It's Not Over

by A. L. Zaun

  “Fuck, Maddy,” he groaned as I stroked him.

  I ran my soapy hands up and down his hardened shaft, squeezing him when I reached his tip. I looked into his glossy eyes as he rocked into my hands. They were filled with desire, but they also held tenderness. He lowered his mouth over mine, nipping, sucking, and kissing me like a starved man. He devoured me. Both of us were naked and vulnerable, standing under a pelting of hot water. Every cell in my body cried out for him. The throbbing between my legs was begging for his hands to go back to what he’d left unfinished. My heart beat frantically, wanting to somehow scream out to him what my damn mouth wouldn’t utter.

  I love you. I love you. I love you.

  “I’m gonna come, babe,” he panted, closing his eyes tight. Bringing his hand over mine, he squeezed and pumped harder until he found his release and let out a guttural moan. He laid his forehead against mine. “Morning, sunshine.”

  With little time before Nelson arrived, we rushed out of the shower, tripping over each other in a mad dash to get dressed.

  “Madison”—he put on his boxer briefs—”wear yoga pants or a skirt.”

  I slipped on my bra, throwing him a curious glance. “Why?”

  “I’m going to finish what I started.” He waggled his eyebrows and flashed his dimpled smile.

  Finally dressed, we grabbed our bags and headed downstairs to a waiting Nelson. I looked back at the building one last time before climbing into the car. A sadness crept over me. This place had never meant much to me or ever been my home. But now that I’d shared it with Rick, it held a special place in my heart. In one of those romantically corny moments, I could always look back at this apartment and know that it was ours for a weekend—the place we’d made love, the place we’d fought, the place we’d made up. I glanced at Rick before taking one last look at the old familiar building, seeing something completely new.

  I turned to Rick, bringing my mind back to what he’d said a few minutes ago. “You do know that you’re one cocky son of a bitch?” I crossed my arms, sitting back in my seat.

  Rick furrowed his brow and chuckled. “What the fuck did I do now?”

  “Your arrogance is going to be your downfall.”

  “Maddy, I’m a great lover, and the fact that you’re wearing those yoga pants just further solidifies that undeniable truth.”

  “It was pretty ballsy of you to come to New York.” I raised an eyebrow. “I might not have been so gracious with you.”

  “It was a risk I was willing to take.” He paused briefly, running his fingers along the collar of my jacket. He leaned his head toward me and whispered in my ear, “Maddy, I love you more than I love my dick.”

  The tickling sensation of his breath and the sweetness in his voice warmed my heart. Rick’s ice princess was melting.

  “That’s some pretty serious loving.” I nodded with a smile and slipped my hand over his. “I think I just might love you more than chocolate cake.” The words flowed smoothly, like velvety fudge, and it felt just as good to say them. I said it.

  I nodded my head, holding back the impending tears. I’d said the words that had seemed impossible to utter. I kept my eyes straight ahead as a smile broke across my face. He had been right—it was liberating. A fifty-ton weight lifted off my chest.

  He brought his arm around me, pulling me into his shoulder.

  My head rested in the crook of his arm. “Hurt me, and me cutting off your dick will be the least of your problems. I’ll fucking hunt you down, make you cry like a little girl, and have you wishing for a quick and painless death.”

  He pressed his lips to the top of my head. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  Chapter 22

  Rick

  Concourse D at Miami International Airport wasn’t nearly as hectic as it had been on Saturday morning. Business travelers walked along with their smartphones in hand, talking, texting, or surfing the net. I walked through the terminal with a strut in my step, holding Madison’s hand. I glanced over at her and smiled. I’d fucking made the best decision of my life when I hadn’t let anything stop me from going after her. I felt like one of those soldiers coming back from war. It was probably a bad analogy, but it worked for me. I’d gone to battle for her, and I was returning home victorious.

  I raised her hand to my lips. “Welcome home, babe.”

  “Thank you.” She leaned her head on my shoulder. “Welcome home.”

  After retrieving our luggage, we stepped out into the warm sunshine. Yes, it’s good to be home. I wrapped my arms around her while we waited for the valet to bring my car. I loved touching her and feeling her close to me. I was currently holding docile and affectionate Madison, the woman who couldn’t keep her loving hands off of me. We swayed against each other as my dick grew like a python, feeling her hips rub against me. Her puckered lips smiled at me, letting me know that she knew exactly what she was doing.

  My mind drifted back to the airplane. A wicked smile spread across my face as I vividly recalled the perks of flying first class with her. She’d laid her legs across my lap, getting very comfortable with both of our pillows. I’d covered her with the blanket and slipped my hand between her legs. I wasn’t sure what the best part had been—feeling her slick pussy or watching her bite down hard on her lip as her body had trembled under my touch. It was a tie. The only thing that mattered was the pussy-whipped reality that I was fucking in love.

  I tapped her nose. “Are you going to miss me today?”

  Her head tilted back, showing me her sapphire blue eyes dancing in amusement. “Marin, I’m not sure how I’ll make it through the day without you surgically attached to me,” she said, mocking my affection. She cupped my face with her hands. “Don’t go soft on me.”

  I pressed my rock-hard dick against her. “There ain’t nothing soft here, babe.”

  I brought my lips over hers. She smiled over my mouth as we kissed and teased each other.

  My phone vibrated in my pocket. “Mmm, I should probably get that.” I pulled her mouth to mine one more time. “You are full of shit. You’re going to miss me like crazy.”

  “Whatever gets you through the day.” She laughed, breaking from my hold and reaching for her own phone.

  The valet pulled up as I was getting my messages. Sure enough, my mother had already texted to see if I had arrived safely. I had a couple of messages from work, and I had three messages from Kristina with a K.

  Kristina: Glad you’re back. Can’t wait to see you.

  Kristina: I made reservations at The Palm for seven. Come hungry.

  Kristina: Here’s an appetizer.

  It was pictures of her tits. Fuck.

  I ran my hand through my hair. This was quickly becoming one of those decisions gone wrong. Obviously, Kristina wanted me, and I’d used that to my advantage over the years. She hadn’t always worked at the first class counter, but if she ever saw me, she’d make her way over and take care of processing my ticket and seat assignment. She’d even gone as far as giving me the occasional free upgrade with an open invitation for drinks. I’d always had the girlfriend out, and I technically had it now. The only problem was that I’d actually used it as a bargaining chip. I’d never had any intentions of actually going out with her, but that hadn’t stopped her from trying to collect on my promise. Other than my sheer need to get on that plane, I had no idea what I was thinking when I made that deal with the devil. I hadn’t thought beyond finding Madison.

  Another text came in.

  Kristina: After tonight, you’re going to wonder why it took you so long to go out with me.

  I had no fucking idea what Kristina was thinking. I had agreed to take her out—huge mistake—but she was acting like there was more going on between us. What the fuck is wrong with this woman? Shit, ever hear of something called self-fucking-respect? And this was why even if Madison wasn’t in the picture, Kristina wouldn’t be. I hated women like this.

  I hadn’t directly given Kristina my phone number. She�
�d needed it for the ticket. She’d also fucking needed my credit card number, not that I thought she’d use it. But for precautionary measures, I was going to replace it today. I had to give her credit though. She was resourceful in a stalkerish kind of way. I needed to put a stop to this shit, but it was delicate. I didn’t want my premier service to suffer for it.

  Since this is, after all, Madison’s fucking fault, she needs to fix this. Next time, she won’t take off without telling me.

  I looked over at her. She was chewing softly on her lower lip as she read something on her phone.

  “Babe, I need your help with a situation.”

  Her eyes popped up, and she tilted her head. “What did you do now?”

  The valet pulled up and jumped out of the car. I opened the door for Madison, who didn’t move.

  I rubbed the back of my tightening neck. “Okay, look, I was desperate. I needed to get on that plane and sit next to you. So, I made a deal, as it turns out, with a nut.” I smiled wide. “Babe, I needed to be with you. I couldn’t let you go. I pulled out the big guns.”

  She crossed her arms in front of her and shook her head. “How bad can it be?”

  “Well…” I grimaced and rubbed my hands together. “I promised the ticket agent that I’d take her on a night out on the town in exchange for a first class ticket—that I paid a lot of money for—and the seat next to you. Now, she wants to collect.”

  “And?” she asked in a very serious tone.

  I matched her serious tone, “And? And I’m in this mess because of you. I need you to fix it. She’s gotten a little persistent.”

  “You’re both idiots, but you’re the bigger one and an asshole to blame me for this. Make this right, Marin. You need to grow a pair and be a man.” Glaring at me, she got in the car and slammed the door.

  “Fuck.” I grimaced, going around and getting into the driver’s seat. “Maddy, you’re right. I’m an asshole for blaming you.” I put the car in gear and drove into Miami traffic. “Listen to me, I’m not going to see her. I just need to get out of this without jeopardizing my travel upgrades.”

  She swiveled in her seat to look at me with her cold, heartless eyes. The temperature in the car dropped about fifty degrees. “I’m glad we’re on the same page that you’re an asshole. Now, take care of it.” She turned and looked out the window.

  “Why are you pissed-off?” I reached my hand behind her neck. “Maddy, I told you I wasn’t going to see her. I just needed to get on the plane.” I kneaded my fingers along the base of her neck. “This was part of the lying and manipulating I did to get to you. I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Think of it as romantic.”

  Her eyes pierced me, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “You agreeing to a fucking date with someone else is not what I consider romantic. Everything else you did was—which is the only reason you’re still breathing. Man up, Marin.”

  She was overreacting. I got it. We were both jealous and possessive with one another. The more I spent time with her, the less I could tolerate another man sexing her up with his eyes. I’d run interference whenever I saw a guy making his move, and after she had taken off with that motherfucker on Thanksgiving, abandoning me at a homeless shelter, I’d enacted the pussy-protection plan. I should have just made her wear a chastity belt and saved us both a lot of aggravation.

  Honestly, I’d never given a shit like this before. The closest I’d ever gotten to anything remotely similar had been when I was on my quest to win Daniela back. I’d hated that pretty boy, Liam Lucas, for having access to her and for complicating my plan. I’d hated that he’d had what I’d thought I wanted. With Madison though, it was different. She owned me and not because I wanted her, but because I was hers.

  As I pulled into the rotunda, she fished for her keys and opened the car door before I had a chance to get it for her.

  “Thank you for the ride home.” She leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Don’t call me until you’ve taken care of your situation.”

  I jumped out and jogged after her. It was something I was getting fucking good at doing. The doors opened to the lobby. As soon as she walked in, Walter stood up with a smile that reached from ear to ear.

  “Ms. Stuart,” he said.

  “Madison,” I pleaded, following her straight to the elevator, “come on, babe. Don’t make this a bigger deal than it is. Nothing is or was ever going to happen.”

  She pressed the button to call the elevator and then turned to me. She caressed my face with the palm of her hand. “Focus. You have a busy day ahead of you—a conference call in fifteen minutes, dinner with your mom, drinks with Chris. Somewhere in between all of that, you’re going to take care of this.” Her lips curled in a soft, gentle smile. “You decide if you want me or first class.”

  Was she really suggesting there was a fucking choice?

  I hated that she made things sound so trivial and ridiculous. Sure, I want everything—her and first class. I didn’t see why I had to make a choice. If I were to play my cards right, I could make this go away without pissing off Kristina too much. I wasn’t looking for Madison’s blessing. I needed her help—which she was very good at doing.

  “Maddy, I pick you. I’ll sit in a fucking lavatory for an entire flight or in the middle seat between two linebackers who haven’t showered and ate eggs for breakfast.”

  She played with her nails, and then she looked up. I saw that little twinkle in her eye and a slight twitch in her jaw. It was taking everything in her not to break out in laughter. She needed to be in control and pretend that things didn’t affect her, but I would wear her down and love every second of it.

  “Hello, Walter,” she said with a quick wave.

  “Ms. Stuart, I’m so happy that you’re back,” he responded quickly.

  Madison smiled at him, glared at me, and then stood with her arms crossed while she waited impatiently for her escape. This was one of those classic moments when the elevator was stopped at the top floor. So much for her quick getaway, but it’s working to my advantage.

  “I love you.” I closed the gap between us and placed my hands on her hips. “You,” I repeated, running my nose along her chin. Her sweet perfume mixed with pissed-off Maddy had me turned-on. “Don’t be mad at me, babe,” I whispered in her ear.

  “Fuck you,” she responded, looking away. “You’re not going to charm your way out of this one.”

  I turned her face toward me and ran my thumb over her lower lip. Her raging eyes zeroed in on my mouth.

  I uncrossed her arms and placed them on my hips. “I think you need to fuck me.”

  “I think you need to go to your meeting,” she said, staring at my lips.

  I hovered them close to hers. “Take what’s yours.”

  The elevator door opened, distracting me. She used that brief second to escape my hold. Before she could get too far, I reached for her arm with one hand while wrapping the other behind her neck. I crushed my mouth over hers.

  “Take what’s fucking yours,” I repeated, taunting her mouth with my tongue.

  She breathlessly pulled back from my kiss. “I know what’s mine. Don’t make me wait too long.” She stepped into the elevator. “Do what you have to do. I’ll be here.”

  The elevator doors were closing when I placed my hand in between them. They bounced open. I walked up to her and pulled out my phone.

  “We’re taking care of this now.” I pressed myself against her. “This fucking bullshit is not getting in the way of what I want to do to you.”

  “Of course, it’s all about you.” She rolled her eyes and tried to push me back, but she was unsuccessful.

  I was convinced that she just wanted to touch me, and she was using her hard-to-get attitude to turn me on—foreplay.

  “Whatever I do for me, I do for you.” I wiggled my eyebrows and brushed my lips over hers. “I’ll do anything for you.”

  “Actions speak louder than words,” she said, doubting me.

  The elevator doors opene
d, and she shuffled past me toward her apartment. “Don’t you have a conference call?”

  “Babe,” I groaned, hot on her tail down the hallway, “the beauty of a conference call is that I can make it anywhere I have a signal.” I raised my phone to her, but I had another call I needed to make first.

  Pushing open her door, Madison walked in and dropped her purse on the table. I’d only been allowed in the inner sanctum once, and that had pretty much been by force or sheer determination, depending on whose version I preferred to believe.

  I tapped on my phone and put it up to my ear as I reached for Madison, pulling her into me. She looked up at me incredulously.

  “You’re so wrong about me,” I told her with a wink.

  “That’ll be a first,” she replied flatly.

  The phone didn’t even ring twice.

  “Hey,” Kristina answered coyly, stretching out the greeting in an annoying way. “Glad you made it back in one piece. I can’t wait to see you tonight.”

  “Hey, about tonight,” I started to say, trying to find the nicest way of letting her down.

  I didn’t want to be a total asshole. On one hand, I was still trying to salvage my first class connection, but on the other, I wanted to be that better man.

  She sighed deeply. “You’re canceling on me, aren’t you?”

  “Sorry. Thanks for hooking me up with the flight. I really appreciate it,” I added.

  “You’re welcome,” she said awkwardly. “Wait. You’re canceling, like forever canceling? Not just tonight?”

  Drama. Fuck.

  Almost sensing my need for encouragement, Madison wrapped her arms around my waist and ran her tongue along my neck.

  “Not just tonight. Sorry,” I said, distracted by the effect that Madison’s lips on my ear had on my dick. “I’ll—”

  She cut me off with a snarky attitude. “And why is that?”

  I wasn’t exactly sure when Kristina had felt that she was entitled to an explanation, but it was really cutting in on the growing need in my pants. I canceled my date and thanked her. That should have been enough. Granted, I could understand her disappointment, but still, this was ridiculous. She left me with no other choice.