Tempted

by Anthony, Alexandra

  Without another word, he turned and walked away. Vic had enough common sense to look embarrassed, muttering a hurried apology to Nick before shuffling off in search of a refill for his empty scotch glass.

  I was instantly apologetic. Spinning to face him, I looked up into his handsome face. His eyes were fixed on my father’s retreating back in the crowd, his dark brows narrowed sharply. “Nick, I’m so sorry. I never…”

  “Shhh. Let’s step outside. I need some fresh air, okay?” Nick asked. He met my anxious stare and ran the back of his fingers over my cheek. “Come with me.”

  We pushed open the balcony doors and walked to the edge. He placed his large hands on the banister and stared straight ahead into the darkness, breathing in deep breaths of fresh air. A light breeze lifted his black hair. “I had to get out of there...it gets overwhelming. I’m afraid of losing control. Jesus, I hate this shit.”

  I leaned back against the concrete pillar of the balcony, crossing my arms as I watched him curiously. Pent up frustration at my father and confusion at Nick’s words caused my response to be harsher than what I'd wanted it to be. "I’m sure you have an ulterior motive for dragging me out here. I hope this isn’t an attempt to seduce me.” I hadn’t meant to take my aggravation out on him; but as usual, my mouth kicked into gear before my brain could stop me.

  The side of his face exposed to me curled into a small smile. He looked down at me for a moment before he answered. "How is it that you manage to distract me so easily? You do that, you know. And did it cross my mind? Absolutely. I think we'd be fucking fantastic together, Savannah. But in all honesty I needed to get away from the smell, the sounds..."

  I'd expected his swagger, but not his brutal honesty. Something about his smile and his words struck a cord inside of me. Was I fighting a losing battle attempting to resist him? The attraction between us was growing stronger the more time we spent together. “You know how I feel about...”

  "Dating your boss. I know." Nick finished for me. He turned and his fingers wandered down my arm. "Imagine if it could work, love. Think of the possibilities...just humor me. Just for a moment."

  Closing my eyes, I didn't stop his roving hands. His silken words were like throwing kerosene on an ember. My barely contained desire for him ignited anew, spreading like wildfire across my skin and deep inside of me. My stomach tightened in expectation as I waited to see what he’d do next.

  My breath hitched when his hand brushed along my lower back, creeping to rest against my ass. He pulled me to him, my hands fisting into the lapels of his suit.

  "Nick, you're not playing fair." I hated the breathy way my voice sounded. It showed that he was chipping away at my firm resolve.

  He nuzzled his nose against my cheek, his mouth against my ear. "Love, that's not me. The ante is raised when there's something I want." His lips ghosted down my neck at a torturous pace. When he reached the base of my throat he inhaled deeply, groaning softly. "And Savannah, that's you."

  My head fell to the side, silently willing his exploration to continue. His hands became more insistent as he pushed me into the shadows of the balcony. His tongue trailed up my throat, his fingers gripping my ass greedily. Another hand tunneled through my hair, loosely knotting at the nape of my neck.

  "You’re so fucking beautiful, Savannah. Did you know that I want to taste you, put my mouth everywhere? Can you imagine us together? Because I can. I want to see your naked body spread across my bed," he drawled out gruffly. "I'd take my time with you. You'd ruin me and we’d destroy each other."

  My hips jutted towards him and my own hands started their own reckless voyage. One hand slipped under his jacket, caressing the sleek muscles of his back. The other hand stroked his hard arousal straining against the fabric of his dress pants, poking against my stomach. He growled at my brazen, unexpected touch.

  I was ready to drag him from the party, dismissing my well thought out reservations. I wanted him too much and was past the point of no return. I’d deal with the consequences tomorrow.

  Nick felt my acceptance and moved in for the kill. His lips brushed tenderly against mine. "You won't run away when the clock strikes midnight will you, Cinderella?"

  I pulled my head back to stare into his dark eyes and grinned crookedly. "Afraid of a challenge, Nick?"

  "Never." He shot back arrogantly. I was prepared to crash my lips to his when I felt myself being ripped from his arms.

  Now the hands that held me were possessive and angry. Instead of Nick, it was Kevin's furious face that filled my line of vision. "This is what you call working with your boss? You're fucking him."

  My desire was immediately dampened as if I’d been sprayed down with a hose. "Kevin, what the hell are you doing here? This has nothing to do with you..."

  He slapped his hand over my mouth, his voice growing louder. He was drawing a small crowd with his loud outburst. "Since when isn't it my business? We're supposed to be a couple."

  My anger spiked and without thinking, I bit him. As he whimpered and cradled his hand delicately, I couldn’t help but laugh at his pathetic display. "A couple? We're not even dating. You need to stop being delusional."

  He recovered from my bite and gripped my shoulders, shaking me until my teeth chattered together. "You're supposed to be with me. Not some rich bastard that bought you."

  Nick shoved his imposing frame between us. He'd had enough. "Remove your hands from her or I will. I guarantee you won't like it if I do it."

  Kevin had enough self-preservation and common sense to release me at the sound of Nick's thunderous voice. Nick pushed me behind him, shielding me from Kevin protectively.

  And Nick wasn't even close to being finished. "This is how this is going to work. You're going to leave. Now. If you value your insipid life, you'll go quietly. Savannah doesn't belong to you and you insult both of us with insinuating she's only interested in me because of money. Truth be known, I've been chasing her for a while. She's a tough one to crack."

  Kevin cowered back slightly. Nick's face became a predatory mask as he leaned closer. "Understand, Kevin? Or should I explain it to you again?”

  For a split second, I actually worried about Kevin's safety. Nick had never lost control like this. I’d seen him get frustrated and impatient. But now…now he almost didn't look human as his handsome face twisted in anger.

  “This isn’t over.” Kevin warned. He stormed off the balcony, leaving Nick and I alone. Nick’s hands were clenched into fists at his side, inhaling deep breaths as if to calm himself.

  "Nick?" I questioned softly. I placed a hand on his arm. “Hey, he’s gone.” My fingers reached out to turn his face towards me.

  He looked at me blankly, blinking quickly. The anger drained from his face and his broad shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry. I lost it there for a moment. Are you alright?"

  My hands still held his face. "Me? I'm fine. I'm worried about you."

  He scowled handsomely. "Of course you'd be worried about me. You just had a delusional man claim you belonged to him, watched me threaten him with bodily harm and you're worried about me?"

  I gave him a tiny smile. "It's just the way I am. Let's go back inside before we draw more attention to ourselves."

  He grinned weakly and took my hand, tucking it into the crook of his arm. I curled my fingers around his bicep and let him lead me back into the party. Elliott was standing by the patio doors, waiting for us to enter.

  I was wondering how much Elliott had seen. From the look on his face, he'd been a voyeur the entire time. He glared at Nick and was quick to pull me from his grasp.

  "You’re okay?" Elliott's eyes swept over me, visually expecting me. Once he seemed satisfied, he released me. "What happened?"

  I knew I’d only have to say a single word. "Kevin."

  Elliott squeezed his eyes closed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You know how I feel about that little twerp. I'm glad Nick was there.” He rubbed my back consolingly. “Nick, are you under control?"


  Nick nodded. He drew in a ragged breath and shoved his hands in his pockets. His normally pale face looked almost white, his eyes so dark I could barely see any of the brown.

  “I’ll take her home. Go.” Elliott ordered curtly. Nick hesitated, looking at me longingly. He didn’t want to leave me, even though he knew I was safe with Elliott.

  Truthfully, I didn’t want him to go either. Our eyes locked, and in that brief moment, nothing else seemed to exist. The sounds of the party faded away, the confrontations with my father and Kevin seemed to disappear as I stared into his eyes.

  “I said go, Nick. Do I need to call Ian or Malcolm to handle this?” Elliott questioned. He raised an eyebrow and an odd look passed between them. “Because I will call them if you don’t leave now and let me handle this.”

  Nick shook his head. He leaned and placed a soft kiss on my lips. Our foreheads touched and sighed unhappily. “I’m sorry. I have to go.”

  “Then go. I’ll see you tomorrow,” I promised. I tried to keep the disappointment out of my voice. I watched him turn and slip into the crowd. Soon he was gone and I felt strangely alone.

  Elliott wrapped his arm around my shoulder. “Let’s get you home, huh?”

  ***

  We were driving home when a thunderstorm hit. The rain poured over the car in heavy sheets. "I saw the way he looked at you. Are you ready for that sort of thing, Savannah?" Elliott asked, squinting through the constant whir of the wiper blades. "There's more to Nick than what you think. Just remember that.”

  My thumb rubbed absently across my neck. I was remembering the feel of his mouth and tongue against my skin. Sighing heavily, my voice was quiet. "What are you getting at, Elliott?"

  Elliott risked a quick glance my way. "It's his story to tell. Just promise me you’ll be careful. I love you as much as Siobhan. You've been like a daughter to me and I worry about you. You’ve already been through so much."

  Elliott knew I was close to breaking. He’d seen it with his very own eyes and I knew he was only thinking of my best interests with his fatherly concern.

  Carlton Wood was my father by birth, but it was Elliott who'd cheered me on at graduations and at gymnastic competitions. He’d even planned birthday parties when neither of my parents could be bothered with such trivial things. In fact, he'd taken me under his wing and was mentoring me to eventually join his agency.

  Elliott stopped by my driveway and took my hand in his. "If you need to talk, I'm a phone call away."

  A smile tugged at my lips and I leaned to press a kiss on his smooth cheek. "Did I ever tell you you're my favorite godfather?"

  He roared out a loud laugh at our old joke. It broke the tension and he squeezed my hand and released it. "I'm your only godfather."

  A clap of thunder brought me back to the present.

  Carrying my shoes, I wiggled out of my dress as I walked through the house to my bedroom. Dropping the strapless dress in a pile on the floor, I pulled an oversize t-shirt on and walked to the windows that faced the street. It was still pouring, rain and wind rattling the windows. It was if the weather was sensing my own inner turmoil. I was reeling from my heated exchange with Nick on the patio and argument with Kevin. What had possessed him to show up and make a scene like that at the party? He wasn't even invited.

  But my father had been there. I'd be willing to bet money that Kevin had wiggled an invitation to the party from my father, playing on his sympathy about my supposed betrayal. And as usual, my father had chosen to insert himself in my life when I least needed him.

  A clap of thunder made me jump. I pulled the curtains back and rested my forehead on the cool glass, staring into the darkness. Barely visible in the rain and the dim streetlight, Nick stood on the sidewalk staring at my house. He was soaking wet and his suit clung to his muscular physique, his black hair plastered to his head. His face was inscrutable, but his shoulders drooped under an invisible weight.

  I jumped back in surprise. By the time I'd recovered and looked again, he was gone. The sidewalk was empty, the street quiet.

  Get a grip, Savannah. Now I was imagining Nick was outside waiting for me. I needed a vacation…or a good night’s sleep.

  As I climbed into bed, I pulled the covers up to my chin. I'd never felt so utterly alone or so miserable. I couldn't wallow in my self-induced drama. I was the one that kept pushing Nick away. He kept coming back for more...never giving up.

  He was as persistent as I was stubborn. We were either perfect for one another or we'd implode if we finally gave in to what we were feeling. And after tonight, I was so close…

  Throwing my arm across my eyes, I tried to get comfortable. I jumped when my cell phone chimed with an incoming text alert.

  Fumbling for my phone I eagerly read the message.

  Nick: I searched to find you

  In the darkness tonight

  Everything was wrong

  But you made things right.

  I almost dropped the phone. He was quoting me his song lyrics.

  Before I could reply another came through.

  Nick: I had a wonderful time tonight, Savannah.

  Tears burned my eyes and my fingers shook as I held the phone. I attempted to type out a reply. That was beautiful. And I did too.

  Every part of my soul urged me to go to him, to give into what I was feeling. I waited for a sign. Anything. Minutes ticked by. Tossing and turning, the sound of the rain splattering against the windows was almost deafening. I was ready to give up when my cell phone chimed again.

  Nick: Are you going to let me in?

  Let him in? My mind hadn’t been playing tricks on me after all. I flew from the bed and pulled back my curtains, staring into the rainy night. He was standing under the streetlight in the rain, in the same exact spot as before. At least I hadn’t lost my mind. That was reassuring.

  I only stood at the window for a moment. I pushed away from the glass and scurried down the steps, my fingers fumbling over the locks in my haste to open the door. Letting it swing open, I wasn’t surprised to see him standing before me. Rain dripped from his raven black hair to run in rivulets down the sharp planes of his handsome face. His dark eyes were luminous, glowing with passion as he stood before me, both hands bracing the doorframe.

  “Nick…” I whispered. I took a shaky step backwards as he strode across the threshold forcefully and took my face in his hands. Our eyes met for the briefest of moments before he lowered his head to capture my lips in a toe-curling kiss, his tongue searching the contours of my mouth. Much too soon he pulled away, his teeth tugging at my lower lip. His fingers stroked down the length of my neck, cold and wet against my skin. My body trembled in response and when I raised my hands to embrace him, he stopped me and held them in his firm grip.

  “I told myself I wouldn’t do this, Savannah. I know I promised to give you your space and that I’d be patient. You can see how well that worked. So here I am, standing here in front of you. I wanted it to be different…I wanted to do this right.” He closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He dragged me closer until I was pressed against the solid wall of his chest, soaking my t-shirt with rainwater. “But I can’t do this anymore. I can’t lie to myself and pretend I’m all right with just being friends. I fucking want you.”

  His words ignited a fire deep within me, stroking the slow simmer that had been building all week. When he continued, his voice was husky. “I don’t want to talk and I don’t want to think if it’s right or wrong. I’ll deal with the fallout tomorrow, but now…now I want you more than I can put into words.”

  His hands released mine and he cradled my face in his hands. His soft mouth whispered over my lips and the curve of my jaw. Powerless to think clearly, I simply lost myself in him and the emotion he’d unleashed inside of me. He made me feel cherished and desired, as if I was the only woman alive. Keeping myself emotionally unavailable had its drawbacks and I was almost desperate to feel connected to him. Unable to hold back when his lips tentatively covered mine again,
I responded shamelessly. I slowly traced the outline of his lips with the tip of my tongue. His body reacted immediately to my unexpected reaction, the front of his rain sodden pants bulging.

  "You're soaked," I brushed his wet hair back from his forehead. My eyes followed every line on his face, over his cheekbones and his full lips. As I studied him, I wondered fleetingly if once we made love, the attraction would be gone. Maybe I could fuck him out of my mind.

  If only it was that easy, Savannah.

  The corner of his mouth twitched. His head tipped back under my touch and the weight of my stare, baring his long neck to me. “Then you should undress me, love.”

  Drawing in an unsteady breath, my hands didn’t waver as I swiftly unzipped his pants and flicked open the button of his dress pants. They fell heavily around his feet in a wet heap as my fingers pushed at his suit jacket, easing it over his broad shoulders. All that separated us was his dress shirt and my faded t-shirt.

  When he swept me into his arms and carried me up the stairs to my bedroom, I didn’t offer any challenge. He swaggered across the room, laying me across the bed in one fluid motion. My hooded eyes devoured him as stood before me, roughly tugging off his tie and dropping it carelessly on the bed beside of me. His agile fingers slid over his dress shirt, each button slowly falling open to reveal a sliver more of his pale chest until it draped open at each side, his rippled abdomen shadowed in the darkness of the room.

  “Savannah. Come here, love.”

  My heart was racing as I crawled to the edge of the bed. Reaching out to him, my hands twisted into each side of his shirt and I tugged him against me. Our bodies collided and our mouths met impatiently, the fiery caress of his lips searing through me until I was afraid nothing would be left of me but ash.

  His hands tangled in my hair our kiss deepened. He was unrelenting but in control, sexual but sensual. His taste on my tongue was mindless and drugging, leaving me breathless and longing for more.