“Maybe you’ll show him tonight?” Oliver pulled his hand from between her legs. Serene heard his zipper then felt him rub his cock between her ass cheeks. “Do you think you’ll tell him what you really need to get off?”
Serene let out a tiny yelp and Oliver covered her mouth with his hand as he entered her without restraint, filling her up quicker than was comfortable. She grunted as he issued three hard strokes then groaned when he pulled out. Serene gulped in air as Oliver put her panties back in place, pushed her dress down and turned her around. She blinked, struggled to focus as Oliver put his glistening cock back in his pants and slowly zipped them.
“You’re right, Serene, there’s no time. I hope you enjoy vanilla sex with the man worthy of dating you.”
Tears filled her eyes as Oliver moved away from her. She watched him exit the bathroom without a backwards glance and crumpled against the wall the moment she heard the door click closed. After taking in a few deep breaths, Serene walked over to the vanity and turned on the faucet without checking the mirror. Her pussy pulsed with her movements and her nipples ached within her bra. She washed her hands, grabbed a paper napkin, blotted the wet tracks on her face then looked at her reflection.
The woman in the mirror looked poised and proper, not as though she’d been pushed against the wall and teased with his cock, and definitely not as though she’d enjoyed it. Serene stared at her face, assessing the flush to her cheeks as she ran her tongue over her lips. She still tasted Oliver’s kiss.
‘I hope you enjoy vanilla sex with the man worthy of dating you.’
That wasn’t what she wanted.
“But how can I possibly have what I want?” Serene exhaled, turned from the glass, exited the bathroom and practically ran into her sister.
“There you are.”
“Here I am.”
Misha stared at her. “You okay?”
“Yup.” Serene flashed her sister a bright smile and Misha frowned.
“You don’t look okay. Everyone is out on the patio having coffee. I decided to come check on you when it took you a minute to come back. I thought maybe you’d left to escape your date.” Misha tugged on Serene’s arm. “Come back in here with me while I powder my nose.”
The two women went back into the bathroom and Serene glanced at the wall she’d just been up against and suppressed a shudder as her sister moved to the mirror. “Shawn isn’t going to handle your break-up speech well.”
Serene groaned as her sister applied more lipstick. “I never should’ve invited him here. He’s not the man I need.”
“Nope.” Misha took a paper napkin, kissed it then fluttered it in Serene’s face. “That man is clearly Oliver.”
“What?”
Misha wagged her finger at her. “Don’t bother to deny it. I saw the way you two were looking at each other at the table.” She waved her hand at Serene’s stricken look. “Don’t worry. I’m sure no one else picked up on it, but I know you. I questioned my assumption the first time I saw it, but the second time? I know that look. What’s going on between you guys?”
Serene slumped her shoulders. “I don’t know. Mish, it’s crazy.”
“Oh, my goodness! I can’t believe you didn’t say anything. You and Oliver?”
“There is no me and Oliver.” Serene leaned on the vanity as Misha turned to face her. “It isn’t like that.”
“I think it is. You’re in here with barely concealed tear tracks on your cheeks and I know I’ve been busy, honeymooning and all, but you’ve never kept this kind of secret from me in the past, which tells me this thing with Oliver is exactly like that. How long has this been going on?”
“Since Tahiti.” Serene cracked a genuine smile at her sister’s shocked expression. “It just kinda happened.”
“What happened?”
“Sex!”
“Sex?” Misha’s eyes widened. “Wow. I remember asking you if something was going with you and you dodged my question.”
“In Tahiti, I thought it was just the atmosphere, the island sun… I never intended anything else to happen once we got back. I told Oliver nothing could.”
“Wait, he told you he wanted things to continue in Tahiti?”
Serene nodded. “I didn’t think he was serious, but he contacted me and we… We…”
“I get it.” Misha gave her a gentle smile. “So, why are you so upset? Did he break things off?”
“No, exactly the opposite. He wants to explore more between us, asked me to officially date him.”
Misha gasped. “Oh, my God. This is really serious then.”
“Is it? I mean who’s to say? I told him no for many reasons.”
“Such as?”
Serene pushed off the vanity to pace the marble floor. “He’s my brother-in-law. How weird is that?”
“Unusual perhaps, but not weird. I was watching a Lifetime movie about a similar scenario the other week.”
Serene rolled her eyes. “Sleeping with Oliver is bad enough—making it a public affair? How awkward would it be after we broke up and had to be at a family gathering like this one? And we would break up.” Serene stopped pacing to face Misha. “He’s younger than me, a playboy cutie known to go through women faster than we did those fine bottles of wine out there on that immaculately laid table.”
“You read those tabloid mags more than me. How many of those chicks did Mr Playboy Cutie seek out to officially date?”
Serene stared at Misha. “I don’t recall any mention of anything like that, but I haven’t been keeping up with those things for a while.”
“Oh, stop it, Serene. I’ve listened to everything you’ve said and you want to know what I think?”
“You know I do.”
Misha crossed her arms. “I think you’re afraid of looking like a fool should things fall through with Oliver.”
“Okay, fine. What if I am? I’m too old to be caught up any further in something like this.”
Misha took hold of her arms and squeezed. “For God’s sake, Serene, you’re turning forty. You’re not moving in with the Crypt Keeper. Forget what everyone else will think about you being with him and just focus on what you want, what you need. Does being with Oliver make you happy?”
The answer to that was simple.
“Yes.”
“See how fast you answered that question? You obviously care about him. Do you think he would’ve have asked you for more than just a sexual relationship if he didn’t feel the same?”
Serene shook her head and Misha sighed.
“Dating your brother-in-law isn’t some torrid, dirty secret to feel ashamed about. You’re right, though, you do risk getting hurt if you take things further with Oliver, but that’s the same with any relationship in which you involve your heart. The question is, do you feel a connection, a spark that makes him worth the risk?”
Serene held her sister’s gaze for a moment, thinking about Oliver and how much joy and excitement he’d brought into her life. “There is a connection and the spark? Off the Richter scale. He makes me feel things, has made me feel things I’ve never felt before.”
Misha nodded. “Well, then in my opinion, the only way you’d be a fool is to not explore what more there could be between you.”
Serene exhaled. “This whole thing with Oliver is just so wild.”
“A certain sister I love very much told me that’s how it is with love—unexplainable, unpredictable.”
Serene sighed. “I don’t know what this is between us, but talking to you has made me feel better about figuring it out with him.” Serene wrapped her arms around Misha. “You’re the best little sister in the world, you know that?”
“You’re the best big sister in the world.” Misha squeezed her tighter before they pulled away. “We better get back before Shawn comes looking for you. Girl, what are you going to do about him?”
Serene giggled as they exited the bathroom. She knew how she was going to handle things with Shawn. Oliver was a different story.
Chapter Fourteen
Oliver pulled garlic bread out of the oven and cursed when the heat from the tray penetrated his cheap oven mitt.
That’s what I get for never cooking in my state-of-the-art kitchen.
A smile played across his lips as he turned on the faucet and ran his hand under the water. It had been a damn good Monday. His Vegas project was back in the black, moving ahead of schedule, and Serene would arrive any minute to ‘talk’. He didn’t know what she wanted to discuss, but she wouldn’t have agreed to come to his place if she was done with him. Still, she’d barely said goodbye to him before she’d left the dinner party at his parents’ house.
Can you blame her?
The grin on Oliver’s face faded as he recalled the sheen of tears he’d seen in Serene’s eyes when he’d left her in the bathroom. Her unexpected show of emotion had affected him more than seeing her with Shawn had. It had taken all of his self-control to remain friendly at the table while watching him touch Serene and yack on and on about taking her to a ballet.
Fucking torture.
Offering to escort Serene to the bathroom hadn’t been wise, but he’d wanted a moment alone with her, to look into her eyes. When he’d seen the longing there, it had turned his tamped-down anger into a volatile need to possess what he knew was his and make Serene face that fact too.
Oliver turned his spaghetti sauce off as he hardened. She’d been shocked by his behavior, but aroused by it too, so snug and warm around his cock. He’d wanted to pound her into the wall until her passion-filled moans drew the attention of Shawn.
The doorbell chimed. Oliver exited his kitchen and went to the front door. He opened it to see Serene, looking gorgeous in a little black dress, matching stilettos and with a fuchsia shawl draped over shoulders. “Hi.”
“Hi.”
A few seconds of silence flew by as they stared at each before Serene lifted a bottle of wine with a tentative smile. “I come bearing gifts.”
“Then by all means, come in.” Oliver took the wine from her, moved back and Serene stepped past him. “How was the ride?” He locked the door and turned, inwardly pleased to finally have her in his home.
“Smooth. Thank you for the limo, Oliver.”
“My pleasure. Can I take your shawl?”
“Sure.” Serene pulled it off and handed it to him, revealing the dramatic V neckline in the front and back of her dress.
“You look and smell fantastic.” Oliver secured the shawl on a hook by his door.
Full glossed lips curved upwards. “Thanks, so do you, and something smells great in the kitchen too.”
Oliver beckoned for her to follow him. “I’m no chef extraordinaire like Cameron, but I can rustle up something hardy when I need to. Hungry?” Oliver asked as they entered the kitchen. He placed the bottle on his granite island.
“Famished.”
Oliver took two wine glasses out of the cabinet. “Good. I hope spaghetti and meatballs will do.”
“Yum. Garlic bread?”
“Of course.” Serene giggled when he gave her a mock-affronted look as he set the glasses down, opened his drawer and took out his bottle opener. “Oh. Who is this cute little fur ball?” Serene asked, bending to pet his Russian Blue cat.
“That’s Moxie.”
“She’s precious.” Serene cooed at the feline.
“And usually pernickety. Most guests never see her. She likes you.”
Serene straightened, pleased by his admission. “I’m flattered.”
Oliver watched her walk to his sink, turn on the faucet and wash her hands as he poured the vino.
“You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you. I’ll show you the rest after we eat.” Oliver moved next to her and handed her a glass. “Shall we toast?” They were being so polite and careful with one another. He didn’t want to rush her to disclose what she’d come to discuss, but the suspense had him on edge. Not touching her was as well, especially when he knew how she’d respond in his arms. “Let’s see. What should we toast to?”
“I’ve got it.”
Oliver nodded. “Go for it.”
“Okay.” Serene lifted her wine and Oliver followed suit, curious as to what she’d say as she held his gaze.
“Here’s to us officially dating.”
“Seriously?”
All the nerves that had been jangling inside her since she’d left home quieted as Oliver smiled. Serene nodded when he put his drink down. “You are worthy of an official date.” She exhaled as he embraced her, happy to be back in his arms.
“I’m so glad, Serene.” He held her tighter. “I’m so glad you’ve finally decided to give us a chance.”
Serene rested her head on his chest, content to simply listen to his heartbeat when Oliver pulled back to look at her.
“What about Shawn?”
Serene grimaced. “I told him it wasn’t working for me. He’s convinced he can change my mind.” She giggled when Oliver growled. “Stop. He doesn’t have a chance. I want you.”
“Not half as much as I want you.” Oliver brushed his lips on hers, in a slow, soft kiss that made Serene feel cherished. Loved.
“It was torture for me seeing you with him,” Oliver said, backing her up against the island. “Do you have any idea how difficult that was?”
“I’m sorry.” Serene kissed him on the chin. “I wish I could make it up to you.”
Oliver gave her a devilish grin. “You can.”
She squealed when he lifted her on top of the countertop then winced.
“What’s wrong?” Oliver placed his hands on her knees.
“I told you earlier I came bearing gifts. I’m wearing one.” Serene giggled as the surprised look on Oliver’s face shifted to erotic intensity.
“Lie back and show me.”
Serene warmed at his command. She slowly lowered her body until her back touched the cool granite countertop then lifted her legs straight into the air and crossed them at her ankles. She shivered as the hem of her dress fell to her stomach, exposing her nakedness to Oliver.
“No panties.” Oliver ran a finger down the back of the thigh all the way down to her ass cheek.
“They never seem to last with you around.” She gasped when he pressed her legs to her chest a little and tapped on the jeweled head of her anal plug. “I must say, I think I prefer you putting it in. I almost lost my nerve a couple of times.”
Oliver chuckled. “I like thinking of you riding over here to see me with this in place.”
Serene admired her new heels in the air. “I knew you would.” Her pulse leaped as Oliver brought her legs down, took off her stilettos and set them on the floor. She kept her eyes on his handsome face as he pushed a hand between her bent knees, parted her legs and gazed at her pussy.
“Mmm. I’m so glad you brought the appetizer because I didn’t make one.”
Serene moaned as Oliver used his fingers to spread her lips.
“So juicy and pink.” He bent down and licked over her folds to her clit. “Sweet and tart, a delectable combination.”
Serene squirmed as he kissed her pussy, flicking her clit with his tongue. He slipped two fingers into her and she whimpered from the fullness with the plug in. Oliver worked her pussy, pushing in and out of her wetness while continuing to tease her with his mouth. He alternated sucking her clit and darting his tongue over and around it in delicious slow circles. Serene threaded her fingers through his hair, ready to push him away as the sensations grew, intensifying into an unrecognizable pleasure.
She panted, placing her palms flat on the counter as Oliver finger-fucked her faster and centered his focus on her clit, licking it in a steady rhythm that was taking her closer to the edge. Oliver gently agitated the anal plug, a constant tapping that didn’t push the toy any farther within her, yet effectively set off zings of dark pleasure and, soon after, Serene’s orgasm.
Her sharp cry echoed in the kitchen, a triumphant and heady sound in her own ears as s
he quivered beneath his lips. She tried to push his head away, but he remained dedicated to his task, eliciting another raw moan from her as powerful climactic aftershocks thrummed through her body. Sated and boneless, Serene gazed at him in wonder as he straightened, her entire body humming in ecstasy. “You made me come with your mouth.” Her voice sounded as unwound as she did.
“It’s so easy to do.”
Serene giggled as Oliver licked his lips and unbuttoned his pants.
“Now for the main course…”
* * * *
“Kaden, promise me you’ll be there.” Serene placed her heels on the shelf in her walk-in closet, moved to her bed then plopped down on it.
“I’ll be there. For you, I’ll pull out my dancing shoes.”
Serene chuckled. “Thank you. You hangin’ in?”
“Of course. You and Mish need to see my new digs. One room apartment living has its perks. I can hear my television in all the rooms, and my neighbor’s.”
“Kaden, why didn’t you move into a nicer place?” The moment she asked the question she knew the answer. He hadn’t anticipated having to stay there long, obviously hoping Aimee would change her mind about working toward a true reconciliation.
“This place is close to the office and Aimee. Just in case she needs me.” Kaden’s dejected pause on the other end of the line broke Serene’s heart. “Which apparently she doesn’t. Is she coming to your party?”
“She hasn’t RSVP’d yet and I haven’t been able to get a hold of her.”
“Oh.” Kaden swore. “I miss her so much.”
“I know you do. If it’s any consolation, she told me she still loves you.”
“I don’t think so, Serene.”
“She does. You don’t have divorce papers, right?”
“Right.”
“Then there’s still hope. Don’t give up if you want her back.”
“Thanks, Serene. See you soon.”
Serene ended the call with an exasperated sigh. What was it going to take for Kaden and Aimee to get back on track? Serene made a mental note to stop by her sister-in-law’s house. She couldn’t knock the feeling that there was something else going on with Aimee, another reason she seemed resistant to her brother’s attempt to repair the damage in their marriage. She was worried about Aimee and her supposedly small birthday party. It was turning into a huge soirée thanks to her sister, who was determined to make her fortieth memorable. Misha and Cameron were collaborating on a top secret menu just for her. More than fifty people would be attending the black and white bash at Soul Sweet. At Misha’s suggestion, she’d be the only one wearing anything of color.
Soul Temptation (Souls Entwined) Page 17