Seduced by the Hero

by Pamela Yaye

  Immanuel drew his hand across her cheek, and she purred in his ear. “Can I kiss you?”

  A grin shaped her mouth. “Please do.”

  * * *

  Immanuel nipped at her bottom lip, licking it with the tip of his tongue, and Dionne thought she’d die in anticipation. Desperate for him, she crushed her mouth to his. His lips were soft, the best thing she’d ever tasted. She wanted to be kissed, to be held and loved, and relished being in his arms. Her body ached for him, yearned for his touch.

  Seizing his hands, she guided them to her hips, moved them down her thighs and over her bottom. That was all the encouragement Immanuel needed. He untied her robe, tossed it to the floor, and lowered his face to her breasts. He pushed them together, flicking his tongue against her erect nipples. He lavished them with kisses, sucked them into his mouth, stroking, massaging and caressing them. His touch fueled her desire. Immanuel grabbed her butt, squeezed it as if it were a Georgia peach and he was desperate for a bite.

  “Your ass is amazing.”

  “Your hands are amazing,” she gushed, her words falling from her lips in a breathless pant. She couldn’t help thinking about her past relationships, and realized this was the first time she’d ever initiated sex with a lover. Immanuel excited her, made her experience feelings she’d never felt before, and Dionne wanted to show him how much he meant to her. She kissed him, parted his lips with her tongue, then flicked it against his. Pleasure filled her, coursed through her quivering body. “I could stay here with you, like this, for the rest of the night.”

  “That can be arranged. We can have room service in bed.”

  “Or we can feast on each other.”

  “I love how you think.”

  And I love you. Dionne held her tongue. To prevent herself from confessing her feelings, she slammed her mouth shut. “I want to make love tonight.”

  “To me?”

  “No, to the hotel bellman,” she teased, snuggling against him. “Yes, you. You’re the only man I need.”

  “Making love is a big step.”

  “I know, but I’m ready. Aren’t you?”

  “Baby, I want you, but it’s too soon.”

  Too soon? Are you kidding me? I’ve been dreaming about this moment for months!

  “How would it look if I put the moves on you the day after your divorce is finalized?”

  Rolling her eyes, she pulled out of his arms and swung her feet over the side of the bed. “Forget I said anything,” she snapped, annoyed that he’d rejected her yet again. “I’m not in the mood to play games. I’m going to get dressed—”

  “Come here. You’re not going anywhere.”

  Immanuel grabbed her hand and dragged her down on top of him. He smothered her face with kisses, and she shrieked in laughter. “Do you have any idea how much I want you?”

  “No. Show me.”

  Roughly cupping her breasts in his hands, he lowered his mouth and circled her nipple with his tongue. He sucked it, licked it, bit it softly with his teeth. He played in her hair, grabbing fistfuls, stroking her body as if his sole purpose in life were to please her. And she loved it. His kiss, his touch, the feel of his hard, muscled physique against hers. For weeks, she’d been lusting after him, and tonight she was going to have him—over and over and over again.

  “I’ve been lying to myself for weeks,” he whispered, his gaze as dreamy as his seductive tone. “I convinced myself you weren’t my type, that we were all wrong for each other. But you’re the only one for me, and I want you for more than one night.”

  His confession stunned her, and she fumbled with her words. “What are you saying?”

  He answered with a deep, passionate kiss that gave her chills all over. He took off his clothes and chucked them on the floor. They lay naked in bed, exploring each other’s bodies, kissing, laughing and talking dirty. Feeling his mouth on her neck, her breasts and her navel caused quivers to ripple across her skin. Dionne loved how broad and muscular his shoulders were, and couldn’t resist kissing, squeezing and licking them.

  Immanuel crushed his lips against hers. Dionne moaned into his mouth, took everything he gave, still wanting more, needing more. She loved kissing him, couldn’t get enough, and wondered what the rest of his body tasted like. To find out, she licked from his ears to his chest and abs, then sucked his erection into her mouth.

  Pleasure sparked in his eyes. Dionne twirled her tongue around his length and eagerly sucked, licked and kissed it. Having Immanuel inside her mouth made her feel strong, invincible and powerful. She’d never felt more comfortable in her skin and wanted to please Immanuel more than anything. Dionne couldn’t get enough of him, and the more she stroked and caressed his hard, muscled body, the more she wanted him.

  Immanuel opened his wallet, took out a condom and ripped open the packet. Watching him excited her, made her mouth wet with hunger. It was finally going to happen. After weeks of flirting and “accidentally” touching, she was finally going to experience the pleasure of having him inside her. Aroused and anxious, she felt blood rush to her core.

  Immanuel brought her to his side, kissed her hard on the lips, and rolled the condom over his shaft. Dionne hungrily licked her lips. His erection doubled in size, right before her eyes, and she parted her legs to welcome him inside.

  Immanuel slid his erection against her clit, slowly, as if he wanted to torture her. Tingles danced down her spine, erupting across her flesh. Dionne tried to keep it together, to hold her emotions in, but moans of satisfaction streamed from her lips. His movements were slow, deliberate, and each kiss increased her desire. She couldn’t believe what he was doing to her, and he wasn’t even inside her yet.

  Immanuel gripped her hips, then eased his erection inside her. It was a snug fit, so damn tight she felt every inch of his length. Dionne couldn’t stop shaking and lost complete control of her limbs. She was in her hotel suite, having the best sex of her life, but her mind was in the clouds, off in another stratosphere, no longer connected to her body.

  “I love being with you, Dionne. You’re perfect in every way...”

  Soaking in his words, she reveled in his praise and admiration. It had never been like this before. They moved in perfect sync, holding each other tight. To stifle the wild, fevered noises streaming from her mouth, Dionne buried her face in the pillow. Immanuel picked it up and tossed it on the floor.

  “Don’t do that,” he growled. “I want to hear every sound you make, every erotic moan.”

  Their lovemaking was fast and furious, an intense burst of adrenaline. It was the most thrilling hour of her life. He kissed her with a savage intensity, took everything she gave and more. Like his kiss, his stroke drove her wild. His erection swelled inside her, filling her sex. Immanuel was an incredible lover, the best she’d ever had, and she’d never forget their first time together.

  Wrapping her legs around his waist, she grabbed his butt and pulled him even deeper inside her. Lightning struck Dionne’s body. An orgasm stole her breath, made her wild with delirium. Immanuel gathered her in his arms and held her to his chest. He pumped his hips, moving at a fast, frenzied pace. His head fell back, and he groaned as he climaxed. Breathing heavily, he collapsed onto the bed and drew her to his side.

  Seconds passed before her mind cleared and her feet touched the ground. Her skin was drenched in sweat, burning hot, but Dionne rested her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Immanuel pulled her closer to him and held her close. His arms were home, a warm, safe place. For the first time in years she felt an overwhelming sense of peace. Wow, I can’t believe that just happened. It was wonderful, amazing, beyond my wildest dreams!

  He stroked her hair, neck and shoulders, whispering sweet words into her ear. “I’m glad you invited me to Seattle,” he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I have an incredible weekend planned for us, and
a big surprise for you on Monday morning.”

  “Immanuel, I’m leaving for Atlanta tomorrow.”

  “Change your flight and spend a few more days with me.”

  “I can’t—”

  “You can’t, or you won’t?” Immanuel cupped her chin in his hand and raised an eyebrow. “What’s the point of being the boss if you can’t break the rules sometimes?”

  “I have a meeting on Monday morning with Channel 6 that I can’t afford to miss.”

  “What’s the meeting about?”

  “The station did a story on me back in May, and I hit it off with the head producer,” she explained, unable to contain her excitement. “He’s developing a new reality show called Celebrities Gone Wild, and he wants me to be the resident life coach.”

  “Really? You’d agree to let cameras follow you around twenty-four/seven?”

  “Absolutely. I want to help people in need of guidance and support, and television would be a great platform to show why life coaches are vital to society.”

  “When would you have time to do a TV show?” He stared down at her with a concerned expression on his face. “You already work eighty hours a week.”

  “I’ll make time. This deal could catapult Pathways Center to the top, and I’ll do anything to make my business more successful.”

  His frown deepened, but he spoke to her in a soft, soothing voice. “Since we only have twenty-four hours together, we better make the most of it.”

  “I agree. Seattle is one of my favorite cities in the world, and I’m up for anything.”

  “Do you want to order in, or go out? I made reservations at the best French restaurant in the city, but I’m cool with staying in if that’s what you want—”

  “I don’t want food. I want to make love again.”

  His eyebrows shot up.

  “I hope you’re ready for round two, because I’m starving.” Her gaze slid down his chest; her hands, too. Just as she had suspected, his erection was rock hard. Lucky me! she thought, rising from the bed. Feeling his eyes on her, she sashayed across the room, switched her hips to arouse and entice him. “I’m going to take a shower.” Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a seductive look over her shoulder. “Are you coming?”

  Chapter 17

  Eagles soared in the clear blue sky, and the sun was the size of a beach ball—the most brilliant and radiant thing Dionne had ever seen. The 360-degree views of the city were spectacular, but nothing beat being with Immanuel. Standing on the observation deck of the Seattle Space Needle kissing him was the perfect way to end their romantic dream date. Seattle had lush landscapes, take-your-breath-away architecture and some of the best restaurants on the West Coast. Dionne loved everything about the charming, sophisticated city.

  Snuggling against him, Dionne reflected on the past twenty-four hours. He’d loved her all night, made her body sing in every position imaginable, and now she had a permanent smile on her face. That morning, after making love in the shower, they’d dressed and enjoyed a hearty breakfast in the hotel restaurant. They’d spent the afternoon wandering around Pike Place Market, touring the Theo Chocolate Factory and admiring Italian Renaissance paintings at the Seattle Art Museum. As they strolled along the crowded streets, they’d snapped selfies at famous landmarks. The city had everything a traveler could want—culture, history, entertainment—and Immanuel had made sure she’d experienced a bit of everything. He’d promised to bring her back to Seattle for the Venetian ball, and Dionne was looking forward to returning for the black-tie event in February.

  “You’re addictive,” he said, his words a hungry growl. “I can’t get enough.”

  Dionne tightened her hold around his waist and sighed inwardly when he brushed his lips against her mouth for the second time in minutes. In his arms she felt safe, protected, and after everything that had happened the past few weeks his embrace was welcome.

  “Do you want to grab a bite at Chico Madrid before we head to the airport?”

  Dionne groaned and rested a hand on her stomach. “No way. I’m stuffed.”

  After a quick stop at the hotel to change, they’d taken a cab to SkyCity, the revolving restaurant in the Space Needle. It was the place to see and be seen in Seattle, and there was no shortage of bling in the dining room. Sitting cozy in their booth, they’d feasted on seafood, Peking duck and Italian wine. Feeding Immanuel chocolate cheesecake, Dionne had marveled at how much their relationship had changed since their first date. Six weeks ago, she was nervous about being alone with him, and now she wanted to spend all of her free time with him. Dionne was so comfortable with him, she confided in him about her problems. During dinner, she’d opened up to him about her struggles at work, her failed marriages, and her strained relationship with her parents and sisters.

  Wrapped up in each other’s arms, they boarded the elevator and got off in the lobby. Outside, locals streamed in and out of trendy restaurants, street performers sang and danced, and laughter spilled out of nearby bars and cafés. The air smelled of salt water, a clean, refreshing scent that made Dionne remember the romantic boat cruise Immanuel had taken her on last night. For hours they’d talked, danced and kissed. Their personalities complemented each other, but it was their differences that kept things exciting and interesting.

  On Sixth Avenue, Dionne searched the streets for a taxi. “I don’t see a cab anywhere.”

  “Let’s walk. It stopped raining, and now it’s a gorgeous autumn night.”

  Wrinkling her nose, she stared down at her designer outfit. Her gold ankle-tie pumps complemented her black leather dress perfectly, but they weren’t made for an evening stroll. To please Immanuel, she’d straightened her hair and put on a sexy outfit and sultry makeup. He’d been complimenting her all night, and when he wasn’t praising her look, he was stealing kisses and stroking her hips. “The hotel is six blocks away,” she pointed out, glancing up and down the block for a yellow cab. “I don’t know if I can walk that far in these heels.”

  “I’ll carry you if you get tired.”

  “Save your energy for later.” Dionne winked. “You’re going to need it.”

  Strolling down the street, they chatted about their favorite places in Seattle, their plans for Thanksgiving and her upcoming trip to Italy. “I want you to be my date for Sharleen and Emilio’s wedding.” Dionne held her breath, waited anxiously for his response, but he didn’t speak. “Please? I hate flying, and I need you to keep me company.”

  “No, you don’t. You pop a sleeping pill and it knocks you out, remember?”

  Dionne wanted to kick herself, wishing she hadn’t told him about her fear of flying. She thought for a moment. “It’s a ten-hour flight. Imagine how much fun we’ll have in first class.”

  “Baby, I’m sorry. I can’t.”

  “But Italy’s home. Don’t you want to see your friends and family—”

  “It’s not home. Not anymore. I can never live in Venice again, and I don’t want to.”

  “Never?” Her ears perked up, and her feet slowed. “Why not? What happened?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  “We have time.” Dionne led him over to a wooden bench and sat down. “Our flight doesn’t leave until six. That gives us plenty of time to talk.”

  He didn’t move, so she patted the space beside her. “Please?”

  Nodding his head, he took a seat and clasped his hands in front of him. He spoke in a whisper, as if each word was a struggle. “I left Venice because I was receiving death threats.”

  “Death threats!” Her pulse quickened, and her heart thumped in her ears. Dionne heard her cell phone ringing inside her purse, but she ignored it and blocked out the noises on the busy downtown street. She wanted to hear his story, so she leaned forward and moved closer to him on the bench. His scent aroused her, teasing her senses, but s
he kept her hands in her lap and off his chest. “Immanuel, what happened?”

  “I provided security for the ambassador to the US for several years.”

  His voice was so low Dionne strained to hear what he was saying.

  “It was an open secret that the ambassador had affairs, and one night while I was doing my rounds, his wife propositioned me to get even with her philandering husband.”

  “What did you do?”

  “I turned her down, but she told her husband I approached her for sex. My colleague, a man I treated like a brother, corroborated her story.” His eyes narrowed, and a dark shadow crossed his face. “I was arrested, charged, and spent a night in jail.”

  “That’s ridiculous! You did nothing wrong, and there was no proof!”

  “The charges were eventually dropped, but the damage had already been done. My business and reputation were tarnished. I had no choice but to leave town.”

  Resting a hand on his back, she slowly rubbed his neck and shoulders. It killed her to see him in pain, and Dionne wished there was something she could do to make things better. “Is that why you left Venice? Because of the stress of the investigation?”

  Immanuel lowered his gaze to the ground. “I was receiving death threats, my office was vandalized numerous times, and I couldn’t go anywhere without someone calling me a rapist.”

  “Baby, that’s awful.”

  “Needless to say, the ordeal taught me a valuable lesson about life. The only person I trust is myself. Not my friends, not my family, and certainly not a girlfriend or colleague—”

  “Immanuel, that’s not true.” Dionne touched his cheek and waited for him to look at her before she continued. “You can count on me. I’m not going anywhere. You have my word.”

  He nodded his head, but his frown remained.

  “I’m glad you relocated to Atlanta, Immanuel. It was a very smart move.”

  “I agree. My business is taking off, I’ve reconnected with my relatives here in the States, and best of all I met you.” Immanuel caressed her cheek, drew his thumb down her nose and across her lips. “You’re an incredible woman, and I feel fortunate to know you.”