Desire Unexpected

by S. J. Maylee

  “Maybe that’s all true, but it’s still not your fault. It’s his and his alone. You hear me?”

  “You’re right. You’re right about it all. As soon as I make sure Janet’s okay, I’ll take care of it.”

  Hours later, Ethan wandered around the museum shop. He stepped up to the display case caught in the picture and looked down, hoping to find something that would have made Nadia stop here and not just to share a few secret words with the blonde.

  It seemed odd to be looking at jewelry, but that was his life. It kept moving, never slowing down to let him catch a breath. It was the life he made and afternoons like today only confirmed he couldn’t allow distractions.

  Luckily, his team had been focused. They’d gotten to Janet in time before her lunatic husband had finished strangling her. She’d have a nice mark around her neck for a while, but she was alive.

  Her husband was still breathing for now as well. Janet was still determined to get out of the marriage with her life undisturbed. He’d never known someone to be so stubborn. Although he’d never tell her he agreed, she shouldn’t have to change her life because her husband was a monster. He was determined to give her back a peaceful life. The life she should have had all along.

  His team had sedated the man when they entered the house. Since he’d been out of his mind in a rage, he hadn’t heard the team’s approach. They left him in the bathroom with an empty bottle of his favorite booze. Having all the pieces in place had saved a life tonight, but next time he might not be so lucky.

  Distractions were a deadly thing. Brooke’s death had taught him that cruel fact and the events of the day brought him back to the day she’d died. The memory was still a sharp edge and it cut deep.

  He needed to discover the truth behind the pictures, why Nadia was talking with the blonde. Once he figured it out, he could decide once and for all what to do about her.

  “Can I help you?”

  “Sure, my friend likes a piece in this case and I don’t remember which it is. Maybe it’s the cuff bracelet.” It was simple and beautiful. The notches around the stem were visible and made it feel genuine. It wasn’t trying to hide what it was.

  “Our Ginkgo leaf pieces are quite popular.” She pulled it from the case and set it in his hand. “In fact, there’s one young woman who stops in regularly to try it on. She was in here yesterday and I heard her tell another customer how much she admires it, but can’t afford it.”

  “Oh really.” He pulled out his phone and flipped to a picture he’d taken of Nadia the first day they shared lunch. “This is my friend.”

  “That’s her.”

  “Excellent.” Odd nervous energy radiated down his arms. “Do you know if she was shopping with the other woman?”

  “I don’t think so. I’ve never seen the other woman before yesterday and they didn’t appear to be together.”

  “Thank you. You’ve been very helpful.” He handed the unique bracelet back to the woman and his muscles released the tension they were holding. He wouldn’t know the full story until Aidan finished his report. It didn’t mean he couldn’t continue his own investigation.

  “Do you want to buy the bracelet?”

  ****

  Nadia wrapped herself in her favorite blanket and settled herself in her comfy chair with a cup of coffee and the latest release from her favorite author. She had to know if Lindsey and Zander got the happy ending they deserved.

  A knock at the door rattled her before she finished the first page. The few girlfriends she still had in the city never came over. They saved their get together time for the few dance clubs they frequented after long work weeks. She considered ignoring it until the knock came again.

  “Nadia, it’s Ethan.”

  She threw back her blanket, dropped her book on the table, and ran to the door, eager to wrap her arms around him. Once the door was open, she stared at him. He took her breath away. His steely gaze was trained on her and she swallowed against her building nerves.

  “I’m so glad you came over.” She stepped back and then tilted her head, trying to figure out the question she saw in his eyes or why he hadn’t moved. Taking a step forward, she took hold of his arm, pulled him in, and shut the door behind him.

  “Sorry to come over without calling first.”

  “It’s okay. I’m glad you’re here.” She reached out to the bruise on his cheek bone. “You’re not going to tell me how you got that, are you?”

  “Nope.”

  “Okay.” She took a deep breath. “Do you want to sit down?” Standing by her door was starting to make her feel uncomfortable, like he’d leave before she got a chance to talk to him or to touch him.

  “I can’t stay.” He reached out and stroked her arm. “I just wanted to check on you and let you know I’ll be busy all week and won’t be available for lunch.” His touch fell away.

  “Oh.” She wrapped her arms around her middle for comfort and to stop her from making a fool out of herself. He clearly was here to put their relationship back where he wanted it, on the friendship side of things.

  “Is that the orb you were talking about?”

  “Yes.” She turned and picked up the glass ball. “It has the blues, white, and golds, but not the reds.” She rolled it around between her hands.

  “I can see why it reminds you of the windows.” He took it from her. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” She looked up and caught his gaze looking at her and not the orb.

  “Anything exciting happen while I was gone?”

  “We’re talking about my life, right?” She couldn’t help but laugh. He had no idea the boring life she led. “No, nothing exciting happened.” She took a deep breath. If her options with him were friends or nothing, she’d take friends every day of the week. “Hopefully we can do lunch next week.”

  “That would be nice.”

  “Thanks for coming by.” He was lucky her parents had taught her to be polite or she might have told him what he could do with nice. She walked to the door, wishing she was being pushed up against it, not opening it for him to leave.

  “Wait a minute, that wasn’t the only reason I came over.”

  “I’d hoped not.” She turned and examined him, hoping for something other than friendship in his expression. “I’ve been thinking about our last conversation since you left.” She stepped to him, wanting to wrap her arms around his neck, to go for it like the heroine in the last romance she’d read.

  He stopped her by holding out a tiny box. “I got this for you.”

  She stumbled back. He grabbed her elbow, steadying her. His fingers rubbed her arm and immediately her pussy warmed with need. Her attraction to this out-of-reach man had become out of control. How many ways did he have to show her he didn’t want her? He didn’t need her silly crush or unsophisticated flirtation either.

  “It reminded me of you.” He shook his head. “It’s just from the museum gift shop. I wanted to give you something for putting up with me. I hope you like it.”

  “Thank you.” She took the little box and sat on her battered sofa. “Please, take a seat.”

  He sat next to her, but kept to the edge, confirming there was nothing relaxed about this visit.

  After slipping the green ribbon from the box, she pulled off the lid and pushed back the tissue paper, revealing the item she’d so long desired. Her heart raced and she scooted closer to him. He had no idea what he’d done. Her secret crush giving her the piece of jewelry she’d long desired was incredibly perfect. Neither were really her style and she wanted them all the same. She looked at him with heavy tears stinging her eyes. Brushing the box from her lap, she slipped the bracelet onto her wrist.

  “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I’ve enjoyed our time together.” He brushed away the tear that had rolled down her cheek and cupped her chin.

  “Don’t say that like it’s over.” She took a hold of his wrist and pulled it into her lap. “It’s not, right?” Panic raced
over her. If he wanted to leave, she wouldn’t stop him, but her whole body hurt with wanting him to stay.

  “I’m no good for you, Nadia.” He took hold of her hands. “You deserve a nice man with an uncomplicated life. I can’t give you what you need.”

  “That’s not true.” She put her fingers to his lips. “Don’t.”

  He took a hold of her shirt, not pulling her closer, just squeezing the fabric in his fist.

  “I don’t know what’s going on with you.” She brought her touch back to his hands, trying to ease the pressure. “I just know the only time I feel alive is when I’m with you. You’re on my mind constantly.” She lowered her gaze, losing her courage by the second. “There’s something between us and I want to explore it. I want to know what drives you insane with need. Don’t you want me too?”

  “Shit, Nadia, I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the first day at the windows.” He let her go and pulled out of her reach to slip around to the other side of the couch with his back to her. “I want things from you that I’m certain would frighten you.”

  “I doubt that.” Knowing she had to make her move now or risk losing him forever, she pulled her shirt over her head and tugged off her sweatpants, tossing them both on the chair. “Do you remember the questions I asked about you before we met?”

  “You’re playing with fire.”

  “No, I’m not into fire play, but I have a feeling you know what I need.”

  “What …” He turned, his gaze swept over her body and he brushed his hand over his mouth. “You take my breath away.” He stepped toward her, adjusting the bulge in his pants. “You think you want to play?”

  “I do.” She sucked on her lip, wishing she’d worn her one set of matching bra and panties.

  “Fuck, I want this” He brushed her skin ever so slightly up her arms, across her chest, and down between her breasts. “I’ve had dreams about this moment.” He raised her chin, forcing her to look at him. He dragged his fingers through her hair and tugged the length of it back. “I want you at my mercy. Do you have any idea what it’s like to give someone like me control?”

  “Yes, sir.” She arched her back, revealing her neck. He kept pulling and tingles of pain danced along her scalp. “Please.”

  “Are you already asking for mercy?” He tugged her hair again “I don’t think you know what you’re starting.”

  “I don’t want you to stop. I want more, sir.” Her breasts pushed against his chest and her grip on his arms tightened. “I want to know.”

  He yanked her up and searched her gaze.

  “I want to know what it’s like to submit to you.” She caressed his cheek.

  “I’m not going to have much control left if you keep talking like that.” He let go of her hair and stroked her backside, taking a firm grasp of her ass and pulled her to him. “I’m about to lose my mind with wanting you.”

  She looked into his eyes and rocked against his hard cock. Heat rushed to her pussy and the room filled with their raspy moans.

  “If we do this, we do it my way.” He set her back from him and took off his coat, undid his tie, and unbuttoned his shirt, revealing firm muscle. Next to go were his shoes and socks. He stood before her, arms crossed. “If I finish undressing before you, I’m going to smack your ass.”

  “Promise.”

  “You are trouble.” He unbuckled his belt. “On second thought, leave the bracelet on.”

  Chapter Five

  “I’ve seen many beautiful things in my life, but nothing compares to the likes of you.” He took his tie from his pile of clothes, tugged his belt from the loops on his discarded pants, and took a step toward her. “Where’s your bed?”

  She reached out and pointed toward the hallway, unable to add her voice to the directions.

  “Look your fill. I certainly intend to.” He handed her the tie and belt and then picked her up, hauled her on top of his shoulder, and smacked her ass.

  “Ouch!”

  “I keep my promises.”

  She had a good view of his ass. The firm globes enticed her. With a gentle touch, she rubbed down his back and pinched a cheek. When he reciprocated, she moaned.

  Once in her room, he stripped the bed and then flipped her over and tossed her onto the mattress. She bounced a little and giggled until she caught his stern expression.

  “You seem to know what you want 53642.70 ¸ but do you know how to say no if I push you too far?

  “I’ll say red, sir.”

  “Very good.” He walked around her. “This is a great bed. I see several ways I can tie you up.”

  “Thanks, I made it.”

  “Huh, that’s not the reaction I was expecting.” He titled his head and crossed his arms. His eyebrows pinched together.

  “The greenhouse near my parents was throwing the pallets away. I didn’t know what to do with them at first. Also, I have condoms in the drawer of the nightstand.” She shook her head and became enthralled with how she could twist his tie around her wrist. “I don’t know why I’m talking so much.”

  “You should be nervous. It’s a normal reaction when a man states he plans to tie you up. I have to say it’s quite reassuring.”

  “Okay.” She squeezed her eyes closed. “I have to ask, why is that?”

  “Do you let men tie you up every day?” He walked around the bed, never taking his eyes off her.

  “No.”

  “Because you don’t trust just anyone to take away your choices?” He pulled his belt from her lap.

  “That’s right.” She bent her legs, bringing them closer, and sat on her feet, keeping her knees apart and her attention focused.

  “But you’ll trust me to use your body?” When she shook her head, he continued. “You should know I’ll push against your limits, push you to do what I want.”

  “That’s all I want, sir.” She licked her lips.

  “I’ll give you something else to think about.” He knelt on the bed and swiped a fleeting touch over her cheek. “How is it you know about BDSM?”

  “I’ve been studying the lifestyle for almost a year.”

  “Through a club?”

  “An online club. I can’t afford the clubs here in town.” She rubbed a bruise on her knee. “But, I’ve learned a lot about the poses and other protocols.”

  “Maybe this isn’t such a good idea.” He stepped away from the bed.

  “Don’t go.” She pushed herself back and grasped onto her headboard, pulled her knees back, and spread her legs wide. “Please, don’t go. Don’t deny me. Please, sir.”

  “Nadia?”

  “Yes?” She looked straight up to the ceiling. Not able to bear the look in his eyes when he refused to give her what she wanted most. She pushed her knees farther apart.

  The room was void of sound. No rustling of clothes. No footsteps. He hadn’t left.

  She lowered her gaze. Cool air greeted her warm pussy and all her worries were pushed out with one idea. His gaze is on me.

  “You will use your safe word?”

  “Promise, sir. If I need it, I will use it.” She shifted her pelvis, her need becoming too much to ignore. “Please touch me. Take me however you want.”

  “I don’t want to leave. I probably should. It would give us time to meet with trainers in a safe environment.”

  “I just want you, sir. Haven’t we waited long enough?”

  “I have made you wait. If I hadn’t been called away, I’m pretty sure something would have happened in the supply closet.”

  “I was hoping you felt that way.”

  “Absolutely.” He came closer. “Being around you these last few weeks has been like slow, exquisite torture.”

  “Do you think about touching me?”

  “I think about a lot of things.” He crawled between her legs. “Do you think you can keep your hands where they are?”

  “I will, sir.” She tightened her grip on her headboard.

  “I’ve dreamed about tying you up and sucking
your clit until you scream.” He kissed her inner thigh. “I’ve dreamed about fucking you.”

  “Oh, sir. Please touch me.” She swirled her hips.

  “I’ll save the bondage for next time.” He swiped his belt and tie from the bed and then pushed her pussy lips apart. “However, your clit is mine.” He licked through her folds, flattening his tongue over her clit and then sucked it into his mouth.

  She bit down on her bottom lip. Delectable heat pulsed to life in her core. Any moment, she would go right over the edge.

  “You taste like heaven, so fucking wet.”

  She held her eyes shut and waited for his touch to return, arching her body. Her fingers lost their grip on the headboard and she struggled to keep arms spread wide.

  “One of the things you need to work on is keeping your body still. Your focus needs to be on my touch and shutting out everything else.”

  “Yes, sir. I’ll try.”

  He blew across her pelvic bone. “Well done. There’s that pretty little clit coming out to play. Remember, no movement.” He blew again.

  It took all her will power to keep her hips from moving. Her pussy contracted.

  “I bet you’re capable of milking a man dry.” A light touch brushed back and forth over her nub. He pushed his hands under her ass and lifted her slightly, spreading her cheeks. “Have you ever been taken here?”

  “No, but …” She took a deep breath. “I have worn plugs before.”

  “Would you like me to touch you here?”

  “Anything you want, sir. Touch me anywhere you want.” All she wanted for months was coming true. She was at his mercy. It was a high like she’d never known.

  “As you wish.” He swept back and forth along her folds, bringing her juices to her clit and to her back entrance. Warm wetness blanketed the puckered opening. He pushed his pinkie finger past the ring of muscle and pushed his tongue into her pussy, pulsing in and out. “Damn, you’re so beautiful.”

  “I’m going to come, sir.” Faster than she thought possible, she was on the edge of bliss. She regained her grip on her headboard and squeezed. The edges bit into her palms.

  “Of course you are.” He sucked her clit into his mouth and pushed his finger further into her ass.