His eyes track over my open blouse as he slides it off my shoulders. Then reaches behind and unsnaps my bra with the flick of his wrist. “Beautiful,” he murmurs as his wicked mouth lands on mine. His urgent fingers working diligently on my pants. As I fight to unbuckle his belt and his zipper slides over his hard length, I inch them down to his thighs, as I kick off my pants. Then he does the same.
“Do you want me?
“Fuck yes, I want you.”
“Then, take it.” His smoldering gaze drifts to mine, his fingers slip under the band of my panties and drag them sensually down my legs, kneeling on one knee he buries his face between my thighs, taking me to heaven with his mouth. My fingers instinctively glide behind his head thrusting with urgent need. “Yes, like that.” I say. I feel the sensation build and burst in a surge of explosions as his mouth continues to work his magic.
He lifts me, pins me to the wall, his hands digging into my thighs as he drives his cock into me. He had the whole weight of my body in his hands, guiding every thrust as my legs naturally wrap around his waist. His mouth captures my nipple, he swirls, and tugs until my moans are heard. Then worshipping the other. Once our gaze locks, his stance parts as his thrust get harder, deeper, faster. He’s fully aroused and giving me every part of himself. His breath at my ear short and quick as he holds me in place. “My cock is stone baby, follow me home, come for me.” I can’t stop myself I meet his trusts impatiently wanting to reach another climax. His muscles glistening with perspiration as he slams his body into mine. “That’s it.” He says in panting breaths, whispering my name, his lips buried in my neck, begging for release.
“Oh God.” I say as ripples of desire are ripped from my core. His primal roar follows. He stills, and several jerks are felt inside of me.
“Nichole be mine.” He says, he pleads. It wasn’t a question, not exactly.
“I am.” He gracefully walks us into his bedroom with me still in his arms. Still buried deep within me. We lay entangled in each other arms. My muscles ache in a good way, wrapped within his limbs drowning in his scent. I was falling for him, I’ve known it for some time. I just wasn’t ready to admit it.
I wake to the gloomy sky of winter and a muffled sound of Steel’s cell phone ringing. “Ignore it.” He says his face buried into his pillow. Pulling me in closer, his warm body feels amazing. But in our line a work, we answer our phones day or night. I gently nudge him.
“It might be important, I’ll get it for you.” He moans but releases me as I take a throw and wrap it around my naked body returning quickly back into his warm bed.
“Theo.” He says and presses his number to return the call. “Theo, sorry I missed your call, is everything all right?”
“It is, I didn’t mean to startle you, it’s a social call.”
“Nick’s here, let me switch you to speaker.”
“I’m calling to invite you both to a welcome home party-charity event for the family-philanthropist.” We heard a slight chuckle. “They got home jet lagged, so they’re all adjusting to the time zone. It’s this Friday, I’ll text you the details.”
“It sounds great, we’ll be there.” And disconnects the call.
“Are you up for a charity ball?” He asks. “It would be a great distraction.”
“I thought you were my distraction.”
“You are in no position to tease Miss Lancaster.”
“I’m a woman who likes to be in control.”
“Is that right?” Oh hell, he captures both my wrists in one hand above my head, his heated smile aimed at me as he climbs on top, nudging my thighs apart. I twist underneath him, but his strength subdues me. “Playing with fire Mr. Archer.”
“Um hum.” His full lips kiss me, as his free-hand gropes. Then slowly he enters my slick heat. Our eyes lock on each other. “Oh, you’re right, there’s fire down below.” I feel him moving in and out of me, an ache building low in my belly.
“Are you going to make me beg?”
“Now that I’d love to hear.” But he doesn’t wait, he turns rough and aggressive with need as I soon follow, his moan a warning he’ll soon unravel, he rises up resting on his heels as he pulls my body close, his fingers find the bundle of nerves at the peak of my sex and stimulates me as he trusts, that’s all it takes as our release finds us and we erupt simultaneously.
“Good morning.” His cocky smile glued on his face as he pulls me into the shower for round two.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a formal dinner, and the club offers a full orchestra and dancing, I guess this is how the other half lives. The notion is making my head spin, searching through racks of formal gowns. This is a first, I remind myself. I choose five, and make my way to the sales lady who directs me to the dressing room. The first two I discard instantly, dress number three has possibilities as I step out to the three-sided, full length mirror.
I hate it.
The sales woman from Bergdorf Goodman arrives with a dress draped over her arm. “Humor me.” She says. “I have twenty years of experience.
“It’s red.”
“Indulge me.”
“Yeah, no. That’s not going to work.”
“If I’m wrong, I’ll give you my employee discount.”
“You’re very persuasive.”
We make our way back to my designated room, I see her scoop up all five dresses and hang the one red dress on the hook. Rolling my eyes, I slip it on, of course it fits like a glove, I return to the mirror once more. The saleswoman smiles as I step on the round platform, she has a pair of barely there black high heel sandals, dangling from her two fingers.
“Marchesa Notte.” She begins. “A beaded stretch-faille gown, combining a sheer sleeveless floral embroidered illusion bodice, small ruffled peplum waist draping in a flowing accent. The column silhouette straight hem, and V-lined back and a thigh high side slit is pure class with a mixture of sex appeal and confidence.”
She joins me, and closes the hidden back zipper and my curves come to life. Shockingly my long dark hair is the perfect backdrop to this piece of art, that will set me back a mere thousand dollars. Sold.
I jab a finger into Will’s chest. “When I said you could tag along, I meant silently.” As I return to adjusting his tie. “Steel will be here soon, hold still.”
“It’s fine, shouldn’t you be getting ready yourself?” I tug a little harder.
“Ouch, you did that on purpose.”
“Quit complaining.” One last tug. “All done, now, answer the door I’ll be down the hall.”
I hear the doorbell, then muffled voices, I finish my hair and makeup, curious I lift to my feet, still in my robe and walk the long hall to the great room. And there dressed in a fitted black suit, wrapped over his burly physique stands the man in my life. He’s groomed to perfection, radiating masculinity molded from a different cast. And hidden below all that precision was a flicker of fire and passion.
Without skipping a beat, his gray blue eyes dart then drags over my body, a gleam of delight comes over his devil may care grin. His concrete jaw and sharp cheek bones chiseled and that dazzling smile would melt any woman on site. I was that woman.
He possesses strength, power and begins to walk towards me with purpose and authority. An earthly scent and spicy aroma swirls around him capturing me, swooning the closer he came. His rumbling deep voice speaking my name. “Nichole.” His hawk like senses chuckle as I’m rendered speechless. His arms wrap around me, his eyes were a light with joy.
“Maybe I should dress up more often.”
“Maybe you should.”
“Gross.” My idiot brother says. “Did you forget I’m right here?”
“It’s hard not to.” Steel gives Will a stoic look.
“I need to dress, I won’t be long.” Then scurry to my bedroom as tiny butterflies flutter low in my belly. Who is this girl? I barely recognize my own behavior. I was turning into everything I chastised other couples for. The mushy, dreamy eyed girl, exh
ibiting public displays of affection, could I be both? The bad ass- FBI agent and a woman in love, I want to be both equally, but if one dominates the other, the house of cards could come tumbling down.
I push the thoughts away once I stand in front of my full-length dressing mirror. I pull my hair into a soft twist and wrapped it loosely where it rests behind my right ear. Grabbing several pearl-beaded combs the style is held in place. I have to admit; the chic design was a far cry from my standard work garbs. It’s time to put it to the test, as I slip on my sexy high heel sandals, and grab my clutch and wrap. I lift my chin towards the hallway and as if in slow motion Steel turns, hearing the clicks of my heels on the wood floor. His gaze sweeps over my dress, a slow ride down then up where it lands on my face as if memorizing each feature. I can’t hold back my lips turning into a smile. My heart picks up and gone is my poised exterior and in its place was that girl again. All liquid, syrupy warmth flooding my head with dreamy visions of this man.
“Wow.” He stumbles. “I’m, speechless.” He reaches for me and his lips gently glide over mine. “You look like a goddess.” Taking my breath with him, he’s one captivating man.
“Let’s go already.” Will’s impatience grinding like fingernails down a chalk board. “Hello, did you hear me?” Steel’s less than amused look silences my brother and his big mouth.
We drive in silence, mostly. “I imagine there’ll be a lot of single women there?”
“Right, slick.” Turning to meet his gaze seated in the back. “It’s a charity event.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” I tune out the chatter.
Far off in the distance the lights appear in the dark skies as the three of us drive towards the event. We reach the Sierra Mountain Casino. And the valet appears, Steel hands over the car, as we all exit under the portico. Steel rounds the vehicle and places his hand on my lower back, the heat penetrating through my dress gesturing me towards the entrance.
Wintergarden Conservatory: Nested on the roof top terrace of the Casino stands out in the middle of the Nevada desert, the poshest high-end casino, and hotel in the state. A world of its own adding a cultural twist and a huge array of entertainment, shops, restaurants, boutiques mark this magnificent oasis.
The grand foyer, graces the entrance with a chandelier hanging magnificently from the ceiling, dropping in strands to the floor puddling in twinkling lights. Fifteen feet of pure elegance shimmering as we enter, quite impressive, and screams decadence. The space is upscale ritzy with its soaring ceilings and remarkable architectural design. Expertly combining historic elements, while the new modern essentials recedes into the background, giving the whole room a certain flair.
But the night breathes a never-ending supply of romantic settings, private alcoves, and lush surroundings. The beautiful roof top glass terrace offers views far across the skies, the city lights beaming in the distance. The stars displayed as if Van Gogh himself, placed them there with his brush.
The welcome home party was more than just a party, it’s a charity event to raise money for the African villages they assisted, and to put in place a plan of action to continue assistance financially. They were people of great wealth and importance. We make our way to our friends.
“The rat pack returns.” Steel’s hand reaches for Alex’s and is returned with enthusiasm. The others smile, and their focus turns to us. We spend a few minutes mingling within our circles as introductions begin.
“Have you met Jules?” Jordon asks, as we all welcome her, she’s quite stunning, yet her attention is sorely drawn to Steel. The question floods my mind, as a hint of jealously lingers. Or is it merely he’s striking to look at, he certainly blew my mind earlier.
“This is Will, my brother, he’s staying with me temporarily.” I could see the telltale signs he’s provoking as pretty boy works the crowd.
“I can take it from here, sis.”
“Think again, slick.” I whisper. “Stay close, no need to start rummaging the crowd for unsuspecting females.”
I gravitate towards the women, as the men went for drinks. “Madison, how is sweet Gabriella?” I watch her face turn to pure joy.
“My Mother and Mrs. Davis cared for her in my absence, but the trip was worth the new mommy anguish of leaving her.”
As Alex and Ben returned with drinks, he joins in “Don’t let her fool you, it was pure torture, we were face-timing every morning and night through a satellite, I paid dearly for the privileges.” Alex says.
“Theo and I stopped by constantly.” Eden adds. “I supplied her with any potential milestones.”
One of the community charity heads joins in. “It’s about time for your speech Mr. Storm.”
“This is all on you brother.” Ben says as his arms pulls Jordon closer.
We sit at the lead table, and I catch the eye of Eden as she winks at me. I watch her gaze at the two of us, Steels arm resting on my shoulder as he purposely pulls me in, our bodies touching sending signals up and down my spine. She whispers into Theo’s ear and he smiles and kisses her.
Ben and Jordon are next to us. There’s a special bond between Jordon and myself after everything we went through together, I chit chat about her trip and get more details than I ever wanted to know. Roughing it in a third world country takes a special kind of person, and I’m not one of them.
Will and Jules are seated side by side on the opposite side of Steel, as I eavesdrop on their conversation.
“You’re very handsome, but you seem kinda’ shallow.” Jules comments, as wine almost flies from my mouth and through my nose. I can’t suppress a laugh.
“Your loss.” Will rebukes. “I know you’re pretty and all, but you don’t seem to know when to shut your mouth.”
“You think I’m pretty?”
“Kinda, but I’m not going to have sex with you.”
“What are you talking about? I’d even have sex with me.” She flips her long blond hair over her shoulder. “So, you’re like, 100% looks, 99% idiot?” She huffs. “You’re like one of those morons who go around insisting you hit them in the stomach as hard as you can.”
“Am not, that’s not cool.” His gaze locks on her. “What’s your name again?”
“Jules.” She flips her long blond hair over her shoulder, again. “You’re taking this way too seriously.”
“Believe me, he deserves it.” I add my two cents. Steel gives me a look, “The only problem he has is finding his zipper fast enough.” I whisper. His wide smile speaks of understanding. Then we hear the tap of a microphone and Alex standing at the podium.
“We are all deeply proud of the contributions of the men and woman from the states, and across the world. Shoulder to shoulder we stood with tribes and peace corps volunteers, our influence made a difference in the everyday lives, we shared together.
The changes we made to the communities, may seem small compared to our busy city life, but as we stood by farmers and planted trees, taught language to hundreds of students, constructed schools, dug wells. We left our mark on future lives. And that only touches the surface.
Now, upon our return we want to help people see and look at global matters with fresh eyes. There are rare opportunities in life when one person can make a difference, and that’s you, here today. Be that light, that force that help to humanity that is so desperately in need. You can make an impact, give generously whether it’s your time or financial support. I’ve realized the effectiveness of individuals and what inspires us to give of ourselves. Be that miracle while thinking of those who will be impacted by your help. Thank you.”
The orchestra begins, and there’s a brief announcement dinner will be served during their break in an hour. Hors D'oeuvres and champaign are served as waiters’ float in and out of the crowd.
“Dance with me Nick.” He stands, his palm suspended in mid-air awaiting my response, it doesn’t take long to follow suit as he snakes through the dance floor towing me behind.
For the first time in a very long time
, it all feels so right. Pressing against his strong chest, I feel safe and protected. When have I ever needed a man to feel safe, but then again it was my heart that needed protecting. His tender touches swaying with the music, his gray-blue eyes focusing on me, taking me in. I could get lost in this man.
“You’re a goddess, and I am a mere mortal.” Steel’s voice thick with emotion, as the song Elvis made famous, “I can’t help falling in love” plays on as our fingers braid together. Pulling me tighter, closer, dragging my heart along the edge of confession.
He leans in a whisper above my ear. “I’m in love with you Nichole.” He holds my breath in his bare hands. “Love me Nicole, love me.”
Our eyes lock, scrutinizing every feature that passes over my face, the words came easily “I love you as well.” What I felt for him, it was real, solid. I was head over heels in love, thinking about a future.
I feel the vibration of his phone, yet he ignores it. Capturing my face in his hands his mouth brushes over mine, soft, sweet with passion. Breathless in his arms, his phone vibrates again. “Take it.” I say, as he reaches in and looks at the screen.
“Flynn.”
I nod, in understanding as he leaves me exiting the room entering the outdoor terrace. I cross the floor to our now empty table, and sip my glass of champagne.
“It’s the Ritz Carlton of Casinos.” Someone says behind me. And as I turn, the color drains from my face - Andrew Quentin Attorney General appears out of thin air, my drink spills on my dress.
“Here, allow me.” He whips his silk handkerchief from his suit pocket and hands it to me.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Slips out. He leans in, much to close.
“Has anyone ever told you, that you have a filthy mouth?”
“On more than one occasion.” Wiping my stained dress with his handkerchief. But the damage was done, I lift my gaze to his, realizing he waited until I was alone, some nerve.
“What is it, Mr. Quentin? What do you want?”
Hard as Steel: Book four ( Surviving Series ) Page 14