“I went to see my mother because some interfering busybody kept saying it was a good idea.”
“Was it?” If she whispered it, then he could ignore her if he wanted.
“Dunno really. After you’d yelled at me—”
“I didn’t.”
“You did. After you yelled I slammed a few things around, then decided maybe I was missing a trick, maybe I better check the room out before I locked the door and threw away the key.”
“One way of putting it, I suppose. You’re a bit weird, you know.”
“Says she.” He grinned and suddenly it seemed a bit easier again.
“And?”
“Ah, I was waiting for you to give in to nosiness again.”
“You’re so bloody annoying at times.” Didn’t he realize just how high on the patience scale this rated for her? She’d given him seconds—no, minutes—before prodding for an answer. He suddenly glanced up and for a second looked almost vulnerable, a weird mix of need and uncertainty that she hadn’t seen before. “What was she like, Saul?”
“Nice enough.” He gave her a warning look. “No fairy tale happy ever after, so don’t even go there, but then she doesn’t know me from Adam and this is a one-off, okay? But at least she agreed to talk to me.” His hand stilled and he half smiled. “I don’t suppose you ever understand anybody else’s relationship, do you? But she didn’t have a go at him like I thought she might. Apparently Dad told her one too many times that a woman should know her place. Figures, doesn’t it?” She reached over and put a hand over his own large one that was still tracing ever-decreasing circles on the table top. He didn’t move away, at least. “She found out he was investing their money in businesses she knew nothing about and she blew a fuse. I think she’s quite conservative, really, and it bothered her. Anyway, it turned into a shouting match and he called her posh totty.”
Roisin felt herself cringe; she couldn’t help it. Seemed he hadn’t changed over the years.
“I know.” Saul laughed. “She told me she called him a second-hand car salesman and he went ballistic. I suspect things were thrown.” He grinned, a grin that reached right into his eyes.
Ah, so it wasn’t just her who had thought that way.
“And she walked out the next day. She knew he’d object and, however many times she told him she would, he didn’t believe it would happen so she proved it. I think she felt like she was just there as arm candy and a source of money, which wasn’t her at all. I think she’s quite smart.” He turned his hand over, his fingers curled up and entwined with hers. Took a deep breath. “The solicitors said I was old enough to have an opinion on who I lived with, and I kept insisting on being with Dad. I don’t even remember that bit. She was advised to settle on access, as if it went to court she was likely to lose, especially as he threatened he’d use abandonment. She worked abroad quite a lot at the time, apparently, and she said she thought she was doing what was best for me. Keeping it calm and as friendly as she could.”
“Oh.”
“I told her I wished she’d fought for me.” His fingers tightened around hers. “And she said once she’d realized she’d made a mistake it was too late; I told her I didn’t want to see her. Or rather, Dad did.”
“And she believed him?”
He shrugged. “She thought it was better if it was just her suffering, as long as I was happy and doing what I wanted.”
“You didn’t see her at all?”
“Nope, he wouldn’t let her, kept insisting I didn’t want to see her. She said she just kept an eye on me over the years. So she knew a hell of a lot more about me than I did about her.”
“Which is the right way; she should know about you.”
“If you say so, dear.”
“Ha, nice of you to say it.”
“You might never hear it again.” He grinned, then instantly sobered again. “She never had any more children though, didn’t even remarry until a few years ago, and all the time I thought she’d left us for someone else.”
“Ah.”
He softened his grip slightly on her fingers and she suddenly realized she was clutching his hand. She pulled free; she was being silly, hanging on when all he’d done was come to explain, to tell her he’d finally done what he should have done years ago. It didn’t change anything between them. What he wanted, what she wanted. They’d both be repeating mistakes they’d made in the past.
“I want you to stay, Roisin. Please. I want you to stay and find out if it is just about sex.”
“But you said…”
“Me and Bianca were a mistake. We met when we were both drunk, when she was being the party animal she is and I was just bouncing from one bed to another. She thought I was a challenge and I thought she was a keeper.”
“But you loved her.”
“I thought so, for a while. She gave me something none of the others ever had, and I made the mistake of thinking she’d slow down but she just wanted to crash and burn. I couldn’t accept that I wasn’t enough for her, that any high would never be high enough. I was too proud to admit it and let go, so she tortured me until I finally let her off the leash.”
“What if I’m not enough for you, Saul? I’m boring, normal, one of those spoiled girls with a rich daddy, aren’t I? Your dad hates me.”
“You’re more than enough for any man, Roisin, and you don’t have a rich daddy. Which is a shame, actually, but I suppose I can live with it.” She went to slap him and, as usual, he fielded it, caught her hand, pulled it to his lips, and kissed the tip of each finger.
“Your dad hates me.”
He gently nipped the tip of her first finger. “I don’t really care; I’ve spent far too much time trying to prove to Dad that I’m him in miniature, and who really wants to be a mini me? He’s made mistakes, I’ve made mistakes, I guess we all do. But I don’t intend making one now.” His mouth moved on to the next finger.
“Meaning?”
“Letting you squirm your way out of this. Anyway, I don’t think he does hate you; he hates what you might be, not what you are.” Slowly ran his tongue up her thumb.
“And what might I be? Another Bianca?”
“You’re obsessed with that woman, worse than me. You’re nothing like her, believe me. The only thing you’ve got in common is your gender, and with her I was even starting to wonder about that.” He grinned at her. “She was rich, but you’re not even that, are you, honey?”
“Ouu, nasty.”
“But true. She was new money, brash, grasping, and greedy. Rich, but certainly no lady.”
“And what am I?”
“Aha, who’s fishing for compliments now? I guess you’re more like Mom.” He pulled her onto his lap.
“Your dad hates her too.”
“But I don’t think he always did, do you?” His voice was soft. “You’re a lady, Roisin.” He nuzzled her neck, sending a rush of goose bumps right down to her toes.
“I don’t want to rely on anyone ever again.”
“I know.”
“I want to know I’ll be okay.”
“You’ll always be okay, Roisin; you’re just made that way.” His teeth traced their way down her neck.
“And I want to be able to keep the agreement with Dan and Marie.”
“Okay.” It was slightly drawn out, slightly dubious.
“And I want to get involved and play a little.” He paused, his lips resting just where her shoulder met her neck.
“Okay.” More drawn out. “Just a little?”
“Just a little, Saul. And”—he was giving her the evil eye now—“I want to get a shower before we do any more talking. In fact, we’ve done too much talking.”
“You do stink; I didn’t really like to say anything.”
“I don’t stink, and if I do it’s a stink you need to get used to.”
“But we’ve not even eaten yet.”
He laughed, and made a sudden lunge that caught her completely unawares, sweeping her off her feet and over his shoulder.
“Ouu, fireman too are we now?”
“Anything for you. Shall I put the uniform on?”
“Oh yes, please.” A sharp hand came down on her bum and she squealed and kicked, but he was already heading up the stairs, carrying her effortlessly.
***
“Warm enough?”
“Mmm.”
The way he was soaping her boobs it wouldn’t have mattered what temperature the water was. His hand moved lower, slipped between her thighs.
“So you’re going to stay and work for me?”
“With you.” His finger played with the swollen lips of her pussy and she felt the moan build up in her chest.
“With me. Your choice.” He slipped his finger deep inside, all the way to the knuckle, and bent his head to her nipple at the same time, sucking gently, insistently so that a tug of need went all the way from his mouth through her body to his fingers. “Always your choice.” She groaned, threading her fingers into his thick hair and pulling his head down harder. As she did, he pressed his thumb tight against her clit. “You can say stop anytime you like and I’ll go.” He nibbled, sending an electric shock straight from her nipple to her clit, then rubbed a firm thumb over the swollen nub until she was sure she was going to scream.
“Oh fuck, don’t stop.”
“I meant everything, not this; no way am I stopping this.”
“Fuck me, Saul, please.” He screwed another finger into her, right to the knuckle, twisted his hand until she was panting, until her legs were sticking out of the bath because it was the only way she could open her hips any wider. Until a tidal wave of water shot out, drenching him.
“Why the hell did I ever think a bath was a good idea?” His voice was gruff, and then he was sliding three fingers into her in hard short bursts that had her body sliding from one end of the bath to the other. She reached behind her, trying to grasp the taps, and then it didn’t matter; the orgasm was racing through her body and she was tipping her hips up, curling her body, desperate to clutch every last bit of satisfaction from the fingers that were working her pussy.
“That was good.”
“This is better.” He’d gotten her out of the bath and thrown her on the bed almost before she realized, was stripping off his own clothes that were sopping wet, and then his body was over hers. “I just have to warn you, this is one time you better say stop now, ’cause there won’t be a second chance.”
God, she loved the way his voice broke when he was this randy, this on the edge. She swallowed. “No way am I saying stop.”
He was in her, buried balls deep with one hard thrust that did make her scream, then several steady thrusts that turned it to a moan. She could feel it building again, feel the spasms that would get her there. Then he stopped, rolled over abruptly so she was on top.
“Fuck me, Roisin. I want you to do it, make me come. Please.”
She pulled her feet up so she was perched over him and grinned as she reached out, his hands meeting hers. They locked hands, fingers entwined, arms stretched. And then she did exactly what he wanted. Her way.
Acknowledgments
To Elizabeth Coldwell and Hazel Cushion, without whom this book wouldn’t exist.
Restless Spirit
by Sommer Marsden
Three men want her. Only one can truly claim her.
When Tuesday Cane inherits a cozy lake house, she’s not expecting to find love as part of her legacy. But how can she choose between Aiden, the loyal and über-sexy handyman she’s known for years; the charming and wealthy Reed Green, a former TV star; and the mysterious Shepherd Moore, an ex cage fighter.
The only way to know for sure is to try them all… Surrounded by so many interesting men and erotic temptations, Tuesday has no intention of committing. But deep down she longs for that special, soul-deep connection. Only, which man can entice this restless spirit into finally settling down?
What readers are saying:
“An intense emotional and sexual journey that is quite compelling.” —Kathy
“One of the best adult/erotica books I have ever read. The characters are real and believable, and the sex scenes are absolutely scorching hot.” —Rebecca
“Themes of domination and submission are fantastically well varied throughout the story… Realistic and relatable characters with steamy encounters at every turn.” —Michelle
For more Xcite Books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Control
by Charlotte Stein
Will she choose control or just let go?
When Madison Morris wanted to hire a shop assistant for her naughty little bookstore, she never dreamed she’d have two handsome men vying for the position—and a whole lot more. Does she choose dark and dangerous Andy with his sexy tattoos? Or quiet, serious Gabriel, whose lean physique and gentle touch tempt her more than she thought possible?
She loves the way Andy takes charge when it comes to sex. But the turmoil in Gabe’s eyes hints at a deep well of complicated emotions locked inside. When the fun and games are over, only one man can have control of her heart.
What readers are saying:
“Forget Fifty Shades of Grey…take a look at this and see how long you can stay in control!”
“This is honest to God, hands down, the best erotic fiction I’ve ever read.”
“Highly addictive!”
For more Xcite Books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
The Initiation of Ms. Holly
by k. d. grace
The stranger on the train
He came to her in the dark. She couldn’t see him, but she could feel every inch of his body against hers in the most erotic encounter Rita Holly ever had. And now he’s promising more…if she’ll just follow him to an exclusive club where opulence and sex rule. She can have anything she’s ever dreamed of—and more—but first she’ll have to pass the club’s initiation…
What readers are saying:
“After reading Fifty Shades of Grey, I didn’t think I would find another book as well written, but then I read The Initiation of Ms. Holly, and I was immediately taken in. This book is sexy, erotic, and explosive. I didn’t want to put it down.” —Dani
“Very, very erotic and sizzling!!! Wow, I could not put it down.” —Theresa
“Everything you want in a romantic, erotic, sexual novel.” —Jean
“For a fast-paced read with enough twists and turns to keep the story fresh and entertaining, you couldn’t ask for a better book.” —Christine
For more Xcite Books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Telling Tales
by Charlotte Stein
The only limit is their imagination.
Allie has held a torch for Wade since college. They were part of a writing group together, and everything about those days with him and their friends Kitty and Cameron fills her with longing. When their former professor leaves them his mansion in his will, it’s a chance for them to reunite. But there’s more than friendship bubbling beneath the surface.
As relationships are rekindled and secrets revealed, they indulge their most primal desires. With the stakes getting higher, Allie isn’t quite sure who she wants…fun-loving Wade or quiet, restrained Cameron.
For more Xcite Books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
Substitute
by Isobel Rey
She’s driven by his desire…
It took all of Alexia’s courage to leave her abusive boyfriend and strike out on her own. When s
he lands a job at a glamorous sports agency, she thinks she finally has it made. But shy, blond, and beautiful, Alexia is totally unprepared for the fast sexual politics of rich men and ambitious women that is waiting for her.
Most of all, she is totally unprepared for her new boss, Nathan Fallon.
Nathan is an ex-Army officer, dazzling but damaged, who has risen to the top of the cutthroat world of sports agents. There is no one Alexia wants more, but a case of mistaken identity has Nathan believing she’s given herself over to the advances of the office playboy. Desperate to win Nathan’s respect, Alexia agrees to become his substitute personal assistant. It doesn’t take long for the sparks to fly…and for Alexia to find herself enthralled by a man she cannot read and could never resist.
Praise for Xcite erotic romances:
“Brilliant. Couldn’t put it down.”
“If you enjoyed Fifty Shades of Grey, you will enjoy this!”
“All the fun AND a good story.”
For more Xcite books, visit:
www.sourcebooks.com
About the Author
Zara Stoneley has been writing stories for just about as long as she’s been reading them. She sold her first erotic novel to Xcite Books in 2012 and has since had her hot romances accepted by several publishers. Her stories have featured on romance and erotic bestseller lists in the U.S. and the UK.
Zara divides her time between a country cottage in the UK and a Barcelona apartment and loves her family, sexy high heels, sunshine, good food and wine, coffee, cats, horses, dogs, music, writing, and reading—but not necessarily in that order!
Find out more about Zara at www.zarastoneley.com.
Riding High Page 17