Crave (Splendor Book 2)

by Janet Nissenson

  He’d given her a light smack on the ass. “Cheeky little devil. Yes, you’re right, but there are some events I just can’t shrug off, I’m afraid. However, if you were with me, then they wouldn’t be nearly so boring.” He’d whispered in her ear then, causing a shiver to run up her spine, “I’d probably try to find ways all evening of copping a feel. That would certainly make things a damned sight more interesting.”

  Tessa bit her lip to keep from groaning at the memory, especially when she recalled what had happened next - Ian “copping” far more than just a feel or two. She distracted herself from her wayward thoughts by casually eavesdropping on the rest of her co-workers’ conversation.

  “No, he was definitely there solo according to my mother,” confirmed Alicia. “And didn’t stick around very long, either. Plus, his date for the Christmas party - remember the banker in the Elie Saab gown? - has apparently been seen out with a new man.”

  Gina grinned. “So does this mean His Hotness is back on the market? Maybe it’s time for you to finally turn in that resignation and go for it, girl. Oh, but you’ve got Ross now, don’t you?”

  Alicia sniffed. “Seriously? You think Ross can hold a candle to him? Nobody is on the same scale as the boss man, nobody. Besides, when he showed up without a date last week, the speculation was running rampant that he has someone else but that she isn’t local. If he keeps attending these events on his own, then we’ll know it’s true.”

  ‘Not necessarily’ was on the tip of Tessa’s tongue. She and Ian had discussed the matter of his past dates, and he’d explained in some detail about each of the women he’d escorted to functions over the last couple of years. Rebecca, the banker, was carrying on a clandestine affair with a married politician; Kimberly, the news anchor, was married, but her husband was severely disabled and rarely left their home; and the ballerina - Gabriela - an ethereally lovely, waifishly slim portrait of delicate femininity, was actually a lesbian. She kept that fact a carefully guarded secret for fear that it would have a negative impact on her career.

  But despite the fact that his relationships with all three women were strictly platonic, Ian had declared he wouldn’t escort any of them again. Until such time as Tessa was able to arrive on his arm, he would attend as few events as possible and those selected ones alone. She longed to throw that fact in Alicia’s snotty face, but continued to keep a lid on her emotions.

  Fortunately it was time for the roommates to leave for lunch, and it was blissfully quiet once again. Tessa was so focused on her work that she didn’t hear her phone pinging. It was three texts later that she finally paid attention and hastily grabbed her phone, tapping out a swift reply to Ian’s messages.

  Sorry lost in your spreadsheets. This last one is tuff.

  His reply came within seconds.

  Need some help?

  She couldn’t suppress a wicked grin as she answered. With the spreadsheet or my wet panties?

  Long seconds later his reply pinged. I think u have discovered the fine art of sexting. Tonite u might discover the equally fine art of spanking.

  Tessa clapped a hand over her mouth to keep from giggling, conscious that Shelby and Marisol were nearby. She couldn’t resist typing back. OK I’ll behave.

  Ian’s reply was swift. Damn. Not the answer I wanted.

  Mischievously she replied. But u can still spank me. Sir.

  When she had teasingly called him that at work one day last week, he’d explained to her later than evening about BDSM and dominant/submissive relationships.

  “The submissive - most often the female in the relationship - is supposed to address the dominant as Sir or Master. So when you call me that, it makes me feel a bit uncomfortable. If you have to address me in the office, let’s try to keep it to Mr. Gregson, hmm?”

  She’d toyed with the lapel of his jacket before asking him quietly, “That - that isn’t the sort of relationship you’ve ever had, is it? Or want to have?”

  “God, no,” he’d replied fervently. “I’ve never been interested in any of that stuff. Nor would I ever consider marring even an inch of your perfect skin with a whip or a rope. And I would never, ever, order you around or demand your obedience. That thought doesn’t appeal to me in the least. We’re going to be equal partners in this relationship, Tessa. Both in and out of bed.”

  As usual, whatever he said was so overwhelmingly romantic that she’d felt like swooning in his arms. Tessa was still having to pinch herself on a continual basis, in disbelief that someone as wonderful as Ian was really interested in her. She’d been half-afraid that all he’d wanted was a quick roll in the sack, and that as soon as they had slept together he would get bored and break things off. But it seemed her fears were completely unfounded, for everything he’d said had indicated he expected their relationship to be a long term one.

  Ian had an afternoon meeting and then a conference call, so the frequent, flirty texts came to a halt. But as it drew closer to five o’clock, the time she was due to meet him, Tessa couldn’t help the flutters of excitement that shimmied through her body. She remained quiet as her co-workers chattered about their weekend plans, and when Shelby asked her directly what she had going on, she kept her reply intentionally vague.

  “Oh, you know, the usual stuff. Sleeping in a bit, maybe catching a yoga class, just relaxing.”

  She was relieved that she didn’t actually have to lie, because she did plan to sleep in and spend some time relaxing. The fact that she planned to do both with Ian was not something her co-workers needed to know.

  Tessa wasn’t at all surprised to see the black town car parked in the exact location that Ian had texted her, for he was nothing if not precise. She knew he hated these clandestine meetings, having to sneak around so no one from the office would see them together. And he’d been fairly patient so far, but Tessa knew his natural tendency to control would take over sooner than later, and he’d be pressuring her to quit her job and move in with him. She was probably ten kinds of an idiot for not automatically giving in to him and doing exactly as he wanted. She couldn’t imagine too many other women in her position resisting Ian for very long. But she just needed some time to feel more comfortable with him, more secure that she wasn’t going to embarrass or disappoint him in some way, as well as feeling more confident in her own abilities to take care of herself and not just let Ian assume entire responsibility for her.

  Simon was standing by the side of the car as she approached, a polite smile affixed to his otherwise impassive features. He gave her a nod as he opened the back door for her. “Good evening, Miss Lockwood.”

  Tessa smiled a bit uncertainly, not able to keep herself from worrying if the rather starchy Simon considered her some sort of a golddigger. Or a slut. Or both. She shook off her hopefully unfounded fears and merely replied, “You, too, Simon. Thank you.”

  And then any fears or doubts she might have been harboring were swiftly dashed away as Ian’s hand closed firmly over her arm, pulling her into his embrace as she slid onto the seat.

  “Christ, I missed you,” he rasped, and then his mouth took hers in a raw, open-mouthed kiss, his tongue sweeping through her mouth demandingly.

  Tessa clutched the lapels of his black wool overcoat and kissed him back hungrily, as starved for his touch as he so obviously was for hers. Neither of them noticed Simon discreetly starting up the car and pulling out into the very congested downtown commute traffic.

  They were both breathing hard when Ian finally lifted his head, and Tessa was startled to realize she’d somehow managed to climb onto his lap. But when she started to ease off of him back onto the seat, his big hands clamped down on her hips, holding her in place.

  Her cheeks flushed, she whispered to him urgently, “Aren’t you afraid Simon will notice?”

  Ian grinned, shaking his head. “Not in the least. Simon is very discreet, as I’ve mentioned before. And also extremely perceptive, so he’s well aware of my obsession with you. So you can keep this very delectable bottom o
f yours right where it is.”

  Tessa sighed in bliss and lowered her head to his shoulder in surrender. “Okay.” She turned her head and pressed a kiss to his cheek before murmuring softly, “I really missed you, too.”

  His arms tightened about her in reaction. “I trust you’re going to show me exactly how much as soon as we get inside the house,” he replied in a low, urgent voice.

  She bit down on the inside of her cheek, stifling a gasp as his hand worked its way under the hem of her black skirt, squeezing the flesh of her inner thigh. “I’m not sure I can wait that long,” she told him, trying very, very hard not to moan as his long fingers traced the crotch of her panties.

  “I can tell,” he breathed in a low voice. “You’re very aroused, aren’t you, love? Have you been like this all day?”

  She nodded, closing her eyes in ecstasy as he slid one finger beneath her soaked underwear. “Ever - ever since you called me this morning,” she confessed breathlessly.

  Ian’s tongue traced around her ear while his finger continued to tease her drenched slit. “And I’ve been hard and aching for you all damned day, imagining how you look in these skimpy black lace bits. Stockings, too, I see.” His hand slid back down to the top of her leg where her silky black thigh-highs ended.

  Her body suddenly felt overly warm, her breasts swollen and achy, and she squirmed on his lap, her bottom brushing against his thick, fully erect cock. “Please,” she whispered shakily, not quite sure what she was asking him for.

  But he knew, apparently very well, because this time he slid two fingers under the band of her panties, plunging them as deep inside of her as he could manage, given their somewhat limited space.

  “Shhh,” he urged in a hushed tone, as a low moan began to escape her throat. “If I agree to take care of you here, love, than you have to promise to be very, very quiet. Knowing how shy you are, you’ll never be able to look Simon in the face again if he hears you come.”

  Tessa gave a quick nod, and then fisted her knuckles against her mouth. Stifling the sounds of her pleasure proved an almost impossible task, however, especially when Ian’s talented fingers brought her to a swift, stunning climax. Still, she remained silent, the very thought of Simon hearing her beyond mortifying.

  This time when she slid off his lap, Ian didn’t protest, merely taking her hand in his.

  “Thank you.” She leaned over to whisper in his ear. “I’ll, um, return the favor later.”

  He chuckled before whispering back, “We’re not keeping score here, love. But I’ll certainly take you up on your very inviting offer before the weekend is over. Quite possibly before this night is.”

  For the remainder of the drive to his house, they were on their best behavior, their linked hands the only parts of their bodies touching. They talked about work, his trip, the weather forecast for the weekend, which was supposed to be pleasant and warmer than was the norm for this time of year.

  Tessa’s interest was piqued. “Can we have breakfast out on the terrace? I don’t mind if it’s a little cool in the morning, do you?”

  He smiled at her indulgently. “Not at all, darling. Especially since the terrace is nicely sheltered from the wind. Not to mention all the patio heaters I have outside.”

  She beamed at him. “So, it’s a date, then? Will you let me cook for you again?”

  Ian brushed his thumb over her lips. “If that gives you pleasure, then, yes, of course. But you’re going to spoil me very quickly if I allow you to keep doing things like that.”

  “I like doing things for you,” she told him guilelessly. “And you deserve to be spoiled, especially after everything you’ve done for me. Has no one ever done that for you?”

  “Spoiled me, you mean?” He shook his head. “Not that I’ve lived a deprived lifestyle by any means. But my parents were determined that my brothers and I not grow up to be pampered, snobbish brats so we weren’t overly indulged as children. As far as another woman spoiling me - I can honestly say that you’re the only one who’s ever offered to do so.”

  Tessa smiled in delight. “Once again I’m very happy that I was the first for you in some small way.”

  Ian’s expression was one of incredible tenderness, so much that it made her heart soar. “Tessa, you have no idea how many firsts you’ve already given me. When the time is right, I’ll tell you exactly what they are.”

  They arrived at his house moments later, not giving her an opportunity to quiz him about his mysterious comment. And then, almost the very second the front door was shut behind them, she wasn’t given the chance to do anything but submit willingly to his very urgent desires.

  “Hurry,” he urged, leading her up the stairs to his room. “It feels like four years since I’ve had you instead of only four days.”

  Clothes were shed in between hungry, passionate kisses, a trail of coats, shoes, shirts, and other garments left in their wake as they fairly stumbled into his bedroom. Tessa was still wearing her lingerie and shoes as he all but flung her onto the bed, while he was splendidly nude save for his snug-fitting black briefs. Her blue eyes grew round and huge as he swiftly divested himself of his last remaining article of clothing, baring his truly magnificent body to her eager gaze, the sight of his massive erection causing her to pant in anticipation.

  She hadn’t expected him to be gentle, given the near-desperation of his earlier kisses, but she still cried out in shocked surprise as he fisted one hand in her panties, yanking them down her legs, just before surging as deeply inside of her as possible with one masterful stroke.

  “Ah, ah, oh, my God,” she wailed, feeling the head of his cock battering against the tip of her womb. “Ian - oh -”

  Her voice trailed off as he began moving inside of her roughly, his voice low as he uttered a series of brusque instructions.

  “Lift your legs up onto my shoulders. Yes, like that. God, that’s good.”

  “That’s it, love, wrap those beautiful long legs around my neck.”

  “Ah, Christ, you’re so damned tight. I’m not going to last long this first time.”

  Just when Tessa didn’t think he could possibly fill her even one more inch, couldn’t get any deeper inside of her, he slid his hands beneath her buttocks and lifted her several inches off the mattress. At his first hard thrust from this position, she came instantly, sobbing out his name as the pleasure rocked through her body.

  He continued his hard, almost brutal thrusts until she heard him curse vividly, “Jesus, fuck,” and then he was coming uncontrollably, his body jerking over and over. Tessa gazed up at him, spellbound by his erotic male beauty - his dark hair damp with sweat, his eyes tightly shut as he continued to spill himself inside of her. Even as she felt the hot, sticky bursts of semen begin to trickle down her inner thighs, he was still coming, still filling her with his seed.

  He groaned as he collapsed on top of her, crushing her much lighter body into the mattress as he buried his damp face against the side of her neck. She stroked his head soothingly, her lips touching his temples and brow. They remained just that way for several minutes, until the weight of his heavily muscled body was too much, and she began to gasp a little for air. Ian quickly slid off of her onto his side, drawing her close.

  “Sorry, sorry,” he murmured, his hand tilting her head back. “I didn’t hurt you, did I? Not just now, but, well, before when -”

  “No.” She gave him a brief kiss. “You didn’t. But I think I might have seen some stars there for a few minutes.”

  Ian chuckled. “I know the feeling, love. Except I think I was in another solar system entirely. God, the way you make me lose all control, Tessa - that’s never, ever happened to me before.”

  She ran her hand up and down his arm, squeezing his bulging bicep along the way. “It’s hard to imagine you ever losing control. At the office you’re always in total command, everyone’s more than a little intimidated by you.”

  He captured her roving hand, running his tongue over the knuckles. “Ah, b
ut I don’t have a mostly naked, entirely tempting goddess to entice me into losing control there. Well, I do, but you’re not -”

  “Mostly naked there,” she finished. “Except for one very embarrassing time.”

  He laughed in recollection. “I have to keep the door to my washroom closed most of the time, you know. Otherwise, every time I look in that direction all I can see is the vision you made standing in the doorway that night, these gorgeous breasts almost spilling out of that bra. Speaking of which.”

  Tessa gasped as his hand slid up her bare hip past her ribcage to squeeze one breast. In the next moment she’d been tumbled onto her back and he was straddling her thighs, his gaze locked hotly on her breasts still encased in the black lace bra.

  He dipped a finger into her deep cleavage. “I’ve been imagining you all day long in this bra, you know,” he told her huskily. “But no fantasy is quite as remarkable as the real thing. Let me see you now, Tessa.”

  He unhooked the bra with ease and peeled the cups away, baring her full breasts. Their groans were simultaneous as he filled his palms with her warm flesh, his fingers plucking the nipples into even harder peaks. She whimpered as his caresses grew more aggressive, his fingers twisting and pinching the nipples, his large hands palming her breasts roughly.

  “Do you like this?” he asked in a voice that demanded a reply.

  “Y-yes,” she breathed. “S-so good.”

  Ian slid down her body, his lips tracing a hot path from the base of her throat down between her breasts. Then his tongue was licking a slow, deliberate circle around one reddened nipple, causing her back to bow off the mattress, her hands clutching at the sheets.

  “Easy, love,” he soothed her, stroking her hip. “You’re so responsive, Tessa, so naturally uninhibited.”

  “Ummm.” She sighed in bliss as his mouth closed over her nipple, sucking it until she was squirming. He shifted his lips to the other breast, while his hand slid down over her quivering belly into the soft nest of her pubic hair. Two long fingers thrust deep inside her slit, where she was still sticky from his very recent orgasm.