by Judy Angelo
Yeah, she would go there. She’d turned bold, she’d turned forceful and she’d turned rude. Right now she didn’t give a damn about decorum. She wanted Ridge here and now and she would have him even if it meant she would have to turn into a big, bad bitch to do it. She might be small in body but when it came to getting what she wanted she could be as big and bold as the best of them.
Grabbing his shirt as it flapped open, Lani heaved, letting Ridge know that she wanted him to rise.
Thank goodness he didn’t resist. Eyes deep, dark and intense he raised up from how she’d had him lying flat on his back and when she kept tugging he got up off the bed.
Smiling with relief but glad he was letting her boss him around Lani hung on to his shirt and dragged Ridge off to the bathroom. For being such an obedient little boy – in this case, a really big, little boy – she would give him a special treat.
As soon as they were inside the bathroom Lani pushed Ridge back against the sink and dropped to her knees in front of him. She heard when he sucked in his breath but she pretended not to notice. Instead, she focused on the task at hand – getting Ridge good and naked.
Lani’s hand flew to his belt and as she loosened it he groaned. She smiled. What did he think she was going to do to him? Moving quickly, she pulled the button at the top of his pants then reached for the zipper. Then, wanting to make him wait, wanting to watch him writhe, she began to pull it down, her movement tantalizingly slow. Like she knew he would, Ridge groaned again and now he’d reached behind him and was gripping the countertop so tight his knuckles were white.
Her smile deepening, Lani slid her hands inside Ridge’s trousers, her palms gliding over the cotton-covered cheeks of his bottom then she pushed down, letting his trousers fall to the floor.
She let him step out of trousers, socks and shoes and shrug the shirt off his back and now he was standing in front of her with only one insignificant garment blocking her from her goal. Still on her knees, Lani glanced up, an involuntary smile curling her lips when she saw the look on his face, a an endearing mix of desire, uncertainty and anticipation. She had him by the cojones now – figuratively speaking, of course – and if she played her cards right she would soon have him eating out of her hand.
Lani reached up and hooked her thumbs into the sides of Ridge’s boxer shorts, ready to pull the underpants down and reveal him to her gaze but then she paused. Maybe she was a masochist, prolonging her torture, but she decided to wait just a little bit longer. He was ninety percent naked and she was fully clothed. How fair was that?
Lani got up from her knees, taking note of the soft hiss that escaped Ridge’s lips as she moved away. She stifled her chuckle. The man had complained about her driving him mad. Pity he didn’t know she was about to make things a whole lot worse.
Her gaze never leaving his face, Lani backed away, almost to the other end of the spacious bathroom, and it was from that vantage point that she began her striptease. Unbeknownst to Ridge, this evening she’d decided to be his very own private dancer.
She started with the coat, which she’d almost forgotten she was wearing. With a flourish she slid it off her back, twirled it around then dropped it on the floor. Next, she reached her hands up and slowly undid the buttons on her shirt, taking note that as her fingers went down the line, from button to button, Ridge’s gaze was following every step of the way. Within seconds the shirt was dangling from her fingers and then it, too, was falling in a heap on the floor, leaving her top bare except for her bra.
By this time Ridge’s eyes were glued on her, taking in every curve, looking like he was ready to devour her whole.
Lani stepped out of her loafers then dropped her hands to the waist of her slacks and began to undo the button there, making her moves sexy as sin. Shirt and slacks weren’t exactly the best selection for a sexy striptease but she was making all the sultry moves to make up for that and if Ridge’s reaction was anything to go by, it was working.
The big man didn’t move as he watched her from across the room but his grip on the counter did not relax and when he swallowed his Adam’s apple bobbed like a dinghy in distress. She was having an effect on him all right. A big one.
And Lani meant to keep it that way so, straightening her back to give him the full impact of her jutting breasts, she reached behind and pulled the clasp at her back then let the bra slide off her shoulders and down her arms, exposing her full breasts to his gaze. She was rewarded with his sharp intake of breath.
Not stopping there, she tilted forward and hooked her thumbs into the sides of her bikini underwear then slowly she pushed it down, off her bottom, down her legs and to the floor. When she straightened up and stepped out of the panties she looked over at Ridge again and this time there was no hiding his arousal. A sizable tent was jutting forward in his shorts, making his response no secret whatsoever.
Now, fully nude, the only thing covering her being the hair on top of her head, Lani moved toward Ridge, finally ready to put him out of his misery. She knew he wanted her but she also knew he was scared to make a move. It would be up to her to take things to the next level.
Her movements decisive, Lani went back to stand in front of Ridge, her eyes just level with the nipples on his chest, and although she was tempted to pause there, to give him pleasure by licking the stiff buds, she did not. There would be time enough for that later.
She dropped to her knees again but this time it was to hook her thumbs into the waistband of Ridge’s shorts and push them down. Immediately, his manhood popped up, perplexed, purple and proud, as she pushed his shorts down past his knees and onto the floor. Slowly, she rose up from the floor, making her movements languid and sensual, and then she reached for his hand.
She couldn’t help but smile at the look on his face, half wary, half disappointed. He was eager for more but she was the one calling the shots. He would just have to wait.
Lani led Ridge over to the Jacuzzi hot tub and as it filled with water she made him climb over and relax in its warmth. Climbing in beside him, she reached over to grab the bubble bath gel and the soft plastic mesh sponge. She lathered it then proceeded to stroke his chest, making him sigh and close his eyes then sink lower into the water. She didn’t let him get away, though. Her hand slid down, following him, sliding under the bubbly water where she could continue her caress, but this time along the length of his strong legs.
Ridge was staring at her now and she knew what he wanted. It was time to reward him for letting her rule.
Her bold nature not letting her down, Lani moved the sponge up to his private area and proceeded to circle the heaviness that lay there.
Ridge gasped, his body shuddering as he clenched his eyes shut and flung his head back against the tub. Meanwhile, his arms spread wide against the back of the tub, he clutched the tiled lip, looking like he was clinging on for dear life.
But Lani did not stop there. She moved the sponge up until she was caressing that part of him that throbbed at each touch, and as she massaged she leaned forward to steal a kiss from the man who, by now, was breathing hard like he’d just finished the hundred-meter dash.
As she kissed him and Ridge kissed back hungrily she released him and moved her hands up so she could pinch his nipples, bringing them to a hardness that matched the one down below. Then she drew her lips away.
“Enough,” she whispered. “Now it’s your turn.”
Ridge lifted his head and without hesitation he picked up the sponge and began to massage her collarbone and then her breasts, sending tingles running all through her body. Then, just like she’d done, he moved his hands lower, gliding the sponge over her body then down to that sweet spot between her legs and there he stayed, stroking her ever so softly with the sponge, stimulating the sensitive bud down there, sending sparks flying all throughout her body.
She was panting now, her breath coming in quick, shallow gasps as her eyelids grew heavy and fluttered closed.
The next thing she heard was a growl foll
owed by a splash and as her eyes flew open she found herself lifted high in Ridge’s arms. He hadn’t said the word but it was the unmistakable sign that, like her, he’d had enough.
Ridge stepped out of the tub with her in his arms, grabbing a towel off the rack as he strode out of the bathroom. He threw the big bath towel on top of the bed then laid her gently, almost worshipfully, on top of it. Then, although he was still dripping wet, he leaned over her and proceeded to dab at her body with the ends of the towel, from her damp arms to her legs and then to her glistening breasts.
But then as his eyes slid down to the shadowy V between her legs he paused and drew in a deep breath. Then he licked his lips, his gaze hungry.
Lani held her breath. She didn’t have long to wait. As she watched, near mesmerized, Ridge sat on the end of the towel beside her, right by her legs, then he lowered his face to her, so agonizingly slowly that she was tempted to reach out and grab his head. But when he got there it was worth the wait.
Ridge settled his lips right there, where he teased her with butterfly kisses that sent thrills rippling through her body. Then, to her delight, his tongue shot out and he was licking the drops of water from her skin, teasing her mercilessly, making her head fall back and her legs relax, leaving her open to his caress.
Ridge took full advantage of her acquiescence. Flattening his tongue, he licked her till she moaned out loud and this time she did reach for him, clutching his shoulders, pulling him into her, wanting even more.
He readily obliged, moving his tongue lower to taste her, exploring her so intimately that her face burned even as she reveled in his caress.
When he withdrew she sighed out loud, her body still singing with the tune he’d played on her. And now she wanted him even more.
She felt when Ridge climbed onto the bed beside her and then he was reaching for her, pulling her into his arms. When he pressed his lips to hers she gladly opened to him, kissing back eagerly, telling him with her response that she was ready.
She knew he got the message when he raised his body then pulled her beneath him. She sighed and relaxed, waiting for the crinkly sound of the condom packet as he ripped it open. It never came.
And now Ridge was positioning himself between her legs, readying himself to enter her.
Her eyes flew open. “Wait,” she whispered, her hands still clinging to the solid muscles of his shoulders. “You forgot the condom.”
Ridge froze. Then he looked down at her and when he did his face was perplexed. “Condom?” he said, his voice hoarse. “I don’t have any.”
She drew in her breath. Then she frowned. “Why don’t you have any? You had no plans for making love?”
Ridge scowled right back. “You’re my wife. I don’t need a condom to make love to my wife.”
“And what about babies?” He was so daft. It didn’t matter that they both had medical reports saying they were clean. That wasn’t the only thing to worry about.
“Godammit,” he grated. “Don’t tell me you’re going to make me stop now.”
“But we can’t risk-”
“Christ. You’ve taken me this far-” He broke off, shaking his head. “What are you trying to do? Kill me?”
“It’s not my fault you weren’t prepared.”
Ridge made an explosive sound and made as if to get up off her but, quick as a flash, Lani’s hands shot up and she grabbed his shoulders, refusing to let him leave. Like a revelation it came to her – if she let him leave now, like this, it would be all over.
“Wait,” she whispered urgently. “Don’t move. Just stay right here.”
Ridge closed his eyes and dropped his head then he groaned. “Why?”
“I don’t want you to go,” she whispered. “Just stay. Please.” As she spoke she reached around to slide her hands up and down his back, his answering shudder all the reward she needed.
His face pressed against the side of her neck, Ridge slumped over her. “Lani, don’t do this to me,” he said, his whisper sounding so broken and desperate that it made her heart ache. “I beg you, don’t torture me like this.”
Feeling guilty as hell, Lani slid both arms up to gather him to her. “It’s okay, honey. It’s okay,” she whispered. “We’re doing this.”
He went stiff in her arms. “How?”
She stroked his back. “Ever heard of the withdrawal method? It’s not the most reliable but whatever happens, we’ll deal with it. Now come on. Make love to me.”
His face still pressed against her, when he spoke his lips tickled her neck. “You’re sure?”
She nodded. “Absolutely.”
It was only after that reassurance that Ridge moved again. He shifted his body, settling it back over hers, positioning his hips so they rested between her legs.
Lani relaxed under him, opening to him, and when Ridge pressed his manhood against her moistness she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close, letting him slide deep inside.
And then he began to move, slowly at first, as if testing her, seeing how much she could take. But then when she did not pull back he moved faster, sliding into her, moving with a smooth and steady rhythm that picked up speed as he stroked. Soon he was thrusting into her, his body seeming to move of its own accord, his eyes clenched shut, his breathing tight and labored, his grip tight on her shoulders.
And Lani was moving with him, her body rocking, her hips thrusting up to meet him. The heat in her body climbed till she was burning up with the passion that raged between them.
Lani was so caught up in the heat of the moment that when Ridge pulled away and out of her she gasped. “What?” Her eyes flew open as she reached for him but he’d rolled away, panting, eyes clenched tight, trembling like he had the ague.
“Please come back.” She was reaching for him but he put up a hand, stopping her cold.
“Don’t move.” He spoke through clenched teeth. “Don’t…move.” He was sucking in deep breaths, looking like he was struggling to stay in control.
How could she have forgotten? Ridge had withdrawn just in time and she’d been there, like an idiot, calling him back, putting him under even more pressure.
With effort that seemed almost super-human Ridge drew in a long, shuddering breath and then he opened his eyes. “I need a shower,” he said, his voice choking. “A real cold one.”
And then, before she could move, he was up and out of the bed, leaving her cold and lonely as she lay there, watching him head once more for the bathroom.
And as she lay there, feeling ashamed at what she’d put him through, Lani knew in her heart that something had changed, something on her side, at any rate. She’d opened herself to taking a chance with Ridge, the biggest chance of all. Right at this moment there was the chance that she was carrying his baby and, as far as she was concerned, there would be no regrets.
And next time, when they were ready to make love again, things would be different.
The question was, after she’d made Ridge suffer so, would there be a next time?
CHAPTER EIGHT
One week and counting.
For the past week Ridge had made sure to stay out of Lani’s way, even going so far as to deliberately get home late at night after she’d gone to bed. It was better that way. After the taste she’d given him of her delectable body, coming home to see her was nothing but torment. How did she expect him to go on living in the same house with her, see her each night, and not be able to touch her?
Okay, so he’d touched her, as intimately as you could get, but she’d put restrictions on him, denying him the ultimate pleasure, taking him ninety percent of the way and keeping him from that final release. He’d had a hell of a time holding it in. She couldn’t have known how close he’d come to exploding inside her.
Thank the stars he hadn’t, but he could make no promises for next time…if there ever was a next time. And the way she had him climbing the wall in frustration there’d better not be, because he knew he would never be able to hold back.
Ridge jumped. The phone. His cell phone was buzzing in his trousers. He snapped his attention back to the present and dug into his pocket. When he glanced at the screen he saw that it was Lani.
He tapped the screen. “Yeah, Lani. What’s up?”
“Ridge, are you going to be home soon? We need to talk.” Her voice was breathless, like she was excited. Or was that worry he was hearing?
“Is everything okay?” he asked, straightening up.
“Everything’s fine,” she said. “In fact, everything’s perfect. That’s why I want you home so I can tell you about it.”
Everything is perfect. That was the last thing he’d expected her to say, under the circumstances. “What’s going on?” he asked.
“I’m not going to tell,” she said, her voice turning cheeky, “until you get here. Now pack up your work and get your butt home.”
Before he could answer she hung up the phone. Well, the lady had spoken. There was nothing to do but head on home and hear the great news she had to share.
As soon as he walked into the house Ridge called out her name. “Lani, I’m home. Where are you?”
“I’m down here,” she called back and as he turned he saw her coming from the kitchen. She was all smiles which, for Lani, was not the norm.
“So what’s the great news?” he asked, deciding to cut to the chase. He was never one for suspense.