His face and shoulders fell. Waves of disappointment rolled out from him and she had to build walls against his feelings. It was like she’d told a five-year-old there was no Santa Claus. “It does sound ridiculous when you put it that way, doesn’t it?” he muttered, avoiding her gaze by looking slightly over her shoulder again. “But would you at least give it some thought?”
“Is business the only thing I have to think about?” She flinched a little at the wheedling tone of her voice. She wasn’t needy. She wasn’t. She didn’t need him. And she didn’t want the M word. So why did it sound like she was the one fishing for it?
Thank God he didn’t seem to notice. “Hell, Janice. I had to do this. I needed to give myself a shot at having something of my own, at helping grow a smaller company into something that could even compete with RM&J. But I want you with me. As one terrific partner but also because I don’t want to stop things with you. I want the two of us to have a chance together, a chance to see if good friends and bed-buddies could turn into something more. I know you, sweetheart. I know you’re not quite ready for more than that yet. Hell, you can’t even watch a movie with a wedding in it without rolling your eyes. But I want us to have time to work toward that.”
The thought of putting the name marriage to what they had sent a quick flare of panic through her. What was wrong with her? Yes, betrayal hurt. It hurt almost more than she could bear. But he sounded so sincere. And did she want to lose him now, because she was too damn chicken to take the risk? That wasn’t like her. That wasn’t the woman she wanted to be. Daring and bold. The type of person to throw caution to the wind and take what she wanted. That was the type of person she was.
Still, that didn’t mean she was an idiot. “I’ll think about it but no promises. You’re talking about my career here. I can’t promise anything until I chew this over.”
Eric lit up, his strong face brightening until he looked like a little boy. She loved putting that expression on this man’s face.
“So now that you’ve had your say, can we move on to the sex?” She dropped the short distance to her knees and crawled forward, parting his knees to make room for herself. The low chairs made it easy for her to crouch on the floor, grip his thighs and lick the side of his throat. She purred, letting the salty taste fill her mouth and his spicy cologne tickle her nose. She had to taste more. She smirked and nibbled at his earlobe as he shivered. “I mean, we’re alone in a gorgeous bedroom and you haven’t even tried to kiss me yet.” She blew in his ear as she whispered, “You can’t mess with a woman’s self-confidence that way. It’s just not right.”
“Oh we can’t have that.” He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her further between his spread legs, rubbing lightly against her. “What would you do without the crazy monkey sex? Could you even go to sleep?”
“Yeah I could sleep but I’d have to break out the toys and that’s not nearly as much fun without an audience.” She pouted, only to have him nip at her lower lip. She licked the throbbing spot, enjoying the hint of his special flavor. God, how she wanted this man.
“No toys or tricks tonight, sweetheart.” He pulled her closer, petting her back in long, smooth strokes. “Just you and me, and possibly room service later on to refuel.”
Janice wiggled closer. When her pelvis grazed his hardening cock a shudder ran through his body. “Think you’re gonna need it?”
“With you?” He placed a light, clinging kiss on her lips before whispering, “Absolutely.”
“Good answer.” She sank her fingers deep in his sandy blond hair, knocking loose the tie. His hair flowed out and she twisted her wrist and gave it a slight tug, relishing his gasp of pleasure before sealing his mouth with her own. She lapped at his lips, begging for entrance. She needed more of his flavor rolling over her tongue. During the last few months that desire had built into an addiction. The scent of his cologne and the rich taste of him mixed to create a potent combination that set fire to her blood.
He opened beneath her assault, feeding her his moan, but quickly took over the duel. Without hesitation his nimble tongue slid deep into her mouth.
God, but the man could kiss. His tongue danced across her own, the rough texture sending zips of electricity down her spine. One moment he surged and conquered, harsh and hungry, drawing moans from deep in her chest. The next he teased and tantalized, soft and savoring, morphing her moans to tiny whimpers filled with need. Just when she started to expect his next move he switched tactics.
Unpredictable. There was something to be said for being unpredictable in bed. Not a chance in hell of getting bored.
When his kiss alone had her eyes rolling in the back of her head he scooted off his chair and angled her toward the table.
She broke away as her back met cool wood. She planted both feet on the solid surface and braced herself on her elbows so her head wouldn’t dangle over the edge. She glanced around the luxurious room, practically designed to seduce the senses, and laughed. “With all the places to pick from, you want to do it here?”
“Wanna start here,” he growled in response as he grabbed and jerked her hips forward. “Bed’s too low.”
With that he flipped up her skirt and froze. He chucked softly before nipping at the strip of flesh that lay bare between the lace edge of her black silk stockings and her thong. “I love that you always wear stockings, fucking hot, but we need to break you from the underwear.”
“What, it slows you down too much?” she teased as she reached out to test his emotions. His need for her flowed out like tiny electric waves to feed her own. She let the heat of it roll over her. “I thought anticipation was half the fun.”
“You think too much.”
He flicked open her garter belt and eased down her thong, careful to leave the stockings undisturbed. Gentle fingers parted her weeping outer lips, exposing her swollen clit to his eager gaze. “Delicious. Fucking delicious,” he whispered, his harsh voice sending more shivers rippling down her spine.
Then he put that wonderful tongue of his to work. You could tell when someone was doing something he loved by the sheer enthusiasm and skill put into the act. And Eric truly loved eating pussy. He took his time, lapping first from back to front, teasing her opening, before zeroing in to flick and nibble at her clit. The instant she thought she couldn’t stand a moment more of the quick, teasing strokes he moved back to long slow licks, back to front again.
Her thighs tightened. Her heels slammed against the edge of the table. Janice started clawing at the wood and arching into Eric’s mouth as he brought her so close, so very close. Her stomach tightened and she whimpered, grabbing for his head. One more moment and she’d go over the edge.
He pulled away, carelessly wiping his chin with the back of one hand. Janice snarled, clenching her fists and drumming her heels against the table, this time in frustration. Without a word he scooped her into his arms. He whirled around, surprising a laugh from her as he carried her to bed. Gently, as though she was his most precious treasure, he lowered her into the fluffy oasis. He removed each piece of her clothing one by one, unwrapping his personal present. Finally he stepped back, fire in his eyes as he looked down at her.
She gave him a half grin, staring up with one brow arched. “So am I getting a show too or are you the only one allowed a hot view tonight?” she asked, lowering her lids and looking him up and down, from the sheet of hair flowing around his broad shoulders to the tips of his polished business shoes.
With a cocky grin, he loosened his tie only to pull it over his head and toss it onto the bedside table. He eased each shirt button free one at a time, each tiny flash of lightly haired flesh taunting her. As he slid the shirt off to reveal his tanned and muscled chest, Janice couldn’t resist giving a sharp wolf-whistle. He chuckled, toeing off his shoes and making quick work of his pants and socks. Kicking the clothes away, he took his cock in hand and thumbed the head as he stared at her. With cock hard and long, he was more than ready.
Silent, he crawl
ed across her, skin sliding over skin. She wrapped her arms around him, her fingers gliding over his strong back. She basked in the feel of his gym-hardened body moving beneath her fingertips. She used her hold on his shoulders to arch up and lap at the strong cord of his neck before clamping her teeth around the flesh.
Eric groaned and pushed into the bite. He loved that quick zip of pain followed by intense pleasure. It was a hot-button she couldn’t resist pushing as she nipped him again. Knowing she caused his reaction, that hot flash of his pleasure that slammed into her, was a potent aphrodisiac.
He was the most perfect temptation. And she adored temptation. She’d never thought resisting was an important skill to develop, as long as you didn’t hurt anyone.
As his mouth covered hers again she moved her hands down to dig her manicured fingers into his tight ass.
He arched into her with a snarl. “Damn, woman, you’ve gotta stop doing that or I’m gonna come too soon.”
“Oh, I don’t have to do anything.” She dug her nails in again and gave a dark chuckle as he scrunched his eyes and struggled for control. “You’re not my boss here, remember? You just need to have more restraint.”
Nipping at her earlobe, he growled, “You wanna play with restraints? I can do that.”
He reached over and snagged his tie from the side table. Slipping the loop over both her wrists, he pulled it tight until her hands were secure. As he held her hands above her head he whispered, “You keep these hands here. No moving.”
Of course she started to bring her arms down around his neck. “Or what?”
“Or I stop and leave.” He pushed her hands back over her head and held them there. He smirked as he looked down at her. “Your choice.”
She smiled and shimmied under him, rubbing her breasts against his chest while being careful not to move her hands. Yet. This could be a fun game. “Like you’d choose a cold shower over easy sex.”
His gaze hardened like a block of ice but she felt his emotions churning inside like a gooey marshmallow. “For this, for you, I would.”
Her smile widened as she scooted deeper into the mattress, hands over her head. She could get into this game. Hell, it wasn’t like there was a lot she had to do. But she couldn’t resist tangling her legs in his. “All right then. Take me, I’m yours.”
“You better believe it.” He forced her legs off his and spread them to settle in between.
He rose to his knees and grabbed a condom from the pile she’d left on the bedside table after he called. His eyes roved from the top of her head to the tip of her toes as he rolled it on. She didn’t want to define the emotion she saw in those eyes, felt flowing off him in waves. It was just lust. It could only be lust.
Slowly, he bent down. Her body arched under his and all coherent thought flew out the door as his lips closed over one straining nipple and his hand softly kneaded the other breast.
He showed her no mercy. He licked at the areole then nipped at the tight little tip with the edge of his teeth. He pinched and rolled the other red peak with his thumb and forefinger. She whimpered, back arching and pushing her breast further into his mouth. More. He alternated murmuring soothing words and lapping at the abused flesh.
He nipped and nibbled every inch of her body, marking her, playing her. No part of her remained unexplored by finger or tongue, though he avoided her weeping, needy pussy. A part of her wanted to be embarrassed but it felt so good to have him touching her. Even her bones felt molten under the sensual assault.
She tossed her head as moan after moan ripped from her lips. The feelings were so raw with him, more intense than with anyone else. With her body open to him all her defenses crashed down. His hunger and desire melded with her own. She scrunched her eyes and whimpered as the pressure in her built to the breaking point. Her body quivered and her breath caught in her throat.
She screamed out her orgasm when he thrust balls-deep into her. Tie or no tie, her arms fell down around him. Her nails dug into his back, clawing and urging him on at the same time. He snarled in response and started a punishing rhythm. He pounded again and again, reaching for his own orgasm while sending her hurtling over the edge two more times.
Her voice was too hoarse to cry out as he nearly howled above her, the power of his orgasm slamming through her. Her world tilted, leaving her feeling hauntingly alone. She wrapped both arms and legs around him when his body gave out and he collapsed on her. She wanted to feel his presence wrapped around her, to wallow in the aftermath. She needed the security of his flesh on hers.
She basked in the weight of him, sated, on top of her. But her mind started racing as her body relaxed. What should she do? What did she want to do? Only one thing was certain.
It would hurt more than she wanted to acknowledge when Eric finally left her.
Chapter Six
In a quiet corner just off the atrium, the little tea house made for a perfect after-hours oasis for a confused man. After Janice finally pried him from her bed and forced him out the door under the pretext of needing sleep, Eric couldn’t face his own, lonely room. Instead he wondered the lobby until finally finding himself in front of the little tea shop.
He sighed and took another drink of his hot green tea, letting the slightly bitter liquid warm his tongue. Sleep would be good right about now but while his body felt like Jell-O, his mind just wouldn’t let go. Still, Zen, being the center of peace and relaxation it was billed as, was ready with this cute little all-night tea parlor named Nemui, or Sleepy. He was disgusted by how perfect the place was, with its dim lights, soft colors and softer music. Or it could be he was disgusted with himself and the situation he’d put himself in.
He snarled as he took a loud bite from one of the complimentary almond cookies.
He’d known Janice would be a tough sell but for the first time he wondered if she’d agree to stay with him at all. He’d been right to stop at an outright proposal, even though the ring he’d bought a month ago was burning a hole in his jacket pocket. The idea of her refusal terrified him. And he didn’t know what she wanted, what to tell her to get her to stay with him. She had to stay with him. He couldn’t stand the thought of being without her.
He wasn’t sure when she’d become such an integral part in his plans for the future but there she was, front and center. Life without Janice in it seemed bleak and colorless. The thought of leaving her behind in Vegas literally made him sick to his stomach. She made him a better person. For once he could see himself settling down with a woman and being perfectly content. It felt like he’d been searching for something all his life and he’d finally found it in her.
But beyond that he hated seeing her talents being wasted like they were RM&J. He hadn’t lied about that. She had more to offer than anyone else seemed to realize. All ulterior motives aside, she deserved more and he wanted to see that she got it. He wanted her to be happy.
For once he wished he hadn’t cut ties with all his old friends. He needed some advice and none of his work acquaintances would really cut it. Of course, his old cronies wouldn’t have been much help either. They’d be laughing their asses off at him since he’d finally fallen in love and it was with a woman.
But in the end the decision remained hers to make, not his. No amount of advice or conscience probing would change that. And even sitting alone at two in the morning in Zen’s carefully constructed, peaceful tea room couldn’t entirely ease the churning in his stomach.
And so much for the alone part, Eric thought to himself as the soft sliding sound of the door opening signaled the arrival of another patron. The pat of slippers against the bamboo floor focused his attention on the single kimono-clad waitress scurrying forward to greet the customer.
“Konbanwa, Mr. Saitou-san. Good evening. It is a pleasure to have you join us again.” Her voice rang out with genuine warmth. “We have your private area ready for you. Would you like to try the newest blend we have ordered?”
“Yes, Ami. That would be fine,” a deep, slightl
y accented voice answered, sending little shivers down Eric’s spine.
What the hell, he thought as he put his cup down and watched goose bumps ripple up his arms. That from the sound of the man’s voice alone. Yeah, it was hot but come on.
Then the name registered. Saitou, the owner.
He peered around the black lacquered screen that divided his area from the rest of the room to have a peek at his prey. His eyes widened and his mouth went dry. Pictures did not do the man justice. Ryuu Saitou in person was a walking wet dream.
Damn.
His jet-black hair was neat and short, perfectly framing his sharp but delicate features. Dressed in a casual button-down, short-sleeved shirt and slacks, only a hint of his whipcord muscles could be seen. And only then if you had the knowledge and appreciation to find the hints. He was perfectly controlled, not a single bit of energy was wasted in his movements. The man reminded Eric of a warrior from one of the subtitled martial arts movies he’d liked to watch in college. And he brought out desires Eric hadn’t felt for another man in years.
Shit is he ever hot.
Eric could picture the other man dressed in period costume, like something out of Shogun, all severe black. He would kneel before Eric, gazing up under hooded eyes. His stern features would turn kittenish and mischievous as he pushed up Eric’s tunic and reached for his breeches, fumbling with the opening. His long, graceful fingers would reach inside to bring out his cock, caressing lightly. Then his lush lips would wrap around the head, sucking just hard enough to roll Eric’s eyes.
Suddenly an image of Janice’s face laughing up at him jerked Eric back into the present. Bisexual meant he could choose to be with a man or a woman since he was attracted to both. His options were wide open. And he chose Janice, hands down. Unfortunately he wasn’t blind and that man could make a completely straight man’s mouth water.
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