He didn’t have a chance to pursue that idea because she stopped in front of him and planted her hands on his chest. Her eyes sparkled. “Ba dum ba dum ba,” she breathed, her hands sliding down his chest to stop at the top of his jeans. She unfastened them quickly, slipping her hands inside and caressing him before Kade could blink.
He caught his breath and closed his eyes at her sure touch.
“I’m not the only one having fun,” she whispered.
“Not nearly,” he managed to reply. Then she pushed his jeans down, taking his briefs with them, bent and took him into her mouth. Kade looked down to see those ruby red lips locked around his cock and shook with the effort of holding back. She had his balls in one hand, the root of his cock in the other, and she worked him with an expertise that made him dizzy. He reached for her shoulders, remembered her admonition, and lifted them away.
She wanted control. Kade locked his hands together behind his own back, aware that he was shaking with desire. Reyna had to know it, too. He tipped his head back and closed his eyes, tormented by the pleasure she gave and yet willing to do anything to keep her from stopping. He felt his heart skip. He heard his breath rasp. There was a fire inside him that was building to a crescendo and he feared he wouldn’t be able to hold back in the same instant that he knew she was counting on his self-control. He stole a glance down at her and saw that one tendril of hair had come loose and hung against the back of her neck.
Just a little detail that wasn’t perfectly composed.
But it was enough to make him groan.
Reyna released him, running her tongue along the underside of his erection before she looked up at him. “You like this,” she whispered.
“I like you,” he admitted, not making any effort to hide his admiration. He let his hands move to her hips, setting his fingertips above her lace panties on each side. She didn’t step away. She’d put the panties over the garters, which gave him the hint that she wanted to wear the rest of the lingerie while they did it. Was it her armor? He eased his fingertips beneath the lace panties and the heat flared in her eyes. He could smell her and he wanted to touch her.
“Ba dum ba dum ba,” he whispered, mimicking her song and eased the panties down over her hips. When they were at her knees, he bent to kiss her, sliding one hand around the back of her waist and the other between her thighs.
She was slick and wet, her kiss filled with need. She gasped when he caressed her and he felt her nails dig into his shoulders. He tugged her closer, deepening his kiss as his fingers moved against her, and swallowed her gasp of pleasure.
She broke their kiss, her cheeks flushed and her breath coming quickly. “Now,” she whispered then pushed him with a fingertip. Kade fell back on the bed, keeping his hands around her waist so she tumbled on top of him. She eased the condom over the length of him, caressing him as if he wasn’t already huge and ready. When she moved to straddle him, Kade inhaled sharply. She smiled as she took him inside, then she caught her breath at the size of him. Kade lifted his hands to her waist, feeling the lace and satin beneath his fingers, her heels against his thighs, and she smiled, well aware of her sexual power.
“Ba dum ba dum ba,” she whispered, her eyes shining, then rolled her hips, pulling him even deeper inside her. He felt her tremble just a little, then he moved, gripping her hips and burying himself in her heat. She gasped, her lips parting as her gaze locked with his. He moved so that his length rubbed against her, liking how her eyes sparkled.
“Ladies first,” he murmured, sliding one finger between them. Reyna shook, her lips working incoherently when he touched her clitoris, but he didn’t give her a chance to argue. He caressed her, just as surely as she’d caressed him, and soon she was writhing on top of him, her music forgotten.
She rode him harder, moving faster with her need, her fingers clenching his shoulders. Another tendril of hair fell against her neck and a flush rose from her breasts, flooding beneath the ink of her tattoos in a way that mesmerized Kade. The fever was rising between them with such intensity that he thought again that he might not be able to outlast her. He pinched her clitoris quickly and Reyna cried out as she came.
It was the most thrilling sound Kade had heard in a long time.
Her orgasm went on and on, making her tremble and moan as she clenched around him. Kade couldn’t last beyond her first gasp and he gripped her hips, driving deeper and surrendering to his own release with a roar of satisfaction. Reyna fell against his chest, her breath coming quickly and he slid a hand up her back to cup her nape, almost overwhelmed with pleasure. He took a deep breath of her scent and let his fingers get lost in the soft silk of her hair, liking how her heart beat so quickly against his chest.
“Dum ba dum dum,” she whispered unevenly and Kade smiled.
Reyna felt like a goddess.
A very satisfied goddess.
How could she feel any other way, with Kade watching her so intently? Never mind that she’d felt like he was going to explode before she was done with him? That he’d held back for her was intoxicating. His eyes had become so dark that his intensity was palpable—and it made Reyna feel powerful to have this man in thrall. Even if it was only for a few moments that he was going to surrender to her, the sensation was amazing.
The orgasm had been even better.
How had she survived without sex this long?
On the other hand, Kade had been worth the wait.
She dozed for a couple of seconds, which was against every single one of her rules, but she was so deliciously exhausted that she wasn’t able to do anything else.
Her eyes flew open when she felt the mattress shift as Kade moved. She might have sat up or gotten out of the bed, but he stopped her with a fingertip.
“My turn,” he whispered, his voice low with intent.
Reyna had an instant of panic but then his hand swept over her, his palm warm on her thighs. She peeked through her lashes as he surveyed her and was reassured to see his smile of appreciation. He bent and his breath fanned the inside of her thighs. She had time enough to hope, then felt his teeth as he unfastened one garter. He did it very slowly, not because he was clumsy with it but because he was making her wait. Reyna could tell by the glint in his eyes.
She was thrilled. Excitement and anticipation rose within her again.
He repeated his move on the garter at the front of her other thigh. His fingers were spread wide as he caressed her, the weight of one hand sliding toward her ankle and the other rising to her breast. He cupped her breast, pausing to roll the nipple between his finger and thumb, and Reyna closed her eyes in pleasure.
“You like that,” he murmured, as if he’d just discovered something fascinating.
Reyna made a purring sound when he pinched a little harder and arched her back. Kade chuckled and abandoned the garters, easing over her so that she was pinned beneath him. Both of his hands were on her breasts then, teasing her nipples to taut peaks. He bent and unfastened the shoulder strap of the merry widow with his tongue and his teeth, then did the same to the other. He spared her a glance so filled with sensual intent that she shivered, then pushed the lace cups down, baring her breasts. He kissed one nipple, suckling it gently and drawing it against his teeth, making Reyna’s blood turn molten. She surrendered to his touch, closing her eyes and letting him pleasure her.
It felt divine.
He took his time, which felt exquisite and sinful, drawing out every caress so it stretched to infinity. Reyna felt both excited and relaxed, floating on a sea of pleasure. Her lips parted when Kade unfastened the front of her merry widow, and her breath caught when the weight of his hands slid over her skin. She could feel his appreciation and when she stole a glimpse of him, her heart clenched that he looked so transfixed by her.
It wasn’t just her tattoos.
He trailed kisses from her breasts down her belly, spreading the lace wide to reveal her. Reyna had the sense of being opened up, revealed, but she didn’t feel exposed. He took
a deep breath of her scent, gripped her hips, then bent to run his tongue over her. Reyna jumped with the sensation and even though she hadn’t thought she could respond again so quickly, she felt her desire rise again.
She stretched her hands over her head and gripped the headboard, luxuriating in the pleasure he was determined to give. She liked the feeling of being stretched so she parted her legs, opening to him and pointing her toes inside her shoes. Kade was quick to accept her invitation, his touch becoming more demanding. She arched her back, feeling the heat rise within her, and he teased her as expertly as if they’d made love a hundred times. He took her to the brink, then retreated, beginning gently again, each foray doubling her need, again and again and again. She writhed and then she thrashed. She moaned and then she gripped his shoulders and whispered an incoherent plea.
His teeth touched her then, a quick graze that combined with the flick of his tongue to send her over the summit. Reyna cried out and dug her nails into his flesh, gasping with the power of her release. She was relieved that she hadn’t begged, but disconcerted that he had such power over her already.
She had to shift the balance.
She had to be in control.
She heard Kade’s chuckle of satisfaction and noted that he was hard and ready again. She would have risen to her knees to pleasure him, but Kade rolled her over and unfastened the other two garters. “Naked,” he said with resolve. “I want to feel your skin against mine without any barriers.”
Reyna heard the need in his voice and knew that she wasn’t powerless in this exchange. She let him do what he wanted, as she caught her breath to take charge again. Kade removed her lingerie and pushed down her stockings, sweeping them aside with his strong hands. His touch was gentle but determined, his caresses enough to set her on fire all over again. She heard her shoes drop to the floor but didn’t care.
Because Kade’s hands were in her hair, his fingers sliding through its mass as he pulled out the pins. His grip was possessive and passionate, and it made her heart race. He wanted her. All of her. But she could decide how much to give and when. Reyna felt her hair fall over her shoulders and heard him catch his breath in admiration, his grip warm and sure upon her nape. She turned and he smiled.
“Just you,” he murmured with satisfaction, then pulled her close for a deep and satisfying kiss. He was sitting beside her on the bed, that hand in her hair, and she spun easily into his embrace. Reyna moved into his lap as he kissed her and wrapped her legs around his waist. She took him inside her with a speed that made him jump and break his kiss.
Reyna was in charge. She was the queen, the goddess, the temptress, and she would have what she wanted of him first. She gripped the back of Kade’s neck and drew him completely inside her, holding his gaze steadily. She was a little higher than him, and moved to kneel as she straddled him, taking command of their motion as well. She moved, rolling her hips as she drew him even deeper inside.
“Ba dum ba dum dum,” she murmured, then claimed him with a kiss.
Chapter Three
Kade dozed, satisfied and amazed at the power of Reyna’s lovemaking. He’d never known a woman who was so sure of what she wanted, never mind one who liked to call the shots so much. But then, he already thought that Reyna was one of a kind, with her flamboyant wardrobe, her direct manner and her fearless attitude.
He could get used to being with a woman like this.
Very, very easily.
He wondered how many years it would take to unravel all her secrets and mysteries, never mind learn her rules, and knew he was ready for the challenge.
He was aware of all of these thoughts and impressions as he dozed. He’d cleaned up in the small bathroom, going first at her insistence, and he’d returned to the bed, assuming Reyna would join him. If they hadn’t done it twice in rapid succession, he’d have hoped for another time in the shower. As it was, he knew he needed a few minutes. After a short nap, he’d be able to give Reyna pleasure one more time. Maybe twice. He knew the sight of her—as she surrendered, as she seduced, as she came—was going to claim prime real estate in his memory.
He was already trying to think of a suggestion for the next night.
And the next ten thousand nights after that.
Then Reyna poked him abruptly in the shoulder, jarring him awake. “You have to leave now.”
Kade opened his eyes drowsily and glanced at his watch. It was the only thing he still had on. It was just after midnight. “No, actually, I don’t,” he replied and reached for her hand.
Reyna shook her head and evaded his touch, taking a step back. She was wearing a bright pink kimono made of some silky fabric and embroidered with flowers. The tie belt was knotted around her waist and she was wearing pink satin mules with feather poufs on the toes. Her expression was cool and he noticed that she’d repaired her lipstick and her hair was twisted up again.
Again, he had the sense that she was armored for battle.
Or in disguise.
He felt warned and sat up, wide awake.
“No, you have to go,” she repeated, her tone resolute. “Wake up.”
“I am awake now.” He pushed a hand through his hair. “You don’t look like you’re going anywhere.”
“I’m not. Not until the morning. I have an appointment, then I’ll drive back to Honey Hill. You have to leave now, though.”
“I thought we were just getting started.”
“Wrong. We’re done.”
Was this the same woman he’d just made love to? She seemed brittle and forceful, not at all playful and sensuous. Her arms were folded across her chest.
Was this a role? Kade decided to find out.
“It’s a long ride back to Honey Hill,” he said, not moving. “Can’t I stay here?”
Reyna shook her head. “No. You have to go.”
“But it’s after midnight.”
“Yes, it is.”
“Was it something I did? Something I didn’t do?”
“No. It has nothing to do with you.”
Unless Kade missed his guess, he was going to learn about another rule. “Excuse me?”
She met his gaze steadily and he saw that her mind would not be changed. “I sleep alone. Always. Non-negotiable. I’m sleepy, therefore, you have to go.” She turned and went to the small kitchenette as if he’d been dismissed.
“And what experience taught you that rule?”
She didn’t answer, which he thought was telling.
Kade got up, tugging on his briefs and jeans before he followed her. He could have been annoyed that she was throwing him out on a whim, but he had the definite sense that this was important. Reyna wasn’t doing anything, just standing with her back to him. She was aware of his presence, because she straightened as he approached. He gently caught her upper arms in his hands and bent to touch his lips to the back of her neck. He felt her shiver. “I’m sorry if you weren’t pleased.”
“I was.” She flicked a glance his way and he caught a glimpse of the woman he’d seduced earlier. “Were you?”
“Absolutely.” Kade smiled, but she’d already turned back to stare at the counter. He slid his hands up and down her arms, wondering if it was even possible to save this night. She could have been carved of wood, so he lifted his hands away. “What are you doing after your appointment in the morning? We could meet for lunch.”
“I don’t think so.”
“Dinner?”
She shook her head. “Not even for sex,” she said, cutting right to the chase.
“Why not? You said you were pleased.”
“It was never supposed to be more than once.”
“Is that another rule?”
She nodded, but didn’t look happy about it.
“So, twice is already too much?”
“More than expected.” She squared her shoulders and her gaze turned chilly. Kade knew she was trying to put a wall between them and it wasn’t as easy as she wanted it to be. “More than enough,” she insis
ted, but he didn’t believe her.
“Is it?” Kade murmured, not quite so ready to dismiss what he thought had been amazing. Her gaze flicked as if she knew she didn’t sound convinced. He slid one fingertip along her jaw, and she shivered before swaying toward him, her eyes closing. He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her one more time. Reyna responded immediately, opening her mouth to him with a hunger that shook him to his core. It was a hot and sweet kiss, a kiss that might have made them spontaneously combust, and it took everything within Kade to step away from her. It felt honest, a true barometer of her feelings, as her words didn’t.
What had happened to her? Kade wanted to know more than he’d wanted to know anything in a long time.
Reyna was breathing quickly, her breast rising and falling beneath the silk, her cheeks stained with a flush. Kade could smell her arousal and it tempted him to take more than she was offering.
To convince her to change her mind.
But there was something here, a tripwire of some kind, an incident in her past that was compelling her to step away. He had to convince her to update her rule, but not break it.
“That doesn’t seem like either of us has had enough,” he said, guessing how she’d respond.
He was right. The wariness dawned in her eyes and she took a step back, keeping him away.
“Looks can be deceiving,” she said, her voice a little breathless.
“Actions can speak louder than words,” he replied, unable to keep himself from running a fingertip across her lush lips. “But you don’t need to be afraid of me. I understand the word no.”
Kade was the one who pivoted then, and dressed with his back turned to her. He felt her watching him, but knew she wouldn’t speak or change her mind. Not now, anyway.
Maybe later.
Maybe in time.
Maybe it was just a case of winning her trust, so that she wasn’t afraid to fall asleep in his presence.
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