“So eager,” he says.
His smooth dark voice is filled with promise, but he reluctantly pulls away and takes his seat across from mine.
“We have all night, angel.”
Our eyes dance upon each other, exchanging heated glances.
“Have I mentioned how beautiful you look tonight?”
Just hearing his words creates an excitement deep within my belly.
“Thank you. I might add that that suit only makes me ravenous for you. I’m looking forward to ripping it off of you.”
“Jesus.”
I watch as he discreetly adjusts his strained erection.
“You can’t blame a girl for being honest.” I press my thighs together. “I’m completely at your mercy.”
I hear a low hiss from across the table.
“God, I hope so,” he answers with a heavy breath.
“As soon as humanly possible,” I add, fueling the fire that burns just under the surface.
I watch him as he turns his glass, the amber liquid swirling. With one swift swallow, the Macallan 12 single malt is gone. He sets the glass firmly on the table.
Despite everything that happened earlier, I feel truly alive in this moment. Surely he can see that he’s healing me in a way no one ever has?
“Oh, my sweet angel, you are most definitely playing a dangerous game.”
I laugh. Tonight feels sweeter somehow. More playful, mischievous, and naughty.
He reaches over the table and gently strokes the top of my hand.
“You have the most incredible laugh,” he says as our fingers interlace, connecting our shared heart, leaving me breathless. A blush creeps up my neck in the exact moment that the waiter arrives.
We order the special, beef Wellington. Theo orders another Macallan, and I request tonic with lime.
“I have a gift.”
I sense a nervousness in him that I’m not familiar with. It’s as if I’m witnessing the moment my good doctor goes from strong to vulnerable.
“Oh.”
He seems so sincere yet exposed in some way.
“I love gifts.”
He straightens his shoulders and rises, handing me an exquisitely wrapped item. It’s square in shape, and large enough that I have to push my chair back to accept it as it rests on my lap.
“Open it.”
I slowly tear at the corners, exposing a frame. Once the paper is thrown on the floor, my hand flies to my mouth. God must be sending me a sign. I want to scream, cry, and jump up and down, but most of all, I want to love this man fiercely.
“I commissioned a replica of…”
“Abstraction White Rose,” I finish. “A 1927 creation by my favorite painter, Georgia O’Keefe. One of her earlier flower paintings, it features a white rose. There was scrutiny over the sexual undertones in her work, and this one in particular can be perceived in the same manner.”
I’m completely submerged in the painting, and when I look up to see his eyes sparkling back at me, I see pure joy in them.
“Thank you, Theo,” I say with unshed tears.
It’s too much. He sees the deepest parts of me.
“How did you know?”
“You have her book on a coffee table at your house. It’s displayed in a place of honor. The pages are worn, but I knew that this is something that you’ve admired on many occasions.”
“How clever of you, Dr. Grant.”
I need him to kiss me, so I rise, setting the painting down and stalking over to him in slow motion. I try to savor the moment. My hand runs over his thigh, which is lean and tone. When I skim over his rigid cock, I feel him shudder.
“Thank you.”
Our lips touch, mine high over his as I kiss the wind right out of him.
“Jesus,” he mutters against my lips.
I stand, slightly shaken, and make it back to my seat in time for our dinner to arrive. I can’t hide my smile, and we eat in silence, both engrossed in the thought of what’s to come.
“New York.”
I am worlds away when the words are uttered out of context. I nod as an acknowledgement, even as it twists inside my chest. I don’t want to think about New York, but the look on his face brings me back. I should be the one offering comfort.
“I’ll be right by your side, Theo.”
But I feel strange even as I say the words. It’s like I’m looking at a series of circus mirrors that are distorting reality. What does Theo expect to happen? Are his hopes and dreams all tied up in this one trip? Or will he crash and burn, leaving me with the fragments to put back together?
Chapter Eighteen
Theo
I chastise myself for ruining Eden’s graduation as I follow her uncle from the auditorium to the parking lot. I twist at my tie, loosening it so I can reach the top button and release it. I watch him turn as he decides to meet me head-on.
“Don’t lie to me, please.”
I don’t know what to say in response. I only know one thing: I will tell the truth if at all possible.
“I don’t plan to, Vince.”
He is only inches shorter than me, but he has Matt’s eyes. Something twists inside of me as I study his face.
“Are you sleeping with her?”
And there it is. The question doesn’t surprise me. I’m just not prepared for it today.
“I won’t deny it.”
I’m a better man than that.
“By the grace of God, how could you?”
His head is shaking back and forth in disbelief. I can hear the hostility in his voice. The truth seems so wrong, a dirty little secret. But that can’t be further from the truth. I know that I can’t let her go.
“What kind of a man seduces his best friend’s daughter, and to make matter worse, his very own patient?”
I can’t pretend any longer.
“I love her.”
I should feel shame, but instead I feel incredibly free.
“Tell me it’s not true, doctor.” He’s still fuming. “Have you ever considered that she’s just replacing the father figure she’s lost with someone else in an authority position?
“Don’t you think that’s occurred to me?” But, no I don’t believe that. Nothing could be further from the truth. “I don’t think that’s the case, though.”
“You have to walk away, Theo.”
The use of my first name gives me a moment’s pause. I’m challenged by his words, and know the disastrous consequences all too well.
“You know I can’t do that. I can’t walk away from her professionally, or personally. It wouldn’t be in Eden’s’ best interest, and we both know that.”
His eyes narrow, his mind calculating.
“You don’t have a choice, my good doctor. Walk away, or lose everything.”
When I finally take in a breath, I know who my enemy is.
“I should go.”
I excuse myself and walk back inside to Eden. I won’t underestimate Vince’s power, or his revenge. I only have to come up with a plan that feels right, a strategy to keep her mine.
***
When we get to Eden’s front door after dinner, I wrap her tightly in my arms. Her back presses to my front as she fumbles with her key. I brush her hair over her shoulder, exposing her soft, porcelain neck. I gently trace the delicate curve with my lips in a desperate need to be close to her.
“I’m not complaining, but you’re making the simple task of unlocking my door much more difficult than it has to be.”
She playfully looks over her shoulder at me, our lips a breath away from each other.
“The anticipation is making me harder,” I whisper, pressing the proof against her backside. Thoughts of caging her against the door come to mind.
“Got it,” she says as we both make our way inside.
I turn the lock on the knob and then deadbolt the door. Appearing at the edge of my mind is her uncle’s words. His threats have lingered. I’m not used to feeling out of control, and I need som
ething to gain my power back, an outlet. I can’t pretend that this part of me doesn’t need nurturing, as fucked-up as that sounds.
Eden belongs to me, and I need to prove my devotion to her. I stalk her as she playfully walks backward.
“There’s nowhere to run, angel.”
My gaze burns into hers as I watch her reach behind and unzip her dress.
I watch as it falls to her feet. She steps over it. My eyes light up as she slowly turns, displaying the black lace corset, garters, and barely-there panties.
“Is this my present?” I ask in a come-hither grin, slowly approaching her. I pull my tie off. “If I were you, I would head for the bedroom before I catch you.”
I step quickly and she squeals—the sweetest sound in the world—as she runs as fast as she can in those sexy-as-fuck heels.
Once I catch up to her, she’s slightly panting, mischievously sitting on the bed.
“Lie down and spread your legs.”
She doesn’t flinch, her obedience causing my insides to quiver as I stand at the foot of the bed. I start to undress, my eyes never leaving hers.
Once freed, I climb on top of her, leaning over her fevered skin to trail wet kisses in the delicate interface of her thighs. Her flawless skin feels like silk against my lips.
Once upon a time, my thirst was never quenched with sex, but something changed in me fundamentally the moment I met this woman. Her moans consume me as I make the climb up to heaven. I want her to know how much I worship her.
I move her panties aside and my thumb starts rubbing small circles against her clit in perfect rhythm.
“I need your mouth on me, Theo.”
Like a moth to a flame, I’m instantly there. First my mouth, the kiss holding a promise of fulfillment. Then I lick at her as my lips graze over her ripe bud.
“God, yes. Right there…”
“Do you want more?” This hot flavor of desire is causing my cock to drip as my hips grind against the bed. Her back arches, but still she doesn’t answer.
“Yes or no, please.”
My finger toys with her pussy. I’m looking for the appropriate response, but that still hasn’t come. I need her to ask for it.
“Yes, please,” she answers softly
“Tell me. I’ll do whatever you ask, Eden.”
“Fuck me, use me.”
I bury my face between her legs. My finger penetrates her as my tongue picks up the rhythm. Then I press two fingers into her silken curls, probing in a slow repetitive speed.
“Come now, Eden.”
She rides my face harder and faster, relentlessly moving her hips against my mouth.
“Yes, just like that, Theo.”
Her body closes tightly around my fingers. She’s pushing against me mindlessly as her orgasm takes her. Before her heartbeat has time to slow, I’m ready to crawl up her body.
“I need you to trust me, Eden.” I don’t wait for an answer as I reach for my tie. “Your hands, angel.” I straddle her waist and tie her wrists together. Then I reach above her head and tie them to the headboard. “I want to fuck your mouth.”
Her pupils dilate. “Make me yours,” she says.
I’m wasn’t expecting that.
“Don’t move.”
I crawl up and straddle her neck as I rest my rigid cock on her lips.
“Open for me.”
Her tongue swirls several times around my engorged crown, then she sucks the tip dry.
Now I’m the one unraveling. I trace a finger down her cheek as her greedy mouth takes bold procession of me. I see her final surrender when she closes her eyes and her breath steadies.
I reach for the headboard for balance, and as the long slow ride of delight begins looming over me. The power and complete control is making me more rigid and engorged. The pleasure is too potent as I increase my speed. The rapid shallow breaths cause me to look down as Eden’s mouth accepts me fully. Her eyes are looking up at me.
“Too much?”
I ask because I’m about to lose any restraint I have left.
The shake of her head confirms she can handle it, but I want her pussy more. I savor her mouth until the searing need begins calling me. Then I slowly pull out and press the length of my body over hers.
“I feel my heart beating in rhythm with yours,” she says, and I’m startled by her intimate confession.
Christ, the woman is beautiful.
I brush my lips against hers. “I’m just now realizing how lonely I’ve been all these years. You’re changing all that.”
I reach for her black panties and rip them off her. I don’t know if this will ruin the moment, but I need to fuck her. Now. I need to show her how much I love her.
My shaft rears hot and ready against her entrance, and with one swift thrust I am home. Kissing her passionately, I tease her lips apart with a tender assault on her sweet mouth. My hips piston. Her arms are still held captive. Adjusting my position, the sliding thrust now hits her g-spot, stretching her softness as once again she sneaks into my heart.
“Is that the place, angel?”
Tension builds in our bodies, reaching unbearable heights. An urgent need commands my release, and I come so fucking hard it blows my mind. Eden follows the wild ride, shuddering in quiet release.
“Jesus.”
It’s impossible to describe how raw and visceral this experience is. For me, life has finally become something worth living. This foreign feeling rolling around inside me? It’s happiness.
I gently untie her wrists and start rubbing them. I’m apprehensive meeting her eyes after exposing a small part of the demon inside me. My desperate need for control has simmered down with her, and I want to keep it that way.
She meets my eyes, and what I find there is acceptance.
“I didn’t scare you away?”
I run my thumb over her bottom lip.
“No, Theo. It’s actually more common than you think.”
She shrugs.
“What does that mean?”
I sound angry, but maybe I’m more jealous than anything.
“It means that most people dabble in this arena.”
She gets up, reaching for her robe, and sits facing me on her king-size bed.
“Most people? As in you?”
“Yes, me.”
I fall silent.
I’ll need to work this out logically. Jealousy cannot be a part of our relationship. It’s a poison, a toxic ingredient in a healthy couple. I know I am being unreasonable, and then I decide I just don’t want to know. It’s for the best. We both have a past, and I refuse to let any earlier transgressions dictate what we have now.
I reach for her and pull our bodies down so that we’re face-to-face.
“We are more than our pasts, Eden.”
She nods as my touch races over her skin.
“Yes, right now we’re only the present and the future.”
She places her warm palm on my face, forcing our eyes to meet. Her precious violet eyes are confident, so sure of herself in this moment.
“You are my future, Eden.”
Her smile dangles at the corner of her lips.
She playfully fans her heated face with her hands.
“Doctor, you are giving me the vapors.”
I throw back my head and laugh. There are moments when my feelings for her come in so strong, it’s like the strength of the waves hitting the shore.
“Vapors, huh?”
I mimic her fake southern accent as I tumble on top of her, tickling her as she squeals. I feel young, alive, and yes—loved.
***
The next two days pass in a blur. We are on our way to New York. The four of us sit in first class, only an aisle separating Steel and Alex. How Steel assembled the pieces to make this happen he doesn’t share with me. Now it’s only about the results.
I’m on my way to meet my sister. I remind myself to let the idea sink in, but that doesn’t stop my heart from hammering out of my chest. As if o
n cue, Eden, sitting next to me, reaches for my hand and gives it a gentle squeeze.
“The stewardess—no wait—the flight attendant will be by with drinks, right?” Alex asks, leaning on his armrest, speaking to me.
I give him a look of frustration and then roll my eyes.
“That means no,” he says, leaning back in his seat.
I would be lying if I said I wasn’t grateful that he is at my side through this.
Over the years, we have become more than friends. We’re more like brothers. He’s my family. He walks into every storm we encounter. Loyal and reliable, he’s had his challenges, too. Haven’t we all. I guess we’re all fucked up in some way, whether you’re born with a silver spoon in your mouth or not.
I force my mind back to the present. I go over the planning details. Flying across the county comes with a lot of specifics. During the layover in Chicago, we can grab airport food there. Three rooms at the Ritz Carlton. A suite for Eden and myself. I’m sort of treating this as a vacation, but nothing could be further from the truth.
My mind drifts back once again to the countless nights I had nightmares that reenacted that fateful day my sister disappeared. The day my world would change in a single moment. Night after night, I would wake up, sweat pouring off of me, shaking. It molded me into the person I am today.
I have serious abandonment issues, and an undying need for control. It all makes sense to me now. Logically, I could analyze it from the perspective of a doctor. My only salvation has been this woman by my side. There is just something different about her, something that captures me as she peels back the layers, exposing my cold stone of a heart. I have always branded myself as broken goods, but she’s come along and changed all that.
I lift her hand now and entwine it in mine. I bring it to my lips and hold it there gently, breathing in her scent. Something is soaring inside me. I lean over and whisper in her ear. “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so close to another person before.”
“Show me,” she says.
Show me? My dick catches on before my brain does, my stiff erection answering on my behalf.
“I’ll go in first,” I say.
Chapter Nineteen
Surviving Eden (Surviving Series Book 1) Page 16