by A. L. Zaun
“Fuck no.” He pulled me into him, cuddling with me.
This is different.
“I usually roll over and pretend I’m sleeping,” he admitted.
“And now?”
“Corazón,” he whispered in my ear, “you’re like no one else I’ve ever met.”
I watched the soft city lights flicker against the wall while listening to the hum of Rick’s breathing. With the exception of the nap I had taken on the airplane, I hadn’t slept in almost twenty-four hours. I should have passed out already, but I couldn’t sleep. Today’s events played nonstop in my head.
Slipping out from under Rick’s arm, I crawled out of bed.
“Hey,” he mumbled, “where are you going?”
I kneeled beside the bed, looking into his slivered eyes. “Getting something to drink.”
I watched him fall back to sleep. I gingerly ran my fingers along his arm and down to his hand. It was still a little swollen. I’m not looking forward to seeing Bruce’s face. I brought my lips to his knuckles and placed a soft kiss on them, while I studied his features. He truly was a gorgeous man. I completely understood the allure and frustration that came with him. Gently placing his hand back, I got up and followed the obstacle course of clothes to the kitchen. I couldn’t help but reach down and pick them up as I went. I slipped on Rick’s shirt, and his scent washed over me. I sighed in response.
After I made my tea, I curled up on the couch, bringing a blanket over me. The hot beverage slowly soothed me, and my head leaned on the pillow as I glanced around the room.
Lying alone, I finally dozed off.
Chapter 12
Rick
I rolled over onto my back and stretched my arm behind my head while reaching for Madison with the other. “Maddy,” I mumbled, half-asleep.
I wanted to bring her close to me. I couldn’t stop touching her. Even if only to hook my leg over hers, I wanted her next to me. I was becoming one of those fucking clingy chicks who always needed to hang all over me. God, I hate that shit. I couldn’t explain it though. Being with Madison had been incredible. I’d been with a lot of women, most of whom were not memorable. I’d enjoyed it at the time—almost as much as they had—but when trying to recall an experience that had left an impression, I drew a blank. Even Daniela’s tight little pussy was no match for the way Madison had tightened up around my dick when she came. Everything about Madison was different—intense, passionate, and raw.
I didn’t fuck her. Maybe some people would call it making love, but those words didn’t even naturally roll off my tongue. I was too tired to label it. I really didn’t think it mattered. I wasn’t a chick—even though I was officially pussy-whipped. Damn, she felt so fucking good. I reached down, stroking my dick. It was more awake than I was.
I stretched again, barely opening my eyes. “Maddy…” I yawned and sat up on my elbows, looking around the dark room.
Where the hell is she?
Rolling out of bed, I forced my limp body up. God, I was so relaxed. It felt so good to finally—what the fuck do I call what we did? Whatever it was, it had left me in a drunken stupor. Damn, she was incredible.
I sat with my legs hanging over the side of the bed with a very non-flaccid dick in my hand. “Maddy…I need you…now.”
My feet touched the cool hardwood floor, and I stumbled a little while trying to get my bearing. Shit, she gave me a fucking hangover. After rubbing my face, I let my hands go through my hair. I have to really stop doing that. My neck cracked when I stretched it and rolled my shoulders.
The light was off in the bathroom. I didn’t think she would fit in her tiny closet, and that would just be fucking weird. I had a slight recollection of her saying something about a drink.
As I made my way to the kitchen, I tripped over shoes. A small light lit up the tiny living room. I ran my hands over my arms to warm up. It was fucking cold in here. I tiptoed over to the thermostat. Seventy—no fucking shit, it’s cold. I took care of that.
My eyes searched the room until they landed on her blonde hair draped over the armrest of the couch. She was wearing my shirt. She looked like an angel—soft and sweet. My lip curved as I watched her sleep. I crawled onto the couch behind her and brought the warm blanket over us. I slid my hand up her body. She purred, and my dick got hard.
I was like a moth to a flame. I brushed her hair off her face, so I could get a better look. Her lips were still a little swollen. She would consume me. She already had. My hands gently ran up along her arms as I pressed my dick into her back, and I nuzzled my head in her neck. The more I pressed against her, the more I needed her. My hands slid over her tits, and I played with her nipples. A soft whimper escaped her pouty lips, sending my dick into overdrive.
Her hand came over mine as I kneaded her nipples into tight little pebbles, and her body slowly moved against me. I watched her long thin fingers intertwine with mine. They were delicate and soft. I’d never truly seen Madison as anything other than a smart, beautiful but cold, heartless bitch. Sure, she’d had moments when her eyes would sparkle, and I’d sworn she was human, but most of the time, that hadn’t been the case. Now, when I looked at her, I saw her—part angel, part devil, all Madison.
“You own me,” I whispered, knowing she couldn’t hear me. That would be my secret. My hand began a downward trip to paradise.
She turned into me, her eyes finding mine. “Hey,” she mumbled groggily.
I kissed her like I meant it, moaning in her mouth when our tongues swirled around one another. Her arms held on to me like her life depended on it, clutching me and pulling me into her.
“I need you.” I held her head, tangling my fingers in her hair. I had to find a fucking condom even though the last thing I wanted to do was move away from her.
She touched me—my body, my heart, my soul. I looked into her eyes, and I froze.
Then, I lowered my hand and felt her drenched pussy. Her lips moved along my neck and then my chest. She nipped and sucked on my nipples as her hands explored my body with a light graze. My dick throbbed, and my balls ached. Her touch felt like fucking sweet torture. She was a witch casting a spell on me, leaving me helpless.
Where’s the fucking condom?
I thought of myself as a better man. I believed the past few months of the Madison Stuart School of Castrating Rick had helped me become someone who took responsibility for his actions and thought before he acted. I was dead wrong. The only thing running through my mind was my dick, her pussy, and them coming together. I needed to feel her slickness welcoming me into her tight, warm paradise. I wasn’t feeling anything romantic at this very moment. It was raw, primal, and animalistic.
With my free hand, I tugged her head back from my body. She erotically looked up at me, licking her lips. I slid my fingers out of her pussy. Dripping with her wetness, I skimmed them over her lower lip. Her mouth opened, and her tongue swirled around my fingers. She tasted herself and then sucked, sending an electrical current straight through my dick.
I sat up, pulling her with me. Her arms wrapped around my neck. She pressed herself up against my dick. Any slight movement on her part, and I’d be inside her.
We didn’t speak. There was no need for telling truths or declarations. Her hips moved up, and our eyes locked. My heart stopped.
What is she doing? She wouldn’t. Would she?
Her lip curled seductively.
That’s it, baby, just a tiny bit more.
She hovered over the tip, close enough that I could feel the heat and moisture teasing me.
Come on, baby, just go down.
Barely over me, she circled my dick.
Fuck, I can’t take it.
Her eyes didn’t flinch from mine. Her fingers began twisting in my hair as she brought her body up slowly, rubbing her tits against my chest. My balls were fucking tight, and my dick was twitching. There were still no words, just slow, methodical movements. I placed my hands on her waist, bringing her down. She stopped as soon as sh
e felt my tip graze her, and she lifted her hips just enough, so I could feel her arousal.
Tease.
I was in a fucking trance, watching her.
“Maddy…” I broke the silence of the erotic dance. My heart pounded. “You’re driving me fucking nuts, and I’m loving every second of it.” I lowered my mouth over her nipple, running my teeth gently over it.
“I was going to fuck you,” she said in a sultry voice, “but I don’t know how.”
What a fucking bitch.
I loved her sassiness. I licked her nipple, rolling my tongue over it, before I gently sucked on the hard pebble. She gasped, a whimper escaping her luscious lips.
“Come to bed with me. I think we can figure something out.” I brought my mouth over hers and led her back to the bed where she was supposed to be in the first place. I reached for the damn condom. “We need these everywhere,” I said, opening it.
She lay back, laughing. “You’re such a horndog.”
“You woke up a sleeping giant,” I said, rolling the condom over my dick. When I looked up, I saw her eyes fixed on my hand over my dick while she ran her teeth over her lower lip. “You like watching me touch myself?”
Her eyes crinkled, and her smile widened.
I got between her legs and thrust right into her. “I want to know everything you like, everything about you.”
I pulled out slowly and then pushed in hard, going deeper. Over and over again, her body writhed under me. I went harder, faster, making her back arch.
She was still wearing my shirt. I’d always hated when chicks thought they could put on my clothes, but I actually liked it on Madison. It was almost like she was wearing me. Unbuttoned, it had fallen open, exposing her tits that were begging for attention. She was a beautiful sight—stunning.
Again and again, I rocked into her, feeling her tighten around me. She was moaning. I was panting. Her body moved like nothing I’d ever seen or experienced. Her movements were fluid, effortless with mine.
I rubbed her clit with my thumb. Her legs wrapped around me, and her pussy clamped around my dick.
Fuck, she feels amazing.
I couldn’t stop or slow down if I wanted to. Her nails dug into my back. Her head tossed from side to side. I buried my face in her neck. Sweat beaded on my back. I moved harder and faster in and out of her.
“Rick…” she cried. “Yes, Rick.” Her pussy contracted as she trembled under me. Her hands raked my back before clutching my head.
I thrust in two more times. “Fuck, Madison.” My balls tightened as the spasms ripped through my dick. I was going to fucking pass out. My legs faltered. “Babe,” I said, mumbling in her hair, “you’ve ruined me.”
I rolled onto my back and drew her close to me. With her leg draped over mine and her hand across my chest, we fell asleep together.
Chapter 13
Madison
The early morning sun broke through the grayness of the winter sky, reflecting off the buildings. Rick and I walked and huddled closely together to ward off the crisp air as we ventured toward the deli around the corner. I found it invigorating. It was my favorite time of the day. Rick, on the other hand, thought he was going to die from hypothermia even though he was wearing layers, including a winter coat, gloves, and a scarf. He should have taken my advice about the hat, but he’d refused, based on the trauma I’d caused him with the hairnet he had worn when we fed the homeless.
He can freeze and learn the hard way.
“So, are you going to tell me?” he asked before breathing into his gloved hands.
“Tell you what?” I asked, bumping my hip into his.
“Come close to me and give me body heat before I freeze to death.” He pulled me into him.
I felt tiny next to him without my heels. I was wearing my favorite pair of UGG boots paired with my white wool coat and blush pink cashmere knit hat and scarf.
“Why were you on the couch?” he asked.
“I told you already, I couldn’t sleep. Anyhow, what’s the big deal? You seemed to find a way of burrowing yourself behind me.”
“Maddy, you’ve never bullshitted me.” He stopped and turned me toward him. “Don’t start now.”
“I’m not.”
He stared at me, waiting for me to divulge some deep dark secret. His brows were knit together, and it took everything in me not to laugh.
“Honestly, Rick, you’re starting to sound like an insecure little girl.” I placed my hands on my hips.
He pressed his lips into a thin line and shook his head. “Fuck you! I just want to know why you weren’t there.” He raked his hands through his hair.
“Is this going to be the question of the day that you’ll ask me a thousand times?” I asked with pursed lips.
I wasn’t buying this newfound questioning. Rick wasn’t into talking about feelings and whatnot. Unless it directly affected him, he really didn’t care.
“You’re such a bitch,” he said, pressing himself up against me. “Just tell me.”
He ran his chin along my neck. The warmth of his breath and two-day stubble caused my breath to catch in my throat.
“Do you really want to know?” I leaned my head to the side, encouraging him.
“Not really.” He nipped my neck, sending tingles down my spine. “I want you in my bed, Madison, not on the fucking couch.”
I gently shoved him back. “There are so many things wrong with that statement. Don’t you mean, in your bed and on your dick?” I raised my eyebrow. “Isn’t that Daniela’s coveted position?”
He leaned into me, placing his hands above me on the wall behind me, effectively caging me in. My eyes fluttered up to meet his.
“Obviously, you’re still confused. I want you in my life.” His lips hovered over mine. “Your jealousy is adorable.”
“Your ADD is in high gear.” I rolled my eyes. “For the record, it was my bed, and I’m not jealous, moron.” I steadied my eyes on his. “You should be grateful I didn’t leave you outside in the cold last night. Come on, let’s go inside. It’s freezing out here.”
I wasn’t naive. Rick didn’t know what he was saying. He thought he wanted me in his life. I’d been a challenge to him—the one woman who was impervious to his seductive ways. Since he’d literally tasted his conquest, it was only a matter of time before he would get bored and move on. As long as I kept all of this clear in my head, I could do whatever this was. I could get lost in the moment. It wouldn’t last. Nothing ever did, but for the time being, I would let us both have our fantasy.
I laced my arms in his and led him toward the warmth inside. He reached over me, opening the door.
“Thank you,” I said, stepping inside. “Manners, Rick—they make you even more charming than you already are. Now, tell me the details of how you cut Daniela loose.”
Even though it was a little past seven in the morning, the deli was crowded. My eyes scanned the room. It was a habit of mine. I placed each server on the floor and behind the counter. I observed the short-order cooks behind the grills. My eyes flashed to the plates under the warmers, and my nose breathed in the unique smells of the foods.
We weaved our way to a table in the back.
“Your diversionary tactics will only buy you so much time.” He pulled out the chair for me before whispering in my ear, “Now that I finally have your attention, I can tell you what I’ve been wanting to for almost twenty-four hours, but first, I need some coffee to defrost.”
“Don’t be melodramatic. You had my full attention last night,” I reminded him, resting my chin in my hands. “So, spill the details. I want to hear everything.”
He sat down across from me as our server brought coffee and menus. Rick held his cup as though his life depended on it, harnessing the heat to warm his body. He brought it up to his face, allowing the steam to thaw him. Our waitress came by ready to take our order, but Rick was still in state of hypothermia, so I ordered our usual—granola and yogurt for us and a tea for me.
&
nbsp; After taking a few sips, he seemed to come to life. He placed the cup on the table and gripped the edge with his hands. “Well, your Karate Kid shit started to sink in when you asked me if I had thought through the whole Daniela thing. I won’t lie to you. There’s a part of me that will probably always care about her. I also know that if I hadn’t gone there with the intentions of saying good-bye, she would have left with me.”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself.” I sipped my tea, wanting to drown the stabbing ache his words caused.
I am jealous. Ugh.
The idea of him with Daniela was enough to make me behave like an irrational and hysterical woman. I loathed the idea that I could be affected like this almost as much as I hated whatever it was that they’d shared.
He leaned in toward me. “You weren’t there. She was sitting by the fountain, crying. When she looked up, I saw it in her eyes. She wanted me.” He sat back in his chair and drank some more coffee. “Then she started with this chick-meltdown shit about telling Lucas everything. Fuck my life.”
“Hmm” —I rolled my eyes and set down my cup— “You’re just Mr. Sensitivity.”
“What?” he asked with a shocked expression.
I cocked my head and arched an eyebrow. “You do realize you’re an unreliable narrator. I met the girl. She’s pretty much in love with Liam. If anything, she was fucked in the head by none other than…you.”
He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “Why do you doubt me?”
I laughed. “You’re a liar.”
He threw up his arms. “I’m reformed. I’m telling the truth now.”
“If you say so.” I pursed my lips as though I didn’t trust him. However, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Everything about the way he spoke, moved his body, and his eyes told me he meant every word. And that made me nervous.
He continued to tell me his rendition of what had happened. Whether or not his account was accurate was debatable. The one clear thing was that he believed he’d done the best he could and that his heart had been in the right place.