by Serena Grey
“You’re not alone anymore,” I reach behind me and take his hands, lacing my fingers with his. “You have me now, and I’m not just here for you to spoil and take care of. I want to share everything, the joys, and the pains. No matter what they are.”
Landon sighs. “Lord knows what I did to deserve you.”
“You didn’t have to do anything. You just had to be you.”
His lips cover mine, and he doesn’t stop kissing me until a voice comes on over hidden speakers to let us know we’ll be leaving soon.
The takeoff is smooth, and soon we’re cruising. In the remarkably spacious bathroom, I quickly freshen up, and when I return, one of the stewardesses is wheeling in dinner on a tray.
“This weekend?” Landon suggests while we’re eating.
“What?” I’m puzzled until I realize that he’s talking about the move. “Are you going to turn the plane around?”
“I can arrange for a few things to be brought over to my place, and we can deal with your lease next week.”
“You’re very eager to get me into your apartment,” I tease. “I suspect you have plans for me.”
His grin is telling. “Dark, dirty plans.”
I wet my lips. “I can’t wait.”
His eyes rest on my lips for a moment, then he chuckles, and draws them away. “I can’t even get through a meal without wanting to bury myself inside you.”
I breathe. “I want you to bury yourself inside me.”
His lips part, then he sighs softly. “My people can bring your clothes, books… over to my place, and leave the furniture for you to choose which you want to keep or give away… sell.”
The thought of my apartment disappearing makes me a little sad, but the sadness is drowned by excitement, the knowledge that I’m moving to another level of commitment with the man I love.
“You won’t regret this,” Landon says. “Trust me.”
“I do.”
After we eat, he goes back to making his business calls while from the bed, I listen with half an ear as he discusses deals, alternating between demanding results and encouraging better performance. When he’s done with the final call, I watch him run a hand through his hair and turn to me, his face showing his exhaustion.
“I need a new career plan. Something that involves lying on a beach somewhere, with you, naked, no phones...”
I snort. “You’d get bored… plus I have a new job. I’m not going to shelf it so I can lie naked with you on a beach all day,” I pause as the image solidifies in my head. “Although it is tempting.”
“Just tempting?” He gives me a teasing grin. “Now I know I have to up my game.”
If he upped his game any further, I’d probably combust. “I heard part of your conversation earlier,” I tell him. “Are you still having issues with Evans Sinclair and his libel?”
Landon sighs tiredly. “People love bad things to talk about, but hardly anybody takes him seriously. He seems to be getting more and more unhinged every day. He was running the Gold Dust into the ground. I saved that hotel, but he refuses to see that.”
I remember the blind hatred on Evans' face during our short meeting in San Francisco. The way he’d spit out the words that accused Landon of using his sister. He’d probably always resented Landon’s relationship with Ava, and his loss of the Gold Dust had been the final nail in the coffin that consolidated the vicious hate. “Well, I’m glad he doesn’t have the means to actually hurt your business.”
“That’s why I’m not worried. Although, I feel some sympathy for his family.”
Ava in particular? The words hover on the tip of my tongue, but I recognize them for what they are, unnecessary and unwarranted jealousy, so I swallow them and hold out a hand to Landon. “You’ve got me for the whole weekend,” I murmur suggestively. “What are you planning to do with me?”
“First of all,” he grins and comes to stand at the edge of the bed, taking my proffered hand. “There’s a club we should be thinking of joining.”
“We?” My eyes widen with disbelief. “You’ve never done it here?”
Landon surprises me by shaking his head slowly, a small smile on his sculpted lips. “No.”
The thought of being his first anything makes me excited as hell. I get up on my knees and place my hands on his chest. “So in here you’re a virgin.”
He shrugs. “I am whatever you want me to be.”
“I want you to be naked.” I give him a sultry look and start to unbutton his shirt. He helps me by shrugging it off, and my hands travel the expanse of his chest before I bend forward to lick his nipples, one, then the other.
I hear him sigh, his muscles tensing under my palms. Reaching for his waistband, I pull down his trousers and run my hands over the hard ridge in his briefs. He makes a soft sound in his throat, but his eyes stay on my face, watching as I pull down the undergarment and start to stroke him.
I feel him getting harder in my hand, stiffer, responding to my touch. Slowly, with my free hand, I start to unbutton my blouse, releasing his cock for long enough to shrug off the top and toss it on the floor, followed by my skirt, then my bra and panties. I hold Landon’s gaze throughout, and when I’m naked, I reach for his cock again, stroking the full length once, before I cover him with my mouth.
“Fuck,” he groans, his body jerking almost as if he’s surprised by the sensation. He reaches for my shoulder, starting to push me back onto the bed.
“Hold on.” I release him from my mouth and meet his eyes. “You’re a virgin, remember? You have no idea what to do.”
He curses softly, but there’s also some amusement in his expression. “You’re driving me crazy.”
“I know,” I whisper, pulling him down on the bed and rolling on top of him. I lower my body, trailing kisses down his chest and over his stomach until I reach his cock again. My tongue explores the smooth crest, tasting and licking, before sucking him deep into my mouth.
Landon lets out a long moan, his hips lifting off the bed. “I need to fuck you now,” he bites out.
I replace my lips with my hand, stroking his full length. “You’re very impatient for a virgin.”
He manages a laugh, the sound turning into a groan as I cover him with my lips again. “Ah…” His voice is tortured, “Fuck, Rachel.”
“Hmmm.” My eyes meet the helpless, aroused expression in his, and before I know what’s happening, he’s pushing me off his cock, lifting me up over his body and turning me over so I’m face down on the bed. His movements are lightning fast, and in moments, he has my hands gripped behind me in one of his, and one of my legs raised to give him the access he needs.
I’m practically imprisoned, unable to move, as bound as if he’s tied me up. When he pushes his cock inside me and starts to fuck me like that, I fall apart almost immediately, my whole body barely able to move, but shuddering with unbridled pleasure as his firm strokes push me to a screaming climax.
He keeps going, each thrust filling me with renewed pleasure. Soon I’m panting, calling out his name again and again, helpless as each firm stroke into my pulsing, needy heat drives all thought out of my brain.
“Landon,” I cry out his name, desperate for release. “Oh yes, Landon!”
His movements increase in intensity, and he fucks me as if he needs to, as if he’s desperate for something that’s buried deep inside me, as if he’ll never get enough of me. Pleasure peaks over and over until I’m too weak even to cry out. When I finally climax for the last time, my languid moan coincides with his fierce grunt as his body shudders and he reaches his own release.
He collapses onto the bed, his body stretched over my back. “Oh God!” he exclaims.
“Yeah,” I breathe, my eyes fluttering closed. There were no other words.
THE surprise destination is a five-star resort in Los Cabos. We spend the weekend lounging by the pool and enjoying the sunshine.
“Every time I go away with you, I discover another best place in the world,” I tell Landon
. He’s rubbing sunscreen on my back while I sip a refreshing fruit drink that tastes like a burst of pure paradise. My body is sated from Landon’s lovemaking. With his hands rubbing my back, and the knowledge that he’s so totally mine, no work or other distractions, I’m practically in heaven. “I don’t know why we ever have to leave.”
“I can think of a few reasons,” Landon says, “but you’re right. They seem very inconsequential at the moment.”
I turn around and let him oil my front, then he lays down on the lounge chair next to me. In swim trunks and sunshades, his strong chest and legs exposed, he looks utterly devastating, and it’s clear that I’m not the only one who feels that way. I’ve seen the women ogling him all afternoon. Now, I can barely prevent a smirk from lifting my lips again. ‘He’s mine ladies, deal with it.’
I doze off in my chair, and when I wake up, Landon is also asleep. For a long moment, I lie there staring at his face, overwhelmed by the love I feel for him, and how happy I am.
He opens his eyes find me gawking at him.
“Hey,” he breathes, smiling at me.
I smile back. “Go back to sleep and pretend you didn’t see me eating you up with my eyes.”
He doesn’t say anything, but with one hand, he reaches out and pulls me over to his lounger. I lie beside him, curled up against his body. Closing my eyes, I breathe in the scent of his skin, and somehow, I don’t believe that it will ever be possible to be happier than this.
THE next week goes very fast, and the way Landon’s people handle my move is almost magical in its efficiency. By the day of Aidan’s opening, the move is complete and all the paperwork done.
Late in the afternoon, there’s a farewell party for me at the office. It’s a small party and Mark Willis manages to put aside his work long enough to give a speech about what a great assistant I was, and a hardworking writer and editor, while giving my replacement a meaningful side-eye. Chelsea tells me over and over again how it won’t be the same without me, and the most senior in-house writers and editors just take their slices of cake and drinks and stay long enough to be seen before disappearing. Jessica Layner also shows up, joining the clapping at the end of Mark’s speech.
After everyone has hugged me and wished me luck, I decide to walk back to the Swanson Court while Joe drives alongside me. Landon is not yet back from work, but the apartment feels like home even when he’s not there, and I can see myself coming here every day for the rest of my life.
Landon has given me carte blanche to redecorate as I see fit, even offering me one of his assistants from Swanson Court International to schedule decorators and keep track of the work if I need the help. I’m not yet ready, but I’m sure I will be, soon.
In our bedroom, there’s a large box on one of the chairs and a smaller one set on the floor, without opening them, I already know what’s inside, and I’m not disappointed. Inside the many layers of soft tissue in the larger box is a beautiful dress almost as soft as the tissues. The small box contains a matching pair of shoes and a clutch. I’m still wondering who delivered them and when they came in when I see Landon standing at the door.
Giving him a quizzical glance, I straighten, watching him enter the room and close the distance between us. His jacket has already been discarded, leaving him wearing only his shirt and a vest. He looks delicious, and my mouth actually waters.
“You’re back.”
“Hmm-mm.” He reaches me and lowers his lips to claim mine in a hungry kiss, one hand on my back holding me against his hard body. When he releases me, I’m breathless and flushed with pleasure.
His eyes rove over my face. “Do you like the dress?”
“Yes¸” I exclaim. “And the shoes and the purse…” I sigh. “You really shouldn’t be buying me any more gifts.”
“Try and stop me.” He looks unrepentant and I watch as he goes over to sit on the bed, undoing his cufflinks and removing his watch before placing them on the nightstand. When he’s done, he faces me, the corner of his lips lifting with an unmistakable gleam in his blue eyes. “Come here,” he says.
I swallow, still reeling from his kiss. “You’re trying to distract me.”
“Come here,” he says again.
“Shouldn’t we be getting ready to go to the theater?”
“Don’t worry, sweetheart. There’s plenty of time.” He shrugs off his vest and starts to undo the buttons of his shirt. “Come here.”
I bite my lip, remaining where I am. “Come get me.”
He moves as fast as lightning, rising to lift me off my feet before dumping me on the bed. I start to laugh, mirth bubbling out of me, along with a swelling of love that puts a little moisture in my eyes.
“You’re so beautiful,” Landon whispers.
My smile is soft. “That’s love talking.”
“Ha!” he scoffs. “You’re beautiful by any standards, and totally my type. You,” he traces a finger over my nose, “define my type.” He lowers his head to kiss me, unbuttoning my blouse while he teases my tongue with his. I help him get the blouse off and raise my hips so he can pull down my pants.
“I’ve been thinking all day about tasting you,” he tells me, hooking his fingers in the elastic of my panties.
I breathe, already helplessly aroused. I watch him drag my panties down the length of my thighs, leaving me exposed to him. My body clenches, eager for his touch.
Landon’s face hovers between my legs, and I meet his eyes, sure that mine are full of excitement and expectation. His lips lift in just a fraction of a smile, a second before he lowers his head and I feel his tongue, a warm, velvety pressure on the most intimate parts of my body.
My head falls back on the bed and I close my eyes. “Don’t stop,” I moan.
His voice is thick and husky. “Never.”
Lifting my legs, he spreads them wider as he feasts on me, the relentless movements of his tongue a slow, gentle torture. I start to squirm and he tightens his hold on my legs and thighs, keeping me in place. I let out a helpless sound, my fingers finding the silk of his hair and clutching, pulling.
“Landon,” I moan his name, helpless against the onslaught of pleasure.
He responds by flicking his tongue faster, moving one hand under my blouse to palm my breast, and the other to join his tongue, slipping a finger inside my wet center.
I make a sound, my whole body melting, surrendering to him. His fingers find their way under my bra, squeezing my nipple, while his tongue continues to tease me, making me go crazy.
“Landon,” I beg desperately.
“Hmm.” The sound vibrates through me and I pull at his hair.
“Please.”
He raises his head. His hands leaving my body, but only for long enough for him to undo his pants. He looms over me, positioning himself between my legs, the hard pressure of his cock at my entrance, pushing inside me.
“So wet,” he murmurs, his voice a deep, husky growl. “So tight.”
I respond with a moan, my arms going around him as he fills me, burying himself to the hilt, for a moment we just lie there, him, inside me, unmoving, with his weight resting on his elbows.
He kisses my neck. “I love you like this,’ he whispers.
I sigh in pleasure, “Me too.”
He covers my lips with his, so I can taste myself on him, and he starts to move, flexing his hips as he pulls out then thrusts back into me, each movement stroking my insides and causing a new wave of pleasure. He moves slowly, as if he’s savoring every pleasurable slide of his skin against mine. My blood is on fire, my skin hot and dewy with sweat. My hands find his chest, my fingers stroking over the tense, hard muscles as he surges into me again and again. I meet his thrusts, my hips grinding wildly, wanting more of him, more of the pleasure. His eyes are closed, his lips parted as if in silent prayer. I hear him groan in one breath, and in the next, he whispers my name.
My hands flutter against his chest, pleasure making me nearly insane. “Landon,” I manage once, my voice thin and
feeble, then I explode, my climax bringing tears to my eyes. He lowers his body to cover mine as the waves rock me, then continues to move as they subside, thrusting with quicker strokes as his muscles tighten and his breath starts to come faster. I wrap my arms around him as he fucks me hard, nearing his peak. His orgasm comes with a throaty growl and a powerful surge inside me.
Later, after we’ve showered together and had dinner sent up from the hotel kitchen, we get dressed. Landon is ready before me, devastatingly sexy in a classic evening suit. My dress is black too, with a light gray embellishment that runs from one of the shoulders down to the flowing hem. Landon leans on the door to the dressing room watching me brush and clip my hair with the black onyx pin that came with the dress. I apply mascara and put on my lipstick, meeting his eyes in the mirror.
“What?”
He shakes his head, smiling softly. “I never thought I’d ever be jealous of a tube of lipstick.”
I start to laugh, “You’re unbelievable.”
He raises his hands. “What’s so strange about that, Romeo was jealous of a pair of gloves.”
“Look how that ended,” I say pointedly.
He leaves his position at the door to smooth my dress along the shoulders and zip it up, his fingers lightly caressing my back. “This, what we have, it’s not going to be a tragedy.”
I nod, leaning into his touch as I meet his eyes in the mirror. They are blazing with emotion, and the depth of my love for him grips me like a wave, making me feel as if I’m drowning.
“I love you,” I tell him, feeling my eyes start to sting.
Landon grins. “Did my heart love till now?” He whispers in my ear. “For I ne'er saw true beauty till I saw you.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re bringing it on tonight, aren’t you, Romeo?”
“I can’t seem to help myself.”