by V. H. Luis
I narrow my eyes at him. “So you want to take me to New York…” I press my chest against his. “How do you know I can go? Maybe I have to work.”
Adam’s laugh fills the room. “School’s out for winter recess. I know you can go.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t be so sure. I may have other plans.”
He pushes me against the kitchen counter as two lines form between his brows. “With whom?”
I run my tongue across my lips. “With this tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed guy.”
Adam tilts his head to the side as his facial features relax. “He sounds like a catch.”
I laugh. “Yes, but he does have an Achilles heel; he’s conceited and bossy.” Adam’s lips claim mine, and though the kiss is brief, when I pull back I’m panting.
“I would think by now my true weakness would be obvious…” His words are soft, the faint warmth of his breath brushing against my cheek as he trails kisses down the curve of my neck. “Come to New York with me. I don’t want to spend the holidays without you.”
My mother is right. We’ve only been dating for two weeks and going on a romantic getaway with someone under these conditions is insane, but with his body pressed against mine I’m unable to say no.
I close my eyes and whisper the word, “Yes.” When I flutter them open, Adam is staring at me with a triumphant expression. I can’t help but smile at him.
Once again he kisses me, only this time the action is not sweet, but frantic with erupting desire. His hands move up my thighs, underneath my dress, prompting me to groan against his mouth.
We do what comes natural to us, what we do best—we forget about everything but each other. A perfect way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
Chapter Twenty
I’M WEARING AN Aidan Mattox strapless gown. It’s a beautiful rose color and the bustier is snug. It accentuates my breasts and constricts my waist. The little fabric flower accents decorating it are beautiful, but the smoldering gaze Adam has in his eyes when he focuses on me is what makes the fairy tale complete.
“You are staring, Mr. Black.” I lean back against the plush leather of the limo and cross my legs to give him a more tantalizing view.
“You can’t honestly be mad at me for being mesmerized by such a stunning sight.”
“I can be mad at you for being so indiscreet.”
Adam laughs. “Believe me, I’m being discreet. At the moment, images of you wearing nothing but those heels are consuming my thoughts. You’re lucky I’m only staring.”
“I disagree.” I give him a playful pout. “I’d much rather you go with your impulse.”
“You want me that badly?”
I give him a slow, serious nod. Our eyes lock for a long beat and then our lips are pressed against each other. Adam moves his hand to my ankle, trailing it up my leg, and when he reaches the apex of my thighs he groans. His fingers press against the silky fabric of my panties, cupping me.
“You’re already wet.”
“I can’t help it. Around you it’s hard not to be.”
Adam gives a deep chuckle. He moves the delicate fabric of my panties to the side and rubs me. Like a cat in heat, I move my pelvis forward and Adam accepts the silent invitation. He slides a finger inside me, prompting a loud moan to escape my lips.
“As much as I’d like to peel that dress off your body and fuck you, we’re almost there.” He moves his finger back so only the tip is invading me, and when he pushes into me again his thumb rotates along my clit.
The muscles of my core constrict and I shift my pelvis forward to meet his thrusting finger. “Then fuck me only a little.” I mewl as my body gyrates against his skillful touch.
“How exactly does one fuck someone a little?” He teases as he pushes another finger inside me.
I groan at the welcome invasion. “You’re known to be a resourceful man; I’m sure you can figure it out.” A damp sweat creeps over my brow as my breath becomes shallow.
“I don’t think you realize how convincing you can be.” He trails wet kisses across my cheek. “Do you want to come?” Adam whispers as his tongue licks the edge of my ear.
I know why he’s asking the question. He wants me to beg, and lost to his touch, I’m more than willing. “Yes…please.”
His free hand moves to my breasts and with ease he releases them from the tight bodice of the strapless gown. Then his tongue is rolling around my nipples and the muscles between my legs are clenching around his probing fingers.
“I’m going to let you, because I want you to walk around this party wet.” His voice is silky smooth as he speaks in an authoritative tone. “Throughout the night I want you to think about how when we return to the limo I’m going to spread those pretty legs of yours and fuck you until you’re slick with my cum, until it’s dripping down your thighs.”
His words are like a lit match rippling across my skin. I’m burning with need for each deep thrust, for the feel of his talented fingers as they caress the parted folds of my sex and claim me with eager persistence.
“Would you like that?”
“Yes,” I moan between breathy gasps. My eyes focus on his as he teases me with each stroke. He has a charming half-smile on his lips and I know why. Only he can do this to me. I’m his.
I reach the peak of my orgasm. My body stiffens and the muscles between my legs convulse as I come, pleasure searing through my trembling limbs, rocking me to my core. This is the type of pleasure you feel only when you relinquish control—when you let go of inhibitions. A frightening thought invades my bliss. You’ve given him power over your body but not your person. He doesn’t really know who you are. What would happen if he did?
Adam’s fingers are still inside me and the feathery kisses he trails across my neck brings me back to reality. They tear me away from my sudden melancholy. My mouth is parted, because it’s the only way I can breathe at the moment.
“I love that abandoned look your eyes get when you come,” he says in a slow drawl.
“We have arrived, Mr. Black.” Parker’s voice echoes from the intercom.
My body tenses at the sound and Adam grins. He presses a button before he speaks. “Give us a minute.”
He pulls his fingers out of me and I exhale slowly. A small pout forms on my lips as I shift my dress into place so my breasts are tucked away.
“You should be smiling.” He says, tugging the lapels of his suit and straightening his appearance.
“I would be, if we could skip this party and enjoy the one we have going on in here.” I lean forward and grab the hand he used to finger-fuck me. “You have lipstick on your lips. Right here.”
I move his damp fingers along the edge of his lips. Adam pulls me against him to steal a quick kiss. I squeal at the action and revel in the taste of my own release. I don’t know why, but tasting the saltiness of my arousal on his lips is so damn erotic—I love it.
He pulls back from the kiss. “What a difference two weeks makes.” He gives me a pensive stare as his hands cradle my face. “Are you happy being here with me, spending as much time as we have together?”
The question surprises me, and I want to pull away from his grasp. It’s hard to focus on his gaze because his eyes have a serious expression, one that simultaneously scares and intrigues me.
I place my hands on his cheeks, mirroring his actions. “Yes. Being with you is the only happiness I’ve known for a long time.”
Adam shakes his head with a smile and pulls away from my hold. His mask slips in place and the intimacy we’ve just shared is lost. “Shall we?”
I comb my fingers through my hair while a lingering dread builds inside me. For some reason I want to stay in the limo, but that’s not an option so I give him a quick nod.
We exit the car and the flash of cameras blind me. I didn’t expect to be accosted by reporters, though I suppose when you’re dating one of the most sought-after bachelors in the state and you go to a high-profile event, that’s precisely what’s goin
g to happen.
Adam holds me close as the reporters get their photos. After a brief pause we move past them and enter the Biltmore hotel, a stunning building surrounded by lush greenery.
As we head toward the ballroom I have to rein in my astonishment. The room has vaulted ceilings adorned with chandeliers and spectacular arched columns outlining different alcoves, housing elegant tables. Multiple second-floor terraces are rimmed with elegant iron rails, and in general the entire room boasts impressive architectural features.
The moment we enter the room people are greeting us, and I’m startled. I’ve spent the last few years in a bubble, and before that my experiences were limited to the normal activities of an everyday college girl. I spent my days going to movies and the mall, not being escorted to fancy charity events. I cling onto Adam’s arm because I’m filled with uncertainty. How am I supposed to act around these people?
Adam leans to me and whispers, “You okay?” I give him a shy nod and he flashes me that perfect smile of his. “I think you need a drink.”
“I think for once I agree with you. In fact, make it a double.”
He chuckles and leads me to our table. It’s segregated from the rest, toward the end of the room. Adam disappears into the crowd, making his way to the bar while I’m left on my own. The table is empty, and I assume all who are supposed to sit here are currently mingling. The out-of-place feeling multiplies in the seconds I’m left alone in this new, strange setting.
Sarah strolls over to the table and gives me a hug. Her skinny frame feels flimsy and the strong smell of liquor and perfume emanates from her pores. “You got roped into this event as well? Well, aren’t you lucky.”
I try to hide the frown that forms on my brow. “I take it you didn’t want to come?”
“It’s not that I don’t support the cause, but I could do without all the snobby people rubbing elbows and insincerely smiling at one another.”
I arch a brow at her comment. “It can’t be that bad.”
“You would be surprised.” Sarah smoothes out the wrinkles in her dress. “Do you plan on sitting here all night?” She gives me a glance, and I note the dare in her voice.
“Lead the way.”
We walk toward one of the alcoves, featuring easels holding pictures of various men and women surrounded by children. From the actions and setting, I assume that these people have contributed to the Children’s Care Fund.
Sarah affectionately grabs me by the arm as we walk. I steady her as we move, making sure she doesn’t fall.
“You okay?” I can’t hide my concern.
Her laugh is bitter. “I’m peachy.” She points to a photograph in which her father is tending to a sick child. “Did you know my family makes up the top three contributors?” She leans against me and whispers, “It’s all a pissing match. Father donates because he works at the hospital and it’s expected. Mathew only donated because Mother nagged him, and, well, he wanted to one-up Adam, but of course Adam wouldn’t let him win. He contributed the most.”
“Sarah, I doubt they would do something like that for such ugly reasons. In fact, I know Adam would never do that.”
Sarah twirls so she’s standing in front of me. Her eyes are holding pooled tears. “Don’t be naïve; men only like that in short spurts. After a while they grow bored of explaining everything to the inexperienced.”
Now I’m getting annoyed. “How much have you had to drink?”
“Not enough.” Her hand moves to her pale face. “You should run far away from Adam. Everyone in this goddamn family is a lost cause. They’re only interested in keeping up appearances.” She wipes away a trailing tear.
“Why are you saying this?” My words are a hushed whisper. “I know yesterday was upsetting but…”
“I meant it when I told you that I liked you.” She shakes her head and lurches to the side. Her hand reaches for one of the easels and it shifts, unable to hold her weight.
I lunge forward and grab her. Even inebriated she’s a beautiful girl—her blond hair is straight, and her cerulean dress matches the blue of her eyes. “If I could, I would run,” she says, her petite frame trembling. “Listen to my warning. Get out while you still can.”
“What happened yesterday after we left?”
Pulling back from my hold, her features soften as she straightens. “I think I need to visit the ladies room.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No. I’m fine. Adam’s probably looking for you.” She stares at me an odd expression dominating her face. Is it pity I see, or resignation?
Before I can decide, Sarah turns and dashes off. I want to follow her, to make certain she’s all right, to ask her all the questions racing through my head, but I’m in shock. Never did I expect Sarah of all people to warn me away from Adam.
I turn and make my way to the dining area when I’m stopped by a familiar image. The photograph in front of me is of Adam. He’s sitting in a room surrounded by small children and he’s holding a book, reading to them. I would never have pictured Adam volunteering in a hospital, and yet as I stare at the image it makes perfect sense to me. Sarah is angry at Adam; maybe she’s angry at me for telling him about Markus. I’m not certain what is wrong with her, but I am sure about one thing—Adam would never donate to a charity he didn’t believe in, and if I needed proof it’s right in front of me.
When I reach the table it’s full of people. Adam is frowning as he sees me approach.
“Where have you been?” he murmurs low, but with annoyance.
“With Sarah. We were looking at the photographs in the other room.”
The furrows in his forehead soften. “Next time tell me where you’re going.”
“Why?” I say with genuine confusion.
“You’re too sweet for the type of crowd these parties cater to. I worry someone might upset you.”
“I’m not made of glass and though you like to believe you can control every situation, you can’t.” My tone is playful but I’m dead-serious. “Besides, what can anyone at this party do to upset me?”
Adam opens his mouth to respond but is cutoff by someone calling his name. He turns his head quickly, addressing a man sitting across from us and my question is soon forgotten.
The next half hour passes without a hitch. I’m concerned about Sarah. She’s been absent for the duration of the dinner and no one at the table seems to care. Adam has spent the time talking to his father, and more than once I’ve caught Mrs. Black staring at me. My skin crawls every time her emerald eyes focus on me because they seem so appraising. What the hell is she thinking?
After dessert is served, Adam is called up to the podium to speak.
“Hearing you have developed a debilitating disease of any kind is hard to understand and to accept. However, when you’re confronted with such a difficult situation at a young age, the illness does so much more than incapacitate your body; it steals your innocence.
“All of you who have contributed to this fund should feel a measure of satisfaction, because your support has allowed children who previously had no recourse to get the care they need. However, our journey certainly does not end here…”
Adam speaks about statistics concerning child cancer rates and how the donations for the Children’s Care Fund are monumental for the advancement of research. After he’s done with his speech, everyone applauds and brings out their checkbooks, including me.
I expect Adam to return to the table after his speech, but that doesn’t happen. He spends much of the evening talking to other guests while I’m left alone. Obviously, he took my impassioned, I’m not made of glass comment to heart, because I’ve been left to my own devices. Even after getting what I wanted, I’m not happy. You practically told him you could handle being on your own—now you have to live-up to the boast. Don’t be clingy!
My internal pep talk appeases me for five minutes and then I’m again restless. It’s uncomfortable to be sitting while everyone is mingling, so I head to the bar
and order a drink. “Cranberry Sparkler, please.”
As I’m waiting, a familiar bitter voice makes me groan.
“So he decided to bring you along even after yesterday’s disaster.”
I turn to face Victoria. “Do you seriously have nothing better to do at these parties than come and bother me?”
“Don’t flatter yourself.” She motions for the bartender. After her drink is poured she turns to face me. “Did you have the opportunity to read the article?”
I should walk away, but her question intrigues me. “What article?”
She pulls out her phone and shows me an alarming headline, Millionaire Playboy Starts Jealous Brawl at Sister’s Party.
“Shit.” I say the curse a bit more loudly than I intended, and a few guests give me frowning glances. “That’s not what happened.”
Victoria shrugs. “I don’t think reporters are known for their interest in the truth, at least not these ones.” She smirks at me. “You’ve been dating him for a few weeks and already his name is being tainted by the association.”
I down the drink I receive from the bartender and make my way to the restroom. I may actually throw it up. The loud tapping of Victoria’s heels as she pursues me, fuels my anger.
“Leave me the hell alone.”
“Did you know my mother is good friends with Lillian Black? They’ve often discussed how wonderful it would be if Adam and I happened to fall in love.”
“I don’t care who your mother is friends with. You can all waste your time together daydreaming. It’s not a concern of mine. Stop following me,” I keep walking, striding out of the hall.
“Does Adam know about the time you spent locked away?”
My muscles lock—I’m frozen solid. And the edges of the room are blurring as if I’m a watercolor painting, discarded in the rain. How did this woman learn so much about me in such a short time?
Victoria laughs with genuine mirth. “Is it like in the movies? Did they lock you in a white room and make you wear a straightjacket?”
Don’t you dare pass out! March up to this bitch and slap her. Snap out of it! I focus on my thoughts because if I don’t, I’m a goner. I’m getting a headache from holding back my tears.