His hand traveled under her shorts and her panties to reach that part of her that craved his touch. When he inserted one finger inside her Nevealise almost came off the bed, she bucked so hard.
“Jarred,” she cried.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. I have you. Just go with the flow,” he whispered, continuing to bring her pleasure with his masterful finger.
She tossed her head back and forth. She took hold of the duvet and held on tight.
“Nevea, relax. Lie back and enjoy,” he murmured, his voice husky with passion.
“Oh, goodness!” she cried, as she felt his finger moving in and out of her. Her toes tingled; sweat covered her brow; her body jerked and spasmed, out of control. Nev’s spine bent like a bow as she felt a warm liquid trickle out of her.
And then his hands left her and she felt bereft. She felt her shorts and underwear being removed, but she couldn’t move. It was as if she were under some kind of spell...an out-of-body experience that she’d read about. Surely the sounds emitting from her lips were not from her. This had to be someone else begging Jarred to take her.
Her eyes flew open and she saw him move away from her and get off the bed. Maybe she should have kept them closed, because now she saw him in all his naked glory, standing there. Her gaze widened when she saw the erection protruding from between his legs as if it were standing at attention. Her own legs clenched together at the sight of him. There was no way he was going to fit inside her.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
She quivered. “Uh, Jarred, I don’t think you’re going to fit,” she breathed.
“Trust me. I will,” he assured her.
“No. I don’t think so. Chauncey wasn’t that big and it hurt,” she said in a horrified voice.
“Who the hell is Chauncey?” he demanded.
“Chauncey was the guy I had sex with before,” she responded, still staring at Jarred’s erection. Despite his assurances, she feared he’d tear up her insides when he entered her.
“Nevea, just how many sexual partners have you had?” he asked softly.
“I already told you. Chauncey. We were in college,” she said in a voice that quivered.
“One person or one time?” he asked with a quirk of his brow.
“One person and one time.”
“Ah... I see. Well, evidently this Chaney dude didn’t know what he was doing—”
“Not Chaney. Chauncey,” she insisted.
“Whatever. Trust me, he didn’t know how to please a woman. I won’t hurt you. It may be a little uncomfortable at first, but it gets better, and I can guarantee I’ll bring you more pleasure than you could ever dream of. That’s a promise,” he soothed, coming to sit on the bed next to her and pulling her into his arms. He turned her face to his. “Trust me,” he said again, before placing his lips on hers. He kissed her thoroughly, while simultaneously playing with her nipple.
Before she knew it, her fears subsided, replaced by desire. In seconds she was writhing on the bed. Jarred pushed her back and lay on top of her, using his knee to spread her legs wide. He settled himself at the V of her thighs, and she felt him at her center and flinched.
“Uh-uh, no tensing. Relax. If you tighten up it will hurt,” he whispered against her lips.
“I don’t know, Jarred,” she said, hearing the panic return to her voice. How could she fear something so much and want it so badly at the same time?
“Give me your hand,” he urged.
Trusting him, she did so.
“You will be in control,” he said, bringing her palm to his erection. He pressed it over him, letting her get a feel of him. “Now you guide me in.”
“How?”
Jarred showed her what he was talking about by covering her hand with his own and guiding himself to her center. He covered her mouth with his and deftly surged up and into her. Nevealise caught her breath and then released it.
“Are you okay?” he groaned.
She nodded.
“Good. See, I told you,” he said, and began to move within her.
Nevealise felt full. He filled every inch of her, but in a good way.
“Move with me, sweetheart,” she heard him say.
She did as he asked, lifting her hips to take in every inch of him and pulling back as he eased slightly out of her. Repeatedly she mimicked his motions, until she felt those same sensations as before. Oh goodness, it was happening again. The inferno was building inside her, demanding release.
“Jarred,” she moaned.
“Good. Don’t hold back, Nevea. Just go with it,” he growled. He continued pumping in and out of her, faster than before.
She could only whimper beneath him, unable to utter actual words.
“Let go, Nevea! Come for me now!” he bellowed.
And just like that she let go. She quaked and trembled uncontrollably. She wailed as her body felt as if it had exploded into a million little pieces.
“Oh my!” she shouted.
Jarred bucked on top of her, faster and faster, until she felt his hot liquid enter her. When he came, she went off again. What was wrong with her? She couldn’t stop the sensations that hit her. She was out of control.
He lowered himself to her, his breath coming hard and fast in a rhythm that matched her own.
“You did great, sweetheart,” he said moments later, in a strangled voice.
Nevealise breathed in and out, trying to suck air into her lungs. Her body still trembled from the things Jarred had done to it.
“I told you we’d fit,” he said, finally dislodging himself. Something inside her cried out for him to remain where he was, but he rolled to his side and brought her with him.
“Yes, we did. I didn’t think it was possible,” she muttered, still trying to catch her breath. “I don’t think I’ll be able to move for a bit, though.”
Jarred laughed heartily. “I’ll take care of you. Right now, lie back and relax. We have all day and night ahead of us.”
Chapter 10
Nevealise twirled around in her dress. She looked at herself from all angles in the mirror of her dressing room. She’d chosen the short, sequined number on the spur of the moment, having arrived at the lounge late, with only moments to rummage through her gowns.
Jarred was the cause of her tardiness. He’d kept her in bed most of the day. They’d left the house only for a stroll around the city. They’d walked for hours, taking in the sights, and Nevealise had felt like a new person. A woman reborn. He’d done things to her body that she didn’t think were possible. And she couldn’t wait to return the favor.
She turned around again, trying to get a better view of the dress in the mirror. Nevealise had purchased it a year ago with her friends Jasmine and Dominica. It had been Jasmine’s idea that they perform a number as the Supremes for some fund-raising event of hers. Nevealise and Dominica had protested all the way to the stage. However, the number they did had been a success. Now here she was again, in the same dress she’d protested against.
“Just what are you trying to prove, Nev?” she asked her reflection. But she didn’t answer herself. Instead, she began to apply her makeup.
Thank goodness for Jasmine’s expertise in the makeup department. She’d taught Nevealise how to use it to highlight her natural looks. Wearing makeup wasn’t an everyday occurrence for her. She wore it only when she sang at Heavens and for special occasions. She applied the finishing touches, gave herself another once-over and prepared to go out onstage.
The MC began to speak. That was her cue that it was almost time. She placed her hand on her stomach to quell the butterflies suddenly having a party in there. Normally she wasn’t nervous when she went onstage, but tonight Jarred was out in the audience. She was having such a hard time breathing, she hoped she coul
d get through her numbers, especially the first one, a soulful, sexy song.
The MC called her name and the audience’s applause reached her ears.
That’s my cue. Nevealise dragged in a deep breath and stepped out of her dressing room.
She took center stage, waited for the spotlight to catch her and began to sing Joss Stone’s “Lady.” Nevealise could identify with every lyric and moved her body accordingly, giving the audience a good show. She finished the number to the thunderous clapping of the crowd and moved directly into another song. This one was true to her heart—Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman.” Nevealise gave it everything she had in her. The band was on point, following her lead and not missing a single beat. She acknowledged them, and when she turned back, her eyes lit on Jarred. He was sitting at a table in the front. His eyes met and held hers, and despite the crowded lounge it was as if they were the only two people in the room. Somehow she continued with the song, pouring out her heart with each emotionally inspired lyric. Far off she could hear people singing along with her. One was shouting, “You’re bringing the house down, Nev.” But she ignored the voices and kept her eyes on the man who’d inspired her to sing it. Her pulse quickened as she got further into her number. Her arousal was at a fever pitch. She could feel the moistening of her panties. She was almost relieved when the song came to an end, fearing she might fall to pieces right there onstage.
She tore her eyes away from Jarred and took several deep breaths before looking out into the crowd. Some had made their way to the stage. The aisles were packed, with people standing, cheering and catcalling.
Her heart was singing. Wow! They really liked it. She hadn’t sung with that much heart and soul in a long time. If ever.
People were still applauding and filling the aisles.
“Thank you! Thank you!” she said, taking a bow.
Nevealise streamlined her gaze to focus in on Jarred. He gave her two thumbs-up, and then was whistling and applauding along with the others. He blew a kiss at her, causing her smile to widen. She began to laugh heartily, lifted her hand to the crowd, waved, and then turned and left the stage.
* * *
“Wow!” Jarred exclaimed. That was awesome. He looked around Heavens, at the people still standing and applauding. Nevea had received a standing ovation. It was well deserved. She sang the hell out of that song. The queen herself, Aretha, would have been proud of her. At first when she’d begun singing he’d smirked. He knew she was messing with him. But when she started singing “(You Make Me Feel) Like a Natural Woman” it had struck a chord with him.
And damn. That little piece of a dress she wore clung to her every curve. When she’d first stepped into view he’d almost come out of his chair. A flash of arousal had sent a signal from his brain to his lower region. His zipper had tightened against him. Her hair was pinned back from her face in a bun at the nape of her neck, and the red lipstick she wore added to her sexiness. Nevea was beautiful and she was his. All his.
Warmth radiated throughout his body. So much so that his insides felt as if they were vibrating. His face gleamed as he bobbed his head up and down, and bounced from one foot to the other, not able to contain his excitement. “Wow!” he said again. He couldn’t get what had just happened out of his head. He was proud of her.
“You’re one lucky man,” some guy standing next to his table was saying.
“Word,” another said.
“That sista’ didn’t sing. She sa-a-ang that! Somebody needs to give her a record deal,” yet another declared.
Jarred could only smile. He knew he was showing all thirty-two of his teeth, his smile was so broad.
“Yes, yes, I am lucky,” he said.
There was a tap on his shoulder. He turned to see Norman standing next to him.
“You want to go to the back where she’s at?” he asked.
“Sure,” Jarred promptly replied. He followed Norman to Nevea’s dressing room.
“You can go on in. I’m positive she wouldn’t mind.” Norman smirked.
Jarred flashed him a smile. “Thanks, man,” he said, and then turned the knob.
Nevea turned to face him just as soon as the door opened, a glass of wine in her hand. She’d told him that she always took a few sips of wine after her performances. He’d told her that she did it backward. Most people would have a drink before a performance. Jarred liked her quirky ways. They turned him on, but then again, everything about her turned him on.
“Did you enjoy the performance?” she asked.
Without saying a word, he advanced toward her, took the glass out of her hand and lowered his lips to hers. Her arms wrapped around him as he pulled her into his embrace. Her body relaxed against his as she returned his kiss with the same pent-up passion that he felt for her. Their tongues met and danced, neither relenting, both fighting for dominance. He tilted her head, deepening the kiss. He could taste the wine on her tongue. He pulled back, only to drag in a breath and capture her lips again. His hands left her head and roamed across her hips, pulling her closer and rubbing her against his erection as he captured her cries in his mouth.
Backing her up against her vanity, he pushed his hand up under her dress—and paused. She wasn’t wearing underwear.
“Bad girl,” he growled against her lips, and then pushed her legs apart and inserted a finger inside her.
She moaned, and waved her hands as if she didn’t know what to do next. She was a novice at lovemaking, but every move she made only caused him to want her more, need her more. He removed his finger and pulled her dress up to her waist, pushed his zipper down and then drew a condom from his pocket.
“Put it on me, Nevea,” he said, handing the condom to her. With nervous fingers she sheathed him. “Hold on,” he demanded. In seconds he aligned himself with her center and pushed inside her. She was wet and ready for him.
“Damn,” he whispered, continuing to plunge in and ease out of her, faster and harder each time. He was pumping like a man possessed. She was holding on to his shoulders, her face buried in the crook of his neck, making little passionate noises. He felt her muscles tighten around him. On the peak of an orgasm, he pulled out almost all the way and then thrust into her, deep and hard, sending her over the edge. She screamed her release against his neck. His own release followed seconds after.
Jarred laid his head against hers, unable to stop the erratic beating of his heart or catch his breath.
“Whoo,” he gasped. “That was...that was unbelievable.”
“Yes,” she choked out. “It was.”
She was still trembling against him. They stood there wrapped in each other’s arms. He couldn’t move. He didn’t want to move. He was still hard inside her. He gulped and kissed her firmly on the lips.
“Baby, I think I have an addiction,” he said, still winded.
“Really?” she said, panting. “And what would that be?”
“You,” he growled, and began to move inside her again.
She gasped and then began to move with him. “I concur.”
It was another hour before they left Heavens and drove back to Nevea’s, where their lovemaking continued.
Chapter 11
Jarred sat facing the picture window in his office, thinking about his time with Nevea the last few days. He’d turned off all forms of communication, not wanting anyone to intrude on their time together. His decision to drive out to her town house had been bold, spontaneous and worth every mile he’d traveled. They’d made love hard and often in almost every room in Nevea’s home. He’d hated to leave her and her bed.
He swung his chair around as the door to his office opened, and groaned inwardly. He’d gotten a call from both Langston and Brice, wanting to know his whereabouts. He’d forgotten that he’d told Langston he would see him in the morning. Not w
anting to invade Nevealise’s privacy, he hadn’t said anything to his brothers about being with her.
“So the prodigal son has returned,” Langston said, as he and Brice walked into his office.
“Don’t you two believe in knocking?” he grumbled. It was bad enough he had to be here instead of with Nevea, but these two brought him back to the realization that playtime was over. He had a lot of work to do.
“Yes, but because we haven’t seen you since Thursday we figured you owed us,” Langston said.
“If you say so. Have we gotten anywhere with our computer problem?”
“No, but I thought of something that no one else seemed to have,” Brice said.
“And that would be?” Jarred asked.
“We get Nev in here to break into the computers.”
Jarred stiffened. He’d never thought to ask for Nevea’s help. Considering how she felt about her father and anything connected to his name, Jarred doubted very seriously that she would help. However, Brice was correct. If anyone could do it, Nevea could.
“She’d never go for it,” Jarred said quietly.
“Why not?” Langston asked.
“Her father is not one of her favorite people.” Brice cut in before Jarred could respond.
“I kind of figured that from the night at Heavens,” Langston said.
Jarred listened to both of them going back and forth. He would broach the subject with her. Making love to Nevea had been glorious, and to find out that he was her first real lover was a bonus. There was that Chaney person, but he didn’t count.
After they’d made love the first time, both Jarred and Nevea had fallen asleep. Once they awakened he had run a bath and they’d both soaked in it. He’d mainly run it for her.
Jarred had also realized his mistake: he hadn’t used a condom. So he ran out to the store and picked up a box. It was sort of like shutting the barn door after the horse left, but better late than never. He truly hadn’t intended to make love to her without a condom. It just happened. Jarred didn’t regret making love to her, only that he hadn’t protected her.
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