Pretend You Love Me

by Stacia Wolf

  At that moment she understood what power she held. This man, this strong, capable man who'd saved lives and even helped deliver babies, who ran a successful business and rescued crazy women, this man was under her spell. She'd never felt beautiful before, never felt that being a woman held much mystique, but she understood now.

  It was a heady sensation, and a whisper of a smile twisted her mouth as she basked in the sexual energy that flowed through Mike into her. Sister, indeed. She'd make him think of her as anything but.

  She writhed under him, and Mike groaned. “Cass, please. I've wanted you for too long to handle you playing games with me."

  "I'm not playing,” she said, knowing her heart would be at stake if they continued. Then she comprehended what he'd said. “You've wanted me for a long time? How long?” She traced the line of his jaw, reveling in the short stubble that would soon be rasping against her breasts, her stomach, her thighs.

  The very thought caused her to buck against him, a movement he took as intentional. “Forever, Cass, okay? Forever."

  He cut away all thought by taking possession of her mouth, plunging his tongue into her, sending her blood raging like molten fire through her. The dampness between her legs made the feel of his erection more intense. She couldn't take it any more. She needed to feel him, all of him.

  She needed him inside of her.

  Grabbing his hand, she pressed it between them. Needing no more hints, his probing fingers reached between her thighs, then plunged into her. With a gasp, she thrust against them, matching his rhythm. Her hands slipped between them, found his jeans button and fumbled it loose. Then she reached for the zipper, but once again his hand caught hers.

  "No, baby. If you touch me, I won't last five minutes. I want to make this good for you. I want you to never forget this night."

  She stroked her hand up and down his zipper. “It'd be the best five minutes of my life,” she whispered.

  Groaning out a laugh, he nipped at one breast. “Wench.” At her laugh, he buried his face against her hot flesh, his teeth finding and teasing her nipple. She gasped at the roughness and the wanton feeling that raged through her.

  "I want more than five minutes with you,” he rasped.

  His mouth sucked her nipple in and he teased it with his tongue, driving her wild with the waves of pleasure that pummeled her. Pressing up against his fevered mouth, she gripped his head, holding him tightly against her.

  He swirled his tongue around her nipple one last time, released it, then trailed his mouth downward, giving massive attention to every inch of her along the way. Small sounds escaped her; she matched the rhythm of his fingers as they thrust in and out of her.

  "You're so beautiful, Cass. So perfect.” Even in the darkness, she could feel his eyes devouring her. “Fantasy didn't even come close to reality.” He kissed her slightly rounded stomach. “You look incredible, you feel wonderful, and you taste...” He sucked and nipped her heated skin. “...like heaven."

  Something coiled inside her, threatening to snap. She felt so feminine, so powerful. Fiercely, she arched against him, her escaping words a plea for fulfillment. “Mike, now...Mike!"

  He chuckled against her stomach. “Not yet, love. I'm going to enjoy your orgasm with my mouth, then the next one we'll celebrate together."

  His statement both stunned and excited her. She'd never climaxed to oral sex before. But she didn't think it would be enough; she wanted more. Once more, she tried to unfasten his jeans. But he wouldn't stand for that. He pulled her hand away, then spread her legs apart.

  The instant his tongue touched her there, she thrashed from the exquisite feel of it, hot and wet and teasing her engorged flesh. His tongue tasted her, flicking and pulsing with a rapid motion, while his fingers increased the rhythm inside her, dipping in and out and driving her wild with need.

  The sensation was so wonderful it became torture. Her hands gripped his shoulders as she tried to hold herself still, but her hips moved with his hand, slight yet intense movements that increased the pressure of his mouth.

  His tongue pressed on her inflamed clitoris, then moved with a wild beat that reverberated through her. Her body rocked as an orgasm so intense it threatened to tear her apart shuddered through her. Writhing in ecstasy, she cried out his name.

  He let her ride the waves, then he scooted up and wrapped one arm about her, his fingers still inside her. “That was incredible. You're incredible. You're so damned sexy. Don't ever doubt that again."

  I'm only like this with you. As a final wave whispered through her and his fingers left her, Cassie kissed his shoulder, then wiped a tear of happiness on it. She'd never felt anything so fantastic before. Her entire body felt alive, like an instrument, and Mike played her perfectly. But she wanted more; needed more. She needed him inside her.

  She angled her head to find his mouth and pressed a thank-you kiss on it. Then her hand slid down to find him and encountered his jeans.

  "How can you still have clothes on?” she demanded.

  He laughed. “I don't know, must have been an oversight on your part."

  "What?” She nipped his lip. “I recall trying to get in your pants, pal, and you kept stopping me!"

  "Hey, is that any way for a high society miss to talk?” His lips found hers in a teasing taste, then he leaned over her, his grin twisting her insides, he looked so delectable.

  "I'll show you high society,” she said, sliding the zipper down. She slipped her hand into the front of his boxers, exulting in the coarse hair that rasped her fingers. It would be dark, she knew, dark and inviting, sexy as it curled into hers.

  She encircled his rock-hard penis, and he surged into her hand, driving her fingers into the base.

  "Honey,” he moaned. “You keep that up and I won't last more than a minute."

  "As long as you're in me.” She pushed his jeans down and he jerked them off the rest of the way.

  "Cass...!” he gasped as she slid her hand up and down over his length, and he throbbed at the rhythm. She wanted to lick it and taste it, an urge she'd never before experienced, but with Mike it seemed right and natural. But he dug his fingers into her hair, holding her prisoner.

  "Wait,” he said, his voice hoarse. He fumbled in a pocket, retrieving a condom. For a moment she thought about teasing him about anticipating getting lucky tonight, but she caught sight of his enlarged penis and her throat dried at the erotic picture. Instead, she helped him cover it in its rubber sheath, then pulled him back down to her.

  His erection felt hot and heavy against her pelvis; she wriggled until her core pressed against the tip of it. As he sucked in a harsh gasp, she slid her wetness up and down it, exulting in the slick friction and heat that raged inside her.

  "Damn, Cass, you're driving me insane. I won't last—"

  At the unspoken plea in his voice, she angled her body and guided him into her. She felt too tight, then he slid in, the heat of his flesh scalding her.

  His mouth found hers, sucking her breath into him, then his tongue teased hers as he held still; she could feel his penis throbbing against her tight walls. She pulsed her hips up into him in tiny, tight movements, and he groaned into her mouth. Gripping his butt, she pressed harder against him, rocking under him, tightening her muscles, squeezing his throbbing erection.

  He began to move, driving into her, each thrust stronger than the one before. She understood what she'd done then: she'd broken his control and he no longer could contain his need for her. The thought that this man, who always reined his emotions in, could be torn apart by her, enthralled her.

  She moaned as he buried himself into her again and again. The pressure began building up inside her once more, hardening and rolling through her. She wrapped her legs about his waist and thrust hard against him. His seed burned into her, and she matched him, wave for wave.

  They collapsed together, their breathing ragged, and Cassie clung to him until he eased away. For a frightening moment, she thought he was leaving, just l
ike her ex had every time they'd made love, to go shower as if she'd been something dirty.

  But instead, Mike curled up against her, pulling her close. With a sigh, Cassie settled her head on his shoulder, then allowed her heavy eyes to close.

  Later, she decided she only imagined a kiss pressed to her hair, and a whispered, “I love you, Cassie."

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  Chapter Seven

  "Hey, son. I'll take one of those."

  Mike looked up from restocking bottles into the cooler to see his dad sliding onto a bar stool. Pete Ashford, a vital-looking man with a thick mane of silver hair and laughing eyes, tapped the spot in front of him.

  "Dad, hi.” Mike eyed him with more than a hint of suspicion. Even though his dad's former partner was part-owner of the club, Pete rarely visited. “What brings you down here?"

  "What else?” He sighed in satisfaction as Mike opened a bottle of his favorite brew and set it in front of him. “Your mom's having a fit over you spending the Fourth with little Cassie Delistraty.” Pete took a swig of beer. “Personally, I'm surprised it's taken this long for you two to get together. There's always been a connection."

  Mike stiffened. Even after making love to Cassie, an incredible experience that paled all other women in comparison, Mike couldn't trust any ‘connection’ he felt with her. It all seemed too good to be true. “What does that mean?"

  Pete lifted one shoulder. He grinned slyly. “I saw that kiss on Cassie's graduation day. You looked like you'd been hit by a truck."

  Mike couldn't wriggle out of this one. “Okay, I admit there's something there. But I don't know if I'd call it a connection.” Before his dad could reply, he decided to change the topic fast. “So what does Mom have against the Delistraty's? Did they approve a shopping mall where her favorite park was or something?"

  His dad chuckled at his reference to Jessie's dislike of shopping. “No, doubt it was that. Truth to tell, I'm not sure why she's so bitter against Cassie's family. Lucia's grandmother—her mother's mother—lived next door to us. She used to baby-sit Julia, and later, you. So did Lucia, for that matter. When she was in high school, she'd come spend almost every weekend with her grandmother. She swore she loved the ‘getaway,’ Although I suspect it was to see Jake. He lived down the street from us. She was a great babysitter, very down to earth. She and your mom seemed to get along great."

  "So what happened?"

  Pete studied the amber bottle in his hand. “Not sure. Lucia was seventeen, I think. I'd just gone next door and asked Lucia to baby-sit for that night, but when I got home, your mom said we didn't need her, she'd found someone else. Then Lucia broke up with Jake, and a couple months later, she disappeared. Came back ten years later with Cassie and Cal in tow for her grandmother's funeral. When she moved in to her grandmother's house, instead of selling it like we thought she'd do, I thought your mom would have a coronary."

  Mike remembered the hushed arguments between his parents around the time Cassie moved in next door. Personally, he and Julia had been excited to have some kids in a neighborhood otherwise filled with elderly couples.

  Pete took another swig of his beer. “If your mom asks, tell her I tried to talk some sense into you. Of course, my idea of sense is to grab onto that girl and never let her go. She's the only person I've ever known who can take the starch out of your shorts.” Setting the bottle down, he stood. “I'd better get home. What time are you picking Cassie up?"

  Mike glanced at the clock. Damn, he'd been thinking so hard about how to handle his attraction to her, he'd let time slip away. He was going to be late.

  "I'd better get, Dad."

  "Mike.” Ernie wheeled up. “They're going to reject the zone change. Zigretti just called, said it doesn't look good."

  Double damn. John Zigretti was Ernie's pal who worked in the county office, but unfortunately he didn't carry much weight. A re-zoning change wouldn't be very popular with the nearby residents, and they'd been afraid someone might make a stink.

  Apparently it had happened. Mike curled his fingers into a fist, fighting the helpless feeling that pounded him. “So where's that leave us?"

  Ernie's mouth tightened to a thin line. “Start over, lose the thousands of dollars we've invested in the site, or we try to fight back.” His anger-filled eyes jumped to Mike's. “Or maybe you can ask Cassie for some help from her family."

  "Ernie, you can't ask Mike to do that.” Mike's father said.

  "Pete, you think I like this?” Ernie hissed through his teeth in frustration. “But if Mike has pull with some of the most powerful people in this country, why shouldn't we use that? A location is a make or break for a nightclub. And we'd have to start over trying to find another place even half as good as this one. That could put us back nearly a year, and we'd be out all the money we've already sunk into it, including the earnest money we had to ante up to hold onto that property. If saving it means Mike has to ask a little favor, then so be it."

  "Damn it, Ernie, I can't ask Cassie for something like that,” Mike said. “We're not—” We're not what? Not a real couple? Not committed to each other? Not at the point where they could ask help of each other?

  Yes. No. Damn, Mike didn't know what the hell they were anymore, since they'd made love. The jumble of thoughts and emotions that ran through him had kept him from going to her for days. Just being with her messed with his mind.

  "Ernie, we'll discuss this when I get back.” Glancing at his watch, he cursed softly. “I'm late. Dad, thanks for stopping by. Tell Mom I'm a big boy and I can handle this."

  As he walked off, Mike wondered to himself if, for the first time since entering adulthood, he'd just lied to his father.

  * * * *

  "Darn it, Suzy, he's late."

  The dog tilted her head at Cassie, but didn't offer any insight into the workings of Mike Ashford. Not that Cass had held out any great hope, but still, anything would've been nice.

  But Suzy simply twitched her ears and tucked her head between her legs on the couch pillow she occupied next to Cassie. After much wheedling on her part, Mike had promised he wouldn't forget their trip to the ‘summer home.’ She'd been looking forward to having someone with her while she once again justified her lifestyle to her growing-more-cantankerous-every-year grandparents. But since they'd made love, he'd made himself rather scarce.

  Sighing, she stood up, dragging her bags to the door. She'd promised to be there by noon, and it was already ten. It would take almost two hours to get there, if the interstate wasn't bumper to bumper. If she left now, she could make it to the ferry. Or she could hitch a ride with Cal, if he hadn't left already. Unlike Cassie, he liked to arrive early for everything.

  She'd seen Cal yesterday, when they'd met with Irina, who'd be moving back into her house right after the holiday. The father-in-law still made noises about stopping her, but a court order gave him three days to vacate the premises. It made Cassie feel good to get this solved for Irina, who'd shown great relief to know she'd soon be home.

  Cassie enjoyed a strong sense of accomplishment. Despite Mike's misgivings, she planned on helping Cal out more often.

  Ruff and Tidbit started to bark, and Suzy launched herself off the pillow toward the door. Cassie's heart tripped in excitement. Mike must be here. She set the bags down by the front door, then turned her attention to the dogs.

  "Quiet, guys.” Ruff and Tidbit obeyed immediately but Suzy, continued to bark. “Suzy, quiet!” Cassie scooped her up, squeezing her muzzle. Suzy, with one last growl, fell silent.

  Straightening her red and white floral sundress, Cassie sucked in a deep breath, then heaved it out. She knew Mike had been avoiding her for days. Mentally girding herself for the bone-melting reaction she always had with Mike, Cassie schooled herself on staying cool.

  "Dad!” Her libido took a nosedive. She pasted on a smile and opened the door wider, holding the dogs back with one foot.

  "No, Cass, I'm not staying. I wanted to give you a hug be
fore you go. When are you leaving? Are you going with Cal?"

  She looked past her dad; no sign of her errant boy scout. “Mike's coming to pick me up any moment now. Mom invited him."

  Jake's mouth twitched in amusement. “She told me that she's not sure if you two are really an item or trying to get her off your back. I think she figures if Mike survives the weekend with your grandparents, he must be serious."

  Cassie frowned. “Mike's going to be miserable there. They're such snobs. Maybe I should pretend to have the flu."

  Jake shook his head, his affection for Cassie glowing from his eyes. “They won't buy it. They'll be offended and you'll never hear the end of it. You'd better go."

  Sighing, she nodded. “I will, the second Mike shows up. What are you doing for the Fourth?"

  Jake shrugged. “Nothing definite yet. You taking your mom to see the fireworks at Gasworks Park?"

  "Probably. Why?” Her mother loved going there each year; they'd done it since moving to Seattle. It would be quite a haul from Bainbridge Island but the three of them—Cal, Lucia and Cassie—made it every year. Sometimes Jake met them there. “Thinking of joining us?"

  His smile told her nothing, but raised a few suspicions. “I might,” he said. “Keep your cell with you just in case.” He kissed her on the forehead. “See you."

  His mood didn't seem quite right, not like the dad she knew. “Dad,” she said.

  The dogs started barking again. Cassie pulled the door open, and she sighed in relief. Mike.

  "You're late.” She lifted her face for a kiss, and his lips touched hers, but too briefly. He shook hands with Jake, then reached down and pet the dancing dogs at his feet.

  "Sorry, got a bit tied up. Ernie and I were discussing the zoning change for the new club."

  Cassie took in his slight frown. “Not going well?"

  "It'll be fine. We have another hearing next week. We'll present our argument and go from there.” He straightened up and smiled at Jake. “Going with us?"