desperately needed. She dug her nails in deeper, hoping he got the message this time. Luciano’s reaction was not what she had expected. He stopped, rearing up, pushing his penis into her, the hair on his groin rubbing against her engorged clit.

  Alexina cried out, the pleasure so intense, her heart jumped into her throat. If he did that again, she wasn’t going to last. She didn’t want to think about being in his arms again and the joy of it, or how right it felt pressed against his chest. She just needed that blinding moment when her body would take over, send her hurtling over the cliff of pleasure. His hands locked onto her wrists and pushed them up against the pillows on the bed. He gazed down at her, his eyes glazed over with lust, his hips still moving against her, slow and sure.

  “Luc...” she gazed up at him, hoping her eyes conveyed what she couldn’t bring herself to say. She leaned up, nipping at his lower lip.

  He growled low in his throat, the control in his eyes shattering. He started moving, each thrust harder than the last, her body shuddering under each impact. This was what she needed-No hesitancy or thoughts of the past intruding in the moment. This loss of control, unable to think of anything other than the glorious feel of him filling her to the hilt. With each thrust, her hips rocked back up to meet him, the tension building in her body, her clit rubbing against him. She closed her eyes, concentrating on the delicious feeling of him inside her again after all this time.

  The last stroke had her body tensing up, before springing free; shuddering with the most intense orgasm she’d had in a long time. She dimly heard Luciano shout, bucking as he exploded inside her, her body milking him dry.

  He slumped back onto her body slowly, releasing her wrists as he did so, his breathing heavy and labored. Her body melted like butter, soft and helpless. She wanted to wrap her arms around him, but they refused to move. A heavy groan and he rolled to the side.

  “Come lay on me.” His voice was husky, deep with satisfaction. He pulled her into his embrace, cradling her head on his shoulders. She opened sleepy eyes as he ran a languid hand over her buttocks, her back, her breasts, and her belly, as if he were memorizing her shape. She snuggled closer, listening to the beats of his heart slow. Contentment swept over her and she let her eyelids close, sleep washing over her. She was home.

  ~***~

  The next morning, Luc woke to the pleasant feel of a warm body curled up next his. He smiled, his eyes still shut as he pulled her closer, one shapely breast brushing up against the side of his chest.

  This was the way to wake up. Last night had been everything he’d been dreaming of and more. He’d never felt anything as intense as the moment he’d pushed into her wet warmth. Just thinking about it was getting him hard again. It had been rougher than he’d wanted; worry swept through him at the faint smudges on her wrist. He’d wanted it to be slow so that he could show he was serious about her. It hadn’t worked out that way, with her scratching his back and her sensual writhing beneath him.

  He looked over, his soul warming at the sight. She lay curled up, one hand resting on his chest, her curls spread out on the pillow beneath her. He rolled to face her, his movements careful so as not to disturb her. A long time had passed since he’d woken up next to someone that made his heart skip a beat.

  A finger stroked down her soft cheek, reveling in the knowledge that she was finally in his bed. He watched her wake, arms stretching above her head, her body pushing up against his. There was a look in her eyes that had his mouth watering. She was looking at him with adoration and satisfaction. He leaned in, his mouth finding hers, hungry hands gripping her waist tightly. Morning breath be damned, he wanted to taste her again. The little noise she made in the back of her throat had him shifting his leg, pushing it between
her knees.

  He only pulled back when he felt her hands pushing at his chest, shifting away from his hungry mouth.

  “Good morning.” He liked that look in her eyes when she first woke up. It was like looking into her soul.

  She shifted away, pulling the sheet up her chest. A hand ran through her hair, disheveling it even more. “I can’t believe I slept the night.” She turned to get out of bed, avoiding his eyes.

  He sat up also, anger and hurt starting to build. The tone of her voice had the hairs on his arm sticking straight up. “Is that a problem?”

  She reached down, groping about the floor for her dress. “I just hadn’t planned on it, that’s all.” She shot a false smile over her shoulder, her emotions well hidden now.

  He didn’t like it, didn’t like her looking at him as if he were just a nobody that didn’t deserve her attention. He’d felt her body quaking under his last night, he knew she couldn’t have faked it. He bit back the retort that was on the tip of his tongue. “How about I make us breakfast?”

  She shook her head, stepping into her dress. “I have to get back to my place. There’s so much stuff to do.” She pulled the straps up, straightening the fabric.

  Was this how she thought it was going to go? Just come in, blow his mind, and then leave as if nothing had happened? She had another thing coming. “So, is this you running away?”

  She whirled to face him, her mouth twisted into a tight line. “I’m not running away. I have a lot of things to do.”

  He stood then, the sheet falling from his torso. He didn’t pay any attention to it, annoyance making his blood flow faster. “Really? Then stay for breakfast.”

  Alexina turned away, heading out into the hallway, her stride angry. Luciano followed behind, watching as she picked up her shoe before heading into the living room. Damn it, what the hell was going on?

  He watched her pick up her other shoe, slamming her foot into it, before storming off towards his kitchen.