by J. M. Witt
“Just getting comfortable.” He winked as the main menu popped up on the TV. “Willow?”
“Have you seen it?”
“Are you kidding? With three older brothers, it was unavoidable. ‘Out of the way peck!’” We both laughed before he added, “Will had a mad crush on the female. What was her name?”
“Sorsha.”
“Yes. He’s a sucker for redheads.”
“Aren’t all men?”
“Meh. I’m not picky.”
“That’s good.”
I hit play and it wasn’t long before my back was leaning comfortably into his side. I’d catch myself staring at his hand that sat perfectly content on the back of the couch. Did I want him to touch me? Of course, but I knew the danger that could come from it, too.
~ DESiree ~
~ Chapter 4 ~
I don’t remember falling asleep, but when I woke I found myself in his lap. Something else was happening and I kept my eyes closed as I figured out what the wonderful sensation was. He was stroking my hair. His fingers gently pulled through my long strands making it hard for me to open my eyes. There was a pillow under my head and I could feel the expansion of his chest as he breathed, the slight movement gently rocking me.
Forcing my eyes open, I wasn’t sure what I’d find. His eyes were focused on mine by the time I adjusted to the darkness. He continued combing my hair with his fingers as I stretched and apologized.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“It’s ok. I didn’t mind. You didn’t last long.”
“I’m old and lame. Told you that already.”
“You’re not old. Maybe a little lame.” He mocked as my brows furrowed at him. “Relax, Des.”
His fingers pulled on the delicate strands at the nape of my neck as I tried to suppress the chill that ran over me. I didn’t know what to do or say, lost for words. His free hand came off the back of the couch and stroked my face. My eyes closed in response. The soft pad of his finger ran over my eyebrow and down my cheek. I opened my eyes just as his thumb ran over my slightly parted lips and my breathing hitched.
Pressing my lips together I stared at his face. He seemed almost lost in thought. He was looking at me, but it was like he saw right through me. “O?”
His eyes focused on mine again and he pulled his hand away from my mouth. “I’m sorry. I promised I wouldn’t touch you.”
“I don’t mind.” Danger, danger, Des. Get it together. My hand found his wrist and guided his hand back to my face. “Do it again. Please.”
His breathing increased as he resumed touching my face. “Des. You’re so beautiful. Do you even have any idea?” His knees shifted, lifting me higher and his face lowered to hover above mine. “Tell me stop now, Des.”
I didn’t tell him anything. Instead my hands moved to his face, cupping his stubble covered cheeks as I pulled his mouth closer to mine. “I never promised to keep my hands to myself.”
A small moan escaped him as his eyes closed and half a second later his warm full lips were on mine. Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply as my stomach flipped and my heart raced. I hadn’t had this reaction to a man’s touch in too long. So long that I’d lost hope of ever feeling it again.
O smelled good, no, great. He smelled like sanctuary and I wanted him closer. My fingers moved to the nape of his neck and threaded through his overgrown locks. He was being a gentleman, taking the kiss slow with no tongue. Just his lips nipping at mine and I couldn’t control myself any longer. I waited for the right moment and licked his upper lip just as it settled between mine. Groaning, he stilled as I took over the kiss. Licking and sucking on his lips as his hands began to roam my body. Finally, his tongue met mine and the sound that left my throat startled me.
Smiling against my lips, he whispered, “Want me to stop?”
“Don’t you dare!”
His kiss grew deeper and my body convulsed as his hand ran across my bare belly. My shirt hem now pooled under my heaving breasts as his fingers moved over my abdomen. Christ. If I didn’t get myself under control I was going to come before we got to the good part. His mouth left mine and moved to my neck. Lifting my chin to give him better access, his hand moved to my hip and his fingers moved under the material, fingering the band of my tanga panties. Just as quickly he pulled his hand away and moved it over my clothed thigh. I groaned in disapproval, but I wasn’t sure he knew that.
I was completely transfixed in the moment and felt young again, younger than I had in a very long time. My blood was pumping everywhere causing my clit to throb, my nipples to pucker, and my stomach to twirl. The need to feel more was all consuming as I relaxed in his lap. His hand was at my knee and slowly moving higher. He avoided the place I needed his touch most, my hips arched, seeking his touch.
“Christ, you’re sexy.” His lips came back down on mine before I could respond. “Tell me what you want, Des.” His breath filled my mouth with his plea.
Panting, I begged, “Please touch me, O.” My eyes opened to meet his as he pulled his face back. I found his hand resting on my hip and I guided it just above my mound. “Here.”
He took a shaky breath, asking, “You’re sure?” Nodding, I pushed his hand a little lower and he smirked at me, regaining control of his hand. “Patience grasshopper.”
Kissing me slowly and deeply, my brain became a pile of mush as my body seemed to fall off its axis of sanity. I no longer knew which way was up and which was down. His hand moved under my shirt and cupped my breast through the lacy material of my bra. I lifted slightly, pulling the shirt from my body as his eyes examined my chest. Gently, he pulled the cup down as my breast popped free. The warmth of his palm covering me had me moaning as I lifted my breast higher, seeking a firmer touch from him. Soon my bra straps were pushed from my shoulders, both breasts covered in the remnants of his kisses.
When he finally cupped me through my yoga pants, his fingers gripping me and feeling the wetness that I knew had soaked through, I bucked up into his hand. It wasn’t going to be long before he got me to completely unravel. He shushed me, though I wasn’t sure why, then kissed me softly. Was I speaking in tongues? I guess it was possible.
“Relax. I’ll get you there. Promise.”
“I can’t wait, O. Please.”
He ignored my plea and began kissing my neck again. The hand between my legs moved up as I groaned in protest, which was quickly replaced with a moan of approval as his hand slipped into my pants and under my panties. Slowly his fingers roamed over my already parted lips. He teased me as he touched me everywhere but my clit.
I cried out in ecstasy as a finger slipped inside me and circled me. “Oh God, O. I don’t think I can take it.”
Against my lips he told me, “You can. Relax, Des. Let me take care of you. There’s no rush.”
Take care of me. I liked the sound of that. A lot. His lips pulled a nipple to his mouth as his other hand began fucking me. My hips sought to greet every thrust of his hand and then his thumb began to tease my clit. I tried moving to a seated position, but could barely manage it. His arm circled my back, pulling me into his broad chest. My hands gripped the cushion on the couch as his other hand brought me closer to the edge. My back stiffened and I knew it was coming. Blurry vision took over for a split second before.
“O, kiss me.”
“I want to watch you. I’ll kiss you after.”
I couldn’t hold myself up any longer and sprawled back across his lap, my breasts thrust in the air. “Now…I’m…O!” The hand at my back pulled gently on my hair causing my back to arch more.
I could feel his breath on my face as he urged me on. Whispering, his sexy baritone filled my ears as he said the sexiest and most ridiculous thing to me. “Show me your O face, Des.”
My eyes locked with his as I rode out the sensations, my moans turned into a silent cry from lips that were now swollen from his kisses. Everything from my toes up to the hair on my head was tingling. My nipples ached, they were so
hard. The pulsing slowed and he resumed kissing my breasts as my body trembled at his touch. Just when I was about to chastise him for not kissing me, his lips met mine. The kiss was passion filled, a spark renewed inside me as I held his face close to mine.
“That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.”
I felt the blush spread across my cheeks as I shook my head at him. “I find that doubtful.”
“Don’t. It was. You were totally lost in my touch. I can’t wait to do it to you again.” I realized his fingers still occupied my pussy as he gently moved them. Without consent, my hips rose up and he smiled at me. “I think you like that idea.”
It took all my strength, but I managed to sit up and then straddled his lap. “I do, but what about you?” I settled myself against the bulge in his jeans and kissed his lips as his hands ran up and down my back. “I want to see your O face!”
Lowering my hand, I cupped his erection and just as quickly he pulled my hand away. “What about me? I’m fine.” My eyes popped open in confusion as I searched his hazel globes. “This was about you. Besides, call me old fashioned. I don’t want to move too fast, Des.”
Sitting back, I was mildly annoyed. “You just finger-fucked me on my couch. We surpassed fast about thirty minutes ago.”
Smiling devishly—I wasn’t sure if I wanted to kiss him or hit him—he remained calm and softly said, “I enjoyed every second of it, more than you know. But, I’m not going any further with you tonight. Not until you agree to one thing.” My brows furrowed as I wondered what he was getting at. “You’re not too old for me and I want to take you on a date.”
Crossing my arms I clarified things for him. “That’s two things, not one. I’ll agree to the date, but being too old for you will have to wait.”
He pursed his lips as his eyes moved to my mouth. “Fine. I accept. For now.”
Unaware of what he was doing until it was too late, I squealed in fear—more for him, not me. “O, put me down. Your leg!”
He was now standing as I clung to his body. “My leg is fine. You’re not that heavy.” He started laughing as he walked toward my bedroom. “You need to sleep and so do I.” He set me on my bed and started to leave the room.
“You’re not staying?”
“I’m not going anywhere but to the couch.” I started to object when he just shook his head and closed the door behind him. “Patience grasshopper.”
“YOU’RE INFURIATING.” I bellowed from my spot on the bed.
“JUST THE WAY YOU LIKE IT.”
Groaning, I threw a pillow at the door and heaved myself back on the bed. A smile immediately spread across my face. I was in deep fucking shit with this one.
~ DESiree ~
~ Chapter 5 ~
The next morning I woke to breakfast being made. He was in the kitchen cooking in nothing but his jeans and a wife-beater tank top. I couldn’t keep my eyes off his arms as the muscles moved and flexed while he flipped pancakes. When I finally managed to pull my eyes from his body, I found his eyes on my face. I’d been caught red handed checking him out.
Winking, “Morning. Sleep good?”
Had I ever. Probably the best night’s sleep I’d had in ages. “I did. You?”
“Your couch is comfy. If it wasn’t I would’ve joined you.” His attention went back to the stove and I sat down at the breakfast bar and imagined him joining me in bed. The clank of a plate startled me and brought me back to the present. “Eat up!”
When I was done eating, he leaned over and kissed me. It was an amazing kiss. Slow, sensual, and full of tongue. He tasted like syrup and I continued to lick at his lips looking for more of the sweetness. His hands moved to cup my face as he pulled his lips from mine. I was hot and bothered and would willingly let him spread me across the counter if he tried.
He left shortly after talking about clients he had at the gym. Turns out he was working as a personal trainer at one of the few gyms some of his brothers owned. That helped explain his amazing arms. He kissed me on the cheek and said he’d be in touch.
Almost a week passed. It took all my will power not to text him first. Especially since my dreams had been filled with him. It was ridiculous how consumed with him my thoughts had been. Then thinking about that made me paranoid and convinced me that he didn’t feel the same way. I mean, who does what he did to me on the couch and then doesn’t take what’s his? Then that kiss after breakfast had me whirling, too. I’d offered myself to him like a sacrificial lamb and he’d turned me down without a second thought. Spouting some bullshit about being old fashioned and wanting to take it slow.
This was the problem with younger men. They were either consumed with putting notches in their belts or didn’t have a fucking clue what they wanted. Gah! One minute I was thinking about the things I wanted to do to him and the next I was convincing myself I didn’t want anything to do with him.
I nearly jumped out of my skin when my cell phone began buzzing. It was O. To answer or not to answer. On the fourth ring I caved and frantically slid the green button across the phone, hoping I wasn’t too late.
Deep breath, “Hello?”
“Hey, Des. It’s me.”
“Hi. Who’s me?”
“O.” I remained silent. “Odysseus. Odysseus Kerrigan.”
With a questioning tone, I repeated his name. “Odysseus, Odysseus?”
“Dammit, Des. Stop fucking with me.”
I couldn’t contain my laughter. “Admit it. I had you going for a second.”
“Nope.”
“You lie!” I heard him chuckle and waited to see what he’d say next.
“So, about that date.”
“Hmm.”
“Well?”
“Odysseus Kerrigan, for someone so old fashioned you sure aren’t familiar with how to ask a girl out on a proper date.”
I heard him take a deep breath. “Dammit.” Now I felt bad. “Des, I’m sorry. Would you do me the honor to join me for dinner Friday night?”
“I’m sorry. I was just giving you a hard time. I’d love to join you for dinner.”
“You’re infuriating.”
“That’s what you like about me!”
“Yes, yes it is. Can I pick you up at six?”
“I have to work late Friday. Make it seven and I’ll make sure I’m ready.”
“Deal. I’ll pick you up at your place at seven.” He paused and then confessed, “I’ve missed you and I’m looking forward to seeing you again.”
With a smile across my face and inside my heart, I reciprocated his sentiment. “Me too. See you Friday, O.”
I disconnected the call and ran to my closet. It was already Wednesday and I needed to figure out what to wear. It dawned on me that this would be my first real date in almost two years. My routine of sleeping with men, not dating them, had become a normal I was happy to leave behind.
Friday was another normal day, but as the end of the work day approached, time seemed to move at a snail’s pace. When I got home, I threw the mail on the table by the door, dropping my purse and keys, before heading further inside. I was so excited for my date with O that the feeling that something was off didn’t even register with me until it was too late.
“Hey there, Buttercup.” My heart stopped and my skin crawled. How had he gotten inside? Immediately all the things O had warned me about rang in my ears. Security system, cameras, deadbolts. “You’re looking good. In a hurry to go somewhere?”
What did I say? I didn’t want to endanger O, but I was scared for my own safety, too. Maybe Saul would leave if I told him I was expecting someone. Who was I kidding? I knew better than that.
“Nope, just relieved to be home so I can start the weekend.”
Glancing around my bedroom, nothing seemed out of place. My gun was in the closet and I didn’t think there was any way to get to it without him stopping me. Looking to the clock I had an hour before O was supposed to pick me up. An hour too long.
He stood up and took a few steps toward
me as I backed away. “Wh, what are you doing here, Saul? You know you’re not supposed to be here.”
Smirking he replied, “It’s been too long since I’ve tasted my Buttercup.” My stomach convulsed in revulsion.
I tried another tactic, sympathy, when his fingers slithered down my cheek. Leaning in to his touch, I lied, “I don’t want you to get in trouble. You know how that detective is.”
“Missed me have you? Kiss me, Buttercup.” His eyes narrowed in on mine as I forced myself to make eye contact with him. Lifeless brown eyes sneered back at me and I couldn’t begin to fathom the crazy that laid behind them. I kissed his cheek and he sniggered, “You can do better than that.”
My eyes were downcast, trying to take in his appearance when his fingers roughly gripped my chin, pulling my face up to his. “Please, Saul.” I was desperate and grasping at straws. “It’s that time of the month. I don’t feel well.”
“You forget that Aunt Flo never bothered me. That was you.” Remembering that I had once been intimate with this demented man willingly, had my stomach revolting. Of course I didn’t really know who I was dealing with then. I did now. “Get undressed.” It wasn’t a request.
It wouldn’t be the first time he’d forced himself on me. There was no point in fighting, he’d just make it worse. Then I felt the vibration of my phone, alerting me of a text message. Saul didn’t seem to hear it or he didn’t care. It was probably O letting me know he was on his way. O. I was betraying him by not trying to resist Saul. I had to fight, but I couldn’t let O come here. There was no telling what Saul’s reaction would be.
Turning toward the closet where I knew my gun was, I asked Saul what he wanted. “Satin or lace?” His fingers came down on my wrist and yanked me back toward him. “I have new negligees. Don’t you want to see them?”
“I told you to undress. Lingerie can wait till next time.”
I was on the bed naked as Saul inspected my body. The room was freezing even with the heat blasting through the vents. There was a knock on my apartment door and Saul drew back, turning his head he glared at me. “Just ignore it, Saul.”