by A. L. Zaun
If that asshole Bruce called in sick or made up some bullshit story tonight, I’ll beat the living shit out of him.
Maddy trusted that asshole more than she trusted Nicki. Tonight, I needed Madison to let go and disconnect from this place.
I’m going to kill him.
“Hey, stud muffin.” Nicki smiled. “You’re looking awfully delicious tonight.” She pressed up against the bar and eye-fucked me before lowering her eyes to her bulging cleavage.
She wants me to look at them, smile, and imagine myself playing with them. So obvious. Maybe in another lifetime…definitely in another lifetime.
Nicki had to be the biggest ass-kisser known to man. She had a tendency of getting a little carried away with her come-ons when Madison wasn’t in the vicinity.
I smiled, placing my hands on the edge of the bar. “Hey to you. I see the A-team is rocking the bar tonight.” I looked around. No Madison. “Where is she?”
“You better believe I’m working this crowd.” She poured a couple of drinks and placed them on a tray. “The warden and her henchman are in her office.” She tipped her chin up and smiled impishly. “What do you wanna drink? No plastic bottle of water while I’m on.” She grabbed the Patrón off the shelf before I could say anything and placed a shot glass on the counter. “She’s in a shit mood.” Without looking up at me, she poured the drink. “You’re going to need this.”
“I’m good, and I can handle Madison’s many moods.” I winked and stepped back into the crowd.
“If you say so,” she called out as she pointed both hands to herself. “Just know I’m a lot easier.” She picked up the shot glass she’d set out for me and tossed back the tequila.
“I’m sure you are.” I gave her a double thumbs-up and my signature smile. That should give her enough to play with herself tonight. Fucking women, but I’m the asshole.
I walked down the hallway to Madison’s office. I could picture her now sitting at her desk like a queen while waiting for me. She probably had Bruce standing behind her just to annoy the fucking shit out of me. That would be my punishment for being late. After my assault on Bruce because he was an asshole, I’d tried, for Maddy’s sake, to keep the peace. He would stay in his corner, and I’d stay in mine. Madison had suggested that it would be a good idea for me to apologize for losing my temper. That’s not going to happen. He should apologize to me for his shitty service and horrible attitude, not to mention for getting in my face. So, Bruce and I were at an impasse.
As I opened the door, my eyes flashed straight to hers. Taken aback, a smile spread across my face. “Holy shit. Wow.”
She stood behind her desk in an amazing golden-colored dress that made her look like a fucking goddess. Her blue eyes sparkled like sapphires, and her pouty lips curled into the most beautiful smile that lit up her face. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.
Fuck, she’s gorgeous.
The end result was I had been reduced to being a pussy, but for her, I’d go to the gynecologist.
“Manners,” she breathed out, keeping her eyes on me. She shrugged and smiled widely. “Your reaction just might make up for your barbaric entrance.”
I started toward her, mesmerized. Meanwhile, Bruce was standing behind her with a curling iron in one hand and her hair in the other one. He leaned in and whispered something to her, making her eyes twinkle. I hate that cue-ball fucktard. First, he was touching her hair, and now, he was whispering in her ear.
I could feel my jaw tighten just from watching him. They had a strange relationship. They weren’t friends, but they were. He wasn’t into her, but I fucking swore he was in love with her. One minute, I was convinced he was gay, and other times, I saw him flirting with women, and I was sure he was as straight as I was.
He walked right up to me with his shoulders back and his chin tilted up so he could look down his fucked-up nose at me. We both stood there, eye-to-eye, staring one another down.
“For God only knows why, she thinks you’re worthy of her affections,” he said in a menacing tone, returning my glare. “It’s different with you. Hurt her…” He paused as he ran his hand over his shiny head. “I don’t fucking care. I’ll tear you apart, limb by limb.”
She came between us, reaching for my hand. “The two of you need to tone down your testosterone. Come on, handsome. The guest of honor can’t be late to his own party.” She turned to Bruce. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Thank you,” she said.
He walked out, and she was all mine.
I placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. “You look amazing.”
“You clean up nicely yourself.” She ran her hands along the front of my shirt.
I eyed her in appreciation. “The dress is spectacular. You look like you came off of a runway.”
She looked down at her outfit while she ran her hands along her sides. “You don’t think it might be too much? I can change into something a little more understated.”
I pulled her into an embrace. “You look like my Maddy, perfectly spectacular.” I placed a kiss on her forehead. “I veto all the old-lady dresses you have. The last thing I want is for you to be in something my mother would wear.”
She ran her hand along my face, her eyes glued to mine. They morphed from her sweet glance into the vixen glare I fucking loved. “You have this amazing way of taking a touching moment and—”
“Keeping it real,” I finished for her. “God, I love you.”
Possessed, I crushed my mouth over hers. Her lips parted, opening for me, and our tongues danced together. Her arms came around my neck, and her fingers played with my hair. My dick was ready to explode. I dragged her against my hard-on. Fuck, I need her. I pulled back, trying to slow down my breathing. I looked down at her storming eyes, and the only thing on my mind was being inside her. I cupped her face and ran my thumb along her swollen lips, wiping any lip gloss I’d smeared.
“Do you think they’ll notice if we don’t show up?”
“There’s a slight chance they will,” she panted.
She always has to be the fucking voice of reason. “You ready?” she asked.
Our fingers laced together as we walked out of the bar and down to the valet. I glanced over at her as she was getting into the car. She smiled before lowering herself into the seat. I didn’t think I’d ever seen her look so fucking amazing.
Maybe she just gets more beautiful each day. I laughed, thinking of her reaction if I were to say that to her. I slid into the driver’s seat and closed the door.
“What’s so funny?” she asked, adjusting her oh-so short dress.
“Your legs go on for miles,” I said, admiring them as I put the car in gear before driving off.
“Bullshit.” She gave me one of her doubtful stares with her lips puckered softly. “You wouldn’t think that was funny. You’d tell me your dick was hard.” She swiveled in the seat, and her dress rode higher up her thighs, revealing a clear shot of the lace covering her pussy.
“My dick is hard.” I reached over and ran my fingers along the inside of her thigh. “Sit back, and spread your legs for me.”
“And if I don’t?” she asked defiantly, yet doing exactly what I’d said.
Her badass attitude was an act…for the most part. Most of her life had been about being in charge, taking care of business, and keeping motherfuckers at bay. She liked that I would tell her what to do even if she fought me every fucking step of the way.
“I’ll pull over and fuck you.” Dare me, babe.
She licked her lips as they curved into a come-and-get-it smile. She brought her hands behind the headrest and closed her eyes. “Maybe I want you to pull over.”
“Babe, that’s a given,” I told her with a subtle grunt.
I slid my hands between her legs and slipped my fingers under the lace of her thong, but she clamped her thighs shut. She pursed her lips and arched an eyebrow.
God, she’s fucking hot.
“It’s a given you’re a walking hard-on.” She pulled my hand o
ut from between her legs and set it on my lap. “It’s also a given that you’re going to have to work for it.” She straightened up in her seat while pulling down her dress. “Now, tell me what you were laughing about.”
I gave her a sideways glance and ran my fingers along her arm. “You’re beautiful.”
“Ah, yes, that is funny.” She rolled her eyes.
I snaked my hand around her neck, looking forward but occasionally shifting my eyes over to her. “You get more beautiful every day.”
She surprised me. There it was—the look. Her face dipped sheepishly as her eyes fluttered up to me.
“Thank you,” she said in a hushed voice.
Ah, the many personalities of Madison Stuart. I couldn’t keep up with them, but this one was one of my favorites. I didn’t see it often. In fact, she rarely made an appearance. There was something very special about soft and sweet Madison.
My fingers tangled in her hair. “I always knew you loved it when I showered you with compliments.”
“Most of the time, you’re cheesy. Right now, at this very moment, yes, I do.” She looked out of the passenger window. “Don’t start sounding like a greeting card or one of those hormonal women’s television channels. That would just cheapen this moment.”
And as expected—the perfectly timed Madisonism to keep it real, making her like no one else.
I brought my hand down from her neck and reached for her hand, lacing our fingers together. “I’ve been thinking about your business model for Martini Bar.”
“I’d love to hear your thoughts.” She perked up and turned in her seat to face me. “There have been a few developments today, but tonight is about you, so no business talk. We’ll do that tomorrow.”
I laughed and picked up my phone from the center console. “I’m glad we agree that it’s all about me. Can you get the charger from the glove compartment?”
She reached for the latch and opened it. My eyes shifted to the side when she gasped, and a wide smile broke across her face.
“Marin, what are you up to?” She brought the wrapped box with a satin bow to her chest.
I live for moments like these.
“Fuck.” I gripped the steering wheel with both hands. “Babe, that’s not for you. Shit,” I joked, darting my eyes to her.
The color drained from her face. It was a dramatic shift in expression, and the atmosphere in the car changed. Her joyous smile fell downward, and suddenly, she looked like she was contemplating murder. She methodically put the box back into the glove compartment, but she didn’t take her hands off of it. She turned her face to look at me.
“You have five seconds to make this right. This would be a good time for you to say that you’re being a cocksucking asshole and that you’re just joking.”
“Well, I am Asshole Extraordinaire,” I said, smiling and raising my eyebrows.
She shot daggers at me. “I hate your guts.” She sat back in her seat and crossed her arms.
I softly hit my head against the headrest and sighed. “Just like old times.”
“Fuck you, Rick. Your timing and sense of humor suck dirty ass.”
I didn’t know what had possessed me to be an asshole. I knew she was nervous about meeting my family. I was a little, too. I hadn’t taken anyone home since Daniela. As much as I downplayed it, I knew it was a big deal for all of us. Madison wasn’t some chick I fucked or a girl I had dinner with. She was the real thing, and my family needed to get used to the fact that she wasn’t going away. Maybe that was why I acted like a dick. It was also why I had gotten her the gift.
I turned off of US 1 and parked along a dark, deserted side street. I looked at her as I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m sorry. I’m a total asshole. I thought it would be funny and different. No, I didn’t think. It was one of those impulse things and an epic fail.” I gave her my best apologetic look and gestured with my chin. “Open it.”
Her chin tilted up, and she stared straight ahead. “I hope you kept the receipt. I don’t want it.”
Yeah, I’m about to let her go there.
“Oh, really?” I unfastened my seat belt and got out of the car.
My little impromptu joke hadn’t been the smoothest thing I’d ever done, but this was about so much more. Normally, she would have sent me to hell and torn that box open. What she needed was an attitude adjustment, and I was about to give it to her.
I came around to her door and opened it, my hand resting on the doorframe. “Let’s go,” I ordered, motioning with my head.
She didn’t move.
I pressed my lips into a tight line as I reached into the car for the box in the open glove compartment, but she closed it with her knee before I could get it.
“That’s mine.” She shifted in her seat. “Just let it go. We’re going to be late.”
“Babe, you don’t want it,” I said through gritted teeth, running my hand through my hair. “Whatever. I’ll return it.”
“Whatever, what? It’s mine,” she hissed at me.
“Get out of the fucking car,” I commanded her. She gave me a deadly glare, so I toned it down a little bit. “Maddy, please.”
“What are you going to do?” She reluctantly stepped out of the car. “It’s not like you’re going to leave me on the side of the road.”
After a grunt, I lowered my voice. “Get in the backseat.”
“Don’t tell me what to do,” she said, shifting her eyes to the side before placing them square on mine.
I moved in closer to her, backing her up against the car. I placed my hands on her waist and ran my nose along her chin, feeling her pulse race in her neck. This woman had the power to bring me to my knees, take me to the brink of insanity, and push me to new heights.
“You’re a bitch, and you need that attitude fucked out of you. So, get in the goddamn backseat.”
“Go to hell.” She faced away from me. “You’re an asshole. I think we’re even.”
I turned her face with my hand. “I was an asshole.”
Her eyes shifted down.
“Look at me.”
She glanced up.
“I’m sorry.” I brushed my lips overs hers. “My intentions were to create a memorable moment.” I cupped her face with my hands and pressed my raging hard-on against her. “You’re overreacting and being that fucking petulant child you’re always accusing me of.” My mouth hovered over hers. “Get in the backseat.”
“You’re crazy,” she mumbled, her chest rising up and down rapidly. “Your family is probably wondering why you aren’t there yet.”
She’s probably right about both things, but…
“Have it your way.” With my mouth still over hers, I slid my hands slowly down to the hem of her dress, feeling her body shudder under my touch. “I can fuck you here just as easily.”
“You’re out of control.” She swallowed hard as my hand inched up her thighs. “I thought you said you didn’t know how to fuck me…” She gasped when my fingers grazed along the edge of her thong. “In the backseat like a couple of horny teenagers. I don’t think so.”
“Hmm, you just admitted you’re horny.” I teased her mouth with my tongue. “Right now, you need it, and I’m all about giving you what you need.” I slipped my hand between her legs while nipping her bottom lip. “You’re so wet.”
“Marin,” she said, taking in a breath, “I’d like to see you try to fuck me.” Her hands snaked around my neck as she ran her tongue along my lower lip. “Hot…steamy…fucking.” Her leg hitched around mine, forcing my dick to press deeper against her and my finger to slide along her wet pussy. “Heart-stopping…” Her fingers tugged on my hair, pulling my head back.
Fuck, I’m about to come without even unzipping my pants.
“If you play your cards right, I’ll let you fuck me like that.” Her head fell back as I slid my finger inside her, and she whimpered. “Right now, we’re going to get in the car, and you’re going to give me my present again.”
I slid in t
wo fingers, causing her to gasp, and her eyes widened.
“I am giving you a present.”
“Focus, Rick.” She grabbed my face with her hands, making me look at her eyes. “Nod your head if you can hear me.”
I laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with my hearing. My dick, however, is about to have a cataclysmic explosion.”
“Well, tell your dick to relax. I’m meeting your mother tonight.”
Major fucking buzzkill. Talk about going limp in a nanosecond. I closed my eyes tightly. “My mother?”
She lowered her hands between us, resting them on my chest. My fingers slipped right out of her as she straightened up. She blew out a soft breath and closed her eyes.
“I want to make a good impression, so come on, let’s try this again.”
“My mother,” I repeated in a grunt.
“Yes, the woman who is hosting a spectacular party in your honor.” She straightened my shirt.
What the fuck was up with mentioning my mother? Fuck. I was going to need therapy for that shit. I shook my head and decided to salvage the moment. “I see my methods worked. Your attitude adjusted, and you’re not being a bitch.”
Her method had worked, too. My dick was fully relaxed. Fuck! I hoped she hadn’t caused permanent damage.
“Whatever,” she dismissed me, sliding back into the passenger seat.
I looked down at her, resting my arm on the door.
“Fine.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry I was a bitch. You’re right. I behaved like a brat.”
“That’s better.” I closed the door and went around to the driver’s seat.
I sat and looked at her as she pulled down the visor, flipped open the mirror, and ran her fingers through her hair. She reached into her purse and pulled out lip gloss and a powder puff thing.
“It might be smart to get going, don’t you think?” she asked, putting her makeup away.
“Maddy.” I ran my fingers along her arm. Let’s try this again. “Can you get me the charger out of the glove compartment?”
She rubbed her lips together as she pulled on the latch. Pausing for a moment, she looked over at me, and then she dropped her eyes to the wrapped box. She moved slowly, almost like she was going to get burned, and I felt like such a fucking dick.