HIGHER (The Indigo Lounge Series)

by Cox, Zara

  Her immediate blush made his senses leap. “You’re really determined not to stop until you get us both arrested, aren’t you?”

  He leaned in close as the rotors began to whir, and whispered in her ear, “You’ve already had me in handcuffs, Peaches. It’s a downward slope from here on in.”

  She shook her head with another alluring laugh. “Tell me where we’re going.”

  “To Newark, to tour the new plane. Then I’m taking you out to dinner.”

  ***

  Bethany tried not to stare in awe at her surrounding and the view below her window but she failed at both.

  And with Zach so close and so mesmerizing, it was a futile task anyway. Every time she turned, his gaze met hers and he smiled that heart-stopping smile she was sure was specifically designed to batter her resistance to pieces.

  And damn, if it wasn’t working. Her insides shook every time she met his eyes. Her heart swelled every time he smiled at her. She may very well have patted herself on the shoulder for refusing to say she loved him and even believed her reasons for saying so, but she knew the feelings were there, alive and stronger than ever. Especially after that revelation in his bathroom this morning.

  Recalling his anguish, her chest tightened. Whatever had happened between him and Farrah, Bethany was beginning to believe deep in her heart that there had been exigent circumstances. The man next to her bore many flaws but her instincts were fairly set on believing he wasn’t a heartless predator with pre-meditative intentions.

  The chopper banked around Ellis Island and she glanced at him again. She followed his chiseled profile to his strong neck and broad shoulders masked by his long-sleeved indigo T-shirt. Just like he liked his favorite color on her, she loved seeing him in indigo. His mouth-watering chest rose and fell in an even breath and her gaze travelled lower, past his ripped abs to the legs encased in Armani casuals.

  Her belly heated as her gaze became trapped at his crotch. Even soft, his bulge was impressive and extremely noteworthy. He shifted and she glanced up, met his electric gaze. In silence, he curved his arm around her shoulders and pulled her into his body.

  Resting her head on his chest, she slid her arms around his waist.

  The sound-proof interior meant they could chat easily but they fell into a comfortable silence she was content to keep for the moment.

  She had no doubt there would be even more turbulent times ahead; times when they violently disagreed, or times when his arrogance and blatant disregard for propriety made her see red. And yes, there would be times when she would refuse to let the secrets of his past remain dark and distant.

  But for now, she let herself be content.

  Chapter Seventeen

  The latest Indigo Lounge aircraft was the last word in aviation perfection. Even to her untrained eye, the plane had been built to a stunning specification that made her want to caress it.

  “Wow.” A sense of déjà vu washed over her as she stared up at the indigo-trimmed plane. Was it really a mere three weeks ago since she’d arrived here and placed herself in Zach’s intense sphere?

  “What are you thinking?” he rasped in her ear.

  She turned to face him in the cavernous private hangar. Even in the large space, she felt a sharp connection with him. The crew who were working on readying the plane studiously avoided them, hurrying about their duties.

  He stared down at her with a mixture of possessiveness, blatant sexual interest and that touch of anxiety she felt deep within her own soul.

  “I’m checking out your plane. And reliving the moment we met three weeks ago.”

  His fingers curled over her nape, and she settled her hands on his chest. His heartbeat was just as erratic as hers.

  “Do you have any regrets about that day?” The anxiety had risen a notch.

  Before the incident in his bathroom this morning when she’d witnessed a different Zach, she would’ve been torn about her answer. “No,” she replied. “No regrets.”

  She realized he’d been holding his breath when he exhaled noisily. Tugging her closer, he touched his forehead to hers, his eyes dark and turbulent with intense feelings. “You don’t know how happy I am to hear that.”

  Unable to resist, she pressed her mouth to his. “I think I can probably guess.”

  He deepened the kiss for a few seconds before he lifted his head. “Time for your tour.” He tugged her to the bottom of the steps and motioned her ahead of him. “After you.”

  She raised a brow. “Are you sure?”

  “Am I sure I’ll survive watching your sexy ass bounce in front of me? Probably not. But I can’t think of a better way to die.”

  She laughed and took the first step. Looking over her shoulder, she took the next step with an exaggerated sway of her hips.

  His dark laugh followed a groan. “Revel in your power, Peaches. You’ve more than earned it.”

  The moment she stepped onto the plane a different kind of pleasure permeated her senses. If she’d thought the previous Indigo Lounge plane was breath taking, the vision spread before her took that concept to a whole new level.

  The reception area was much larger than before, but with the same indigo theme that stamped its authority and brand over the space.

  Stylish, strategically placed LED and chrome lights shone from the towering ceiling, casting subtle light and shade over the luxurious silk and leather seats and gleaming surfaces. Even though it was large enough to hold fifty people, the area had an intimate ambience that immediately set a guest at ease.

  The central suspended glass staircase leading to the upper floor had a glassed off area, over which a solid see-through glass bar had been set.

  She reached the top of the stairs, turned around and gasped. On both sides of the bar, balconies with short poles protruded from the walls from which hung restraining hooks and leather-studded cuffs.

  With a hand in her back, Zach guided her forward to one of the hooks. She reached out and traced a finger over one cuff.

  She felt Zach’s breath on her ear before he spoke. “For those with a voyeuristic bent. Which rules us out. I’d maim anyone who attempted to see you naked.”

  She shivered at his dark tone but couldn’t pull her gaze from the hooks and leather. The idea that people wanted to be seen fucking both repulsed and excited her at the same time. She didn’t think she would ever be brave enough to even contemplate it for a second.

  “What are you thinking?” he asked.

  “That human sexuality is an intriguing thing. It’s amazing how a bunch of chemicals can cause such a strong reaction.”

  She heard his breath catch but when she looked up, his face was expressionless. “Or it could be as simple as being in the right place at the right time to find your right person.”

  “People spend lifetimes trying to find the right person. Most people fail or end up with the wrong person.”

  “I’m not going to dwell on the intrigue or delve into the human psyche, baby. I think we both know I have enough demons in my closet. I’ve found my right person. The rest is just white noise.”

  There was a hard bite to his tone that made Bethany frown. “Something wrong?”

  “No. Come on, I’ll show you the rest.” His hand slid around her waist and they moved from the balcony, through a short arch into another open space.

  This was a chill out lounge area like nothing she’d ever seen. It was like something from the set of a Tim Burton movie, with six bright colored chaise longues, and each seat had an indigo place card with a ribbon tied around it. Through the ribbon had been threaded two rings, one for a larger male finger and one for a smaller feminine one.

  She picked up the nearest card. “What are these for?”

  “They’re…parlor games, if you like.”

  Her eyes widened. “How does it work?”

  “A question is asked. Everyone involved in the game is given the opportunity to answer their own way. The person who poses the question get to pick which answer he o
r she likes the most. And things take off from there.”

  “So…like a swing party but framed like a quiz show?”

  He laughed and the last of his puzzling tension evaporated. “I guess.”

  “And the rings?”

  “They have tiny digital timers on them with a minimum time guests are allowed to play before leaving the lounge.” He touched a panel and shaded screens dropped from the ceiling over one seat, blocking it completely from view.

  She slowly set the card and rings down and stared at the gold and indigo screen. It was beautifully etched with intricate swirls that together formed sensual images. “Wow.”

  He lifted a brow. “Did I just impress you, baby?”

  She glanced up. “No, but I’d love to have your designer on speed dial.”

  That earned her a sharp smack on her ass before he motioned her forward. The sky lounge was like the one on the first plane but since they were grounded, the view beyond the wide windows wasn’t as impressive. But she recalled Zach’s husky suggestion to fuck her as they raced for the stars and a blush crept up her neck.

  “Naughty thoughts, Peaches?”

  “Considering where I am, I think I’ll give myself a free pass,” she answered.

  “Hmm.” He tugged on their linked fingers, bringing her flush against his hard, warm body. “Just so we’re clear, during the trip, I’ll be with you each time you leave our suite. And if anyone so much as looks at you sideways they will be shoved out the nearest airlock without a parachute.”

  “God, you’re such a Neanderthal!”

  “I like that you smile when you say that.” He laughed when she punched him in the arm.

  They left the sky lounge through a side door and went down another hallway. Bethany’s mind was beginning to boggle at the sheer vastness of the place. But she’d studied the layout Jeff had given Neon and knew Zach’s designers had used every available space to make the Indigo Lounge a stunning experience.

  They reached a black door and Zach stopped. A different kind of excitement leapt off him in a way that intrigued her.

  He entered a code and the door slid back with a sigh. At first the room was dark. Zach passed a hand over a wall panel and indigo and bright lights beamed over the space.

  A single, huge throne-like armchair faced away from the door. That was intriguing enough but it was the other central feature that held her attention.

  A pole, strong and sturdy, rose from a staged platform. Tiny, spotlights ringed the two short steps to the platform, drawing the eye to the silver pole.

  Zach’s keep stare swung from the pole to her and Bethany found herself drawn like a magnet towards the platform in the middle of the room.

  She jumped as a loud ring smashed through the thick atmosphere. Zach barely flinched but his nostrils flared in annoyance. The phone continued to ring as he walked beside her to the middle of the room.

  “Any reason you’re not answering your phone?”

  “Yes. I don’t want us to be interrupted.”

  It rang a few more times then stopped. Seconds later, it rang again. Zach cursed.

  “Take it. I really don’t mind.”

  With an impatient huff, he drew the phone from his pocket. “Savage,” he barked.

  She smiled to herself and wished the person at the end of the line well as she walked towards the pole. Stepping up onto the platform, she grasped the cool steel and felt its sturdy strength beneath her fingers. After making sure her heels weren’t scuffing the surface of the platform, she walked slowly round the pole, conscious of Zach’s eyes on her as he spoke on the phone.

  Taking a firmer hold with both hands, she swung off her feet in a perfect three-sixty, before landing back down with her legs in a scissored walk back around the pole. She repeated the move, then went one better and twined her legs round the pole.

  Zach made a hoarse sound, then with a brusque, “I’ll have to call you back,” he ended the call.

  Poised three feet above the ground, she read the naked intent in his eyes and her core blazed with desire.

  She slid slowly back down, her hands a sensual slide that he followed with avid attention.

  Her gaze flicked to the oval windows, conscious of the workers outside.

  “Privacy windows,” he rasped without taking his eyes off her. “Sound proof room.”

  The implication that any pending frenzied screams of pleasure wouldn’t go beyond this room made her blush. Thankfully the lights were too low for him to see, although his avid gaze had probably picked up her soaring pulse rate.

  When she began to walk around the pole again, he stalked closer. Without stopping her sure stride, she reached behind her and took her time to lower her zipper. She stopped long enough to kick her dress away and looked up to find him narrow-eyed, his chest expanding on an uneven breath.

  His eyes raked her semi-nude state. “You wouldn’t have made it this far if I knew you were braless underneath that dress.”

  She turned so her back was braced against the pole, its cool steel sliding between her crack. Her only accessories were her earrings and shoes. And she’ never felt sexier in her life. “There was a reason I kept that to myself.”

  Fevered eyes raking her body, his hands went for his belt. Freeing it, he undid his button and lowered his zipper.

  “Ready to see how flexible I can be?”

  “Fuck. More than ready. Dance for me, baby.” He reefed his shirt over his head and flung it away. Walking backward, he sank into the seat and leaned forward, elbows on his knees.

  A spurt of trepidation pierced her composure. Zach loved her body, she knew that. But when she’d performed in his ballroom in Marrakech she hadn’t been aware he was watching. And this sort of dancing was a whole world of difference from what she’d been trained to do.

  She bit her lip.

  Zach stared at her. Then he slowly reached to the right side of the chair and pressed a button.

  A slow, seductive slide of a violin string pierced the air, followed by a few more. Music throbbed through the room, infusing her body. The tempo increased with a steady beat of a drum until the loud cacophony sent vibrations through her feet. Keeping her legs closed and her hands gripping the steel, she slid down the pole and back up, twirling her hips to the music. She performed the action again to ground herself, then turned to face the pole.

  She swung herself high and around, then abruptly ended her momentum with her legs crossed. Her thighs screamed at the vice-like hold on the steel as she let go with her hands. Her loose hair formed a seductive curtain around her, sliding over her breasts as she leaned forward. Her cleavage touched the warming steel and her nipples immediately puckered.

  She flung her head back, and gripped the pole with one hand. Slowly, she arched her back and rocked her hips against the pole, still suspended high.

  “Fuck!”

  She looked over, her thighs beginning to burn from supporting most of her weight but the look on Zach’s face was worth the discomfort. Arching her back even further until her body was curved in a perfect C, she reached for the base of the pole and executed a perfect scissored landing.

  Gliding her hands back up, she jumped and kicked her legs apart, then twined them around the pole as they came together. She laid her cheek against the steel, her heart racing as she looked over to see Zach’s reaction.

  His tongue rested against his lower lip and his eyes burned with volcanic heat.

  Power roared through her veins, lending her insane confidence to perform a series of risqué moves that had him jerked to his feet and striding toward her.

  The moment she landed, he grabbed her around the waist and slammed her into his body.

  “Jesus, how is it that just when I think you can’t be more incredible, you prove me wrong?” he asked hoarsely.

  She stared up at his breathtaking face, feeling flushed and so turned on, she could barely breathe. “I take it you liked my dancing?”

  He barked out a strained laugh and his hands
slid up to cup her breasts. He tweaked her nipples hard, and her knees turned to jelly.

  “God, baby, I’m going to fuck you so hard.”

  The idea that had been budding in her mind bloomed to undeniable life. She forced herself to speak before her mind turned to oatmeal.

  “What other delights have you got hiding in that chair?”

  His gaze never wavered from her face. “Everything your naughty little heart desires, I’m sure.”

  It took almost superhuman strength to free herself from him long enough to walk to the chair.

  After examining it for a few minutes to see how it worked she pressed a button. A deep drawer sprang free. A saucy smile curled her lips as she drew out the black rope.

  She turned and walked back up onto the platform. Deep excitement leapt within and she was gratified to see it echoed in his eyes.

  “You tied me to a cross. I’m tying you to a pole. Fair’s fair, Zach.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  His throat moved on a powerful swallow, his neck taut with pent-up emotion. “You wanna tie me up again, Peaches?”

  She had a lot more in mind. So much that the thoughts made her blush but she held her nerve. “Yes.”

  One shoulder lifted. “If it makes you happy, I’m okay with that,” he croaked.

  She had a feeling Zach would be okay with anything that involved her body and the promise of mindless sex. She tried not to let the thought that this was all it would ever be, wreck the moment. She held onto what had transpired in the bathroom this morning as a beacon of hope.

  Zach was working on making things right. She could give them both this while that happened.

  And who knew, perhaps sex, like food for some men, was the way to Zach’s heart.

  “You’re thinking too hard, Bethany. Should I be terrified?” That note of anxiety was back.

  Another thing she found intriguing; that a man as powerful and influential as Zach would be anxious about her reactions.

  She strode toward him and stopped as the tips of her breasts brushed his chest. His inhalation was gratifyingly jagged. “It’ll be good, I promise.”