“Travis?” I piqued a brow. This conversation was getting more interesting.
“Yes, him. Nobody understood that friendship at all. He had no money, shopped at thrift stores, and listened to bad music. You were seen everywhere with him, and it was fueling all sorts of talk. It was bad for our image, for our family’s reputation...”
I uncapped the whiskey and went to take a swig, but stopped myself. I needed to keep my head clear. Zara knew some things, and I was going to learn what she knew. Why the fuck else would she be discussing the topic of that traitorous backstabber?
“Ella didn’t seem to think he was beneath her.” I remarked coolly.
Zara scoffed. “You can’t be serious. When Aislinn became a more suitable choice for you, father paid Ella off to keep quiet, and to seduce your friend at the same time. She was quite easy to convince, and apparently your friend was even easier.” Zara frowned.
There is no word in the dictionary to describe how livid I was at the news of this. Enraged, I threw the whiskey bottle into the empty hearth and it shattered into thousands of shards. My sister jumped in her skin.
“Father only had me deliver the check to Ella, nothing more. He threatened I’d see black and blue if I said a word, so I kept silent. Then, I was shipped off to that horrid boarding school.” She spoke at a hurried pace, fumbling with her fingers nervously.
“You’ll receive all the care you need here in New York,” I replied crisply. There was far too much on my mind to provide her with warmth and comfort at this very moment. The best I could do was pull her into an embrace. She felt so frail in my arms, and I was afraid I might snap her bones. She was surprised by my embrace. Jillian was rubbing off on me.
It was going to be a long night, making phone calls, and having arrangements made.
I doubt anybody has even noticed that Zara is absent in England. Disgusting.
****
It was close to three in the morning when I finally entered my bedroom. The radiant twinkling of Manhattan lights created an illuminating glow through the floor-to-ceiling windows in my bedroom. Our bedroom. I watched Jillian sleep for a few minutes. She appeared so peaceful, so serene and so innocent. The soft smile on her lips put me at ease-for the moment.
For so many years, I shut people out, including Jillian. I once forbade her from this room, intent on keeping it as my personal place of solitude- free from the clutter and emotions of the outside world. Now, the light signature scent of her lavender shampoo greets my pillow when I go to bed at night. Her clothes line one-half of the walk-in closet. I cannot imagine a life without my Jillian, but I will do whatever is necessary to keep her safe and protected.
A sickening feeling clenched my gut as I thought about the discussion I had with my sister earlier in the study. The words of Ian Brennan also echoed through my mind as I stripped down and prepared for bed. I reached into my top chest of drawers and fumbled with the small safe that was rested beneath a row of socks. A small, square-shaped velvet box was situated at the bottom. I stole a glance in Jillian’s direction before I turned back to the small velvet box in my hands. I opened it and studied my grandmother’s diamond. It is an heirloom that was bestowed upon me when I turned twenty-one. I never intended to give this away to any woman, because my family’s dynasty will die with me. Even when I proposed to Ella, I bought something modern and exquisite for her finger. I was supposed to give this diamond to my future wife, whom my parents assume will be Aislinn Meadows. I have other plans.
I replaced the velvet box back into the safety of my top drawer and then crawled into bed beside Jillian. She’s been staying here so often, she might as well move in. I smiled to myself at that thought. Not too long ago, I would have tried to banish such a thought from my mind. Now, I can think of nothing else that would make me happier… well, there is one thing or two. That sick and twisted feeling suddenly clenched my insides again. I knew what must be done, but it was a shattering thought.
Beside me, Jillian smiled softly in her sleep and rolled over to curl against me.
“You smell like whiskey,” she admonished lazily, mostly asleep.
“I promise you, I drank very little,” I whispered in her ear, and pulled her body tightly against mine.
“Mm.” She gave a soft muffled response as she fell into a sound sleep.
I lie there with her quietly, listening to the gentle pattern of her breathing, until the early rays of sunlight began filtering through the window. My mind had been too restless, wreaking havoc on my thought process. I thought of the stakes, the cost of keeping Jillian safe, versus keeping her with me.
Did I have it in me to consider the cost of both sides of the coin?
18. Jillian Pryor
I woke to soft sunrays streaming down on my face. I was tightly sandwiched between Mason’s strong arms, which were wrapped around my middle, and pressed against his solid body. I felt slightly suffocated, pressed so firmly against him. He held me as though he was afraid of letting me go. I was afraid to move, for fear of waking him. He was actually sleeping; I could feel his breathing against the back of my neck and I had a feeling he hadn’t been asleep for long.
I lie there with him holding me so strongly. I felt the rock hard stiffness of his length pressed into my lower back. It was so hard, it hurt a little. I felt so wet just from feeling how stiff and long he was, pressing into my lower back. I was wearing one of his white undershirts and a pair of my purple lace panties. I had a feeling if I woke him, I wouldn’t have those panties intact for long. I struggled between the thought of letting him sleep, and licking him. I decided to let him sleep… there was always later.
As discreetly as possible, I moved to slip out of the bed. I made it as far as the edge of the bed, when I suddenly felt a powerful grasp on my wrist.
“Where are you going?”
I sighed, but smiled to myself. “You are the lightest sleeper I’ve ever known.”
Strong arms pulled me back into the bed as the silk of his voice tickled my neck. “Mm. I wasn’t aware you have experience sharing beds with others.”
“I don’t… You’re the only one.” I looked up into his face as he stared down at me. His body hovered over mine and he used a single knee to push my thighs apart. There was a disapproving glare on his face as he noticed the violet lace still on my hips. With a single swipe, they were torn from my hips. The shredded material was used to swiftly bind my wrists together above my head. My body wriggled beneath his grasp and he sat on his knees, staring down at me.
I bit my lower lip as I moved a bare foot up and down his hard, muscled stomach. I watched the fire dance in his eyes as I caressed his olive, toned body with my foot. He pushed my foot out of the way and pressed his body against mine. He used two hands to shove my thighs as far apart as possible. I felt so vulnerable this way, completely at his mercy. He inserted a single finger between my slick lips, and I clenched around his finger. Desire settled between my thighs and gave me an ache. My back arched softly, and my body careened into his touch.
“More,” I begged in a blurt.
He looked at me with a devilish glimmer in his brown eyes, and retracted his finger. My body writhed in objection. With both hands on my shoulders, he jerked my body upwards into a sitting position.
“Mason, what-?”
“Hush.” He was commanding, leaving no room for rebuttals or questions. With ease, he grabbed a long black silk tie that had been carelessly tossed over an armchair.
Without a word, he wrapped the black silk in swift, smooth layers over my eyes. It secured tightly over the bridge of my nose and the world quickly became dark around me. I couldn’t see a damn thing. I could only feel his movements, and smell the scent of him. I felt him loop the tie around the torn panties that cuffed my wrists together, and he secured the knot to the wooden bedframe. Oh my God. My arms were secured above my head, and I could barely budge them. The world remained black around me, heightening my other senses. I sensed him hover over me. I could smell him.
Liquid pools of heat built up between my thighs and my clit pulsed with anticipation.
His fingers suddenly trailed in feather light strokes down my heated skin- from my stomach, to my hips, and down to the sensitive skin of my inner thighs. I shuddered at the pleasure. Tingles exploded in gentle bursts all over my nerve-endings.
“Ohh. Mason,” I arched into his torturous strokes. They were so light, he was barely grazing my skin with the tips of his fingers.
He made no sound; I could only hear my own ragged, desperate breathing. The bed shifted under his weight as he moved into position. I could sense that he was sitting on his knees, between the heat of my thighs. His hands were like a vice around both of my ankles as he lifted my leg into the air. I was so sure he was about to fuck me. I was ready. I was needy. I felt swollen and aching for his thick, hard cock. I felt my ass grind against the sheets, outside of my control, as my body writhed for him.
“Mason…” I moaned softly. My body couldn’t take much more of this anticipation.
“Don’t think. Just feel.” I felt a single finger run softly down my inner thigh, to my calf, to the ball of my foot. This was driving me wild. Pure, delicious torment.
Suddenly, his hot mouth was on my big toe. His lips enveloped my toes, one by one, sucking, nipping. Ah!
Instinctively, I yanked my foot away, but his iron grip on my ankle held me in place and his lips never left my foot. I was never aroused by the idea of toe-sucking. In my opinion, feet were never considered sexual parts of the body, but the way Mason sucked and nipped at my toes had me so incredibly aroused. His thumb massaged the ball of my foot, and my heel, as he ravished my foot with his tongue and lips. He’d never done this to me. Ever. It was so sensual. With darkness surrounding me, I could only feel. My body was sizzling under his touch.
He positioned my left foot in the air and repeated the same luscious sucking and nipping he’d done with my right. My breathing became heavier as he continued to make love with his mouth. Oh hell. His lips moved in a slow, sensuous, exquisite trail from my foot, up my calves, to my inner thighs. His lips were hungry yet passionate, kissing up my legs, both in turn until he reached the apex of my thighs. His warm breath tickled my glistening lips, and the stubble on his face scratched lightly, barely touching. I was so wet, throbbing for him. Desperately, I arched my back into him, coaxing him to give me more. More.
“Please, Mason.” My plea was erratic, and I tugged on the restraints he resourcefully used.
“Please, what?” He asked, moving away from me suddenly. The cool morning air sent a chill to my skin. I protested in a soft whine.
“Please. I might combust if you don’t fuck me soon!” I sounded pathetic and desperate.
He responded with a velvety chuckle, and the quickening whirr of a buzzing device greeted my ears.
I gasped. He found the vibrator Elyse gave me!
“You went through my panty drawer!” I blurted.
“Indeed. Now, kindly shut up… unless you are moaning my name, of course.”
Darkness continued to surround me, thanks to his experience in tying knots. I sensed him approach, and heard the whirring of the vibrator become louder and finally settle between my wet lips. I bucked my hips gently, trying to give myself some friction against the vibrator. Mason would not relent, I felt exquisite vibrations against my cit as he moved the head of the device in smooth circles around and around.
I let out a deep, breathy moan. “Oh… Oh F-f… Mason…”
The sensations were beyond description. I was completely at his mercy and my toes were curling against the silk duvet. The bulb of my vibrator suddenly penetrated through my slick channel and I groaned as he began massaging my insides with it.
“You like this?” He asked in a sultry voice that was just sinful.
“Y-yes…”
“Feels good, hm?” He inched it in slowly, then pulled out. He had it on a low setting and it was torment.
“Yes…” I whined, writhing my body. My wrists rubbed against the lace of my panties, which remained firmly knotted in place.
“Tell me, my darling. Does it feel as good as my cock?” The bulb continued to agonize me with such a slow tempo.
I whimpered in objection. “No…”
“No?” He retracted the device from my throbbing pussy.
Stop tormenting me, damnit!
“No… Mason...Please…!”
He kept the vibrator away and I felt empty. I let out a moan of objection, but then his mouth was on me. His stubble scratched my sensitive skin while his tongue lapped at my juices. He took my clit between his perfect lips and sucked. Ribbons of pleasure suddenly caressed every nerve in my body and my toes curled, clenching the duvet. I let out a sharp moan, which only encouraged him. He continued caressing my heated, wet pussy with his tongue.
My chest heaved wildly, and then he pulled away without warning. The cool air hit my hyper-sensitive swollen flesh and I clenched in response.
“What about my mouth? Does your toy feel as good?”
Oh, God…
“No… never. Mason, please. I can’t take much more.”
He answered with a smooth swipe of his tongue along my pulsing clit. I nearly melted. His lips left me there, and moved up, kissing, licking, nipping the skin of my stomach, my hips and finally my breasts.
I let out a shuddering breath as his tongue wrapped around each nipple and he sucked. Hard. I whimpered in reaction.
Without warning, he slammed into me, and I cried out from the impact. My back arched as he drove to the hilt in one swift, powerful thrust. His fingers dug into the skin of my thighs as he gripped me.
“I’m going to fuck you so sore, you’ll never forget I was here.” I could only hear the smooth, strong warning in his voice. I was so turned on. I wanted him to take me- strong, hard, deep.
“Is that a promise?” I moaned, still reeling from his deep, forceful thrust.
He responded with another harsh thrust, splitting me open so I’d feel every inch of his cock. He continued a tempo that was hard. Punishing. Ethereal.
“Does this feel as good as your toy?” He asked with such authority in his voice.
“Oh, God. Mason. More…” I cried out. I felt like I was about to lose my mind and explode.
He continued his punishing rhythm, fucking every inch of me. Suddenly, his hands bent my knees over my breasts. His hands wrapped around my ankles in a strong grip and he slammed into me with such fury. I nearly screamed, throwing my head back against the pillow. His thrusts were carnal, yet sensuous. I was past coherent thinking-blinded by his silk tie, my wrists knotted to the bed with my own torn panties.
“More?” He rasped.
“Please…” I could only beg. He answered with another deep thrust, filling me completely. I could only feel and holy hell… I clenched around him as I cried out, moaning his name repeatedly while I came. His growl was feral as he continued hammering into me, claiming every inch.
My chest heaved so deeply, so overcome by such a climax, I didn’t realize how fiercely my nails dug into my palms as I curled my fingers.
He continued pounding me hard and fast, never relenting in his rhythm. His hands gripped my ankles as he slowed his tempo, grinding against my clit in a smooth, sensuous motion. Sparks erupted deep within my core as he did this, and I moaned his name like a broken record.
“Oh Jill.” He gave one sharp guttural groan as he released deep inside me.
I felt his body tremble as he collapsed between my thighs. His weight nearly crushed me as his chest heaved wildly. I was still in a state of euphoria, and certainly wouldn’t complain if he decided we should stay in bed all day like this.
19. Mason Woodward
I rested with my face buried between her breasts for quite sometime. I was in no hurry to leave this bed; The rest of the world could wait. I felt her fingers caress my hair as we remained in silence. It was such a calming, relaxing thing that she often did after sex.
Five years ago,
I would have laughed at the idea of having Jillian Pryor in bed with me. Now, I loved her so much it fucking hurt. I’ve gone and done something I swore I’d never do: Fallen. Hard. I’ll do anything it takes to keep her safe from my father.
I suddenly stiffened as the reality of the situation crashed down around me. Jillian’s fingers halted in their caress.
“What’s wrong?” Her voice was soft and gentle.
I was at a loss for words in that very moment. I took a few seconds to debate how and what I should say to her. I promised her no more secrets. I promised no more games. Still, I had plans… and I was at a loss for what to say to her.
There is no tactful way to tell this woman that my father hired a hitman to kill her, and will likely try it again if I don’t put a stop to it. Jillian was completely oblivious to all of this, and telling her the truth would only alarm her and scare her. I had a strategy of my own in mind. My decision was made, but the choices I was given would hurt no matter the outcome. Still, nothing would compare to losing her permanently.
My lip curled into a snarl, and my fist clenched her hair in anger. I didn’t realize I’d made such an act until she pulled my face to gaze at hers.
“Mason…” Her voice was soft, but agitated.
“Shower with me.” I wasn’t about to have an argument after the unfuckingbelievable sex we’d just had.
I untangled myself from her thighs and moved off the bed.
“Get over here,” I gave a playful growl as I scooped her off the bed. I carried her to the shower as she giggled softly. I could distract her with another round of fucking in the shower. The more time I bought myself from the truth, the better…
****
“Are you ready for your surprise?” I whispered into her ear as she tried to towel her hair dry.
Her soft laugh was music to my ears as I wrapped my arms around her waist. I yanked the towel from her body and tossed it to the floor.
“Twice wasn’t enough for you?” She asked playfully, attempting to sound aggravated. She watched our reflection in the mirror as my mouth moved from her neck to the cuff of her ear.
Queen In Play (The Manhattan Tales Book 2) Page 16