* * *
Ayden stared down at Maya’s sleeping figure. Her mass of hair was spread across the pillows like a fan. He gently lifted a strand and breathed in the fresh citrus scent. It smelled like Maya, and his chest felt tight and his breathing became harder. He rubbed his forehead.
He’d thought coming to Jamaica would help clear up this insatiable need he felt for Maya, but it appeared he’d only stoked the flames. Waking up with Maya by his side should have been alarming because he typically never stayed the night with other lovers. Once his lust was sated, he left and returned to his own home to sleep. But, with Maya, he felt like he was home. And when he’d turned to her during the night, she’d welcomed him with open arms, all too eager to please.
And she had pleased him immensely.
With each orgasm, her tight, slender body had blown his mind into a million pieces. He’d watched her responses, heard her cries and moans as he’d extracted every ounce of pleasure he could from her pert breasts to the thatch of hair between her thighs. She was his fantasy come to life and he’d made sure to taste every inch of her.
Just now, he’d wanted to take her again and she’d been willing, but he’d needed to regain some composure. He felt off his game. Felt as if he was diving into the deep end of the ocean without knowing how to swim. They would have to get out of this house tonight. If they didn’t, Ayden feared he’d keep her naked and writhing on the bed for the entire length of their stay.
Eventually, Maya did awake and he arranged for them to go to Rick’s Café, one of the famous bars in Jamaica. They arrived before sunset so they could see the brave souls willing to jump off the highest cliff into the Caribbean. They’d dressed casually for the night out; he was wearing linen trousers and a matching button-down shirt while Maya had opted for a filmy dress that left her shoulders bare.
“We’re here,” the driver announced when the limo stopped.
“Ready for a fun night?” Ayden asked, squeezing Maya’s hand, which had been resting in his for the entire drive from the villa.
“Absolutely.”
The well-known bar was alive with activity, full of bikini-clad and bare-chested patrons. After a well-slipped tip, the host was able to find them a table overlooking the West Cliffs. The view was spectacular, and Ayden was looking forward to the sunset as well as time spent with the woman across from him.
“This is great, Ayden. I’d heard about this place and always wanted to come.”
“Are you feeling adventurous?” He inclined his head toward the top of the cliff divers were jumping from.
Maya shook her head. “No, thank you. I’ll leave it to the daredevils. But I’ll cheer them on from here.”
“My kind of gal.”
He appreciated Maya even more when instead of ordering a cocktail, she got a Red Stripe like a local and indulged in jerk chicken and Jamaican beef patties. The woman was full of surprises. He doubted any of the well-coiffed women he usually dated would be caught dead in an establishment like this. For them, it had to be five-star all the way, but Maya was content with just being normal. Ayden didn’t realize just how much he’d been missing out on until now.
They didn’t stay and close down Rick’s Café. After watching the colorful and vibrant sunset and dancing hip to hip to reggae music from the live band, Ayden was horny as hell. When Maya had put her rear to his groin and begun grinding her hips to the rhythmical music, he’d been in both heaven and hell. Hell because he was getting turned on by a dance in front of too many people and heaven because it would take hours to get back to the villa so they would have plenty of time to enjoy each other in the limo.
After finding the condom in his wallet, he knew he wasn’t even going to try. Once they were seated in the limo, he hauled Maya into his lap and crushed her mouth to his. He indulged himself in her with long sweeps of his tongue, thrusting and stroking until eventually he had to come up for air. All he could think about was touching her, kissing her. He leaned his forehead against hers.
“I want you,” he murmured.
“We’re in a limo.” The blacked-out divider had been lifted as soon as they’d entered.
“I don’t care.” He lifted her so she was straddling him. Then he ran his hands through her hair and brought her mouth forward to his. And when he’d tasted his fill, he bent his head to suck her through the fabric of her dress. He reveled when she arched to meet him, pressing her nipple into his mouth so he could take a nip. Ayden reached underneath the dress to find the thong, the only piece of underwear he knew she was wearing. He was delighted to find it damp with desire and, with a tug, ripped it from her body. Then he plunged a finger inside her.
“Ayden...”
He stopped her cries by closing his mouth over hers and let his hands do all the talking. He began feverishly stroking her and she bucked against him, her breathing coming in short gasps, but he had no intention of letting her climax without him. He reached between them and tugged at the zipper on his trousers until he got himself free, then lifting his hips, he shoved them down with one hand while holding Maya in the other.
“Maya,” he groaned, and handed her the condom. “Put it on.”
She looked at him, her eyes glazed with desire, and complied. Once he was sheathed, he kissed her again and thrust inside her.
“Oh, baby, you feel so good,” he said, before withdrawing slightly and slamming back in again. He repeated the process over and over and Maya lifted her hips to meet him as he went as deep as he could. But this couldn’t be just about him and his release. Slipping his hand between their bodies, he found her sweet spot and pressed his thumb there. Maya’s entire body began to shake, her muscles contracting around him.
Ayden was lost and all he could do was continue pumping inside her until he felt the familiar tension build in his body. He stiffened and then exploded inside of her, triggering yet another orgasm for Maya. She collapsed against him, clutching his shoulders and circling her arms around his neck.
Neither of them spoke for the remainder of the drive. They just tidied themselves up as best they could until the driver eventually pulled up in front of the villa. Ayden glanced over at Maya. Her hair was unkempt and her dress was wrinkled with damp spots at her nipples. There was no denying she looked as if she’d been made love to. And even though he’d just had her, Ayden wanted her again.
He was in big trouble. If this was how he felt after a few days with Maya, how was he going to feel when their short time in Jamaica was over? He was quickly losing his head to this beautiful, amazing woman, and it scared the living daylights out of him.
* * *
Maya sat across from Ayden as they played a game of dominos on the deck outside the villa. She’d enjoyed these lazy days in Jamaica with Ayden. Waking up and going to sleep, making love or just lounging by the pool.
When she had time, she’d called her sister to check in on their mother. They didn’t talk long, only enough for Raven to inform her that Sophia was lethargic and nauseous, but otherwise hanging in there. Maya wished there was more she could do, but they had to allow the chemo to do what it was designed for. After the call, she was down in the dumps, so she was especially excited when Ayden had told her they would tour the island and visit Dunn’s River Falls.
Ayden hadn’t been able to climb the falls with a bum ankle, but he’d waited for her at the bottom while she’d soldiered up the cliff. Afterward, however, he’d been sore and achy from the hiking and she’d had to give him a foot rub and put him to sleep. That hadn’t lasted long and he’d woken up in the middle of the night as hungry for her as he’d been that night in the back seat of the limo. She blushed thinking of the encounter.
She lifted her fingers to her lips, recalling the feel of his mouth and how magical his kisses were.
“And what are you thinking about?” Ayden asked as he moved another domino.
“Oh, nothing. What are
we going to do on our last night here?”
“Anything you want.”
“How about we find the nearest hot spot and hang out with the locals?”
“You sure?”
“Why not? Could be fun.”
“I’m game if you are.”
Just then Ayden’s cell phone buzzed beside him. He glanced down at it but didn’t answer, as he’d done for several days now. Although she wanted to ask him who was trying so urgently to reach him, she was afraid to delve too deep.
“Important call?”
He shook his head. “Yes...no...maybe so.”
“Which is it?”
Ayden shrugged again and she could see his shoulders stiffen as if he didn’t want to answer, but he did. “It’s my sister, Fallon. She’s been trying to reach me to convince me to help her.”
“But you can’t.”
“Won’t would be a more accurate word.” Ayden made another move. “I won.”
Maya glanced down and, indeed, he had, but her mind hadn’t been on the game. It had been on him. “Maybe you should talk to her.”
“It won’t change my mind, Maya. I’ll give the Stewart family exactly what they gave me. Nothing. I owe them no allegiance.”
“True, but she is your sister.”
“In blood only. And why are you pushing this anyway?” He glared at her. “You more than anyone know how my mother and I were treated by Henry Stewart.”
Maya was surprised by the icy glare Ayden was giving her. She knew it was a touchy subject, but she was trying to help. She cared deeply for this man and his well-being. “Yes, of course I do.”
“Then why?” he pressed.
“Because...” Her voice trailed off.
“Speak your mind, Maya. You obviously have something to say.”
“I just want you to be happy, and settling things with your family might bring you the peace you crave.”
“I am happy,” he replied. He reached across the distance between them, grabbed her arm and pulled her into his lap. “Here with you.” He grasped both sides of her face and kissed her hard on the mouth.
Maya could see what he was doing. He was effectively ending the conversation and shutting her out like he always did. And she let him because it was what he needed. But some day—some day soon—there would be a reckoning that he wouldn’t be able to turn away from.
Thirteen
About an hour before arriving home in Austin, Ayden looked out the window of his private jet and reflected. He had enjoyed Jamaica and spending time alone with Maya, but it was time for him to get back to work. He’d never been gone this long from Stewart Investments. It was his baby. A dream he’d accomplished on his own with no help from Henry Stewart.
Which was why Fallon’s request was so misguided. She had to have known he would turn her down. Ayden had been estranged from the Stewart family for decades. Had it really come as a surprise to her? It must have, because she’d been trying to reach him on and off for the last three days.
He glanced across the cabin at Maya, who was lying on a reclining chair sleeping soundly with her Kindle in her lap. He’d been banking on having a little fun while airborne and seeing if he could convince her to become a member of the mile-high club. Over this week, she’d not only been an extremely passionate lover, she’d been open to trying new things, like when he’d pulled some silk sashes from his luggage and tied her hands... Christ! He needed to get a grip. They were going back to Austin to work. Now that his ankle was starting to feel better, he wouldn’t need any help at home. Maya could go back to her apartment if she wanted. The problem was, he didn’t want her to. His emotions had become entangled and he wanted her with him. But for how long? He didn’t know, but surely they could figure out something. He sat up straight, frustrated by the circumstances.
She stirred in the recliner and glanced over at him. “How long was I out?”
“Not long.” He closed the report he’d been reading on his tablet. “We’ll be landing in another hour.”
She rubbed the sleep from her eyes. “Great. That will give me time to freshen up.”
“You look beautiful, as always.”
“If you say so.”
“Maya, I would think after a week in Jamaica with me that you know I find you utterly ravishing.”
A grin spread across her face. “Yes, I suppose.”
“Suppose? Why don’t you come over here and I’ll convince you.”
She shook her head. “Oh, no, you don’t. The limo was bad enough, but not the airplane.”
He laughed. “All right. You can’t blame a man for trying. So listen. I think we should discuss what happens when we get back.”
Maya’s eyes grew large and he saw genuine fear in their depths. He would have to tread carefully because he didn’t want to hurt her. Not now. Not ever.
“Yes?”
“You’re moving in with me.”
Her mouth turned down in a frown. “Is that a question or a statement?”
“The latter.”
“I don’t recall being asked.”
“You agreed to take care of me,” Ayden replied, annoyed by her response.
“And now you’re healed.”
“Are you saying you don’t want to come back home with me?” Ayden wasn’t ready to let her go, not by a long shot. She’d come to mean more to him than just a lover. She was his friend.
“Of course not, but we hadn’t really discussed it.”
“We’re discussing it now.” Why was she being so noncommittal? This wasn’t like her. Now that the shoe was on the other foot, was she done with him? He couldn’t believe that. He’d been with her, he knew Maya cared a great deal about him. Surely this wasn’t the end of the road?
She sighed. “Yes, we are. I just wasn’t sure of what you wanted. I just assumed that Jamaica was Jamaica, and I would move back to my place.”
Ayden couldn’t believe he’d misjudged the situation so entirely. Unbuckling his seat belt, he walked over and sat beside Maya. He grasped her delicate hand in his. “I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear about what I wanted and how absolutely hot I am for you. I want you to come back with me to my home. Please say that you will.”
* * *
Maya stared into his hazel eyes. Any girl would jump at the chance to have what he was offering, but she was hesitant. She knew Ayden didn’t share her feelings. He hadn’t said he was in love with or even that he was falling for her. He’d said he was hot for her. Meaning that as long as she was willing to be his bedmate, he’d happily have her. But again her mind went back to that age-old question: how long?
“Maya?” He sounded unsure. It saddened her that she was making him feel this way, but she also had to protect her heart.
“Maybe it’s best if I go back to the apartment. I mean, you’re better now and you don’t really need a nursemaid.”
“Or a lover?” he asked coldly, pulling his hand away from her and rising to his feet. “Are you saying you’ve tired of me after one week?”
“No, that’s not what I’m saying at all,” Maya responded hotly, jumping to her feet. “Don’t put words in my mouth, Ayden Stewart.”
“Then what? Why are you turning me down? I know it’s not because you didn’t like the sex. I lost count of your orgasms.”
Tears sprang, stinging her eyes. How could he speak to her this way after the week they’d shared? She spun away from him and began walking to the lavatory, but he called after her. She couldn’t face him because she feared he would see the tears fall.
“Maya, wait! I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.” He reached her with two long strides and caught her at the door. “I’m truly sorry. You didn’t deserve that. I guess I don’t know how to do this.” He rubbed his head in frustration.
“Do what?”
“Be casual with y
ou about sex. You’re not like the other women I’ve been with. You’re Maya.”
“And that’s a bad thing?” Her voice cracked when she looked at him.
“Yes. No. God! I don’t know, you’re making me crazy.” He began pacing the cabin.
“See.” She pointed to him. “You don’t know how to do this any better than me.”
“I know I want you with me.”
“So Ayden gets to have everything he wants. Me at the office. Me in your bed. What about what I want?”
“C’mon, Maya. That’s not fair. I rewarded you handsomely to get you back at Stewart Investments, and as for being in my bed, you wanted me as much as I wanted you.”
Maya turned away from him. He was right. It was unfair of her to put her expectations on him. “You’re right. There. Are you happy?”
He stared at her intently. “Not in the slightest. Not unless you’re agreeing to come back with me.”
“For tonight, yes,” she countered. “All my stuff is there.”
“And after?” he pressed.
“We’ll just have to see.”
* * *
Have to see? Ayden was still reeling from Maya’s words earlier on the plane as he got ready for bed. She’d refused to give an outright yes or no to his request for her to stay with him. Or had he meant live with him? He hadn’t really defined what he meant. Was that why she was unsure?
Since they’d returned from the airport, he’d been busy catching up on phone calls and emails in his study. There were several from Fallon, as expected. Maybe Maya was right. He should call her, if for no other reason than to make sure she was okay, because despite what he’d said, he did care.
As for Maya, when they arrived, she’d immediately gone upstairs to unpack. Or pack? Ayden didn’t have a clue. Just like he didn’t know where to go from here. It was all so confusing. Maya was confusing. Bringing her back to Stewart Investments was supposed to be straightforward. He needed an assistant and with a little coaxing she had become available. He’d never anticipated that the attraction he’d felt for her so long ago would rear its ugly head. He’d thought he’d worked through those feelings. It had been a one-time thing because she’d been hurt and he’d wanted to console her. He’d moved on with his life, dated other women and relegated that night to an indiscretion not to be repeated.
At the CEO's Pleasure Page 12