AllsFair

by AlexandraOHurley

  “Wynne, you are a good man, and you were a wonderful husband. You deserve some happiness, and I wish you had found Kendall sooner. She is perfect for you, and you need to go to her now before you lose your second chance at love.” Catherine’s ethereal hand flowed closer to his face and lingered against his cheek for a moment before the room was bathed in white light.

  Once his vision cleared, he realized Catherine was gone.

  Barrister Arms. Room 312. The words whispered through his mind and had him grabbing his jacket and keys. Wynne jumped out into the cold, pushing one arm through the coat after he was already halfway to his truck.

  * * * *

  Eros turned toward Apollo, a smile on his face. “Uncle, you have outdone yourself. How did you ever sneak that woman out from under Hades’s nose?”

  Apollo shrugged, smiling as he turned toward Eros. “I can’t give away all my secrets. Let’s just say that Persephone still owes me a few favors.”

  “And how is the Goddess of the Underworld?”

  Running his hands through his thick golden locks, Apollo smiled. “As beautiful as ever and as unhappy as ever to be held by Hades. But I brightened her afternoon.”

  Eros chuckled. “I am so grateful you sacrificed yourself to her beautiful, wanton ways in order to save this couple.”

  “Well, it was the least I could do.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Kendall had counted all the cracks in the ceiling at least three times as she lay in the hotel bed, wondering if leaving had been a mistake. What if he truly had just felt sick and she had projected her own feelings on to him? Ugh, just let it go, and go to sleep already!

  Turning over for what had to be the millionth time that night, Kendall closed her eyes and tried her damnedest to fall asleep. She was almost on the brink when a knock sounded at her door, awakening her.

  A shiver ran through her, starting at her toes and working its way up her spine. Moving to the door, she peeked out the peephole.

  Wynne.

  It is one a.m. What the hell is he doing here?

  “I can hear you on the other side, Kendall. Please open the door. We need to talk.”

  Rubbing her hands over her face to collect her thoughts before settling a mask over her features, she unclasped the lock and opened the door. They both stood there silently appraising each other, both apparently afraid to speak the first word.

  “Kendall, I’m sorry.”

  “What is there to be sorry about?” Kendall knew in her head that there truly wasn’t anything, but her heart knew there was.

  “The way I acted tonight. It was uncalled for.”

  Leaning into the doorframe, she shook her head. “You were sick. You needed to go to bed. You should probably be resting now.”

  “I wasn’t sick.” Moving from foot to foot, she sensed his agitation. “I was…”

  “You were what?” Looking deeply in his eyes, she thought she saw a shimmer of regret.

  “Stuck in the past, thinking about things I shouldn’t have.”

  “Catherine?”

  “Yes.” As she watched his shoulders lag, she grabbed his hand and pulled him inside the room.

  Closing the door behind him, she turned, leaning into the door, and watched him sit down on her bed. “Wynne, if you are still lost in the past, I get it. Perhaps you aren’t over her yet. Perhaps you will never be.”

  Shaking his head, he looked up into her eyes. “No, I was momentarily lost. I realized with some help from the ghosts of my past that I need to move into the future. And I think that future is with you.”

  Rising from the bed, he slowly sauntered toward her, grabbing one of her hands in his. The cold from the outdoors was still chilling his skin, and she grasped his palm with both of hers, rubbing them to warm his skin. Looking up, she saw his solemn features but also glimpsed the heat reflected in his eyes. She knew he was trying to open the door but his past might always haunt him some.

  Was she ready to take on a man with such an obstacle to overcome? She could never replace his wife, nor would she want to. She could only hope there was enough love in his heart for two women. Kendall would have to have faith to make the jump.

  “What made you change your mind?”

  “Waking up to an empty house and worrying that something had happened to you.”

  “Because of what happened to your wife?”

  “No, because I missed you, and I wanted to wrap my arms around you. You weren’t there to let me. In just a couple of days I can’t imagine you not in my life.”

  “It is crazy. I have never felt like this before. If this was happening to any of my friends, I would tell them they were nuts.”

  “Then let’s be nuts together.”

  Smiling back at his radiant one, Kendall opened her lips soon after as his mouth descended on hers. He pulled her close, wrapping her arms tighter around her while deepening the kiss. Rising on her tippy-toes, Kendall fought to match the passion in the kiss, arching her back to melt into his body.

  Reaching her hands under his jacket, she peeled his shirt from the waistband of his jeans so she could place her hands on his skin. She sighed at the feel of him against her, and he took the opportunity to trail his kisses down her cheek to her neck. Kendall moved her head to the side, giving him better access to her.

  Lifting her off the floor, Wynne drifted to the bed, softly placing her in the middle before standing back and removing his jacket, fleece, and shirt. He kicked off his shoes and prowled from the end of the bed, slowly stalking to her, kissing his way up her legs.

  Wynne bunched the fabric of her long nightgown up around her hips and pulled the garment from her body, throwing it into the middle of the floor. Sitting back on his knees, he looked her over as if she was his last meal. Pressing both palms to the inner sides of her knees, he pushed until she opened for him, and she felt his penetrating stare on her pussy.

  She felt awkward for a moment, and she placed a hand to shield herself from his gaze.

  “Don’t ever hide yourself from me. Ever. You’re beautiful, and I can’t stop looking at every inch.”

  Heat seized her, making her wet under his stare. Leaning forward, he placed a single finger to her navel, trailing it through the thin hair at her mound, working until he almost rested on her clit. Her back arched. She needed his touch as desperately as she needed her next breath. Sliding over on the bed, he lay on his side, fully facing her opened thighs.

  Kissing the skin to the right of her pussy, he let the finger slide just a bit farther until it stopped directly on her clit. A nip from his teeth on her inner thigh made her take a deep breath, releasing it on a sigh as he began to slowly circle the finger around her sensitive band of nerves. Looking down to him, she watched him lovingly touch her as he tracked his finger travel over her skin.

  She closed her eyes as she felt him descend to capture the bud in between his warm lips, suckling the flesh as his fingers dipped lower, slowly entering her pussy. Heat swirled in her belly. She loved the feeling of his mouth on her as his finger played. She slid her fingers through his hair, enjoying the texture of it, tugging lightly to urge him to move faster over her.

  He apparently understood her tugs and began to suck harder and move his fingers faster, quickly building the friction she needed. She knew she was nearing her climax. He kept her on the precipice for what felt like an eternity but was probably only a few moments. Squeezing her thighs along his head, she began to undulate below him, reaching for that something she needed to crest.

  Resting her thighs over his shoulders, he lifted her slowly, pressing a finger from his idle hand to the puckered flesh of her rear as he continued to drive his finger into her and nibble on her clit. Grasping handfuls of the soft sheets below her, she felt her release burst through her body like a wave of energy, starting at her core and rippling through her arms and legs.

  Spent, she let the final waves of pleasure course through her as she felt Wynne continue to lave at her pussy. As she felt
some strength return, she sat up, looking down at the man continuing to taste her. He sensed her movements and lifted from the triangle of her thighs. Reaching out, he pressed his lips to her, and she tasted her own flavor on his mouth.

  Pressing her back into the bed, he groped at the button on his fly, trying to release himself. Kendall laid her fingers over his and helped him open his zipper and pull down his pants enough for her to reach in and release his cock. Kissing him intently, she moved her hand over the thick length, her pussy quivering at the thought of him filling her with its width.

  Wynne reached behind him and pulled something from the pocket of his jeans. Fumbling with something in a package, he smiled warily at her. “I stopped by and picked up something just in case.”

  “You thought I was a sure thing, hmm?”

  “No, I didn’t. I hoped you would let me love you tonight. If we never used it, I wouldn’t have been upset.”

  She watched as he covered himself with latex, fire building within her as she let go of her tiny agitation at his assumption, instead appreciating his protection of her. He was her protector, something she was unused to having. Something she realized was missing from her life. Kendall was used to being the protector of those around her. It was her turn to be taken care of a little.

  As he pressed the head of his shaft against her opening, he leaned into her, capturing her mouth with his own for a deep kiss. She pushed against him, needing to feel the slide of friction his cock would burn into her.

  “Are you sure…you are ready for this?” His heavy breaths told her he was tightly reining in his instinct to plunge into her.

  Was she sure? Sure she would die if he didn’t enter her. “Yes, please, now.”

  One swift thrust later, and he was fully seated in her. Kendall sucked in a surprised rush of air, capturing it into her lungs as she felt the telltale fire of penetration in her pussy. Seconds later she released the breath on a sigh, her body molding to fit his, delighting in the sensation she had so long missed. Wynne kissed her neck, not moving between her thighs, allowing her to grow accustomed to his feel.

  Wrapping her legs around his waist, she urged him on, waiting to accept the second slide of heat to burn through her. He slowly settled into a decadent rhythm, moving within her gently before pressing harder, deeper into her. Grasping at his shoulders with her nails, she pulled him, silently demanding he give her more.

  Rolling over, he pulled her on top of him, allowing her to set the pace she needed, moaning as she immediately impaled herself on his thick organ. Hands roaming, he gathered her heavy breasts, one in each hand, squeezing the globes as she rode him hard. Leaning down, she imprisoned his mouth in a violent kiss, full of need.

  Releasing his hand from one of her breasts, he reached between them, pressing his thumb to her clit as she continued to move above him. The combined sensation had her skyrocketing to climax yet again, and as her muscles clasped him, she felt him arch below her, grasping her hips as he pumped hard inside her, his release tearing through him.

  Dropping down on his chest, she fought for her breath, as did he, and after several moments, they breathed softly and in unison. Minutes later, the sleep that had evaded her all night claimed her.

  * * * *

  After the rough sex they had enjoyed, Wynne had not had enough of her. Pulling her into his embrace twice more through the night, they had finally collapsed just after the dawn broke. Reaching beside him, he felt the bed empty and sat up, wondering if the night before had been a dream. Hell, who knows if I am still sane considering I am seeing ghosts now.

  Moving his feet to the side of the bed, he reached for his watch. Ten in the morning. Late for work. But what a reason to be late.

  Standing up to stretch, he felt tightness in all his muscles, but he felt better than he had in years. Looking around, he wondered where Kendall had run off to. Gathering his clothes, he began to put on his jeans as the door opened up.

  “Good morning, sleepyhead.” Kendall looked like she had had a great night’s sleep, two large cups of coffee in her hand and a small bag clasped under her arm. “There is this quaint little coffee shop just across the park I wanted to peek into. I didn’t want to wake you. I wasn’t sure how you took your coffee, but I have some sugar and creamers in the bag, along with a couple of fresh croissants.”

  Smiling as he took the bag and a cup from her, he placed them on a small table. Opening the lid from the coffee, he sniffed and then tested it. Realizing it was just the right temperature, he swallowed down half the cup.

  “Thirsty?”

  “Sort of. More like didn’t get much sleep and need to wake up.” Wynne settled into the chair beside the table.

  Laughing, she smiled down at him as she rested her cup on the table and took off her coat, hat and gloves. “And whose fault is it you were up all night?”

  “Fault?” Pulling her into his lap, she giggled. “It was this beautiful dark-haired minx’s fault. She has me so tied up in knots I can’t stop touching her.” Kissing her neck, he thought she tasted of fresh, clean woman and the coffee on his lips. “And tasting her.”

  Moaning, she twisted into his touch, and he felt his cock lengthen. “And she bewitches me so all I can think about is pressing myself into her heat.”

  “Wynne, this is crazy.”

  “If it is, baby, I don’t want to be sane.”

  Sitting astride him, she looked him straight, her demeanor serious. “Wynne, tell me you feel like this is right. Tell me that you feel like we have known each other forever.”

  Brushing a lock of hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear, he smiled up into her face. “I feel like you were meant to be right by my side and that I would protect you to my dying day.”

  Resting her forehead on his, she let out a deep sigh.

  “Kendall, I am not the type of man to rush into anything. I have avoided women for five years. But I can’t avoid you, nor do I want to.”

  “Oh, Wynne, I don’t want you to either.” She kissed him firmly, and he knew that this was just the first day of the rest of his life.

  * * * *

  Eros nudged Apollo. “I think we can leave now. They have started the bonds of commitment.”

  “But they look like they are about to get it on again, and I missed them last night looking for Peitho. No fair.”

  “Well, something tells me the next couple will provide you with plenty of entertainment.”

  “Not if you keep making me leave when all the good bits start. Who knew you were such a party pooper.” Apollo crossed his arms and stuck out his bottom lip like a petulant child. “So how is this next couple going to provide me with entertainment?”

  “I found Peitho, and she is indeed seducing a married man. He is almost on the brink of succumbing to her charms.”

  “And this will entertain me how?”

  “Because I think we will fight fire with fire. Perhaps her husband needs to see what he is missing out on. You are going to open his eyes by seducing his wife.”

  Apollo’s face lit up. “Sounds delicious.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Kacey Barnes sat looking across the boardroom table into the wide expanse of blue sky shown off by floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides. Watching a hawk soaring into view, she thought how wonderful it would feel to just let go and let the winds take her wherever she could go, the sun on her back, and the freedom to do whatever it was she would like.

  Like get the hell out of this room instead of sitting across the table from her husband and their new author, Pieta de La Rosso. Leave it to her charming Daniel and all his white teeth and good looks to snag the Mediterranean beauty’s eye. She was practically goo in his hands, leaning in close as he outlined the points to the contract their company was offering to the romance author. Looking back at the hawk, Kacey yearned to be the animal for just one moment.

  So she could peck the woman’s eyes out.

  Pieta turned to smile at Kacey, malice forming in the tightne
ss of her face, her nose pinched as if she smelled something awful. “Mrs. Barnes, I am so excited to get the opportunity to publish with your company. Working with Daniel so far has been a dream.” The woman turned to look at Kacey’s husband, placing her small hand on his arm and squeezing. “I look forward to working with him one-on-one for this upcoming novel. I foresee many long nights going over the editing process.”

  Kacey tamped down the urge to roll her eyes as Daniel turned and looked at her guiltily. “I am sure you both will work well together, but Daniel is not an editor. We will need the first set of edits completed in three weeks.”

  “Three weeks? So soon? I am not sure my creative tendencies can be thus…rushed.” Looking back at Daniel, Pieta seemed as if she was looking for reinforcement.

  “Kacey, I am sure we can give her a little longer if we see that she has been making good progress.” Daniel smiled at Kacey before turning the smile on Pieta.

  “Then I will really need your help in the next few weeks. For editing.”

  Kacey was near vomit stage but wouldn’t give the other woman the satisfaction. Considering she was ignored the last time she pointed out that Daniel was not an editor, there was no point in stating the obvious yet again. “I am sure that Daniel will be there whenever you need his…guidance.”

  Standing, she had had enough of this woman and her open seduction of her husband. “If that is all, I do have another meeting to attend to.”

  Kacey pushed herself out the door and hurled herself down the corridor to her office, and her assistant, Maria de Marco, followed suit. As soon as her hand hit the knob on her office door, the rise of bile grew again, and all she could think about was slamming the door and willing the world away. Not paying attention, she nearly slammed it on Maria.

  “Sorry, I need a moment. Make sure you call my next appointment and reschedule, and call Daniel and tell him I can’t do lunch today. Then can you call Forrester and see if we can push up her appointment to today, over lunch at the Barrister Arms.”