What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 7)

by Lexi Buchanan

  His kiss curled her toes, set her aflame, and left her with her mouth open long after he withdrew and went on his way.

  Chapter Five

  Letting Loose

  Dahlia saw the familiar black Bentley limo slide in front of her apartment building and the butterflies in her stomach danced.

  As before, Alec left the vehicle to meet her at her door.

  When the door opened and he smiled at her, she almost melted. His smile had been casual, and she tried to smile back but had a feeling in the pit of her stomach that ‘casual’ was soon to be out of the picture for them.

  He managed to make his eyes look so sincere, and he looked so handsome and dashing in his suit that she felt powerless to resist anything he offered her.

  “I feel like I’m dating Bruce Wayne,” she said as she entered the vehicle, and he laughed heartily.

  “Would you like anything to drink?” he offered as the car got going, and she had no idea what was available, but told him no. She definitely shouldn’t have anything alcoholic, and although water was probably a good idea, she felt like she needed to practice saying no to him.

  “So what restaurant are we headed to tonight? Same one?” she asked hopefully.

  “No,” he said. “I decided on somewhere different.”

  God, he looked so handsome. And she longed to see what his chest looked like underneath the expensive looking, almost-pearlescent shirt. His arms looked so capable and strong…

  “Dahlia.” Alec’s voice had a low, almost dangerous quality to it despite the distinctly playful tone, and it crawled through body, firing up her neurons. “Are you checking me out?” he asked with half a smile and no actual mirth behind it.

  Dahlia wished she hadn’t bothered to respond because all she did was stammer out nonsense. She tried again, doing her best to ignore his highly amused grin.

  “I…I was admiring your suit. The quality is quite amazing.” Her entire face was flushed hot in shame, and, no doubt, the remnants of desire.

  He fixed his blue eyes on her and she wanted to sink through the floor.

  “My dear Dahlia,” he began softly, “When last has a man touched you?” His vibrato rang through her. No matter how softly or normally he spoke, his voice managed to tickle her entire being. And was she really being that obvious? But who was she kidding? If he touched her right now, she would probably propel through the roof.

  She tried to regain her dignity, clearing her throat. “Where did you say we were going?”

  His smile looked devilish. Or was it all in her head?

  “I made reservations for a private booth, don’t worry.”

  Dahlia almost laughed. Don’t worry? She had no other choice.

  Dahlia realized too late that they had pulled up to a dock. She saw no fancy-looking restaurant on the left or right.

  “Wait, what is this?” she asked, her heartbeat quickening.

  “Relax, Dahlia—I’m not about to kidnap you. I just thought having an uninterrupted, quiet dinner would be nice.”

  “I still don’t understand.”

  He helped her out of the limo and started leading her toward a docked yacht.

  “Don’t tell me you haven’t had dinner on a yacht before?”

  Dahlia only looked at him.

  She was going to be alone with him on a boat?

  She halted her footsteps.

  He took it in stride, stopping with her and giving her that darned disarming smile.

  “Just us?” she asked, hoping he couldn’t tell how fast her heart was beating.

  “Just us, my dear. Well, and the chef, of course.”

  She relaxed at that. She was safe as long as someone else was around.

  “What’s the matter? Do you get sea sick? Scared of being on open water?”

  “I have to be back by eleven,” she blurted out.

  He laughed. “Well, good thing it’s only…” he checked his expensive-looking watch, “…seven p.m. Don’t worry—I’ll have you back on time. We’re scheduled to be back at the dock by ten.”

  Dahlia started walking again, feeling silly just standing there trying to figure out why she felt so terrified.

  When the boat docked two hours later, after the most delicious meal she’d had since their last date, and after such tame conversations, relief flooded Dahlia, although she quickly realized it was premature.

  Alec held her in place with his eyes, and she soon realized that the vessel now felt empty, save for the two of them.

  Alec moved toward her, and her heartbeat sped up.

  “Alec,” she said weakly, but she had no idea what she was going to say next. Alec’s mouth closed over hers and all she could do was melt into his kiss, his lips gentle and sweet.

  To finally be wrapped in his strong arms felt heavenly, and she knew that if she didn’t put her foot down about how far she’d go right now, she would lose all control. But words failed her as Alec deepened his kiss.

  Her middle soared to life, and the moisture between her legs grew.

  Suddenly she lost her footing, and she realized that Alec had lifted her up and was moving her to another room.

  She felt her back connect gently with something soft, and as Alec’s mouth briefly left hers, she whispered his name again.

  “Yes, Dahlia,” he said as he disposed of his jacket, shirt, and tie.

  Then his lips were on her neck, and if she thought she’d had any strength to resist before, it had now been obliterated. She nearly wrapped her legs around him to spur him on.

  “Oh, Alec, make love to me.”

  He smiled at her. “Your wish is my command.”

  He began disposing of her clothes. Shyness set in but disappeared as soon as she saw the look of appreciation on his face as her chest was revealed, and then her breasts, as he unhooked her bra and got rid of it.

  He kissed her, and then moved his way down her body with his lips. She shuddered uncontrollably when his lips reached her stomach. She couldn’t imagine handling any more.

  Still belted up in his pants, he pulled off her panties, and then buried his face between her legs. The sensation made her cry out and squeeze his head there, and in a few short moments, she felt herself on the verge of a climax as his tongue worked her most sensitive parts.

  In disbelief, she pulsed all around him, waiting for her vision to return to normal, and for thoughts and words to return to her.

  Before she knew it, he was over her, and his pants had vanished.

  The sight of his erection brought her quickly back to her senses, and she only had a moment to worry about taking things to the next level before his magically sheathed penis was inside of her. She appreciated him sliding into her gently, and the way he took it easy at first, handling her as if she were a virgin; she had certainly felt like one the whole night.

  She grabbed on to him as he moved inside of her, appreciating his strength, his passion, and his rhythm. She put her hands at his buttocks and felt him squeezing in and out of her, and it wasn’t long before she was on the verge of another climax—one that began deep inside of her. She felt an orgasm growing in him, too, and it made hers rise up faster.

  His pace increased and soon they were exploding together, her grip on him tightening as she took him in.

  When all the explosive sensations subsided, she found it difficult to look at him, in case he looked smug.

  He must think she was easy.

  She felt his fingers at her chin and she let him tilt her face toward him. Her eyes met his. What she saw there almost made her burst into tears—his eyes were filled with gentleness and something else—something that resembled actual caring. Sincerity. He wasn’t laughing at her at all; in fact, if she wasn’t seeing things, he looked almost as vulnerable as she felt.

  He kissed her lightly on the forehead, then on the lips. He held her for a few more moments before she became aware of time and worried about getting back home in a tardy manner.

  She didn’t know what to say to Alec—no
t while they got dressed, not while they made their way off the yacht, and not as they entered the limo.

  She wondered what he was thinking—now that he had, no doubt, gotten what he wanted, was he figuring out a way to dump her, despite that tender look he had given her? Was he going to keep pretending that he liked her, sleep with her a few more times, and then take off for the next victim?

  “Stop it,” he said. “I can see it all over your face, Dahlia—the insecurity, the doubt.”

  He slid closer to her and grabbed her hand.

  Dahlia suddenly felt embarrassed as she realized that the limo driver had to be aware of everything. How many times had he driven Alec here to claim a victim?

  “Dahlia, I…” Alec’s voice fogged, and he cleared his throat. “I’m not using you,” he said, emphasizing each word. “I want to see you again. And again and again and again. And I’m happy to keep proving that to you.”

  He briefly squeezed her hand, and she squeezed his back.

  During the drive to her apartment, and as Alec escorted her up to her door, Dahlia found herself lost in thoughts, despite Alec’s attempts to pull her into conversations.

  How will she ever get back to normal after a night like this?

  The food had been amazing—so fresh, and so flavorful and different, melting right in her mouth. And being on a yacht with such a man? Such a beautiful man who so convincingly looked at her like she was also beautiful to him?

  What was she going to do when he got tired of her? Where would it all leave Angelo?

  Her son liked Alec a lot, and it worried her—Angelo had liked him from the very first day he met him, despite the creepy circumstances. She hadn’t meant to bring Alec into her son’s life so soon—she tried to keep all the men she dated in the past few years at a distance, but damn Alec—he insinuated himself in their lives before she could do anything. Now Angelo was already getting used to him.

  “You don’t have to walk me all the way to the door, you know,” she said as she turned the key.

  “Yes, I do,” he said, and then stayed there even after the door had swung open, and the babysitter’s smiling face appeared.

  Dahlia paid the girl, who quickly took off. Then, as she was about to turn to Alec and wish him good night, Angelo darted out of his room and came toward them.

  “You’re supposed to be in bed, you rascal!” she said to Angelo, who ran right up to Alec and hugged his leg.

  “I wanted to see Alec again. I knew he’d be back.”

  Dahlia’s heart ached. Then, before she could shoo him back to his room, Angelo grabbed Alec’s hand and started leading him there.

  “I want to show him what I did today,” he said. Dahlia closed the front door, and then followed them.

  Angelo let go of Alec’s hand only to flick on his light, and then grabbed it again, pointing to a corner of the room.

  “You did that?” Alec said, sounding genuinely amazed. Angelo nodded. “All by yourself?” Alec asked, briefly looking at her with an incredulous look on his face.

  “Don’t look at me,” she said, holding her hands up. “Not an artistic bone in my body. I can barely make a square.”

  Dahlia studied her son’s latest lego creation. To his blue elephant, house, and duck statues, he had added a ship.

  “Nice job, honey! How long did it take you to do?” she asked him.

  “Not long,” he said, shaking his head. “But this one’s my favorite one so far, and I wanted Alec to see it. That’s why I stayed up late.”

  He spoke so calmly that anyone else would think that he didn’t consider it a big deal that Alec seemed impressed, but Dahlia knew her child was super-excited—excited, yet still negotiating not to get in trouble. Angelo had never showed any of the guys she had dated his creations.

  Dahlia smiled. “Don’t make it a habit, baby.”

  “But how will I see Alec otherwise?”

  “I…” She didn’t know what to tell him and was grateful when Alec stepped in.

  “We’ll figure something out, buddy. Your creation is amazing—thanks for showing it to me.”

  “You want to make one with me? I’ll show you the rest.”

  The speed at which Angelo got up to show Alec his previous designs confirmed his mega-excitement to Dahlia.

  “Come on, Angelo, time for bed,” she said after a minute. “You can talk to Alec another time, okay? Say good night,” she said, stepping between him and Alec.

  She almost expected Alec to step around her and hug Angelo anyway, but he seemed to respect what she was doing and stayed put.

  Angelo looked sadly over at Alec and hopped into bed, pulling up the covers.

  Dahlia went over and kissed him, and then led Alec out of the room.

  “I want more of you, Dahlia,” Alec said once she practically pushed him outside of the apartment.

  “And then what do I do when you tire of me?” The look on her face tore at him.

  “Dahlia, I…”

  “Don’t shake your head, Alec, and please don’t deny it—I’m not going into whatever this is that naive. I’ve just decided I’ll enjoy it while it lasts. I like you a lot, and my son likes you, and that’s what I’m concerned about most of all. But for now, I think it’s good for him. But please—let’s not make this any worse for Angelo. Don’t make him any promises you can’t keep.”

  “I fully intend to keep any promises I make, Dahlia. What we shared tonight—that’s not all I wanted; I’m not going to stop there.”

  She looked away, appearing embarrassed.

  He sighed. She still didn’t believe him.

  He hated to see her so unsure of herself. For crying out loud, why didn’t the woman think that she was worthy of his attention and time? What had happened to her? He knew she wanted to believe in him—in his words and promises—but she wouldn’t let herself relax for a moment; she wouldn’t let her guard down. She kept expecting the worst—why?

  She’s an abandoned single mother, that’s why, he reminded himself. She already told you everything. The idiot who left her to take care of his child alone was the cause of this delicate Dahlia.

  He had to undo what that fool had done; he had to get her to let go and trust him.

  Time to sweep her off her feet.

  Soon, she’ll allow him to sleep over, feeling confident and safe enough to embrace him as a part of her life with Angelo.

  Part Two

  Reawakening

  Chapter Six

  Getting Comfortable

  Brothers, looks like I’m out. I couldn’t help myself, Alec texted Brandon and Connor.

  Alec’s phone rang soon thereafter.

  “Meaning…?” Brandon asked.

  “Meaning I’ve violated the terms. Couldn’t last a week around this girl, so I guess I don’t get to keep the beach house.”

  Brandon laughed. “My…condolences? Anyway, I had a feeling I was going to win this one,” he said. “That beach house is mine.”

  Not long after hanging up from Brandon, Alec saw a call coming in from Connor.

  “Was that some sort of hum-brag?” Connor asked.

  “Excuse me?”

  Something in Connor’s tone put him on edge.

  “Are you giving us some kind of ‘humble’ brag, letting us know you already nailed her?”

  Alec grinned and relaxed. “Come on, Connor. You know that’s not exactly the most challenging part. Like I said, I couldn’t help myself—this woman feels like ‘the one,’ and it felt like the right time, so I just went with it. No use holding out for some game—sorry. Not when it could be the real thing.”

  He heard a sort of scoffing sound on Connor’s end, but Connor remained silent.

  “How’re you holding up?” he asked his brother.

  Connor made another unintelligible sound.

  Alec laughed. “That bad, huh? Still haven’t found a candidate or what?”

  “Found one, just…we’re not all as lucky as you.”

  “What do you
mean?”

  “I mean it sounds like things are going to turn out best for you. Like maybe you set it up that way to begin with. Tell me the truth, brother—did you already have that girl in mind when you set us all up for this?”

  Alec let out a breath. “Yup. Can’t lie. Didn’t want to disappoint you guys, but also, I’m tired of playing games. What can I say? I figured it would be a good way to bow out.”

  “Thought so. Well, I’m glad it’s working out for you. Congrats.”

  Alec thanked his brother, and then tried to ignore the impression he got that Connor sounded almost bitter.

  “Gotta go,” he said to Connor. He’d find out what was really biting his brother later.

  Alec examined the information before him: Dahlia’s work schedule. He needed to find a way to get her on vacation, and figured she would most likely have no objection to spending part of it with him.

  He considered even offering her some bogus job—making up something for her to do and putting her on a payroll, but she probably wouldn’t go for it; in fact, she wouldn’t accept money or lavish gifts from him directly—he knew it. He could hear her now: What do I look like, some concubine?

  Despite knowing the answers already, he called her up.

  “Dahlia Bridges, will you work for me?” he asked when she answered.

  “Why do you call me by my full name sometimes?”

  “It’s one of those things left over from school, I guess. You know how you remember some of your old classmates as their full names. Like, remember that skinny girl with the shit-ton of dirty blond, curly hair? We all thought she might have been mixed but at the same time, she looked super Eastern European—we were never sure, remember?”

  “Yes, Anna Bukowski.”

  “See? How come you didn’t just say ‘Anna?’ Anyway, so will you? I can hire you. Put you on a payroll to…”