Addiction (Addiction Duet Book 1)

by Vivian Wood

  She looked around to see if anyone else was with them.

  But there was no one else.

  They were alone together – again.

  “Just a few times,” she answered with a shrug. “When I was in high school, my dad usually took me and my sister for lessons whenever he had the time.”

  “You must have been so happy,” he said softly, the words barely escaping his mouth.

  She frowned.

  “Why do you say that?” she asked.

  “Money's never been an issue for you. What it’s like to lead such a life?” he asked, which made her chuckle a little.

  She knew that's what they all thought. That just because she was born rich, she was happy. But that was far from reality.

  All of her family's wealth couldn't buy them happiness.

  It had been obvious to Meredith since she was a little girl that her parents weren't in love with each other. Their relationship was one of convenience and companionship. If they loved each other, it was only because they'd been together for more than two decades.

  “I don't think there's a way to answer that question. All I know is that I'm thankful for the life I've been able to lead,” she stated plainly, hoping she didn't sound like she was boasting.

  They fell into a comfortable silence as they rode beside a stream, stopping occasionally to let their horses drink and graze. She thought she'd ask him about his personal life as well.

  “What about you? It's not like you're hurting for money these days,” she said.

  Elijah smirked.

  “I joined the military for a variety of reasons, one of the main ones being that they'd pay for college. After I got out, I worked as a military contractor. And then I became politically active, and the rest is history, or at least I'm hoping it'll be,” he said with a grin. She sensed he was holding something back though.

  “What was the main reason you joined the Navy?” she asked out of curiosity.

  He fell silent, his eyes looking at the far horizon.

  “I lost several of my friends during 9/11, and I couldn't just do nothing,” he murmured.

  She was speechless. She couldn't even imagine how hard it must have been for him. Her heart went out to him.

  When Elijah noticed her silence, he prodded his horse, cantering off to the end of the stream where an old tree stood strong. He got off his horse to let it drink and she followed him, doing the same thing.

  But being the clumsy girl that she was, she lost her balance as she tried to remove her feet from the saddle. She closed her eyes when she realized she was falling, uttering a silent prayer that she wouldn’t get heavily injured.

  They were almost halfway through the campaign, and she couldn’t afford to back out at a time like this. As much as she hated to admit it, she was starting to enjoy the pressures of her job.

  Meredith held her breath as she waited for her body to land on the hard ground. But she landed on something else. When she opened her eyes, she met Elijah’s gaze, looking down at her with a concerned expression.

  He'd caught her.

  “Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.

  She nodded in response, feeling like a thorn was stuck in her throat. Her eyes continued to look deep into his grey ones, where she found herself at peace. And the warmth coming from his embrace made her feel like she was at home.

  She held her breath when his arms tightened around her waist, pulling her closer to his body.

  When Elijah leaned in, she closed her eyes as their lips touched. It was a tender kiss – slow, soft and not at all demanding. They were taking their time, enjoying each other, as if they had all the time in the world.

  Meredith felt lightheaded when he deepened the kiss, his tongue probing her mouth. And she obliged, letting their tongues dance together.

  She moaned sexily, wanting far more than just a kiss.

  But Elijah pulled away. He looked dazed as he helped her get back on her feet.

  “I can’t do this,” he mumbled helplessly.

  “I know,” she said and nodded. She understood his point, and she knew all too well it would be impossible.

  Feeling ashamed of herself, she got back on her horse and made sure everything was fine. She nudged the stallion to turn about when Elijah spoke.

  “I’m so sorry, Meredith. If it wasn’t for the election… Maybe…” he muttered softly.

  Without a word, she maneuvered her horse and let it run back to the path they took earlier.

  Maybe… Just maybe…

  20

  The campaign bus was in the middle of the road. They were on the second leg of the campaign, and Eli was more distracted than ever. Lately it seemed like he was constantly angry or upset. And it wasn't a good thing.

  Sosie had been nagging at him endlessly, and it was making him angrier each time she laid into him.

  He was going mad.

  After making a few calls to donors, he decided to call Henry. He wasn't sure if asking his friend for advice would be a good thing or not. But at least he'd be able to vent a little.

  He was distracted and bothered because of her.

  It was all because of her.He dialed Henry’s number, and it only took a few seconds before he answered.

  “Hey, Eli. What’s up?” Henry greeted him, holding a slice of pizza in his left hand.

  He sighed.

  “I’m in trouble,” he grunted.

  “What? Why?”

  “There’s this woman–“

  “Whoa! Woman! That’s big trouble, man,” Henry cut him off, then chuckled before biting his pizza.

  “It is,” he agreed, rolling his eyes.

  “So is she hot?” Henry asked.

  “That’s not the point – but of course she is. So fucking hot, I can’t her off my damned mind,” he murmured as pictures of Meredith flashed in his mind. And he groaned when the memory of them making out replayed in his brain.

  Henry laughed heartily, annoying the hell out of him.

  “You’re talking about the blonde from the party, right? Go on, tell me,” Henry urged him after taking gulping down some water.

  Eli paused, not knowing where to start his story.

  “Okay, we’ve talked and she was so different. The girls I’ve dated in the past were nothing like her. She was someone I never expected to meet. She was just… beautiful. Inside and out,” he stated. He didn’t even know if it made any sense. All he knew was that he was having a hard time to explain how and why he'd ended up like this.

  “How far have you gone with her?” Henry asked, his tone serious. But his eyebrows wiggled mischievously.

  “To bed,” he answered shortly.

  “Oh, that’s fast. Why are you even telling me this? You already slept with her,” Henry grunted, rolling his eyes.

  “I haven't. I mean, yes, we made out. But I stopped. Nothing happened. We did not have sex,” he spoke, emphasizing each word as it left his mouth.

  “What?!”

  “She’s a fucking virgin! How could I?” he retorted while gritting his teeth.

  “And she was willing to give it to you?” Henry asked with amusement.

  “Look, this isn’t funny.”

  “I thought you were trying to stay single?” he questioned with a smirk on his face.

  “I was! And I still am,” he answered in a low voice. “I have a lot of stuff going on. But it’s getting harder to focus with her around.”

  Henry laughed again like he was watching a comedy.

  “What’s so funny, you idiot?” he asked angrily.

  “Man, you’re acting like a man who has found love, but is too stupid to know what to do with it.”

  Elijah froze. What? Him? In love?

  He shook his head. Yes, he was attracted to Meredith but falling in love with her was something else entirely. He wasn't even sure what falling in love meant. And it was just…

  Impossible…

  “I barely know her,” he found himself mumbling. Was he trying to convin
ce himself? Or Henry?“I’m just calling it like the way I see it,” the man answered with a grin plastered on his face. He looked like he was about to say something more.

  But Elijah was too flustered by his friend's offhand comment to continue the conversation. Maybe he just needed to organize his thoughts. And maybe...

  Just maybe…

  “I’ll see you the next time I'm home,” he said, pressing the end call button.

  Maybe he really had fallen in love with Meredith Fields.

  21

  During yet another press briefing, Meredith was finding it difficult, if not impossible to concentrate. Seeing her name on bylines had made this all worth it.

  It was an accomplishment she could be proud of, something she'd earned on her own merits. She was ecstatic.

  She felt terrific!

  Elijah was fielding questions now from the crowd. Periodically she would look up from her articles to find him looking directly at her.

  She was flattered. But he was obviously distracted by her presence. For the first time since she'd met him, he was struggling to answer questions at times. What had happened to his focus?

  I hope he’s doing fine, she thought as she went back to her room.

  After taking a quick shower, she changed into a tank top and shorts, feeling like it would make her feel more comfortable. She did her skincare routine, then threw herself on the bed when it was finished.

  Finally! Early bedtime as a reward for all those sleepless and tiring days, she thought gleefully as she turned off the lights.

  She was still smiling as she counted the number of published articles with her name on them. It was so dreamy, she thought she was losing her mind. Who would have thought she’d be able to achieve such a feat?

  But at the back of her mind, she thought something was lacking. She was happy, but she didn’t feel complete. It was as if something was left out of the picture. And she couldn’t pinpoint what that something was, exactly.

  Shrugging off such silly thoughts, she closed her eyes and decided to finally try and get some sleep.Her mind wandered, thinking of the intense sensations Elijah’s touch had provided her. The memory of her lying underneath him as he was about to enter her looped in her mind on repeat.

  She bit her bottom lip.

  How could she forget how good it made her feel whenever he kissed her passionately? His touch made her defenseless. She knew it was crazy, but just the mere brushing of their skin took her breath away. His kisses were the sweetest.

  Elijah Scott’s touch was magic.

  And she thought she wouldn’t mind getting bewitched by him.

  Only him.

  She swallowed hard when she remembered how big and thick he was. She knew she was having more and more perverted thoughts these days. But when it came to Elijah, she couldn’t help it. How could she? Especially when she could definitely see herself losing her virginity to him.

  Knowing Elijah was like an introduction to a new flavor of ice cream to her.

  With him, she was willing to be submissive; she was perverted; she was wild. And it was her first time thinking about how great it would have been to be fucked like that.

  Yes, she wanted him to fuck her brains out.

  She wanted her first time to be memorable.

  She wanted him to be her first.

  God, she fucking wanted him!

  Meredith gritted her teeth, cursing under her breath for thinking about sex when she should have been fast asleep.

  She was horny.

  As she debated whether to touch herself or not, a knock on her door caught her attention, making her roll her eyes in annoyance. Who in the world would want something from her?

  Getting up from her bed, she grabbed a robe and put it on, tying a loose knot at the waist.

  “Hi,” Elijah greeted when she swung the door open. Her face was mere inches from his chest. And she swallowed hard when she smelled his familiar, comforting scent. He smelled so damn good.

  Meredith raised her head to meet his gaze.

  He looked confused and hesitant.

  But she wasn't.

  She looked to either side of the hallway to see if anyone was there. When she was certain no one else was around, she pulled Elijah inside her room – fearless and excited.

  Tonight is going to be my first time, she thought when she slammed the door shut.

  Elijah looked flustered at first, but his expression immediately changed. His eyes turned dark with intense thirst as he stared at her from head to toe.

  Meredith blinked, realizing the robe’s knot had come undone, revealing her hard nipples underneath her thin tank top.

  Her mind wasn't functioning very well as her heart throbbed hard against her chest. She was nervous. But she thought it would be a whole lot better if he’d just throw his arms around her and kiss her already.

  As if reading her mind, Elijah pinned her against the wall, pushing her hands above her head, kissing her savagely. It was a kiss full of want and longing, and it took her breath away. It was intense and exciting.

  She responded and matched his pace as his tongue probed her mouth. She loved it whenever he did that. The kiss went deeper.Elijah pulled away, giving them both a chance to catch their breath.

  “What are you doing?” she asked.

  With his hands running down her spine, he looked her straight in the eyes with a mixture of confusion, fondness and desire. He looked like someone who had been struggling inwardly.

  What was bothering him so much?

  ”You,” he spoke, answering the question on her mind. “I can’t think straight because of you. I can’t fucking get you out of my mind, Meredith. Why are you doing this to me?” he grumbled under his breath. It was evident on his face that he was being sincere.

  She stiffened, not knowing how to respond.

  Did she really have that kind of effect on him?

  Pulling her close, Meredith felt his breath against her neck. His throat pulsed as her breasts touched his chest, igniting the spark between them into fire. She looked at his eyes and felt like she was about to spontaneously combust.

  “You shouldn't have let me come in here,” Elijah spoke huskily, each word heavy.

  She gasped when his hands traveled to her breasts, cupping them in his hands. His mouth landed on hers, devouring her with such intense hunger. And she obliged, responding to his kisses with more need and want.

  He was a predator. And she was his willing prey.She loved the way he touched her.

  Elijah’s mouth curled into a smile against her lips, delighted with her response.

  “I’m taking everything that belongs to me,” he spoke, freeing her breasts from her top, kneading them before licking and sucking her nipples.

  She whimpered in pleasure as he teased her.

  He was driving her mad. And she wanted to settle things between them once and for all.

  “Take me,” she murmured in between heavy breaths. “I’m yours.”

  22

  Running his hand along her bare leg, Elijah couldn't help but grunt at the feel of her satin skin against his cool palm. He pulled her shorts down as his fingers slowly crept between her thighs.

  He was finally ready to take her – and her virginity.

  Meredith was the only woman who had given him the most agonizing rock-hard erection in his entire existence. And he swore nothing and no one could stop him now. This time, he would definitely take what was rightfully his.

  She belonged to him.

  She was his.

  He grinned as he stroked her tense thigh, willing her to relax under his touch.

  Since the night at the party, Meredith had been stuck in his head whether he liked it or not. She was sexy. She was naughty. And he knew she wanted great sex for her first time.

  Eli had always been a predator and whenever he wanted a woman, he claimed her. If not for the election, he would have already had her.

  When he'd learned she was still a virgin, he'd really messed
things up between them. He'd been scared – and confused of the feelings he had for her. He didn't know what to do with her. Part of him had felt like maybe she was too precious for him to touch.

  Hell, he'd never feared touching a woman before. But Meredith was different…

  Then he became obsessed with being her first.

  And tonight, he was willing to risk everything to have her.

  He’d help her find her limits. He’d teach her to trust.

  To trust him.

  Eli lifted her thick blonde hair and pressed his lips against her skin, flicking his tongue along her flesh. He smiled when he felt her nails dig into his back. And he loved the traces of salty sweat, and the hint of her rose-scented soap.

  Delicious, he thought.

  “Mmmm…” she moaned sexily, making him smile. It sounded like an angel's voice in his ears. She was so fucking horny for him.

  Meredith started rocking back and forth slowly and seductively. He wanted to take it slow – to take their time. But she was making it harder for him – and his cock.

  He cursed under his breath.

  When he slid his hand around her upper thigh and cradled her ass, his brows lifted in surprise when his fingers encountered nothing but her soft skin. His cock jerked up against the zipper of his jeans. He'd been so focused on her breasts, he hadn't noticed she wasn't wearing underwear, until now.

  “You’re not wearing underwear,” he commented huskily.

  A very specific thought occurred to him.

  “What were you doing before I came?” he asked with a grin, thinking about how naughty she could be. When her face flushed, he assumed he'd been right.

  “I– I… I was just…” she trailed off as she looked away, directing her attention to the floor.

  “You were what?” he teased, finally touching her wet folds.

  He was right.

  She was horny.

  And he was willing to bet she'd been touching herself before he'd arrived .

  “I–“

  “It’s okay, babe. No need to explain,” he said laughing, licking his fingers that had touched her pussy, tasting her juices – tasting her.