The Emperor: Secrets Bared

by Anne Rainey

  "Damn right I'd like to spank you.” He started toward her. “Going somewhere, love?"

  He was back to reading her mind. She wanted to chastise him, but he looked so yummy with his dark hair all around his shoulders and his bare feet. Jesus, even his feet were sexy. She wanted to jump his bones all over again. Dang it, two nights should have held her over. She'd even been prepared to use the memories of what they'd shared to sustain her for the next fifty lonely years.

  Gideon's wicked smiled told her he'd caught her thoughts. Great, just what she needed. As he made his way across the room, Lori stiffened her spine. Resisting him wasn't going to be easy, but she was determined to hang onto at least a morsel of her dignity.

  * * * *

  Lori might be trying to run, but she was just as attracted to him now as she'd been last night and the night before. Gideon wasn't above using the knowledge to his advantage.

  Only a few feet away now, Gideon reached out and stroked her cheek with the tips of his fingers. “Why didn't you wake me?"

  She shrugged. “There was no reason to wake you."

  "You don't think?"

  "No, I don't,” she whispered.

  "You spent two nights with me. We've made love more times than I can count, and you're just going to walk away without a word?"

  Her expression changed to annoyance. “Isn't that what casual is all about? No strings? No promises?"

  Gideon let his fingers travel over her chin to her neck. “I thought we'd established this isn't casual."

  "Did we?"

  "I don't feel like letting you go, and I'm not amused by your Dear John note either."

  She stepped out of his reach. “You can't tell me you want a relationship, Gideon. We only just met."

  He advanced on her, but she retreated. He stopped and held out his hands. “I'm not going to hurt you so quit cowering."

  "I'm not cowering,” she muttered.

  "You're acting as if I bite."

  "When you touch me, I can't think straight."

  "Fine, I won't touch you."

  "And stay out of my head. You did promise."

  "That was yesterday. The statute of limitations is up."

  She rolled her eyes. “Don't be ridiculous."

  "I won't let you walk out of my life. Not without a fight.” This time when he moved forward, she didn't try to evade him. He kept his hands at his sides and growled, “Fair warning, love, I fight dirty."

  She crossed her arms over her chest, making Gideon aware she wasn't wearing a bra. Christ, trying to hide breasts as bountiful as hers was an act in futility.

  "Too late, Tarzan, I already called my sister."

  She addressed him as if he were an unruly student, which only served to turn him on. Every little thing she did turned him on. “Then she'll be disappointed she made the trip for nothing because you aren't leaving."

  "Good gravy, you can't just decide to keep me, Gideon. I'm not one of your statues."

  Gideon shook his head. “Good gravy? For an English teacher you sure do have a rather unique vocabulary."

  She edged back the slightest bit. She was aroused. He'd been in a constant state of readiness since he'd seen her.

  "I'm forever trying to come up with ways to keep from cursing. I wouldn't make a very good role-model for my students if I'm cursing left and right, now would I? Although, you make it difficult, I'll admit."

  "Don't leave,” he murmured.

  She started to protest, but Gideon stopped her with his finger to her open lips. He leaned down and cupped her chin in the palm of his hand, then pressed his mouth to hers, savoring her tiny whimpers. He licked the soft plumpness of her lips and drifted his hand down to cup her breast. She shuddered and he was lost. Gideon was edgy and restless. He wanted to devour, to take what he wanted. To make her scream in pleasure and pray it'd be enough to keep her with him.

  His tongue delved into her mouth and played with hers, teasing and tempting, driving them both mad. He heard something drop to the floor; then Lori flung her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, pushing against him in a desperate bid for more.

  One taste, one touch, and Gideon was on fire. What was wrong with him? Suddenly it was clear as day. Being with Lori had made him feel whole. She turned his cold house into a home. He'd never wanted a woman living with him, but he could easily imagine it with Lori. Waking her every morning with kisses, listening to her talk about her day in the evenings. He wanted it all, and he was going to start by driving her exquisite body wild with pleasure. He wanted to see her jade green eyes drift closed in dreamy satisfaction. Knowing what her wrinkled dress concealed was too much temptation to ignore.

  He was determined to prove to her the difference between the tepid, half-hearted relationship she'd had with Rick-the-dick, and the hot, soul-deep relationship they could share if she only gave him a chance.

  Afterwards, if she still wanted to leave, he'd have to find a way to let her go.

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  Chapter Eleven

  Lori pulled back, breathless, chest heaving. “I-I can't do this, Gideon."

  "Yes. You can, dammit.” He let her pull away, but only because he had other plans. Stealing kisses was exciting, but if he wanted to drive her mindless with pleasure, it would take more than locking lips.

  Gideon looked down at her bent head and knew her mind was in turmoil. He could only guess at that because she was trying hard to block him. It infuriated him even as he admired the strength of her will. She wasn't a woman he could control and dominate, not unless it was what she wanted.

  Gideon titled her head back and forced her to look at him. “You can't tell me you don't want me,” he said gently. “I won't believe you. Even with you blocking me out, I can see it in the way your body responds to me.” He held her gaze as he slowly lowered himself to his knees in front of her. Her eyes rounded, and there was a fire he hadn't seen in them. “Before you leave I want one last taste.” She started to protest. He could see the way her cheeks bloomed pink at his erotic words. In the bright light of day, she was becoming embarrassed and overwhelmed all over again.

  "You wouldn't deny me this last request, would you, love?” Gideon grabbed handfuls of her dress and tugged it upward, slowly exposing the lower half of her body. She licked her lips and moaned his name. With her lower half uncovered, he could see her black satin panties. They were delicate and feminine, like her, but they were in his way. He took hold of them in both hands and yanked, easily tearing them in two. Lori yelped.

  "I'll buy a new pair,” he promised. “Hell, fifty new pair."

  Gideon tossed them aside and stared at her glistening mound. Her soft curls were damp with arousal. He was suddenly starved for her.

  "You're so goddamn sexy. Sexy and wet and ready."

  "Oh, Gideon."

  The need in her quivery voice urged him on. “Put your leg over my shoulder, baby."

  She was unsteady but eager as she did as Gideon instructed. The position put the apex of her thighs directly into his face. It was a major turn-on. She looked a little bit awkward and wobbly in her pumps. Gideon grasped her hips and pulled her to him. He kissed her clit then growled, “I want your juice on my tongue before you leave. I want it there forever.” Gideon spread her open with his thumbs and exposed her. He leaned in and licked her slit, then his tongue moved inside her body, and his hands clasped onto her bottom bringing her closer. Gideon was swept away on a sea of desire as emotions rocked his body and tore at his heart and soul. He delved deeper, his cock throbbing as he felt her inner muscles clench around him. Lori raked her fingers through his hair and clutched onto him. She moaned as he flicked his tongue over and around her clit, time after time, until her thighs started to quiver and her body began to spasm out of control. Without warning, Lori shuddered and screamed as she came into Gideon's hungry mouth.

  She all but slumped over him, and he relished the feel of soft curves, totally replete, leaning on him for support. She was vulnera
ble and trusting, and it pulled at him. He gently kissed her swollen nub one more time, then pushed her away just enough so he could stand. He was careful to keep a hold on her as he stared at her quick breathing and heavy-lidded eyes. Christ, he wanted to have this with her every morning. To see her smile in just such a way, just for him. It would be more than enough to make him a happy man.

  "God, you do fight dirty."

  The words were so unexpected and Gideon laughed. “I did warn you."

  Her lips tilted up and his stomach jumped. What was she thinking? He still couldn't see into her thoughts; the brick wall she'd erected was firmly in place. He didn't have to wait long to find out what had put the twinkle in her eye though.

  "Yes, Gideon, you did warn me, but two can play at that game.” She tugged her dress back down and lowered herself to the floor. God, he'd never survive it.

  "Uh, didn't you say your sister would be here soon?” Maybe she'd get lost on the way. It was a wishful thought, but he sure as hell didn't want anyone interrupting what she was about to do.

  "Yes, but it didn't stop you, did it? You did what you wanted anyway. Now, it's my turn. I want your taste. I want it on my tongue, and I want it there forever, Gideon."

  "Christ,” he groaned. He loved the way this woman's mind worked. With her silky mass of tangled honey hair drifting down her back and those big green eyes smiling up at him, Gideon knew the truth. He was in love with her. He'd never in his life felt the emotion, but he was no fool.

  She looked at him with a sexy wink then started to divest him of his pajama bottoms. He helped her push them down his hips until they pooled at his feet. He was about to step out of them, but she delved in before he had the chance. The first tentative touch of her lips to the bulbous tip had Gideon realizing she was a novice. She wasn't sure what she was doing, and some primitive part of him loved her inexperience. He put his hands on her head and directed her onto his waiting shaft.

  "Just relax, love. Close your eyes and feel me with your tongue, your soft lips, and that sexy mouth of yours.” At first, she seemed to freeze up, but then she let her eyes close, and Gideon felt a soft sigh drift over his cock. With one hand, Lori guided him inside the wet heat of her mouth, then farther until he was practically down her throat. She licked and teased. The little movements of her tongue and lips drove him mad. He tried once more to slip inside her head, and this time he found her open, probably because she was too wrapped up in what she was doing to bother keeping up the wall. Her emotions slammed into his mind strong and true, not fleeting as she'd pretended. She cared for him. He wanted to shout to the heavens, but her thoughts as she marveled over the intensity of having his cock inside her mouth fried his circuits. She liked his taste, his scent; she enjoyed making him crazy in this way. It made him nuts knowing she was taking delight in what she was doing to him.

  Silent as a cat, Gideon pulled back out of her head and watched her. Lori was on her knees, her shyness all but a distant memory. She was beginning to find a rhythm, pulling his rigid length all the way out, placing a gentle kiss or a small lick to the tip, then sucking him in again. She was in no hurry to finish, as if she had all day to kneel in front of him and lick at her leisure. Damn he wished she could, but her sister would be there soon, and it was either finish or they'd be rudely interrupted. As she cupped his balls in her other hand and squeezed, every thought fled as his mind turned to Lori and her talented mouth and fingers.

  "Christ, Lori,” he growled as he grabbed up fistfuls of her hair.

  "Yeah, I know the feeling,” she whispered and then her movements turned rapid, as she became more excited to please him, to taste his come. She wanted him to lose control. She sucked and licked, and suddenly he was there, flying over some unseen edge and groaning her name in feral ecstasy.

  Long seconds passed, and Gideon realized Lori was still on her knees, only now she was staring up at him with her heart in her eyes. She was more beautiful than ever. He wanted it to last forever.

  The doorbell rang.

  Lori's eyes grew big, and her mouth dropped open. He helped her up, and she frantically went about righting her dress and fixing her hair while he righted himself. The bell rang again, and she all but jumped. When she started to sprint from the room, Gideon had to grab her from behind to stop her. “Where do you think you're going?"

  "That's my sister! What if she can tell what we've been doing?” Her face turned crimson and as if by magic her shyness was back full-force.

  Gideon wanted to laugh. She was so mussed only a blind man would be oblivious to what they'd been doing. “Love, what we just did wasn't shameful. It was perfect and right, and nothing is going to change that."

  She wrung her fingers together in worry.

  He sighed. There was no reasoning with her as long as her sister stood on the other side of his front door. He took her by the hand, linking their fingers. “Come on. Let's go greet your sister."

  She stopped him. “I hadn't meant for you to have to deal with all this,” she said. “I'm so sorry. Really, it wasn't supposed to happen this way."

  He frowned at her words. “What wasn't supposed to happen?"

  Lori wouldn't quite meet his gaze. “I know you would've liked this to be uncomplicated, and meeting my sister is about as complicated as it gets."

  Ah, now he was getting the gist of it. “Have I given you the impression that I think of you as a good fuck?” His eyes narrowed on her. “Is that all I was to you?"

  Her lips thinned in anger. “I wouldn't have put it in such a crude way.” She tried to pry her fingers out of his, but he wouldn't allow her to pull away from him.

  He leaned down until they were nose to nose and he whispered, “You're way more to me than a good time.” Then the doorbell rang again and Lori jumped. Gideon sighed.

  "If we don't answer the door, I'm afraid your sister will only beat it down,” Gideon muttered.

  Lori nodded, and together they left the studio.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter Twelve

  By the time they'd reached the front door, Lori's sister had resorted to banging her fist against the door. Gideon pulled Lori into his side, wrapped his arm around her waist, then swung the door wide. He stopped cold. His heart nearly stopped at the sight that greeted him. The woman on the other side was Lori. Only it wasn't Lori because she was next to him.

  "What have you done to my sister?” The look alike growled.

  Gideon looked at Lori and rumbled, “A twin? Damn, you could have warned me. I nearly had a heart attack.” Then he heard a moan, like an animal in pain, and Gideon peered around the side of the door and saw Gregory curled up in a ball cupping his crotch on the floor of his porch.

  Gideon quirked an eyebrow at Lori's twin. “What'd you do to my friend?"

  She looked down at the moaning mass of blond hair. “He said something about how hot I looked in see-thru purple. Since I'd never met him before, I figured he was talking about Lori. The comment seemed entirely inappropriate, so I kicked him."

  Gideon was about to thank her, but he never got the chance because she kept right on going. “Since you're the hottie Lori hooked up with, I figured you wouldn't mind so much if I kicked one of your friends in the balls, seeing as how he was blatantly hitting on your babe and all. Know what I mean?” She popped her gum and waited.

  Hottie? Gideon was dumbfounded at how completely different two sisters could be. Identical in looks, but that's where the similarities ended. Lori was conservative and demure, but her twin was an unrestrained bundle of electricity in leather pants.

  "Tabby, allow me to introduce you to Gideon Adrian.” Lori glanced to the right of the door and added, “And the man you turned into mush would be his best friend, Gregory Kent."

  Tabby had the good sense to look contrite; even if it wasn't the emotion she was feeling at the moment. “Sorry about the kick, Gregory, but you really should learn to control your mouth."

  Gregory slowly rose to his feet, careful to
keep his eyes both on the evil twin and on Gideon. Smart of him, Gideon thought, considering he was ready to kick his ass for flirting with Lori. Or, the woman he thought was Lori. Christ, he was getting a headache.

  "Yeah, you sound sorry,” Gregory mumbled then winced as he attempted to stand up straight. “I would say it was nice to meet you, but...” Gregory let the thought trail off. Gideon knew it'd be a damn cold day before Gregory ever got within ten feet of the little hellcat.

  "Tabby, it's nice to meet you,” Gideon said. As he kept his arm firmly wrapped around Lori, he gestured for Tabby to enter. “And I apologize for my friend. If I know Gregory, he was only flirting with you because he knew it would piss me off."

  Tabby and Lori both appeared flabbergasted. Tabby asked, “He purposely tries to piss you off, does he?"

  "He razzes me. It's all harmless fun."

  Tabby seemed unconvinced, but Lori only smiled. She'd already had a taste of Gregory's flirtatious nature.

  "So, what took you two so long to get to the door?” Tabby's gaze twinkled with mischief.

  "We were busy and don't ask rude questions,” Lori admonished.

  Gideon wasn't about to let the opportunity pass to plead his case. “To be honest, I was just about to tell your stubborn sister here that I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her."

  Gideon looked at Lori. Her eyes were wide, and her mouth hung open. For the first time in a very long time he felt real fear. This woman had his heart in her hands. What she did with it was up to her. All he could do was wait and hope. It was damned humbling for a man who thought he'd had life all figured out.

  "You two only just met!” Tabby howled.

  "Does it matter?” he whispered as he kept his gaze on Lori.

  "I suppose not,” Tabby admitted. “So, do you love him, sis?"