He slid a finger under her garter and pulled tight to release it with a snap.
“Ouch,” she hissed.
“Now, that right there is a blindingly brilliant display of something I’ve done wrong. And I’m not talking about the verbal cue. Yes, she also flinched, which is another obvious sign, but if she was shy and tried to suppress her reactions, we’d still be able to rely on the rigidity of her posture and the way she tilted her legs away.”
“She pulled back into the mattress, too,” a woman offered.
“Exactly.” Bryan slid his finger along her garter, soothing the sting beneath. “Even if she did gasp or whimper or moan, her body is pulling away. This is when you check your ego at the door and acknowledge your partner didn’t enjoy what you dished out.”
Pamela froze, not realizing the signals she was sending. Her cheeks tingled. Her chest and belly, too.
“Now,” he continued, “once you fuck up, you need to make amends. Mistakes are common. All you need to do is work them to your advantage.”
He added another finger to the soothing slide along her garter. Gradually, those searching digits skimmed higher and higher, gliding inward to the sensitive spot where her inner thigh met the crotch of her panties. She jolted, overwrought with twirling knots inside her pussy.
“All better?” he teased.
“You’re a horrible man.” She glared, earning herself another laugh from the crowd.
His touch delved under the elastic and hovered in place, not advancing to his prize. Back and forth he rubbed right beneath her panty line, turning the erogenous zone into an orgasm trigger set to detonate. He was going to make her come without penetration.
Again.
“I want to keep hearing observations. Call them out. Tell me what you see, because from my point of view, she’s a kaleidoscope of signals.”
She whimpered and sank her teeth into her lower lip.
He was there. Right there. Less than an inch from her pulsing pussy. Yet, he seemed a mile away. The confidence in his focus told her the height of her bliss would come when he allowed it.
“Her back arched,” a man called.
“She thrust her breasts.”
“Her eyes rolled.”
Breathing became difficult as overlapping observations filled the room.
“She’s panting.”
“Clutching the sheet.”
“She keeps swallowing.”
Bryan encroached, those fingertips nudging closer and closer until finally he slid through her arousal, the smooth glide exquisite. Almost perfection. Just not quite enough.
She needed a little more. The slightest penetration. A swipe across her clit.
“Her hips are lifted toward you.”
“She’s shaking.”
“She closed her eyes.”
Oh, God.
He stopped. The heavenly glide ceased. Those wonderful fingers escaped her panties.
She blinked up at him, collapsing into the mattress as frustrated tears blurred her vision. This was torture. Pure, hysteria-rich suffering.
“Not yet, sweetheart.” His own suffering bled through his words. “There’s one more thing I want to do before I have you all to myself.”
“Please, Bryan.” She clenched her thighs together. “This is killing me.”
“I know.”
He reached out a hand and she grasped his offering, allowing him to guide her into a seated position.
“I’m giving you all one last chance to analyze her.” He sat on the edge of the mattress and patted his thighs. “Come here.”
She frowned, frantically trying to figure out what came next.
“It’s okay. This won’t take long.” He grabbed her wrist and led her to sit on his lap, facing the crowd.
Her limbs trembled with need. A sheen of sweat coated her skin. It took all her self-control not to turn and bury her face in his neck. One more whispered plea and she knew he’d give her what she needed. He’d end both their torment.
He parted her thighs with his hands, encouraging her legs to drape over his, exposing the soaked crotch of her panties.
She vibrated, thrummed. She’d been infused with hyper-sensitivity. Even the subtle scratch of his suit material made her whimper.
“I want you to watch her closely.” His voice became low, brutal in its command. “I need you to focus and make sure you read all those signs.”
Her breath hitched, the anticipation killing her. Her heart threatened to explode, the pulsing muscles on fire behind her ribcage.
“Are you ready, sweetheart?”
She nodded as he guided her loose hair away from her shoulder to place his lips at her ear.
“This time the test comes in words,” he whispered. “Let’s see what reactions I can inspire.”
She nodded, ready and oh, so willing to hear his dirty talk.
“You sure you’re ready?”
“Yes,” she gasped. She was ready for this to be over so she could jump him, smash her lips to his, and drag his body beneath hers.
“Okay.”
She heard his swallow and felt the tease of his beard against her cheek.
“Ella…” His voice was barely audible, leaving everyone clueless to their conversation. “I’ve been wanting to tell you this for a while. But I didn’t know how you’d react.”
She nodded, the frantic bob of her head trying to encourage a speedier outcome.
“Ella…” He stopped, sighed, those hands on her thighs becoming sweaty. “I love you.”
Arousal vanished. Noise, too.
There was nothing.
No thoughts. No comprehension. Only a slow repeat of his gentle declaration through her mind.
“That doesn’t look good.” Distant words fractured her daze.
“Whatever you said wiped away the lust.”
“You blew it, Brute. She’s not horny anymore.”
Those three words had been a dream she never thought she’d experience. They were too important to him. Too special. Three words fractured her, making everything unstable—her heart, her mind, her emotions.
Strong hands gripped her waist, lifting her, turning her limp body to sit sideways on his lap.
“Ella?” His blue eyes blinked through apprehension, his vulnerability unmasked for everyone to see. “I should’ve kept my mouth shut, shouldn’t I?”
“No.” She shook her head. Her tongue tangled with all the things she needed to say. All the things he needed to hear. “Not at all.”
“What happened?” a woman yelled. “What’s going on?”
His nostrils flared, the harshness returning to his features. “I should’ve done this somewhere else.”
“Why didn’t you?” The question tumbled from her mouth. “Why now? Why here?”
She didn’t understand. It would’ve been so much easier for him to share this moment in private. Alone. Without a mass of scrutiny.
“I can read your body like it’s my own, sweetheart. But when it comes to reading your emotions, I’m clueless. I needed their help to gauge your reaction.” He released a caustic laugh. “I guess it didn’t work in my favor.”
“Of course it did. I’m just shocked. That’s all.”
“You’re about to cry.”
“No.” She swiped at the lone tear that broke free. “I’m not.”
He raised a brow, silently calling bullshit.
“Well, I am, but it’s because I’m happy. I never thought I’d hear those words from you.”
He stiffened. “Because I’m a heartless asshole?”
“Bryan, I know that declaration means the world to you. And I…”
“You didn’t realize you mean more than the world to me?”
Her chest heated, warmth and relief flooding her in equal doses. “I wasn’t sure.”
“Be sure, Ella,” he whispered. “There’s nothing more important to me than you. No matter how you feel in return.”
His fingers glided along her jaw, holding her
in place as he leaned in for a chaste kiss. The brush of lips lasted a second before he pulled away.
No. She wanted more. Needed everything.
She stood, changing her position to straddle his lap.
“That poor excuse for a kiss isn’t going to satisfy.” She poked him in the chest, earning a snicker. “Not after you’ve teased me to mindlessness.”
“Welcome to my life. That’s what it’s like living with you every damn day.”
She smiled and leaned her head against his shoulder, running her arms around his waist while his wove around her back.
His feelings mimicked her own. Her adoration and affection were reciprocated. The brutal man she’d once thought heartless was more tender and loving than anyone could imagine.
“Are we still supposed to be watching?” someone asked, the silence of growing confusion changing the once heated atmosphere.
Neither of them responded. They didn’t move, didn’t speak as they continued to pretend the world didn’t exist.
For her, nothing existed.
Only him.
Only her.
“Bryan?” she whispered.
He placed a delicate butterfly kiss to her neck. “Yeah, sweetheart?”
“I love you more.”
Every muscle beneath her tightened. His arms tensed around her back.
“Oh, shit,” someone muttered from the crowd. “What the fuck is going on?”
“I’m confused. Is this part of the demonstration?” a woman asked.
“I don’t think so.” Leo’s voice carried over the growing speculation. “That’s it, folks. This is the end of the show. Let’s give them some privacy, okay?”
Shuffling feet moved around the bed. Murmured words brushed her ears. But she didn’t let him go. She didn’t flinch in her unwavering hold as the room returned to its usual broadcast of dirty talk and indulgence.
“Nobody has said that to me before.” His hold tightened, squeezing her like a lifeline. “I never knew what it would feel like.”
“What does it feel like?”
“I don’t know.” He shook his head against hers. “I guess it feels like I’m not alone anymore.”
“You’re not. You never will be.” She’d make him see. One day at a time. No matter how long it took. “Take me home, Bryan. I don’t want to be here right now.”
“Good decision.” He kissed her forehead and stood, keeping her locked around his waist like a child. “But first, I want to hear those words again.”
“What words?” She grinned, unsuccessfully playing dumb.
“You know what I’m talking about.”
“I do. But I want you to ask properly.”
His jaw tensed, but he faced the vulnerability head-on, tilting his chin as he stared her down. “Tell me you love me, Ella.”
Pain exploded in her chest. The most delicious and fulfilling pain she’d ever felt. “I love you, Bryan Munro. I love every damn thing about you.”
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Also by Eden Summers
Reckless Beat Series
Blind Attraction (Reckless Beat #1)
Passionate Addiction (Reckless Beat #2)
Reckless Weekend (Reckless Beat #2.5)
Undesired Lust (Reckless Beat #3)
Sultry Groove (Reckless Beat #4)
Reckless Rendezvous (Reckless Beat #4.5)
Undeniable Temptation (Reckless Beat #5)
* * *
The Vault Series
A Shot of Sin (The Vault #1)
Union of Sin (The Vault #2)
Brutal Sin (The Vault #3)
Inarticulate
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About the Author
Eden Summers is a true blue Aussie, living in regional New South Wales with her two energetic young boys and a quick witted husband.
In late 2010, Eden's romance obsession could no longer be sated by reading alone, so she decided to give voice to the sexy men and sassy women in her mind.
Eden can't resist alpha dominance, dark features and sarcasm in her fictional heroes and loves a strong heroine who knows when to bite her tongue but also serves retribution with a feminine smile on her face.
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Inarticulate Preview
Chapter One
“My sweet Ms. Hamilton, we’ve got a problem.” The deeply growled tone came from the office across the hall.
Savannah slumped over, resting her head on the elegantly polished wood of her desk and fought the need to bang her forehead. “What is it, Spencer? I’m kinda busy.”
As far as understatements went, hers was gargantuan. The To-Do List currently stapled to the back of her mind was growing with every disgruntled staff email that slid gracefully into her mailbox. She had property managers to call, PR issues to resolve, and profit reports to analyze that, at first glimpse, showed a lot of red, instead of soothing black.
“It’s important. Get your butt in here. Now.”
A hissed chastisement came from Spencer’s office and she cringed, knowing his father was also in there. Mr. Rydel, the Mr. Mathew Rydel from the Rydel hotel empire, was her boss. So was his charming son, Spencer. The former was a demanding man. He cracked the whip like an ancient Roman on a power trip, without apology or remorse. It was a challenge to work under his leadership, and she thrived in the role.
Spencer, however, had a different work ethic, one that revolved around flirtation and perfectly worded compliments. He’d seduced her into an eight-month relationship that ended six weeks ago, when he forgot to remain monogamous.
But she hadn’t been hurt. Crazy, huh? Eight months of companionship had come to an end and all she could think about was stocking up on AA batteries. Because that’s all their time together had been. One scripted sex scene after another. It was merely colleagues with benefits.
Convenient copulation.
Only Spencer disagreed. Apparently, their future held the unmistakable sound of wedding bells and a honeymoon somewhere warm and exotic. Her reluctance to agree was merely stubborn pride because he’d slummed it with the manager of the Rydel Chicago property in a moment of weakness.
She actually felt sorry for his unrealistic perception. She could never love a man like Spencer. He was too pretty. Too perfect. He’d never worked a day in his life, he merely skated along the pristine path his father laid for him. He had no drive, no commitment.
In the last six weeks, his self-righteous attitude and love for himself had scrubbed away any aesthetic appeal, leaving her to see the egotistical man he hid beneath.
He was, however, a perfect asset in the bedroom. A woman couldn’t live on the company of battery operated products alone, and for a brief eight months he’d given her the opportunity to unsubscribe to her favorite sex toy website.
“My life is but to serve,” she muttered and pushed to her feet, shimmying her ass to lower the thigh-high skirt now hiked up her stocking-covered legs. As she shuffled around her desk, she swiped at her mug and stole the last dregs of coffee, placing it back down with a relieved gasp that spoke too much of her reliance on the heavenly liquid.
With a pasted on smile, she held her head high and strode across the hall. When she entered Spencer’s office, her footsteps faltered at the matching scowls etched across the faces of the father and son duo. “What’s wrong?”
“There’s problems in Seattle.” Mr. Rydel’s hazel eyes were a darkened shade of we’re-in-huge-fucking-trouble.
“Problems?” She frowned. “The paperwork for the sale has already been finalized. There’s less than three months until settlement. There shouldn’t be any problems.” Well, nothing worthy of the high level
of concern focused her way.
Over time, the Seattle property had slowly become their profit decimator. The cause of their sinking bottom line. This year the decision had been made to cut and run, sacrificing their worst performer to benefit the rest of the portfolio. It was an emotional and stressful conclusion none of them liked to acknowledge. And as soon as the sale was complete and staff began working for their new employer, Savannah planned on kicking off her heels and dancing around her living room while simultaneously guzzling a bottle of merlot.
“Less than three months that will bring us to our knees if our employees continue to quit,” Spencer muttered. “They’re leaving in droves.”
“Why?” It didn’t make sense. “Our terms with Grandiosity were specific. They promised to take on incumbent staff. You told me that was non-negotiable.”
Spencer leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his immaculately tailored suit. “That’s what we agreed on with Patrick, but it looks like his team is playing dirty to get a better deal. If any more staff leave, we won’t be able to reach the minimum hotel occupancy we committed to in negotiations. Which means the fucking settlement figure will fall.”
“Son,” Mr. Rydel grated.
“What? You know it’s true. They also made it clear our staff are sub-par. Getting them out of the way means they can slide their own into place instead of wading through three-month probation periods and possible payouts for those who need to be fired.”
“Just show her the email.”
Spencer’s lips pressed tight as he slid a sheet of paper toward her. “We’ve been receiving information of unrest since we announced the upcoming sale, but this came from the shift manager this morning.”
Savannah picked up the email and skimmed over the text.
Dear Mr. Rydel. Yadda yadda yadda. Staff are seeking alternate employment in fear of the inevitable loss of work in the future. Yadda yadda yadda. They’re intimidated by the presence of future management. Yadda yadda yadda. Please advise how you would like me to proceed.
She slammed the paper back down on the desk. “This is a breach of contract. Their management can’t terrorize staff. They shouldn’t even be in the building.”
The Vault Box Set Page 55