Szot, JC - Dark Day, Bright Night (Siren Publishing Classic)

by JC Szot

  She swatted him in the shoulder. “No.” Her glossy lips contorted.

  “Sorry.” He raised a hand, halting another assault. He didn’t think Ms. Holistic did cards, let alone gambling. He held her gaze, really looked at her this time. Meg’s pupils were big, wide with wonder, the green just so intense behind the black.

  “We could do Texas Hold’em or Omaha?” Meg began shuffling. The cards flew through her slender fingers. Zane felt his lips part, a bit rattled by her skill. Feeling a bit intimidated, and hampered by the alcohol that was now careening through his veins, he offered another suggestion.

  “How about Casino War?” He gently removed the cards from her soft hands. “Ever play it?” He now shuffled the deck, meeting her eyes. He swallowed hard as he took her in, his eyes tempting him again. Her breasts were small, but they looked perfect so far, even clothed. They were well rounded, sitting high on her body. A slight curve of cleavage distracted him.

  “No. Let’s play a few hands.” Meg tipped her glass. Zane watched the bourbon vanish through her lips. She helped herself to another shot. “I take it it’s just like regular War?”

  “It is.” Zane felt his lips pull into a sly grin. “But with this version, you’ve got to bet.”

  “Okay.” She smiled back. “Are you dealing?”

  “I am the host.” Zane winked, feeling his bravado grab at his balls.

  “What are we betting?” Meg asked, her voice lowering to a sexy purr.

  “Loser drinks for now, just one shot.” He dealt her one card then slid another in front of him. “I’ll think of something.” He laughed. “Okay, turn your card over.”

  Meg had a king of spades, and he had a five of clubs. He downed the bourbon, welcoming the burn as it hit his throat. It wrapped around his belly like a warm fur muff. He slid another card her way. They turned their cards again. Zane had an ace, Meg only a two.

  “Oh.” Zane patted her hand, shaking his head with an exaggerated misfortune. “Looks like you’ve got to take the shot this time.” Meg tossed back her drink. Her eyes bulged, her lip curling over her teeth. “Be careful, we don’t want to destroy all those vitamins and minerals I’m sure you ingested today, along with your protein shake, of course.” He snickered.

  “Fuck you, Zane.” Her eyes narrowed at him.

  “I love it.” Zane laughed. “I’ve been waiting for a little fire from you.” Meg jutted her chin in defiance. “So tell me, is it Ms. Sullivan? That’s what was printed below your picture in the Holistic Hut’s Newsletter you gave me.”

  “That’s right, Mr. Miller. It’s Ms. Sullivan to you.” Meg leaned over, digging the heel of her elbow into his thigh, sending a tickling twinge through his body.

  “Well, why are you sitting here playing cards with a guy who has cancer on a Saturday night? Where’s your man?”

  Her face fell. All the teasing and bantering dissolved. Zane stiffened. That was a mistake. He liked her face better the other way.

  “There isn’t one.” Meg took a sip of her drink, eyeing him over the rim of her glass.

  “I’m sorry.” Zane elbowed her in the ribs, wanting to return to the land of razz.

  “Don’t be.” Her tone was firm. “Now I don’t have to be disappointed all the time. It makes life a whole lot easier.” She waved him off.

  “Disappointed?” Zane leaned back on his stool. This is getting interesting. “Why all the constant letdowns?”

  Meg draped her arm over the back of her stool and leaned into him, her face a pretty pink due to either her bashfulness or the liquor. Her warm breath tickled his lips like a breeze meant to tease on a scorching summer day.

  “I’m so tired.” Her eyes rolled. “So done with getting all hot for a guy, all attached and everything, and once…” Her words trailed off. Her eyes skirted around him, her reserve attempting to win over the uninhibited effects of the liquor. “Once things get, you know, hot and heavy”—she shook her head, her face lined with frustration—“once we go to bed, I’m always left feeling frustrated. It’s not that I’m hard to please or demanding. It’s just that every guy I’ve ever had sucks in the sack. They’re just out of touch, I guess.” Her cute lips twisted into a pout.

  Zane choked on his drink. He turned, clearing his throat. He swallowed past the raw heat. It flamed around in his gut, moving throughout his body. His cock had ears of its own. It was at full attention, bowing against the zipper of his jeans. Things were overcrowded down there, and suddenly the air between them was thick and sweet-smelling. Was it her?

  “I’m sorry. No woman should have to tolerate that.” His voice was level. His seriousness had her erupting. Meg tossed her head back. Her laughter rang through the quiet apartment. Zane welcomed the conversational turnaround. This is better. His horny body seized control over his mind. All rational thought was gone as he began to spin the web. His heart beat wildly.

  “Well,” he said. Zane shuffled the cards again. “I say, this calls for a bet.” The bourbon had him feeling brave. He didn’t have much more to lose these days. Two things could happen. She’ll either go for it or storm out, never to be seen again. “Our wager could enable me to save the rest of my fellow mankind from any further embarrassment. If you lose the draw, I get to attempt to satisfy you. It won’t be an easy feat, since I’m on the tail end of so much displeasure, but I’d like to try. Shall we place our bet, Ms. Sullivan?” Zane’s dick was dancing in his pants. He pinned her with his stare.

  Meg sank back in her stool, her lips slightly parted. She seemed to be contemplating his offer. He’d never take advantage of a woman. Zane always liked his women to be sure. Plus, it was his duty. At least he’d make it easier for the next guy. Meg’s eyes widened. Her fingers clenched the glass, her stare wavering from his.

  He pushed a bit more. “Come on, Meg. I could lose.” He laughed.

  “How many draws?” The pretty skin of her throat smoothed as she swallowed.

  “I’ll let you make the call,” he whispered.

  “Two, that’s it.”

  Her breaths roared in his ears.

  “Two it is.” Zane shuffled, setting a card down for each of them.

  Chapter Six

  “Oh!” Zane shrieked. “She wins it by the skin of her teeth.” Meg stuck out her tongue. Zane had an eight of diamonds, but Meg won with her queen of clubs. Zane scooped up the cards, shuffling again. He set two more cards face down. Their eyes locked. Her teeth caught her lower lip. So sexy. The idea of fucking her swelled in his brain. Shit! He needed to win this next hand. He needed this one last, good thing before he started his treatments.

  “Go ahead, Meg.” He pointed to her card. Meg flipped the card over, her breath slowing.

  “Mm, a four of spades.” Zane rubbed his chin. “Could be a tough break for you, Ms. Sullivan.”

  “Enough! Turn your fucking card over, Zane!”

  Zane slowly revealed his card. “Now look at that, a king of hearts, how appropriate.” Meg gasped. Her eyes sprang open like a shade on a window. Zane didn’t wait. If any more time passed, the thrill of it all would crumble right in front of him. He removed the card from her hand and grabbed her wrist, gently tugging her into his space. He felt her freeze. He leaned into her ear. Her hair grazed his lips. She smelled so good, fresh and clean, like a meadow of wildflowers.

  “I’m not an animal, Meg,” he confessed, his voice hushed. His lips found that small, sensual spot on her shapely neck. He kissed her lightly, adding a slight nibble of teeth. Her smooth cheek brushed against his. He held her chin, guiding her eyes to his. Her startled expression had weakened. Her lids lowered just a bit, as if they were absorbing the heat slowly and cautiously.

  “Really, Meg, I’m not.”

  “I know that, I think.” She laughed it off. Her ego was out there. He could see it now, bold as a street sign. Her face glowed with a pinkish hue. She was struggling with a dual mask, unsure which one to wear, looking excited and embarrassed at the same time.

  “I’m an ave
rage guy. I’ll behave like a gentleman. I just want to do this for you. Someone’s gotta turn your attitude around.” He chuckled.

  “It’s just been awhile,” she whispered. Her hand traveled onto his thigh. Her touch seared into him.

  “So, no big deal.” He shrugged. “You just gotta hop back on that bike, right?” She nodded. He caught her curls, combing his fingers through them, watching them spring back into shape. Zane followed her gaze, wanting her eyes on his, dying for her approval. Her eyes reverted back to his. Her lips curled. Her face tilted in question. She cupped his cheek, moving closer. Her lips touched his. A little assertiveness, not bad. His hands itched. He wanted to touch her now. He pulled back slightly, needing to read her expression again before the ball got rolling.

  “Okay, Meg?”

  “Okay.” Her smile was warm.

  Zane stood and turned off the lights as he walked across the living room toward the front door. He engaged all the locks and picked up the remote, turning on some soft jazz. He lowered the volume, just wanting something in the background. Meg was standing now. The glow of the digital clock from the kitchen stove threw shadows across her face. She downed the rest of her drink. Zane pulled off his shirt and unbuttoned his jeans. Meg shifted her weight, her eyes locked on his chest. Her throat moved as she swallowed. He slid his stool out of the way, steering her hips to his.

  “Come on, Meg.” Zane traced a finger over her curved jaw, down her neck, and over her collarbone. He began easing the buttons of her blouse through their holes. The soft linen parted. Delicate beige lace outlined the top of her breasts. Zane bit his lower lip. They looked flawless, just enough to fit in his palm. He lifted his eyes to hers.

  “It’s gonna take two. I’m fairly confident that I can please you, but you’ve got your end of the bargain to uphold as well. This is my last hurrah. Once my treatments start, I won’t be worth ten cents. You gonna make it good for me, too?”

  Her hands answered, smoothing over his chest. Her fingers pinched his nipples, sending shivering trails over his skin. “I’ll do my best.” Her words were hoarse. “I’m sitting on the bicycle now.”

  “Good.” Zane pulled the material of her blouse down her arms and unhooked her bra, his actions a bit more eager. “Then let’s see you ride it now.” His own voice was raspy, matching hers and the mood. He cupped her breasts with both hands, giving her a light push into the wall. Her heart thundered against his chest. He lifted her arms, pinning them over her head. Her breath hitched, raising her breasts as if to feed herself to him. Zane groaned, lowering his head.

  Her flesh was hot and soft, like the warmth of a slept-on pillow. Her nipples were darker, a unique shade of pink. They were high and peaked with arousal. He lightly kissed the swell of her breast. His lips grazed over her pebbled nipple, giving her a soft suck. She moaned against him. Her chest expanded, taking in a rush of air. Her skin pillowed into his face. He sucked, licked, and tasted her as her breathing became erratic. Meg gave voice to her pent-up desire, her words thick and smoky.

  “Jesus, Zane,” she hissed. Her hands held his head, feeling their way down the back of his skull. Her nails dug into the skin of his shoulders, scouring down the plains of his back. He reached for the waistband of her jeans. He released his mouth from her, fighting with the zipper. Wide eyes of need blinked down at him. Meg kicked off her shoes and shimmied out her jeans, wiggling her hips, taking her lace panties with them. Zane stepped back and removed his jeans and boxers. They were naked now, exposed for the taking. His eyes ravished her. She was a series of artfully drawn lines, her legs lean but shapely. He stared, wanting to tattoo her silhouette into his brain. His eyes stopped at the sensual V between her legs, the narrow folds of her pussy lightly dusted with auburn curls.

  Zane closed the distance between them, their nakedness touching. She licked her lips, making his cock jump. It arced against his navel, aching, wanting her touch. Her words purred at him, filling the heavy air.

  “I don’t mean to stare.” She cleared her throat. “You’re beautiful.”

  “I could say the same about you, Meg.” Zane slowly began to stroke his cock. Something burned in her eyes.

  “Is that more ink I see on your back?” Her voice was a low whisper. She clenched her hands together, wringing her fingers, as if afraid to touch him. Why do tattoos scare people? Zane slowly turned around, displaying the tree of life Sean had done on the left side of his back. “Wow.” Her light laughter riddled him with excitement. Zane faced her and extended his hand. She grabbed onto his fingers when he pulled her body into his, snaking his arm around her neck. Their lips hit, tight and compressed.

  A slow and easy seduction escalated into an urgent need. He slipped between the seam of her lips. Her tongue poked at his, demanding entry into his mouth. She spread her sweet wetness through him. His hands moved over her skin. She was so soft, like the imported material of an expensive scarf. He held her tiny ass in his palms and steered her back to the stool, their feet stumbling.

  Meg sat down, their mouths still hungering against the lips of the other. Zane spread her knees with his. When the silken skin of her palm touched his cock, he was forced to break the intense kiss. His head tilted back, his eyes rolling in ecstasy.

  “Fuck, Meg,” he growled. “That’s it. Touch me more, just like that, yeah, that’s good.” All ten of her fingers stroked him now, as if strumming an instrument. His balls burned, pulling up into his body. His knees weakened. Her touch was bleeding into him, taking root inside of him. His mind spun. Zane quickly reeled in his thoughts, needing to keep any germinating emotions at bay. He was a sick man, his clock had stopped. He lowered his head, seeing her heavy-lidded eyes. His hand grazed down the smooth expanse of her flat and tidy belly. Her folds were warm and moist, so tiny and delicate. His fingers parted them, searching for that magical button. His thumb slid up and over her clit.

  “Oh God.” Her eyes skirted across the ceiling. Zane nestled into her arched neck, his fingers teasing then pushing up inside her. She was a tight channel of wet softness. Her small hips bucked forward. “Oh, jeez.” Her light laughter had his insides cheering.

  “See, Meg.” His fingers feathered through her pussy. She was so wet and slick. “There’s one fact your other fellows have overlooked.” Her gaze caught his, her hand now cupping his balls, rolling them in her palm. Her caress had him wired, all his senses on full alert.

  “What might that be?” Her fingers strummed back up his cock as if she was fine-tuning her technique.

  “The clitoris is king.” He grinned. His fingers moved a bit faster, pinching and rubbing. He was dizzy with the thrill that her body was so responsive to him.

  “So it is,” she breathed, spreading herself more for him. He could smell her, a tangy sweetness. Zane had the urge to taste her, but it just seemed a little too intimate for a bet. He pressed their bodies together. Her hips thrust forward, meeting his on the edge of the stool.

  Zane covered her hand on his cock with his own and ran the tip up and down the folds of her pussy, teasing her.

  “You ready, Meg? It’s time for us to come, wouldn’t you say?” His stomach rose, tilting with anticipation. He wanted to be inside her.

  Chapter Seven

  Up close and naked, he was overwhelming. Zane’s skin was firm to the touch and tight, wrapping around all the dips and curves of a well-maintained body. The way his hard muscle held all that ink had Meg all hot and bothered. His cock was long, slender, and smooth, pulsating with a need that Meg now owned—for the time being, at least. Zane had rough edges, but just below, under all that ink, was desire, an urge that matched hers.

  His stormy eyes had her captivated. He searched through her, wanting to see if he was making good on their bet. The head of his cock lightly pressed at her entrance. One hand gripped her shoulder, the other her hip. His gruff words vibrated down her spine.

  “Tilt your hips more.” He pushed into her, thrusting deep, splintering her apart. His head fell back, his to
ne raspy. “Fuck yeah! Come on, Meg, move with me. You’re so hot, wet, and tight.” He filled her, branding her insides with a pleasant burn. Their hips met, grinding, knocking. His heady scent rose between them, knitting with her sweetened fragrance. He cupped her cheek, aligning their eyes.

  “You’re beautiful, so elegant, your body, Christ, Meg.” He pulled her close, his cock driving harder, deeper. No man had ever said such words to her. Zane’s hands moved under her ass, her skin sticking on the stool. He shifted her with ease, adhering them together. Meg squirmed to get closer. His strong chest rubbed against hers, an elaborate friction that had ignited into flames between them. She hung onto his neck. Her clit throbbed, her orgasm ready to burst like a storm cloud. Should she wait for him? His strained words answered her thoughts. Zane’s chest heaved, his voice hard.

  “Don’t wait for me, Meg, ’cause I’ve been waiting for you.” He looked down into her eyes, his hair dark, stiff points. His eyes flashed. “When you’re ready—I know you are, the way your pussy’s cradling my cock, fuck! I can’t take much more.” His hips pumped into her, stretching her with a delectable sting. It was a sharp pleasure but one they both needed.

  It was a wet runway, giving way to a slippery slope. With every brush of Zane’s cock over her clit, Meg slipped a little bit more. He angled his hips, pouring into her hard. His face creased in concentration. She was there, a tingling, swelling sensation she’d never felt. She lifted her legs, the shift in their bodies giving him more access. She locked her legs behind his back.

  “That’s just too good,” Zane called out, gritting his teeth. “Fuck!” Meg’s legs twitched. Every muscle went tight, burning.

  “Oh. My. God!” Her nails dug into his back. She opened her legs now, spreading wider. Her body shook. Her pussy contracted around his cock. Their breathy moans echoed through the dark apartment. Meg felt his release. Zane pulsated inside of her, meeting her euphoria. His chest settled against hers, his arms flaccid. Meg sank back into the stool. His cock softened slightly, but she could still feel him trembling inside her. Her legs fell away from his body, sighing in the aftermath. His fingers tipped her chin. Zane’s lips pulled into a wicked grin.