She didn’t protest when Vaughn flicked his thumb over the hardened nub of her breasts. Instead, she moaned at how incredibly good it felt. And when he reached behind her to untie the top from her neck, she was glad to be free from encumbrances so he could have unfettered access to her breasts. She watched the top float away as he cupped her breasts in his palms, massaging and kneading them.
She wanted more, needed more...because desire was building, rising, swelling within her. Miranda never knew she could have this kind of binding connection to a man. That she could be so eager and open, but she was with Vaughn. When he lowered his head to lick, flick and tease her areola with his tongue, she threw her head back in abandon and moaned.
Then his mouth was back covering hers, deepening the kiss while his hands slid down farther over her backside and hips. Suddenly he carried her, weightless in the water, over to the steps of the pool. He laid her down while he set about removing her bikini bottom. She helped him by shimmying out of the wet fabric and he tossed it away. Miranda was impatient for him to join her. She wanted him inside her. Now.
But he wasn’t removing his swim trunks as she thought; instead, he was lifting her legs upward to rest on his shoulders, spreading them wide and then dipping his head between her aching thighs. She arched off the steps at the first touch of his hot tongue at her aching core. But he didn’t stop there; he added his clever fingers to toy with her pulsing center and soon the world became a blur as Vaughn brought her rapidly to orgasm. Miranda cried out his name.
“You liked that?” he murmured when he lifted his head.
Her shallow breathing had begun to slow and return to normal. “Yes, but I need more.”
He grinned. “Oh you do?”
“Yes, I need you inside me now.” Miranda reached for the waistband of his trunks. She pulled them down in one swift motion and Vaughn stepped out of them. Her eyes grew wide at the hard heat between his legs, but that didn’t stop her hands from closing over his velvety shaft. Instead of immediately taking him inside her, Miranda stroked him over and over again, watching Vaughn’s eyes glaze over.
“For God’s sake, woman, you’re driving me crazy.” He pushed aside her hand, lifted both her legs over his shoulders and thrust into her.
* * *
She gasped when he entered her. Vaughn thought he might lose himself as he filled her hot, tight heat. How was it possible that it got better every time between them? Every day, he could feel the control he’d always kept with other women slipping further and further away out of his grasp. Miranda had got to him. Because what had started out as a fiery physical attraction was morphing into something Vaughn hadn’t been expecting.
Her sweet cries of pleasure filled the night air as he moved over her, in her, bringing them both to the brink, before slowing down the pace. Miranda’s eyes had drifted closed and she was writhing beneath him as the water lapped around them. Vaughn leaned forward and caught one of her taut nipples between his teeth and heard her sharp cry.
“Oh yes.”
She was tightening around him like a vise and Vaughn wasn’t sure he could hold out for a second longer, especially when she began to tremble and convulse. His entire body lurched over hers and his orgasm arrowed right through him as if he’d been shot with a bow. Vaughn had no choice but to cry out his release.
Slowly he disengaged from her and lifted her up into his arms. His intent was take her back to their room, but she coiled her arms around him and began kissing his neck. Grasping a towel, he led her to one of the nearby chaises and placed her on it. He couldn’t believe he was already getting hard again. He bent to fasten his mouth on one cold nipple, before tantalizing the other with his teeth and tongue. When he pushed his finger inside her, he found much honeyed warmth surrounding him.
She was already ready for him and he didn’t hesitate to ease inside her. She snaked her arms around him, bringing his mouth down to hers. Vaughn enjoyed kissing Miranda and lifted his head long enough to look down at her; the rapturous look on her face made him thrust in and out of her in rapid succession. Soon her body was contracting around his and he was jerking like a puppet as he emptied himself inside her.
Chapter 13
Miranda was falling in love. She hadn’t known when she came to San Diego that everything she’d been looking for her entire life, she’d find in Vaughn. Since she’d been with him the possibilities had seemed endless. She was finding a sense of joy and accomplishment in her marriage. Vaughn had brought her into his world, opening her up not only to new experiences like paddleboarding and surfing but to new desires, as well. These tender new feelings were growing stronger each day. So much so that their lovemaking was not only physically gratifying but more exquisite than she could have ever dreamed possible.
Her belly knotted when she thought about how he could bring her to peak so easily. She recalled their passionate lovemaking after the pool party. Even though they hadn’t been together for the better part of the day, she’d been edgy, needy. Watching him throughout the day. His face. His body. His mind. Although he had a body made for sin, he also had a brilliant mind. He’d carefully crafted who he’d wanted at that party and she’d seen him cultivating the powerful men over to his corner. It had been intoxicating.
So much so by the time he’d suggested the evening swim, Miranda felt as if she was intoxicated, and not by liquor, but by Vaughn. She couldn’t wait to be alone with him because the kind of passion they had was all-encompassing, possessing her and making her its slave. Nothing in her life had ever felt as good as when she was in Vaughn’s arms. Needless to say, she’d given him her all in the pool, on the chaise and again in their bedroom until they’d both passed out sweaty and spent with exhaustion.
But despite knowing how she felt about Vaughn, she had no idea of his feelings toward her. Was he in love with her? Because it was certainly how she felt. She knew that he desired her, wanted her. There was no denying that, but he hadn’t revealed if his feelings toward her had changed. Not that she’d told him either. Out of pride or call it self-preservation, she was afraid to be forthcoming about her feelings. She was afraid of getting hurt.
It did beg the question: where did they go from here? They could continue as they were, content with companionship and amazing sex, but deep down Miranda wanted love and commitment. Family. Yes, family. Maybe not at this exact moment, she did want children someday. But did Vaughn? From the outset, they’d discussed what the marriage meant for Vaughn, the stability it provided to his business and his immediate family, but did that mean he wanted his own someday?
Miranda was afraid to bring up such a serious topic. What if he wasn’t there yet? They hadn’t known each other that long. They’d only been together a few weeks and in that time she’d finally turned thirty and according to terms of her grandfather’s will, she’d received her inheritance. She was a millionaire and Vaughn had been there every step of the way cheering her on, supporting her. It seemed like she had known Vaughn her entire life. He was just the kind of upstanding, honest, loyal, dependable man her grandfather was hoping she’d find. It didn’t hurt that he also happened to be sexy and handsome.
She was torn as to what to do. She would just have to continue with the status quo until Vaughn gave her a sign that he was ready for more. Miranda just hoped that they didn’t run out of time.
* * *
“Any news about the break-in?” Vaughn asked the private investigator later that afternoon. He’d just attended a Prescott George meeting. All the members had been in an uproar over the incident. Once it had leaked to his father and the elder members, it hadn’t taken long for the news to spread.
Christopher had alleviated their fears and assured them that the organization’s information was secure and no personal information had been leaked. His reassurance that it was an isolated incident and was most likely teenage pranksters calmed the waters and they’d been able to continue on w
ith business, which included discussing their next Prescott George outing this weekend at the winery.
Vaughn, however, still was uneasy which was why he contacted his investigator to get an update.
“I have a promising lead,” the investigator replied. “The police found some traces of a chemical which is being analyzed by a third party lab.”
“A chemical?” Vaughn was puzzled. They didn’t have any chemicals onsite other than under-the-counter cleaning agents.
“At this point, we can’t rule out any options,” the investigator responded. “Because unfortunately, no other cameras in the area captured the break-in, so we’re back to square one.”
“There has to be something,” Vaughn replied. “Whoever broke into the Prescott George offices knew their way around. How else would they have known how to disable such a sophisticated camera system?”
“I agree, but your members are some of the most affluent in the community,” he responded. “There’s no reason for any of them to vandalize property, but per your request I am checking into every member’s financials to see if anything jumps out as suspicious.”
Vaughn sighed. “Alright, I appreciate all your hard work.”
Once he hung up, Vaughn was still uneasy. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he was certain that someone, a member of Prescott George or someone associated with them, was behind it. And if they were, what would prevent them from trying again? Maybe this was just a first strike. And maybe next time, the damage would be much greater.
He was happy when the day ended and he could go home to Miranda. As the weeks went by, he was more and more eager to see her when he ended his day. He hadn’t known he’d been missing companionship until he saw her smiling face greet him when he walked in the door of their home. Today was even better, because she was wearing a tank top, skimpy shorts and an apron and greeted him at the door with his favorite drink. He hauled her to him and kissed her full on the mouth before releasing her.
“Thanks, babe.” He patted her on the behind and tossed his keys in a bowl near the front door and followed her into the kitchen. The aroma coming from the stove smelled delicious. He couldn’t resist sneaking over to the oven and having a peek.
“And how was your day, Mr. Ellicott?”
“Good. Had a meeting at Prescott George.”
“How’d that go? Did you discover any more clues on the break-in?”
“No.” He shook his head. “But we did talk about a Prescott George outing we have coming up this weekend. We’ll be visiting local Baja wineries in the area.”
“Oh yeah?”
“I would love it if my lovely wife could accompany me.”
“I think that could be arranged.” He heard the smile in her voice as she turned around to stir the contents in the pot on the stove. “If you’re really good.”
He liked the playful tone in her voice. “If I’m very good, what will I get in return?”
“You’ll have to wait until tonight to find out.”
He chuckled as he loosened his tie and then he dropped the bombshell. “My parents will be there.”
“Oh.” She didn’t turn back to face him, but the tone of her voice had changed and was replaced with apprehension.
“They’re looking forward to meeting you.”
“Ya think?” she inquired with a raised brow, spinning around. “They haven’t exactly put out the welcome mat. Though your sisters have all been very kind. They call or text just to check in on me, on us.”
“Do they? I hadn’t realized.”
Miranda shrugged. “There was no reason to tell you until now. And don’t get me wrong, I do want to meet your parents, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little uneasy at the prospect. You’ve always made them or at least the Commander sound so daunting.”
Vaughn paused. He supposed he had. “I’m sorry if I scared you. It’s just that my father is not a man of emotion. He believes in structure and discipline. In duty to one’s family, to one’s country. And I suppose growing up in his household I’ve developed some of those traits.”
“Not all of them,” Miranda said softly.
“I’ve learned not to expect him to be warm and comforting,” Vaughn said. “He’s always pushed me to succeed, to be the best. In life, there’s a winner and a loser, he’d say. So you must be the best. There wasn’t any crying if you got a bad grade or lost a game. There was only ‘do better next time.’”
“Sounds harsh.”
Vaughn shrugged. “It’s all I’ve ever known.”
“And your mother?”
“She’s always stood by my father. Though I will say he was a lot lighter on my sisters, but being the oldest and a boy, the Commander was always a lot harder on me.”
“Must have been a heavy load to carry, to always have to be the best, to never fail.”
“That’s why I didn’t fail,” Vaughn said. “Success was the only option.”
Miranda nodded. “And love—did that ever enter the equation?”
Vaughn’s heart started. The four-letter word he never heard in the Ellicott household. He’d only said the words to his parents when he was younger and they’d never returned them. And he couldn’t remember the last time he’d had the courage to utter them let alone say those words to anyone. Sure he loved his family and he showed them how much in his actions toward them. That was his love language.
His silence must have been telling but that didn’t stop Miranda from continuing her line of questioning. “Did your parents ever tell you they loved you?”
He frowned. “Why would they have to? They’re my parents. They fed and clothed me. Put a roof over my head.”
“I think parents should tell their kids they love them,” Miranda offered. “Affirmations of love are very important to a child’s, a person’s well-being.”
The topic of this conversation was making Vaughn uncomfortable and it increased when Miranda asked, “Have you ever been in love?”
“No, never,” Vaughn answered almost immediately, maybe too fast for Miranda’s liking.
“Never?”
He nodded to confirm as that was the extent he willing to go on this subject. He didn’t know how their conversation had suddenly careened to family and love, but Vaughn was uneasy and he rose from the bar. “I’m going upstairs to take a shower.” He started toward the doorway, but then paused to turn back. “Would you care to join me?”
“No, no.” She shook her head. “You go right on ahead. I’m going to finish dinner.”
“Sure thing. I’ll be down shortly.” Vaughn nearly trotted up the stairs to get away from the awkward conversation. He knew he was being rude, but he didn’t know what was going through Miranda’s mind. Something had set her off. And he didn’t like it.
Why did she have to bring love into the mix?
Weren’t they happy as they were?
Why did she have to complicate their marriage by bringing in the L-O-V-E word?
* * *
Miranda sighed heavily as she watched Vaughn go upstairs. She didn’t know what had come over her, but she’d been like a dog with a bone pushing Vaughn for answers about his family. And it wasn’t just about meeting the Ellicotts, though Miranda was nervous at the prospect; it was about a lot more than that. From what she’d heard over the last month and even tonight, no one had ever told Vaughn they loved him. And from the looks of it, he’d never said the words either.
So what did that mean for their marriage?
Miranda was in love with him, but hearing Vaughn speak tonight, she wasn’t sure if he was capable of loving her in return. Sure, he could show her in and out of bed. That was the easy part, but to be open and honest with her about his feelings, to lay his heart bare? She wasn’t sure Vaughn even knew how.
Was she banging her head against a wall and hoping for a different result othe
r than a bloodied and bruised head. Or in her case, a broken heart? Had she once again fallen for a man incapable of loving her? He might not ever let himself love her and that would inevitably bring her the same pain she’d encountered in the past.
Miranda was quiet throughout much of dinner. Vaughn had come downstairs damp from his shower and usually that would have been enough for them to have some hanky-panky before supper, but in this instance, Miranda wasn’t in the mood. Her heart was heavy. Vaughn must have sensed her reluctance, because conversation between them was stilted for much of the meal. She was happy when it finally ended and she began washing up the dishes. It would give her an activity to keep her mind off what might not ever be.
She was deep into her own thoughts and finishing up the last pot when she felt a presence behind her. Vaughn wrapped his arms around her middle and bent his head to rain kisses along her neck and shoulder. He was trying to make it up to her the only way he knew.
And she let him.
* * *
Vaughn wanted her—he wanted her clothes off—so he could see all of her, touch her, sink into her soft body and lose himself inside her until she gave over to the desire between them. He’d felt her emotional withdrawal as they’d sat at the dinner table. It had never been that way between them. From the moment they’d met, they’d had a host of topics to talk about and never tired of each other, but tonight was different.
He could feel her pulling away from him and he wasn’t going to have it. He cupped her breasts, abrading her nipples with his thumb over the tank top she wore. He was pleased when they puckered to life for him. “You were made for me,” he whispered in her ear.
She may be angry with him over his responses to her questions, but her body could no more hide her attraction to him than any other time they’d been together.
She was his.
He tugged her closer so she could feel his imposing hardness against her tight tush. Then his hands moved to the curve of her breasts, down to her ribs and flat belly. When he reached the waistband of her shorts, he reached inside and touched her. Her breath hitched and she parted her legs wider so his fingers could nuzzle into the apex of curly hair at her thighs.
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