Chloe shook her head. “I don't love him.”
The corner of her father's mouth twitched. “That's good, pumpkin. Love will bring you nothing but heartache.” He took a sip from his mug before continuing. “The best we can hope for in this life is a few fleeting moments of happiness before we die.”
Her thoughts turned to Zach. Her father got that right.
He patted her hand. “Promise me you'll think about it.”
He was hurting, and Chloe suspected it was from more than her outburst last night. Her parents had been strangers living under the same roof for quite some time now. She didn't know the details, nor did she want to. Her father was unlucky in love and alone in life—just like her. If she left, it would break his heart.
“Okay, Daddy.”
Relief washed over his features. “Good.” He held out his hand. “Now come. You've been moping around all morning. It's Christmas Day, and your mother is waiting for us in the living room. You know how she gets when she has gifts to open.”
Chloe smiled and hooked her arm around his waist. “I'll be surprised if anything is still wrapped, knowing her.”
Her father laughed as he led her away from the piano and her turbulent thoughts.
Chloe felt drained. As usual, her parents had bought her too many useless things, and they had spent the better part of the day opening presents. Her mother had gone out, saying that she was meeting up with some friends, and her father retreated to the library. Chloe was going to go to her room to lie down for a while, but as she passed this room, she was once again drawn to the piano.
Zach was right. It was a pity she had stopped playing. How could she let go of something she loved so much?
She ran her fingers over the shiny black exterior and sighed with longing. What was Zach doing now? Was he back in his hotel room, or had he already left for Vegas? She sat down on the piano bench and flipped up the fall.
A small blue box tied to a note stared back at her.
She whipped around in her seat, but the room was empty. Chloe eyed the window suspiciously and picked up the box.
It was for her.
She pulled on the white ribbon and let the note fall in her lap. Should she open the present or note first? After a moment's deliberation, she opted for the note. She placed the box next to her and carefully opened the envelope.
It was from Zach—an apology. He said he wanted to start over and offered a little Christmas present as a peace offering.
She shook her head. Starting over was impossible. Family came first; her father came first. Her head told her to crumple the note and throw it and the box out the window, but she couldn't.
The note continued to say that over the years when his boss, Josh, sent him to different parts of the world, he had collected things that reminded him of her. He was offering one of the items to her now as a peace offering, with a promise of more to come.
He hoped she would wear them and think of him.
Them?
If she was a good girl, she would throw away the note and the box before her father found them. Chloe picked them up and walked to the door, intending to do just that.
Standing in the empty hallway, she debated what to do. She listened, but she heard no sounds of life. If she opened it now, took just one quick peek, she could close up the box and throw it away.
She hurried up to her room and closed the door. Sitting down on the pink comforter, she set down the note and took a deep breath.
What did Zach find that made him think of her? What had he been collecting?
She opened the box. It was a full minute before she could comprehend exactly what was in the middle of the soft, black velvet cushion.
Nipple rings. For five years the man had been collecting nipple rings for her?
Chloe didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Pulling one out, she wrinkled her nose and held it up to the light. It was a simple silver ring with a small chain hanging from one end. At the end of the chain was a tiny music note with a diamond in the center.
He wanted her to wear this? The whole concept of nipple rings was crazy. They were crass and dirty and…
She turned toward the mirror at the foot of the bed and held the ring up to her nipple.
Kind of sexy.
She slid her lower lip between her teeth as she thought of Zach finding the rings in the store and thinking of her. How he would massage her breasts, bringing them to sharp peaks so she could take the rings.
How he would help her take them off…
What was she doing? She threw the box and the note into the bottom of her drawer in disgust. She couldn't let Zach back into her life. Not now, not ever.
Chloe leaned over the balcony of the second floor and watched the guests mingle at the party below. The crowd was the usual suspects. Two hundred of her parents' closest friends and colleagues drank and laughed beneath the fluorescent lighting, milling around until the clock struck twelve and they could all ring in the New Year together. Her parents had been putting on this party as long as she could remember. She had always loved it. It signified new beginnings.
Then why was she so miserable?
She knew why. It had been almost a week since she had seen Zach, and she was no freer of his spell than she was that night in the hotel room. After the Christmas present, he had tried to call her on her cell phone. She didn't want to think about how he managed to get her number. When she let it go to voice mail, he sent more notes, more gifts, and then flowers. Her father had raised an eyebrow, but she could only shrug. She ordered the servants to throw everything in the trash, unopened.
She used her piano as a distraction. She knew she’d never be able to pursue the career as a pianist she had once dreamed of, but she found playing to be soothing. At first she was rusty, but it didn't take long for her to perfect a few of her favorite songs. With every phone call or doorbell ring, she would retreat to her piano and lose herself in another piece.
Then, two days ago, everything stopped. No more phone calls or notes or gifts. She should have been thankful. But instead she felt ill.
This was for the best. It was. Despite everything, she found herself back in her room, rummaging through her drawers and once again holding the nipple rings up to her breasts. In a moment of weakness, she had massaged herself, pinching and twisting her mounds while she watched herself in the mirror. She imagined Zach there, watching her pleasure herself. Soon her thong was damp, and her nipples stood at attention. She slipped on the rings and examined herself in the mirror.
She hated to admit it, but they felt good. Really good. By wearing them she felt closer to Zach. So, against her better judgment, Chloe threw on her shirt, then her favorite cardigan, and headed to the party.
For the past hour every time she moved, she had felt the rings rub against her breasts and had thought of Zach. She became hot and needy, even breaking out in a light sweat. It was enough for her mother to notice and send her upstairs to rest for a while.
As if she could think of resting while wearing these rings.
She stood on the balcony above the great hall and watched Karl as he made his way through the crowd. He was obviously looking for her. Chloe ducked into the shadows. After the talk with her father, she agreed to see Karl, at least temporarily. She couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right with him, though. After being with Zach, Karl's politeness seemed cool, his affections forced. He was nice enough, but there just wasn't anything there. She doubted there ever would be.
Maybe her father was right. Would she really need love in a marriage? Would she need passion and heart? Karl was a nice man, a good man. Maybe it was enough.
Chloe swallowed the lump in her throat and moved away from the balcony. Time to take her place by Karl's side and play her part as perfect hostess.
“You didn't answer my calls.”
Chloe froze as the deep voice rumbled through her. “Zach,” she whispered. Heat crept up into her cheeks, and she had to remind herse
lf that he didn't know she wore his rings—or her wicked thoughts.
“Why, Chloe?”
She moistened her lips and ignored the tingle of excitement running through her body. “Because I can't see you.” She tried to move away but stopped when she felt his hand on her arm.
“Why?”
He sounded hurt, defeated. She turned and gasped at his ragged appearance.
“Just hear me out. I can explain everything.”
Zach appeared larger, more dangerous. Maybe it was just the lighting, although he looked like he had slept as poorly as she did this past week. She pushed back the urge to go to him and held up her hand. “It doesn't matter. You're forgiven.”
He dropped his arm. “I'm…what?”
It didn't matter what he did in his past. It didn't. A relationship with Zach wouldn't work regardless. They were too different. She had made a promise…
Love will bring you nothing but heartache. Her father's words rang in her ears. He'd loved her mother, and look what it did to him. Her life would be the same; she knew it. Just these past few days knowing Zach was alive had been unbearable.
“You're forgiven, Zach. Now if you'll excuse me…”
“Wait a minute.” He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her back into his rock-hard chest. She yelped as he turned her to face him. “If I'm forgiven, why didn't you answer my calls?”
“Because there's nothing more to say.”
He shook his head. “But on the roof—you were hurting.”
She stiffened. “Yeah, well, not anymore. Things have changed. I've changed.”
“People can't change that quickly.”
No, they can't, but they can mask their feelings to deaden the pain. “It was a moment of weakness caused by too much champagne, that's all. Now if you'll excuse me…”
He hooked his finger under her chin, holding her with his gaze. “I don't believe that,” he growled.
She jerked her head away. “Well, you don't have to. It's the truth.”
He leaned in, and her breath caught. Would he kiss her? At the last minute he tilted his head, bringing his nose within inches of her neck. His grip tightened as he took in a deep breath. “You're turned on.”
“What? No.” Damn him. How did he know? She had to get out of here.
He lifted his head, his eyes shining bright as a slow smile slid across his lips. “Are you wearing my present?”
“Don't flatter yourself.” Chloe placed her hands on his chest to push him away, but his gaze gave her pause. Something dark and feral flashed across his features; then it was gone.
“Kiss me, Chloe.”
“What?”
He smiled a cocky half smile that brought out his dimple and made her heart flutter. “Just one kiss. If after that you can walk away, I won't bother you anymore.”
He won't bother… Chloe took a deep breath. “Okay, just one kiss, though.” She moistened her lips as anticipation rippled over her skin. “Then you leave.”
“Only if you want me too.”
So egotistical. Of course she wanted him to leave.
Sort of.
Maybe.
Shit.
Chloe curled her fingers into his silk shirt and held her breath. He leaned in, and she closed her eyes. His warm breath brushed against her cheek; his heady scent hovered in the air. She felt light-headed, needy. Parting her lips, Chloe felt the tendrils of desire and anticipation swirl up over her skin.
The kiss wasn't gentle, nor was it pleading. This was a hard, demanding, possessive kiss that left her senses reeling and her thong damp. His hands were everywhere as his tongue invaded her mouth. Chloe braced herself against the onslaught of emotions crashing through her body. She clung to his shoulders, aware of her own need rising up and mingling with his own.
He dragged his hands over her ass. With a low growl, he squeezed her and lifted her into the air. Chloe wrapped her legs around his waist as his tongue invaded her mouth. Turning away from the balcony, he moved to the alcove on the other side of the hallway and pushed her back up against the far wall.
Oh God, he isn't going to…
“Shh.” Zach pulled back just long enough to issue his warning. Using the wall for leverage, he pulled her shirt from her skirt.
“Zach, we can't—”
He kissed her hard, scattering her thoughts. Need burst inside her, winding her muscles tight. She clung to him as he slipped his hands underneath her shirt and ran his rough fingers along her skin.
“Let me see. I know you wore them,” he whispered against her mouth.
Chloe gasped as his fingers brushed over the lace of her bra. A low growl surrounded her, and she closed her eyes.
Yes.
He nipped her lip as he freed her breasts, then leaned back to inspect them. “They're beautiful. Such a perfect fit.” He caressed them, then tugged lightly on one of the chains. She gasped as pain and pleasure raced into her system. Leaving the rings, Zach smothered her moan with his mouth as she wiggled, eager for more.
He broke away and trailed hot kisses down her neck. “I need to be inside you, Chloe.”
She opened her eyes. “No.”
He lifted his head to stare at her. Chloe thought she saw a flash of golden fire before they settled into their deep green color.
“We're out in the open,” she explained.
He pushed her skirt up until it encircled her waist. “They're all at the party downstairs.”
“But someone could see us.”
He ran his fingers over her outer thigh, making her shiver. “But they won't.”
She heard him pull his zipper down and free his cock.
“Someone could come up the stairs.”
“Why? There's nothing here.” He kissed her, this time his lips felt soft and gentle against her own. “Besides, we are hidden in this alcove. Someone would have to really look to see us.”
Chloe peered over his shoulder. “I can see the party below.”
He chuckled. “So much the better.”
She gasped as he pulled aside her thong and positioned himself at her opening. Desire rose inside, mixing with her fear of being caught.
“No more acts, Chloe. Let yourself go. Show me the real you.”
She shivered. Those were the same words he used on the roof. Before she could think, he kissed her. Emotion rocked her body, leaving her weak. Holding her ass, Zach eased himself inside her.
Oh God. Chloe moaned as her body stretched to accommodate him. Every nerve ending felt as if it were on fire.
“I…I can't be gentle, Chloe. I'm sorry. The curse…” He began to move, long, hard thrusts that stoked the fire inside and pulled her up and out of her body. Emotion wrapped around her, tightening her abdomen and causing her soul to stretch higher. Chloe heard voices, and the fear of being caught excited her. She needed this, needed him. God, how could she ever think that she could live without him?
It had always been Zach. It always would be.
She was doomed, just like her father.
Her nipple rings tightened as her breasts became fuller. The small chains moved between them as Zach pounded his cock into her center. Chloe leaned her head back against the wall and bit her lip to keep from yelling. She tightened her legs around him as she rode each wave of pleasure.
Her orgasm crashed through her body with incredible force. Zach covered her mouth, stifling her scream as pleasure burst around her, and her body released. She shuddered, curling her nails into his shirt and biting on his lip. He continued to thrust into her, stretching the pleasure until she was completely spent.
He quickened his movements, grunting his desperation. Locking his jaw, he buried his head in her neck. Teeth scraped against her skin as he spilled his seed inside her. Chloe clung onto him, feeling his body shake as he gave her everything he had.
When it was over, he brushed his lips against hers and then rested his forehead against the wall. Against her better judgment, Chloe found herself once again believing in
fairy tales. Everyone got their happy ending. She and Zach could be together. There would be no lies, no obligations to family, no women in Vegas. Just Zach and her.
Minutes passed as their heartbeats slowed, and their ragged breathing returned to normal.
Then the voices around them solidified. Words were spoken, although Chloe didn't care what was said.
Zach pulled out and eased her down the wall. They straightened their clothes. Chloe slipped the nipple rings into her pocket as he held out his hand. “Come on, let's get out of here.”
Chloe paused. It was so tempting.
But she couldn't abandon her father. Not after everything he'd done for her.
It is better not to love.
She knew her relationship with Zach was doomed. He wasn't being honest with her about his past. Just how many women were waiting for him back in Vegas?
Finally she shook her head. “I can't go away with you, Zach.”
“But we just—”
Resolved, she lifted her chin. “Had sex, I know. But it changes nothing. You're a different person now, Zach, and so am I. This”—she waved her hands between them—“could never work.”
“Why?”
Because I love you too much. “Because I made a promise.”
His jaw hardened. “What kind of promise?”
Never to love, never to let myself become a shell of my former self again. “A promise to help my parents.”
“I can help you. I have money and powerful friends. They’ll both be taken care of.”
She ground her teeth and placed her hands on the banister. “Friends so powerful that they wouldn't let you make one simple phone call to a fiancée who mourned you for dead? Who was desperate for you?” God, she was acting pathetic. Furious, Chloe swatted at the tears stinging her eyes.
His heat surrounded her as he approached from behind. His spicy scent hung in the air as he snaked his arms around her waist. “Something…happened to me out in the woods that night with Marcus. I was changed.”
She swallowed. “If you mean the scar on your neck, you must know that wouldn't have mattered.”
He rested his chin on her shoulder and followed her gaze to the party below. “Worse than the scar.”
Alphas for the Holidays Page 182