by Harper Sloan
Dad looks over at me, dazed for a moment before he starts cracking up right along with me.
“Knox, I’m flattered that you think I can hold my own with you young guys, but I think my daughter was pulling your leg. I have no desire to get in that ring with you.”
Knox lets out a deep breath and then turns to look at me. He looks equal parts relieved and pissed, and the grin immediately falls from my face. I have the urge to hightail it and run, but I got myself into this, so I might as well suffer the consequences. Pressing my heels into the floor, I stand my ground as he exits the ring and crosses to me, stopping only inches away.
His thumb lifts my chin, forcing me to look up at him. I can’t read his expression, but the fiery look in his eyes sends a pool of heat between my legs. Even though Dad’s right here, I want Knox to throw me over his shoulder, take me home, and punish me Christian Grey style. It’s only been a couple of days, but I could see Knox as the spanking type in the bedroom, and I make a mental note to try and work it into a conversation later.
“Charlotte, were you fucking with me?” he asks in a soft yet gruff tone. Oh shit. The only time he’s ever called me Charlotte is when he’s been irritated with me or pissed.
Swallowing hard, I’m kicking myself for thinking this would be a good idea. I’ve seen the sensitivity underneath his hardened shell. I should’ve known not to mess with him like this, especially when it comes to wanting Dad’s approval.
I nod, and his nostrils slightly flare as his jaw tightens. And it’s honestly hot as sin. “I was just kidding, and I was going to tell you, but then I found it completely cute the way you were so worried about how to deal with Dad. I’m sorry for making you freak out. But I swear, I didn’t mean to upset you. I was about to tell you in the car but then Kale showed up.”
Dropping my chin, he steps back from me, not quite looking at me. I want him to lean in and give me a kiss on the forehead, tell me it’s fine, and smack my ass as he give me tips to take down Dad, but he doesn’t. Instead, he looks over my head and starts to walk away.
“Jace just came in, so I’m going to go find someone who’s actually going to spar with me today. I’ll see you later,” he says in passing, leaving me to stand there and watch as he walks away.
We’ve been dating for two days and I’ve already pissed off my boyfriend. Boyfriend. I smile at that word and decide to swallow my pride and follow after him. Catching up to him right before he’s about to enter the locker room, I grab his arm and try to pull him off to the side. Instead, he leads me out the side door into an alleyway. Pressing me up against the wall, I can feel the brick biting into my back as he places his left arm by the side of my head. Looking up at him, I whisper one more time, “I’m sorry, Knox.”
“What the hell am I gonna do with you, Charlie?” he asks, and it’s a small victory that he’s dropped the Charlotte.
I give him my sexiest grin. “I can think of a few things. Spanking might be high on that list.” I tease, but he doesn’t look amused.
His eyes are expressionless, his mouth set in a grim line. Shaking his head, he pushes away from me, turning his back as his hands come up and to rest behind his head.
Stepping towards him, I reach out to grab his arm, but he pulls away. He’s never resisted my touch, so I’m desperately racking my brain, trying to figure out how to make this okay.
“Knox, come on. It’s not that big of a deal. Dad didn’t care, and I wasn’t thinking it’d get this far. For what it’s worth, I really like that you care what Dad thinks about you. And trust me, he likes you. So please, let’s just go back inside and forget this happened.” I’m practically begging. I hate the way it sounds, but he’s still turned away from me, and I can’t stand not knowing what he’s thinking.
Another minute or so passes by, and there’s nothing except highway traffic to fill the air. Finally, he slowly turns around to face me and he’s…freaking grinning. Pushing me back against the wall once again, he leans downs for a kiss, ravaging my mouth as if he hasn’t kissed me in weeks. I’m breathless when he finally pulls away. Relief washes over me when I realize he isn’t actually upset with me, and I find myself enjoying this playful side of him. Even though I could smack him for making me think he was mad, I love that we can go toe-to-toe. Dad was definitely right when he said I’d met my match and I’m so glad it’s Knox.
Placing his forehead on mine, I’m still trying to catch my breath when he plants a soft kiss against my lips before he leaves a trail of them across my jawline, making his way to my ear.
“Just messin’, babe. I’m not mad.” Shoving him back, I can’t help the smile that crosses my face.
“So let me get this straight… This whole time, you weren’t mad?” I ask, seeking one hundred percent clarification, because in the beginning, I swear he looked pissed.
“Not one single bit. Hey, I may be a hothead, but I know you tried to tell me. Just giving you a little taste of your own medicine.” He leans down and kisses me on the forehead before leading me inside. “Come on. You’ve got a dad to fight.”
OKAY, SO maybe I was a little irritated that I’d been spending the last few hours trying to figure out how to approach her dad in the ring, but when Charlie looked up at me with those sad brown eyes, like she was disappointed in herself, I couldn’t stay mad. Letting her know I was just messing around with her was worth the look of relief that washed over her face, followed by that brief make-out session against the wall.
I’m still a little worked up over it, and I decide to take out my pent-up energy on Jace in the ring while Charlie has her match with Wade. Even though I won’t let her know it, part of me was a little pissed that she messed with me, but I’ll get over it. Instead of dwelling on it, channeling the irritation into my boxing has helped me go toe-to-toe with Jace, and we’re both currently tied 1-1. I haven’t felt this good about my fitness level since before the explosion. Everything in my life is finally looking up, and I couldn’t be happier.
Jace gets in a quick jab to the side of my face while I’m deep in thought. Backing up, I regroup, and he smiles at me.
“Come on, Knox. If you’re going to be distracted, I’ll just find someone else to spar with,” he says, bouncing on the balls of his feet.
Shaking my head at him, I catch his next jab attempt between my gloves and get in a front kick to his stomach as soon I release his hand.
“I couldn’t help but overhear Kale earlier. So you and Charlie, huh?” he asks, trying to move and land a left hook. I bring up my right arm at the precise moment to block him and use my left to nail him under the chin with an uppercut. He moves back a few steps, shaking it out.
“Yeah, me and Charlie. What about it?” I ask, waiting for the whole ‘I told you so.’
He just shrugs as he answers me. “Nothing about it. I just think it’s cool. She’s good for you. And vice versa. I like you two together.”
“I’m glad I have your approval. I mean, ever since you gave me that whole ‘balls of steel’ speech, I haven’t been able to get her off my mind,” I joke, even though I now know he’s right. That’s my girl. Strong, independent, and undeniably sexy.
Jace looks beyond me and a huge grin spreads over his face. “Oh yeah, HUGE balls of steel,” he laughs, pointing past me.
Turning around, I see Charlie straddling Kale, his stomach flat on the mat. She has him in a hammerlock, his left arm twisted behind his back. She’s leaning over, whispering something in his ear, and I wonder what the fuck she’s saying. He nods, and she lets him go. Looking around, he shakes his arm out before he exits the ring, making his way over to where Jace and I are.
Fuck. Jace.
The second the thought crosses my mind, I turn around. He’s only inches away, grinning at me, ready for the takedown.
“Come on, dude,” I start to protest, but it’s no use. He pounces, and before I can get my bearings, I’m flat on my back, Jace grinning over me.
“Don’t worry, buddy. I’m sure your balls ar
e still bigger than hers.” Winking down at me, he sticks out a hand and helps me up.
“That was pretty damn cheap, Jace,” I hear Charlie call as she walks up to the ring, sending him a mock glare, which only makes him laugh.
“Hey, I was just taking advantage of him enjoying you taking Kale down. Maybe you shouldn’t be so distracting,” he says as he walks away, still chuckling.
Slipping out of the ropes, I place my arm around her as she leans into me. “Hey, Rugged. What was it you were telling me about situational awareness when you’re in the ring?”
I place a kiss on her forehead while also shaking my head at her. “When it comes to you, I can’t help myself. Especially when you’re across the gym straddling another guy and not fighting your dad.”
Grinning, she smiles up at me. “Dad and I finished early, and I wanted to spar with Kale. Speaking of…” She trails off as Kale finally approaches.
“Dude, your girlfriend’s a ball buster. I’m glad no one from the platoon was here to see that damn takedown. My arm still fucking hurts,” he says, rubbing it for effect.
I’m thinking the opposite, wishing more of the guys had been here to see her being a badass, but I understand where Kale is coming from. No guy wants to be straddled by a chick unless that means she’s lowering herself down onto his cock, and well, my girl is most definitely not doing that with anyone but me.
“Hey, man, I was just fucking around when I said Lucy told me everything. All she said was that something happened and you two were together now. I know you like your privacy, so seriously, dude, that’s all I know. And for what it’s worth, I’m happy as hell for you two.”
“I appreciate it, man. I’m a fucking lucky guy,” I tell him, and I see a pink tint spread over Charlie’s cheeks. I’m not sure if she’s flushed from her workout or my words. Either way, it causes my dick to stir to life, and I want nothing more than to get her home.
Placing my hand on the small of her back, we say our goodbyes to Kale and I lead her out of the gym and into my car, ready to get home and show her just how fucking lucky I know I am.
AFTER LEAVING the gym, I was so ready to have my way with her, but she was complaining about sore muscles. While she was getting her workout gear out of my car, I went inside and drew her a warm bath. I can’t remember the last time I used my oversized bathtub, and I know there’s never been a girl in it. For some reason, I want Charlie to use it.
“Knox, what are you wanting for dinner?” she calls down the hall, and I can’t help but smile at how normal it sounds, and how domestic this feels.
I don’t answer, and moments later she finds me in the bathroom.
“What’s all this?” she asks, motioning towards the filled bathtub and the lit candles surrounding it.
“I thought you could soak in a warm bath to loosen up your muscles. I know how much you exerted yourself when you took down Kale today,” I tease, and she throws a towel at me.
Walking into the room, she places a kiss on my lips. “This is perfect, Knox. I can’t remember that last time I soaked in a bath, and I could definitely use it after today.”
Leaving the bathroom, she comes back moments later with a glass of wine. I grin at her, and she shrugs.
“What? I’m going to enjoy this bath as much as I can. Now get out so I can relax!” she tells me, pushing me out of the bathroom, but not before she plants a kiss on my lips.
A few minutes later, I’m wandering the house, wanting to join her in the bath even though she kicked me out. Grabbing a bottle of wine and an extra glass, I make my way down the hall with the pretense that she may need a refill.
When I get to the bathroom, I immediately harden as I take in the sight of her. She has her head leaned back, feet out of the water on both sides of the tub. Her breasts are just above the water line, and she’s currently working them over with a loofa, spreading her body wash all over her skin. It’s more than I can take.
I set the glass down, fill it, and immediately remove my clothes. Kneeling on the floor next to the tub, I lean in and take a nipple into my mouth, surprising her. She gasps, and I pull back, giving her a cocky smile.
“Room for two?” I ask, and she sits up, allowing me to slide in behind her. Leaning back against the cool tile, I wrap my arms around her as she settles against my chest. I love the feeling of her wet, naked skin pressing against mine. I could memorize it, this moment, to replay again in my mind, but the memory alone would never be enough.
Grabbing the loofa from her, I begin to rub it over her skin, not missing a single inch. After I’m satisfied that I’ve rubbed her entire body, I toss it to the side and pour her body wash directly on my bare hand. I start at her collarbone, spreading the liquid over her before moving down. Both of my hands knead her breasts, teasing and tugging at her nipples. She squirms against me, and I slide my hands down to her waist, stilling her movement, but she’s not making it easy on me. The whole time she’s trying to grind on my dick, which is so fucking hard that I can barely concentrate. As much as I want to be inside her right now, I’m going to take my time.
Her head turns to the side, giving me perfect access to her earlobe. As my hand travels down to rest between her thighs, my lips find their way to her ear.
“You know I should punish you for that stunt at the gym, right?” I growl, and I have to wonder who’s going to be tortured more.
A shiver runs through her as she pushes back against me. Her arms come up and hook around the back of my head. The movement causes her head to arch back, giving me full access to her throat.
“I’ll accept any punishment you deem necessary. Just don’t make me wait for it.”
Chuckling, I store those words away for future use. My hand slips between her folds, rubbing up and down, circling her core. My fingers move faster, working to bring her right to the edge as my other hand covers one breast. She moans when I pinch her nipple a little less gently than normal. She’s practically bucking as my fingers thrust in and out of her. Water’s sloshing outside the tub due to her movements, but she’s too focused on my hands to even notice. The moment I begin to feel her tighten around my fingers, I slowly pull them out. I slide my hand up to her stomach and press against it, pushing her back against my dick, letting her feel how hard she’s making me right now. Because I am. So fucking hard. And I’m desperate to be inside her, but I’m enjoying the fuck out of this torture and I wonder if I can get her to beg.
“You feel that, sweetheart? Do you feel how much I want you?” I ask, and she nods as she removes her hands from where they were gripping the back of my head.
“God, Knox, I want you, too. More than I’ve ever wanted anyone in my life. Please, don’t leave me like this,” she begs, bringing her own hand between her thighs. I remove it and grasp her wrist.
“This is all mine, sweetheart,” I tell her, not letting anyone else get close, not even her. I’ve never felt this possessive over a woman, but then again I haven’t had one I actually cared about until now. I want to be the only one who gets her off, who makes her feel pleasure until she’s begging for more.
She’s rubbing her thighs together, trying to find some sort of relief. Call me a bastard, but I’m not ready to let her go over the edge just yet. Placing my hands on her thighs, I squeeze just hard enough to get her to stop moving. “The more you try to do this yourself, the longer it’s going to be until I make you come.”
Her body goes rigid as her hands come up to grip the sides of the tub. Shivering, she slides down just a little bit, covering her breasts with the water. While I want to prolong this for as long as I can, I know the water’s going to get cold, which is the last thing my dick needs to happen.
Slowly, I sit up straighter and pull her back up, peppering her neck with kisses as I allow my hand to wander down her body, just barely grazing her tits. Tracing an outline over her tight, toned stomach, I pause for a moment to look down at her. It’s an erotic sight—her wet, naked body resting against mine as she waits for my hand
to finally bring her some relief. Something about looking at her body from this point of view makes me think of what she said at the store, about being barefoot and pregnant, and I can only imagine us in this same position but with my hand resting on her pregnant belly.
Shaking my head at the thought, I know it’s too goddamn early to even be thinking such things, but I already know that I want Charlie in my life for the long term. I just hope she feels the same. I’m not saying I’m ready for confessions of love, but I know I want more from her than just a casual fling.
“Knox?” Charlie’s soft whisper echoes on the bathroom and pulls me from my thoughts. She’s turned slightly, looking up at me. I take the opportunity to lean down and press a soft kiss against her lips. She settles back in against me, and I move a lone finger just above her clit. Looking down, I can see she’s struggling not to move.
“All right, sweetheart, I’ve gotta know. Are you sorry you fucked with me at the gym?” I ask, taking a quick swipe over her clit before removing my finger. I’m honestly not mad, but I’m curious as to what she’ll say when she’s desperate to get off.
Letting out a deep breath, she nods. “I already told you I was. I’m not sorry for messing with you. That part was fun, but I am sorry I let it go so far,” she says. I try to suppress a grin, not surprised that my girl couldn’t just say yes.
“Are you going to do it again?” I ask, moving my finger down as I press it between her legs.
She waits a moment before answering. I start to pull my hand away from her, but she’s quick to grab it and hold it in place.
In a hushed, breathy tone, she finally responds. “Probably.”
I shake my head, knowing she’s only being honest. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I growl into her ear.
Grabbing her waist with both hands, I lift her up and twist so I can place her on the side of the tub. She shivers, and I don’t know if it’s from the cool tile under her ass or the way I slide my hands up her legs, pushing them apart so I can move in between them. Having been patient enough, I don’t make her wait. As my hands grip her thighs, I bring my head down and suck on her clit, causing her to cry out at the contact. Slipping a finger inside her, I can feel how wet she is. Even if it’s just from the water, it’s such a fucking turn-on.