LOVE QUAKES: BOXED SET (BOOKS 1-4)
Page 11
Tristan finally lifts me up so that his head and my chest are opposite one another. His mouth easily finds its way to my twins. I swoon when he takes one and then the other into his mouth and sucks gently. My body starts to quiver at the feel and sounds coming from him. I’m jiggling around a bit while he’s moaning, licking, pulling and squeezing me in all the right places. Finally, he pushes back from my chest and gives me a lust filled look.
“Baby, your breasts are so delicious. You’re close to letting go though. Would you like to have a release?” he’s breathing with gusto. He’s almost more excited than I am at the prospect of giving me another first.
“Tristan I love what you’re doing to me with your mouth. You can keep this up for a while. But I’d love to let the tension go,” I agree with enthusiasm. I feel like a young child.
“Aren’t you a greedy little pupil Miss Prime?” he asks while biting gently on my neck and then my chest. I yelp with pleasure at his nips and jump a bit in his lap.
“Don’t get too feisty on me, Joanna. There’s not much I can do about it without recracking my ribs. If so, I’ll need to spend another four to six weeks healing and we don’t want that do we, baby?” my enthusiastic teacher warns me.
“Of course I don’t want to have to wait another four weeks,” I agree with frustration and then attempt to settle myself back down. He has me so excited that I’m like a child waiting to open my holiday gifts. After all he’s giving me some of his package in the back of his SUV.
I give myself over to Tristan’s massage and stimulation for several more minutes. His expert moves with fingers, tongue and mouth soon bring me to the brink of release. I throw my head back as he nuzzles my chest and sucks with passion. Tristan keeps up a steady manipulation of my nipples until I finally spasm with pleasure. It’s the most amazing response I’ve ever felt from my body. He chuckles and grins with absolute delight as I finally go limp in his arms.
“Oh Joanna you’re so sweet,” he whispers as he looks into my eyes with satisfaction.
“Tristan,” I gasp. “You’re a master at this. I had no idea what you could do with your fingers and mouth.”
“Is that really a first for you, baby?” he inquires as my eyes fill with satisfaction. I sit back on his thighs. His face is flushed with excitement and mine must be beyond description. I’ve just had an orgasm without really trying. Well, there’s been no contact with our most private parts and that stuns me.
“I had no idea that base two could be so much fun and it’s really sexy Tristan. Wow. Thank you,” I gush with enthusiasm.
“You’re welcome, angel. I loved playing with you and giving you an orgasm. Your breasts taste delicious and you’re so bouncy,” he admits with admiration. “You’d be surprised at what my fingers, hands and mouth can do to other parts of your body.”
“Well, if you’re that good at base two, things should get even sexier as we cover new territory,” I gush. He gives me his satisfied smile and then puts me back together. I’m a bit disappointed that we’re not going to have more sexplorations.
“Oh are we done now, Tristan? I was hoping we could try a few other samples,” I state with a pout to my mouth. He nods like a Zen master and that determined shape returns to his wonderful jaw.
“That’s your sample of the package for today, Joanna,” he pronounces with authority and then kisses me with passion for a full minute. The taste of his mouth and lips feels so right. He’s full of enthusiasm as well as happiness tonight.
“Thank you, Tristan. I loved the free sample you gave me,” I gush with a brief kiss on his head and then prepare to leave the SUV. The windows are more than steamed up as I open the door to head up to my apartment. I hope Bailey was amused.
Chapter Eight - Crisis
My phone buzzes just as I reach the door of my apartment. It’s from a corporate number that I don’t recognize.
“Ms. Joanna Prime?” the voice sounds quite professional.
“Yes, this is Joanna Prime,” I respond with interest.
“This is Ryan Tran, from The Turning Point. We’d like to offer you a full-time position at our clinic as a Psychological Aide. If you’re still interested, I’ll forward you the paperwork, benefits package, and salary details via an email attachment.”
I feel a jolt of excitement and deep satisfaction, when I digest the good news.
“Of course, I’m still interested. Mr. Tran, this is great news. I am pleased to know about the position. I’ll look over all the details tonight.” My smile feels like it’s going to crack my lips wide open.
“We know that someone with your background and skills will make a good fit with TTP. Take a few days to look over the job description and other specifics. Think about it,” he advises with good will.
“I don’t need a lot of time. Can I give you my answer by tomorrow?” I ask. It’s the only job I really want.
“Of course, Miss Prime. We’re excited about having you on the team. I look forward to hearing from you very soon,” he concludes with warmth.
“Great! Goodbye, Mr. Tran, I’ll respond tomorrow,” I assure him with a tremble in my voice. I’m so excited I can barely speak.
I can’t wait to share my news with Tristan, Ashley, Juan, Carmen and Rob. First, I sit down on the couch in my new apartment and decompress. I make myself a cup of tea and take my shoes off. Then, I check my email. Mr. Tran has already sent me all the electronic documents he mentioned on the phone. I read them over carefully. I don’t need a day or any time at all. TTP is my destiny. I accept the job via email.
I text Ashley, Juan, Carmen and Rob again and promise to call them tomorrow. Then, I put in a call to Tristan but it goes to VM. He must be tired after all of our recent sexual activity. It’s time for me to get some rest, too. I get undressed and change into my pajamas. However, I sleep restlessly since I’m so jazzed up about my new job. I’m also excited about my budding relationship with Tristan. My life seems to be moving at warp speed these days but it’s all good.
Upon waking and cleaning up, I check my phone and there’s an email from Tristan. That’s strange; I’d expect that he’d call me or at least leave me a voice mail. I open the email attachments and sigh. Once again, pictures are causing trouble in our relationship. This time, I’m the guilty party.
TO: Joanna Prime
FROM: Tristan Grant
SUBJECT: Innocent?
Attachment: Photos
I recently saw these pictures, taken after we met, but while I was injured. Can you explain what they’re all about? You certainly look quite happy to spend time with both of the men pictured. Sincerely, Tristan
The first one shows Erik and me hugging while he swings me around. It happened just after we moved to Mission Beach. The second, third and fourth pictures show Juan and me in several different sorts of holds on the day he helped us pack up for the move. Of course there are two pictures of us hugging and kissing.
I feel a number of emotions from regret to rage. I can only imagine what Tristan imagines about my relationships with both Juan and Erik. There’s no doubt, he’s quite jealous and possessive. My intuition tells me to expect that Tristan would be insecure over me and other men, given his background.
I assume that Kristen Powers sent the pictures to Tristan. However, how did she know about me at that time? Was she checking Tristan’s phone or calendar? Did his staff tell her that we were trapped in an elevator together or did Tristan himself text her while we were gyrating? I’d like to rip Ms. Powers’ hair out of her head for causing so much trouble between us. Apparently, Tristan hasn’t yet sent her the threatening email that he showed me yesterday. Now he’s probably thanking her because he thinks I’m a tease and a cheat.
There’s only one way to deal with this situation. I reply to his email.
TO: Tristan
FROM: Joanna Prime
SUBJECT: Innocent
Pictures don’t tell a thousand words. I want only you. See you soon! Hugs, Joanna
Aft
er sending the email, I jump in my car and drive to his condo. Since I already know Tristan’s location, I park behind his building and go directly to the front desk of his building. I call Tristan’s phone. He answers almost immediately.
“Joanna, I just saw your latest email. Where are you?” His voice sounds cautious but calm.
“At your place, in the lobby,” I announce with a breathless voice.
“Already? Bailey will be right down to bring you upstairs,” he announces with warmth and clicks off.
I seat myself in the lobby and train my eyes on the elevator doors that lead to the penthouse. Bailey emerges from them within moments and motions for me to follow him. He gives me a tight smile. I’m taken to Tristan’s place at once.
Tristan meets me at the door a few minutes later. He looks haggard but gorgeous. My body vibrates with excitement as I set eyes on him again. I want Tristan on so many levels. First, his body: taut muscles, tousled but inviting thick sandy hair and those chiseled facial features make him look like a Greek God. Second: he wants me and we have an amazing connection. Third: it doesn’t hurt that he’s powerful and wealthy. I find that attractive too.
When we finally meet, we both stand and stare at each other for a full beat. His face and aqua eyes reveal nothing but pain and desire. I note that Tristan’s breathing is shallow. I do something that surprises him. I pull myself gently into his arms.
He stiffens a bit from my pull but doesn’t push me away. “Careful with the ribs, Joanna,” he warns with caution. Then I make my claim quickly and with conviction.
“Please listen, Tristan. Erik and Juan are both like brothers to me. They helped us move and the pictures show me saying goodbye to each of them. I’ve known both of them for years. It meant nothing more than that and they both know it,” I say before kissing him with passion. He sags with relief.
“It’s so hard for me to see you with other men. I went berserk when I saw the pictures of you smiling and having contact with those two guys,” he admits with a deep sigh when we’re done kissing.
“I want you Tristan. Not them. Now you know how I felt when I saw the pictures of you and your escorts.”
“You’re one determined young woman, Joanna. Now that we’re face to face, I’m fine. There’s something so powerful about our physical connection. I need to hold you and feel your energy again, for reassurance,” he declares while hugging me tentatively. Soon, his lips meet mine and we kiss with more enthusiasm than ever. He tastes even better than he looks. I push back to look at him.
His face reflects pleasure and relief as well as shame. That was wonderful but there’s something more going on with him. I can sense it in his body language.
“Would you like to come over to the living room couch?” he asks with a delighted grin. “When we’re face to face, I can’t resist you Joanna.”
“Of course, Tristan, we’ve got a lot to discuss,” is what I can manage to blurt out. He’s got me discombobulated as usual. I take his hand in mine. His breathing sounds restrained but his grip on my hand is nearly painful.
“It’s taking all my self-control to resist having sex with you just now Joanna,” he explains. I look at Tristan with desire and kiss his hand. What I wouldn’t do to give him some pleasure, right now.
“Same here,” I add with regret.
“Yeah. We need to talk about a number of things before we let our relationship go forward,” Tristan insists. Really? He seems tense and worried again. What’s that all about?
I quake a bit at his mood shift but remain quiet, until we’re both seated on the sectional.
“Would you like some wine, baby?’ he gestures toward a side table with his long, slender fingers.
“Yeah, I could use a drink. Do you have a cabernet nearby?”
“I have a Mouton Cadet. Will that work for now?” he asks with a solicitous tone to his voice.
“It sounds fine. Let me get the glasses and pour then,” I offer and he’s more than pleased that I’ve picked up on his cue.
I find two wine glasses and the wine decanter on a side table. I pour us each a generous amount and return to where Tristan’s seated. He’s at the opposite end of the sectional from where I stand with his legs crossed.
“Tristan, the pictures you saw showed me being friendly to two very old guy friends who were giving me their time, efforts and labor.”
“You certainly looked happy to be with them, Joanna. Especially with Juan.”
“First I want you to know that I did not initiate the kiss with Juan. It just morphed into something much more than what I imagined. He kind of ambushed me with that hold and lunge,” I confess.
“He wants you Joanna. The kiss I saw looked much more than casual,” he spits out.
“Yeah. There’s no doubt in my mind that Juan wants something more from me than I want from him. But, I didn’t really know that until he grabbed me.”
“He’d better keep his hands off of you,” Tristan begins and his eyes show growing rage.
“I made that clear just after the picture was taken and Juan accepted it. Things got a little out of hand after we left the bar,” I add.
“No doubt. I can imagine how the whole thing came about. You were drinking at McMurphy’s Pub, felt grateful for his help, and he’s an old friend,” he supplies. Tristan seems so reasonable now. Why’d he get so upset about it, then?
“Is there some reason why Kristen took pictures of me while you were mostly unconscious?” I ask before taking a large mouthful of wine and swallowing it quickly.
Tristan gives me a long sigh, frowns, and then drinks more wine. There’s a story brewing here.
“As I’ve explained before, Kristen wants control over me. I did text her while we were trapped in the elevator. I bragged a bit about being alone, for hours, with this gorgeous young woman. I must have mentioned your name. I had no idea it would set her off like that,” he confesses a bit sheepishly.
“Did you have a chance to speak with your attorney about the email to Kristen?” I push.
“Yeah, I did. I spoke with him on the way home from your place last night. He agreed that we should send her a Cease and Desist Letter about harassment.”
“So what’s stopping you from sending the letter?” I demand with an irritated expression.
“I compromised my situation later on last night. That is, I did something rash and foolish, after Kristen sent me your pictures,” he admits with embarrassment.
“Oh no. Go on,” I urge with disgust. I have that awful sinking feeling in my gut.
Tristan’s face gets very serious while his eyes grow wary. I will myself to count to ten slowly as I attempt to breathe moderately.
“When I received the pics from Kristen last night, I was very upset. I have issues with trust, Joanna.”
“I’m sorry, Tristan,” I say while stroking his face and looking earnestly into his sad aqua eyes.
“And so you needed to speak with Kristen because I kissed Juan?”
“Well there’s more to it than that,” he says while holding his head between his large hands and looking at the floor.
My breathing’s now shallow. I take another large gulp of my wine. “Didn’t we just discuss this issue yesterday, with Jim Wong?” I ask with disbelief.
“After I saw you with Juan and Erik, it was late. I felt enraged and thought you were playing me for a fool. I was all keyed up after we made out in the SUV. I needed relief. The only kind of relief I know.”
“What sort of relief did you get?”
“I had one of Kristen’s escorts visit me here. She gave me some sexual relief.” I’m so angry at what he’s told me, I could punch him.
My world has just collapsed. “Dammit. What form of relief did this escort give you Tristan?” I’m close to thermonuclear rage now.
“She gave me a hand job. It was very quick and that’s all that happened!”
At this point, I’m up and out of my seat on the couch. My jealousy meter has now begun to register on t
he Richter scale.
“So you can’t do much with me sexually but you can let some random escort come in and get you off? What kind of weird, conflicted person are you?” I scream as I head for the door. “Why didn’t you call me until today?”
Tristan puts his wine glass down quickly and hobbles after me. He touches my arm gently and implores me to listen. Then he puts his arms around me and sobs with regret. I melt. He looks so torn and lost. He’s an emotional wreck now.
“Joanna that was my world. What I did last night was how I managed my emotions and all my relationships with women for many years. The escorts are simply a means of sexual relief. I want it to be different with you though.”