Sated

by Charity Parkerson

  Arbor stared at the corner, half-asleep and reliving every moment of the night before in her head. Trey was due to arrive at any moment. The laundry piled on her bed called her name, but she ignored it, telling herself it was ridiculous to start anything when he could be there any second. Of course, the truth was she was too tired to move. Lyric and Killian’s presence still filled every ounce of her small apartment. After sneaking from the bathroom at La’Vone, they’d taken things back to her place. It had been one hell of a night. With a groan, Arbor leaned over, resting her head on her crossed arms on top of the desk. It wasn’t the least bit comfortable, but her eyes were so heavy. The room spun, making it impossible to keep them open.

  “You’re judging me.”

  “I’m not.”

  Arbor snorted. “I can feel your judgey stare boring into the back of my skull.” Glancing over her shoulder, she found Trey slouched on the loveseat, arms crossed over his chest and watching her. When their eyes met, her brows rose in challenge. “Told you so.”

  “Never said I wasn’t staring. I said I wasn’t judging.”

  With an exasperated sigh, Arbor turned back to the window. She bore it for a good five minutes longer before snapping. “You’re still doing it.”

  Warmth engulfed her. “What am I doing?” Lyric asked, pressing against her back and wrapping his arms around her waist. She leaned into his touch.

  “Yay. You’re home.” Instead of the cheerful words she heard in her mind, her statement came out sounding breathless. His lips touched her shoulder as Killian’s lips touched her check. Tilting her chin, she captured his mouth.

  “We hurried,” he said against her skin. Lyric’s arms tightened around her waist even as his hands slipped beneath the hem of shirt. The open happiness shining in Killian’s eyes, as he claimed the window seat in front of her, caused her breath to hitch. Even as he gave her a minute-by-minute accounting of their business meeting, all Arbor could focus on was the sensation of Lyric stroking her stomach and the way Killian toyed with her belt loops. “Have you had fun playing with Trey while we were gone?”

  Killian’s mischievousness was catching. “He stares at me.”

  Trey snorted. “Tattletale.”

  Not only did Killian’s smile never falter, he didn’t bother glancing Trey’s way. “Of course he does. That’s what we pay him to do.”

  Lyric set his chin on her shoulder. “I’d be worried if he didn’t,” Lyric said, offering his two cents. “You’re fucking gorgeous.”

  Killian’s smile hitched up a notch. “Yeah. What he said.”

  Heat exploded across her face. She’d always been uncomfortable with praise. Killian’s expression changed, turning hot. Warmth spread through her limbs. Moving slowly, Killian came to his feet while holding her gaze.

  “Go away, Trey,” Killian ordered.

  “Yep.”

  The man’s agreement and the door closing behind him vaguely registered in Arbor’s mind.

  “How far down does this blush go?” Killian asked, tugging his shirt over his head. Lyric slid the button on her jeans free.

  “Let’s find out.”

  The knock landing on her front door seemed over-the-top loud to Arbor’s pounding head. She stumbled to her feet, trying her best to shake off sleep and barely hanging on to her temper.

  “For fuck’s sake. This is a studio apartment. You could’ve tapped your fingernails and I would’ve heard you. All that wasn’t necessary.” Trey lifted his eyebrows at her snarled words. She regretted her bitchiness immediately. Snapping her teeth together, Arbor drew a deep breath in through her nose. “I’m sorry,” she muttered, rubbing at her temples. “That was ridiculous.” The dream about Lyric, Killian, and Trey nagged the back of her mind, driving her insane. It felt so real. It was still hanging in the air, choking her. “You look nice,” she added because she was a dumbass. But really, he did. His black slacks and maroon dress shirt went great with his shaggy blond hair and gun. Seriously. Something about him toting a weapon ratcheted up his hotness level by ten notches. He also smelled rather lickable.

  Apparently mollified, a low rumble of laughter left his too-perfect lips. “In spite of the dark smudges beneath your eyes, you’re looking damn hot as well.”

  To stop herself from tugging at the low neckline of her dress—something she’d done a thousand times before his arrival—she snagged her purse from the side table and stepped into the hall. Left with no choice, Trey backed up, giving her space to pull the door closed. For some reason Arbor couldn’t explain, she didn’t want him inside her apartment. Perhaps—after last night—she no longer trusted her judgment when it came to men. It seemed she’d forgotten how to tell them no. Being alone with Trey, with her bed only feet away, didn’t seem like such a good idea.

  “Sometimes I don’t sleep very well,” she said, explaining her bad attitude and dark circles. Not to mention, she hoped to draw his attention away from how she was rushing him from her apartment.

  “I rarely sleep, so I can’t judge.” He didn’t make any move toward the elevator. Instead, he seemed content to stand in the hall all day. Arbor shifted, nervous beneath his stare. Hyper-awareness over her kiss-swollen lips and the beard burns on her neck left her incapable of thinking straight. Finally, she chose something simple to steer him in the direction she wanted.

  “Where are we going for lunch?” Damn. He was a detective. Most likely, he could see right through her. Why was he standing so close? Her hormones couldn’t take it. That smell...sheesh. It made her stomach growl.

  “Let’s get something out of the way first.” She was losing her mind. His statement didn’t make sense.

  “Okay.”

  At her placid acceptance, he smirked. “I didn’t expect you to agree so easily.”

  She shook her head. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

  A silky chuckle met her admission. The sound stroked her over-sensitized skin, making her want. By the time Arbor realized what she was doing, it was too late. Her fingers were already clasping his shirt tightly between them, drawing him closer. When she went up on her toes, Trey met her halfway. Dipping his head, he touched his lips to hers. They clung. Unmoving. She shared his air. It was amazing.

  The tip of his tongue swiped the valley in the center of her bottom lip. She wanted to chase it. It disappeared. Letting go of his shirt, Arbor slipped her arms around his waist, closing the final gap between them. His hips pressed against her stomach. The erection couldn’t be missed. His mouth opened over her bottom lip enough to allow him to sink his teeth into it. Her breasts were begging for the same treatment. The hard surface hitting her back let Arbor know he’d pushed her against the wall. The support was appreciated. When her head thumped against the wood, and she could go no further, his tongue finally slipped past her lips. His hold tightened on her hips, making her realize she’d been rubbing them against him, unconsciously seeking relief. She’d heard of people becoming addicted to sex. Maybe that was what was happening to her.

  The taste of coffee and mint teased her taste buds. Soft strokes brushed across the roof of her mouth and the side of her tongue before disappearing again. There was talent, pure skill behind his every action. Arbor was helpless against it. When he pulled away and pressed his lips to her forehead, all she could do was breathe. She didn’t have the strength to do anything more. Every lungful of oxygen was hard won. Her gasps sounded loud in the otherwise silent hallway.

  “I’m going to take you to lunch,” he said against her skin. She nodded. “I don’t want to.” She shook her head. He leaned away. Tilting her chin up, she met his stare. “Goddamn.” His breathless curse barely died away before he was on her again. This time, his kiss was demanding—nipping her lips and sucking her tongue. Her body drew up so tightly, Arbor thought she might come from his kiss alone. That was something that had never happened to her before. He groaned, sounding doomed as he pulled away.

  “We’re leaving now before I do something stupid.”
/>
  “I’d be insulted, but even I can’t defend my senseless behavior as of late.”

  Trey didn’t smile as she’d hoped. “And I don’t know whether to laugh or shake you for that comment. Instead, I’m going to feed you because I think you need more people who actually care about you in your life.”

  Arbor wanted to argue that he didn’t know her well enough to judge. The words wouldn’t come. No matter what came to mind, it died on her tongue. His gaze was too wise. She did need someone who cared because she wasn’t entirely sure that even she did any longer.

  * * * * *

  She’d been quiet, barely saying a word since they’d arrived at the restaurant. Trey hadn’t pressed. It was comforting. It was Arbor. She didn’t fill the world with unnecessary noise. For someone such as him, it was irresistible.

  “Are you ready to go home or do you have time to spend with me?”

  Arbor took a sip of water, eyeing him questioningly. “Don’t you have a job to go back to?”

  Trey didn’t hesitate. “You’re my first priority.”

  “That’s sweet. Ridiculous, but sweet.”

  He wasn’t sure if she meant to insult him, but he was either way. “Why is it ridiculous?”

  Arbor’s sigh clearly said that she thought the answer should’ve been obvious. “You’re supposed to be on your lunch break, and everyone needs to work.”

  No. They didn’t, but it was pointless for Trey to say as much. “You called me, so I get to keep you now.”

  She huffed but was smiling. Trey took it as a good sign. “I called you yesterday.” A frown pulled at her brow. “At least, I think it was yesterday, or was it...” She made a slashing motion. “No matter. You have a career to think about.”

  “Today, you’re my job.” She was his responsibility every day, but Trey kept it to himself. Her eyes narrowed. A full minute passed before she responded.

  “What did you have in mind?”

  The triumph raging through his veins was hard to hide, but Trey tried. “A tour. You said you hadn’t been here long. New Orleans is an amazing place. I refuse to let you miss out on all the best places because you don’t have a local to guide you.”

  “Mmm, guide me,” Arbor repeated. Just like that, he went hard. The one-two punch of naughty tone and wicked expression had him raring to go. Arbor’s gaze slid over him. It was almost physical in its power. Her lips parted. A flush crept up her chest. He didn’t miss a single detail. “If you could see the way you’re looking at me right now.”

  At Arbor’s breathless statement, Trey had to clear his throat before he could speak. “What would I see?”

  She shook her head. A rueful smile touched her lips. “So where are we headed?”

  Disappointment punched him in the chest. Never in his life had he wanted a question answered as badly. He did his best to hide it. “It depends on you. Would you prefer to hear all about the architectural history of the town or are you interested in the darker side of life in this area? If it’s structural history, we’ll do a walking tour. If you’re a paranormal junkie, there’re some awesome ghost tours, and even a few out in the swamp.” It was almost funny. Even discussing historical buildings and haunted locale didn’t dampen his lust.

  “Ghosts? During the day?”

  Trey chuckled. He couldn’t help it. “In my experience, once you’re dead, you stay that way twenty-four hours a day. So, what’s it going to be?”

  “Neither,” she answered immediately, causing his disappointment to ratchet up. He must not have done a good job of masking it. Her smile turned mischievous. “I have something better in mind. If you’re up for it, that is.”

  “You’re killing me.” He was incapable of stopping the admission from leaving his lips. Words have power. Arbor was using hers to keep him aroused. He knew it and was defenseless against it. She had a way of emphasizing the perfect word in each sentence she spoke, making every conversation a sexual invitation even when it wasn’t. Her smile said volumes. She was unapologetic in her wickedness. Deciding two could play this game, Trey set his elbows on the table and let her have it. He didn’t hold anything back as his gaze slid down her body. Trey let every ounce of desire he felt show in his expression. Arbor’s lashes lowered, hiding her thoughts, but she couldn’t hide her body’s reaction. Unfortunately for him, she didn’t try for long. When Arbor lifted her chin and met his stare once more, Trey bit back a moan. Her heat matched his.

  “I don’t see how. I’m not even touching you…yet.” She paused, allowing the final word to hang in the air between them before adding, “And I would never hurt you. In a bad way, that is.”

  He groaned. “Since I’m now picturing a hundred good ways, the point goes to you. Now, tell me this idea before I embarrass you.”

  Even though Trey hadn’t thought it possible, Arbor’s expression turned naughtier. “How cute. You think you can embarrass me.”

  “Of course I can,” Trey responded without hesitation. “You’re beautiful, you know? It’s possible you’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever set eyes on.” She blushed. Triumph ran through his veins. He couldn’t stop. If need be, he could go all day. He knew Arbor’s weaknesses and strengths. There wasn’t a single thing he didn’t know about her. She couldn’t abide a compliment in any form. “Every head turns in your direction when you’re not looking. In fact, there’re at least three people…”

  “Stop. Please?” she begged. “You win, okay?” Since her face was almost as red as his shirt, he considered relenting for half a second before discarding the notion.

  “Is that a real ‘stop’? I think you’re secretly enjoying yourself and it was a plea for more. You know; one of those moments when your mouth says ‘stop,’ but your mind screams ‘more.’ Did you know you’re the only woman in the world who’s ever held my attention for longer than five minutes? It’s your eyes.”

  She fanned her face. “They’re green.”

  “They’re trusting, even though they’ve seen too much. You’re not jaded in the least. It’s fascinating. Everything you’re feeling is written there and you do nothing to hide it. You couldn’t care less what people think of you, but you’re scared to death no one thinks of you at all.” She wasn’t blushing any longer, but now that he’d started, Trey couldn’t stop. “I do. I haven’t stopped thinking about you since the first moment I set eyes on you.”

  “Let’s go shopping.”

  Trey swallowed back a laugh. “Nice avoidance.”

  “I thought so,” Arbor said without an ounce of shame tinging her words. “Seriously. Let’s go shopping.” She toyed with her napkin. He eyed the low-cut dress that showed too much cleavage, while she stared at her hands. The dress’ pink coloration looked good against her tan skin. She favored the color, he noticed. He thought about saying as much, to see how she’d react, but he’d pushed too much for one day. Luckily, he also knew exactly how to fix it.

  “Compliment me.” At his demand, her gaze shot to his. The confused look on her face was almost comical. Laughter filled her gaze.

  “What?” He could hear the emotion attempting to work its way into her voice, but she was good at holding back the humor.

  “You heard me. I said a lot of nice things about you. It’s your turn. We’re not moving from this spot until you return the favor.” Trey was grinding his back teeth to a pulp to keep from smiling like an idiot. There wasn’t a single person anywhere he simply wanted to be with other than Arbor. Every second in her presence was worth a thousand of being with anyone else. She pressed her lips together. A dimple appeared at the corner of her mouth as she did her best to keep from smiling, but it was in her eyes.

  “You have a great ass.”

  A bark of laughter left Trey’s lips before he could bite it back. Several people shot annoyed glances their way. He swiped at his eyes, ignoring them. “I’ll take it. Now, did you have a certain place in mind for this shopping expedition, or were you simply doing your best to shut me up?”

  “If
I wanted to shut you up, I’d gag you.” She bit her bottom lip. A rueful expression crossed her features. “Sorry. It’s like I can’t stop.” She blew out a breath, causing her hair to fly away from her face. “I want to go to Bourbon Street.”

  He almost groaned again. She would choose the most touristy place around, but he was all about making her happy. “Then that’s where we shall go. God help us.” Arbor’s musical laughter made everything worthwhile.

  Turned out, Bourbon Street was located in the fiery depths of hell. There was no other way Arbor could think to describe the crowds…or the heat. It was horrible. It was possible the shops were amazing. If she could’ve beaten her way through the people to get to them, she might’ve found out. A sudden onslaught of claustrophobia overcame her and she couldn’t do it. Everyone was closely packed together, breathing up all the good air and leaving her the shit that didn’t have enough oxygen to survive in it. Thankfully, Trey spotted her full-blown panic attack the moment it set in, and began elbowing his way through the crush until he could drag her down a side street. The instant her feet touched the cobblestone path—which seemed odd compared to their surroundings—the air cooled and Arbor was finally able to breathe again.

  “Sorry. I…”

  “You need to stop apologizing. That’s what you need to do,” Trey said, cutting her off. “Catch your breath.”

  She shook her head. “I’m fine now. I’m not sure what happened back there.” It had been happening more and more often—the moments of having the life strangled from her. “For a minute, I couldn’t breathe, as if the air was being squeezed from my lungs.” Trey’s face went blank, effectively distracting her. Arbor more than saw the change overcome him. She felt it happen. Shifting, uncomfortable with this version of him, Arbor cleared her throat. “I’m okay now. Maybe I just got overheated.”

  Trey nodded. “That makes sense.” He shook his head, making her wonder what image he was attempting to shake off. In an obvious attempt at gaining his bearings, Trey looked both ways down the alleyway before adding, “There’s a refreshment stand about halfway up the street. Do you think you can make it?” Slashing his hand through the air, Trey stopped her from answering. “Never mind. I don’t want you to try. You need a break. I’ll run down there and grab something.” Arbor could see the stand from where they were. It wasn’t that far away, but she could tell that Trey was adamant. His gaze moved over their surroundings once more before meeting her stare. “Don’t move, okay?”