“Change?” she answered him.
“Yeah, you … the lipstick, that face stuff, you know, and it’s not too much, Darlene. It looks good.”
She had to have blushed. Charles was a nice man, a widow, attractive, but it was Charlie−she’d worked with him for years.
“Thanks, Charlie. It was a little experiment. I guess it worked,” she said, smiling.
“You’re an attractive woman, Darlene; Margaret always said that after meeting you at one of the Christmas parties.”
Margaret Adams had been a pleasant woman, and she had adored Charlie. They seemed to be a happy couple. She’d been gone for almost four years, and there had been no signs of Charlie dating anyone. Darlene knew she was in the danger zone with Charlie and had to keep it light and friendly. There could never be anything between them.
“Thank you, Charlie. I still have Devon to bring up, and he is the center of my life. But again, that was very nice of you to say.” She smiled and headed toward the lockers. Lord, that was really a lame thing to say, she thought. She prayed she quelled any ideas Charlie may have had.
She opened her locker and shoved her bag in. She was checking her hair in her little mirror when a large hand held her locker door open. She saw the bruises scattered across his knuckles, and then she felt heat as the body, which belonged to that hand moved in on her.
“Hi,” was all he said.
She bit her lip. It was him. What on earth was he doing? Dare she turn around? She had no idea what to do. What she did know was that having him so close was driving her crazy. His body overpowered her five foot seven frame. She wasn’t a slight woman, and yet he dwarfed her. Her heart was beating wildly in her chest, her breathing labored. Dear Lord, no man had ever had such an effect on her.
“Hi,” she responded then reason took over. “What are you doing here?” she asked in a low voice as she slowly turned around to face him.
“Damned if I know,” he answered and then whispered, “Damned if I know.”
When she turned to face him, she caught her breath. He was just as she remembered, gorgeous. Dark, thick, short hair, hazel eyes with thick dark eyelashes, and the scruff he sported suited him. His nose was long, with a small bump in the middle, probably from breaking it a few times. However, his full sensuous lips and squared chin set off his amazing features. She could melt in his arms. She had melted in his arms. He could kiss. She let out a small sigh, and then covered her mouth.
He laughed. “Are you okay?” he asked. “Your heart seems to be beating a bit fast. Do I make you nervous?”
“No. No, you don’t, no, no, not at all,” she lied.
Chapter Eight
He took a long look at her face. Fuck, she was so damn pretty. Her skin was clear, beautiful, and her eyes were as dark as a starless night. Her features were classical and European. He tried not to smile. He wanted to seduce her and smiling would ruin the mood. He closed the gap between them even farther, and that’s when he heard her heart beating. She sighed, and still, he held back a smile. He was no fool. He knew the affect he had on women, but this woman had his mind and body in an uproar. Now as he stood so close to her, his cock twinged. The erotic thoughts that raced through his head; he’d never wanted to kiss, caress, or play with a woman this bad. Then it happened, the side of his mouth rose slightly, giving her one badass sexy smile. He heard her breathe deeply and went in for the kill.
“Mr. Murphy,” she whispered as she raised a hand to his chest, trying to put some kind of wedge between them.
“Yessssss…” he said, drawing out the word, still giving her his sexiest smile. You never answered my question. Do I make you nervous?”
“No,” she said breathlessly.
“Really? Then why is your heart fluttering, and why do I hear such hesitation in your voice?” He moved closer, inching toward her.
He saw her expression change. One perfect dark eyebrow arched, and now she wore a sexy smile. Fuck, the look fit her and made her even more desirable. “Is there a restroom close?”
“Yes.” She gave him a quizzical look.
“How close and how private?” he asked, letting his tongue taste her cheek.
“I don’t understand. Do you need to pee?”
“You could say that. How close?” he asked, moving closer, his lips grazing the side of her face. “How close?”
“Mr. Murphy, oh, God,” she murmured as his hand slipped, the gap between them becoming almost nonexistent. “Um, a few feet away; it’s the employee bathroom.”
“Take me there.” He moved away from her. His cock was hard and bulging in his trousers. He didn’t do a thing to hide his need for her. He was hoping there was a lock on the restroom door. He had plans.
She looked like a frightened little bird, her eyes wide and her hands shaking just a tad. He liked it. He was getting off on it. The women he was use to pursued him openly. There was very little he had to do to seduce any woman. They were always ready and eager.
His brain was overheated. His mind kept going over and over how it felt to sink his cock into her. He wanted to feel that again. That was his plan.
She walked in front of him, her ass, and hips swaying provocatively. He was sure it was unintentional, yet he couldn’t take his eyes off her. His cock hardened even more, the blood was rushing now. They turned right at the end of the hall, and she stopped. There was a door on either side. One said Men, the other Women. It was obvious she wasn’t sure which one to enter.
He went to the women’s door and opened it. “Please,” he said, motioning to her with his hand.
She said nothing, stared at him for a minute, and walked past him. He followed. There were three stalls, a large wall of mirrors, sinks, and a large cafeteria table against the wall.
“What …” he started to ask when she began to talk.
“It’s been here since the Christmas party. I guess no one has missed it, and no one has ever come to take it out.”
He turned his head to check the door. He smiled. There was a way to lock it, and that was exactly what he was going to do. He reached out, turned a small button alongside the knob. The click assured him that the door locked. He turned to her, grinning.
“What are you doing?” she asked. Her voice was small and breathless.
“Aren’t you curious about the other night?” he asked, walking slowly toward her.
“I know it was a huge mistake on your part,” she said clasping her hands in front of her.
“So did I, but the truth of it is I can’t get you out of my mind.”
By the look on her face, his words had surprised her. “I don’t understand?”
He walked closer, steering her toward the table. They must have known he was coming, he mused. Once he had her ass against it, he took a whiff of the air around him. The smell was so pleasant and sweet. It only enhanced his already roaring erection. His large hand touched her face then tilted her chin so he could look into her eyes. There was no fear there. Was that desire? He let his lips brush against hers lightly. He moaned. He was losing touch with reality. He pushed her into the table, letting her feel the steel hardness of his cock.
“Fuck,” she whispered, taking him completely by surprise as she wrapped her arms around his neck. “You’re going to get me fired,” she whispered.
He had to smile. He took both of his hands, grabbed her around the waist, and lifted her onto the table, spreading her thighs as he comfortably moved between them.
“So should I just unceremoniously fuck you? Or should I savor the woman that you are and play with you for a while?”
“Mr. Murphy …”
“Please. Call me Joe. I think we can be on a first name basis, Darlene.”
“Joe,” she paused. “I have no idea what you’re thinking, but,” one of her hands travelled up his neck. “I’m helpless to refuse you anything.” Then she let her lips touch his.
He could feel the surrender in her embrace. His cock twinged, and his balls tightened. Such benign words
, yet words that made a man feel like he could conquer the world. One of his hands travelled up her arm, causing her to sigh. It then made its way to her neck, pulling her lips even closer to his. He began to unbutton her top. He slid it down her arms to reveal her white lace bra, which was brimming with her soft cleavage. He buried his face in her skin.
“Baby,” he moaned.
“Oh, Joe,” she whispered.
“Oh, yeah, I love when you say my name,” he said, as his tongue tasted the crevice between her breasts.
His thumbs hooked into the elastic of her pants, and he had them down to her sneakers. He took off her white sneakers in one swift motion, then her pant, exposing her white lace panties. He used his tongue to lick her skin until he reached her soft belly.
“Lay back, baby. I’m hungry. And right now, you’re my meal.”
“Oh, shit,” she whispered. She obeyed him and let her body lean back on her elbows.
He spread her thighs wide and licked the inside of each one. He stopped and removed his shirt then his jeans, baring his already hard cock.
“Don’t you ever wear underwear?” she asked, shaking her head.
“Too much trouble … especially when I have premeditated ideas.” He smiled, aware that his smile was charismatic and sexy. One of his many attributes.
He ran a finger down the middle of her torso and over the neatly cropped hair of her pussy. He fiddled a little with the lips of her cunt until he found her clit. He massaged it, causing her to gasp. “I’ve thought about this all day.” He lowered his head, as his tongue savor her clit. Then his tongue sucked it. He took both hands, put them under the cheeks of her ass, and fucked her slit with his tongue. She grabbed his hair and reveled in him. However, she wanted more. She wanted to give him the same pleasure.
She gently pushed his head from her and sat up. In her sexiest voice, she said, “Come here. Let me have that cock.”
He moved slowly until he stood before her, his hard-on facing her as she sat before him. Her hands went to his balls and massaged them, kneaded them, making him groan. She spit on her hands and took him, pumping him. She caught the few drops of precum from the tip, licking at him hungrily. His hands grabbed at her dark head. One of her slick hands went down to his balls and played with them, her pinky playing at the entrance to his ass.
She then took his whole cock into her mouth, almost swallowing him, gagging. Then she began a ruthless rhythm, fucking him with her mouth unmercifully. One small finger found its way up his ass as she massaged him inside.
“Ah, fuck,” he said as he entangled his hands in her hair. “Baby, I’m gonna cum …” He pulled away from her.
“Joe,” she cried.
He grabbed his jeans and removed a small silver pouch, ripping it open with his teeth. He slid the condom over his cock, slid her down to him, and rammed his cock into her. She wrapped her legs around him and met his every thrust. He fucked her hard and deep. He couldn’t get enough of her. Each thrust drove him further. One hand grabbed her head to his, and he kissed her deeply, taking every breath she had. When his balls tightened and became unbearable, he let his cock jerk and spew his seed, this time into that safe little pouch. She held nothing back as her cunt grabbed him, forcing every drop he had. He’d never cum so hard. He never had orgasms with anyone else like he’d had with her. He was fucked. He wanted her for much more than one night.
As their breathing became easier, she let her head rest in the crook of his shoulder. “You’re going to get me fired. I’m sure of that,” she laughed.
“Nah, I told you I can fix that.”
She looked up at him and pushed a stray hair from his handsome face. “What are we doing here, Joe?”
“Fucking,” was all he could answer.
“Oh, I gathered that. You know what I mean. You can fuck any woman you want. Why me?”
His cock was still inside her. She wanted answers, and he had none. He let his cock slide from her. He removed the condom and walked to one of the stalls. When he turned back, she’d already begun dressing. He could see she was upset. He had no easy answer for her.
“I’ve asked my manager to get me lined up for a decent fight. I’ve been an asshole lately, and it’s time I began realizing my dream.” He grabbed his jeans and slid them on.
“Well good for you. I thought you were going to be the next champion. What happened?” she asked, now standing before him completely dressed.
“Wine, women, and song,” he answered.
“I need to get back to work. I’m not sure what I should be saying right now. Thank you?”
“Don’t you think I should be thanking you?” He said, touching her cheek.
“I don’t know what to make of any of this. Do you, Joe?”
He couldn’t answer her. He had no idea what the fuck was going on in his head, let alone his heart. He’d been in love only once, and that was in high school. He wasn’t sure that counted.
“I’m going to see my manager. So I need to take off.”
“Bye,” she said.
“Bye,” he whispered. “Darlene, I …”
“Go, Joe. Just go, or you’ll be late.”
“Yeah, you’re right, late.” He slipped on his shirt and buttoned it then turned and walked out of the restroom, leaving her there to wonder about what had just happened.
Chapter Nine
She didn’t know how to react to his leaving. Should she be crying? He had fucked her three times in four days. What was going on? He certainly wasn’t hard up for women. Why her? There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to get to know him better. She wanted more but knew that was never going to happen. She was glad he was talking about another fight. He had a gift and somehow he'd lost his way.
She went to the sink and washed her hands and face. She rinsed out her mouth. My God, she thought, she’d only been on her job for less than an hour and already his smell was on her. She looked up into the mirror. Oh no, there they were, the onslaught of tears she fought so hard to hold back. No, her mind shouted, don’t you dare fall in love with him, Darlene! She let the tears flow. It was far too late. Joe Murphy had taken her body and her heart.
One hand came to her face, outlining each feature. She was attractive, and for thirty-three, in good shape. But there was one great obstacle, and that was Devon. He was the most important man in her life. Joe Murphy wasn’t and never could be. What kind of influence would he be on a kid?
Then there were her parents. They accepted her after Devon began to walk and talk. He was a great kid; you couldn’t help but love him. Peace finally prevailed in her life and the turmoil was over. Joe Murphy was turmoil. He lived in it and could easily bring it back into her and Devon’s life.
“Who am I kidding?” she said aloud. “I’m just a sexual diversion for him. One gorgeous piece of ass comes his way, and I’m history.” She stared at her image again and a pang of emotion encompassed her. “What if …?” she murmured. “Another child, I can’t do this. I won’t do this.” And the tears came again.
Darlene Russo knew herself too well. If she were pregnant, she would never abort it. She’d have it and give up life once again to raise another innocent baby. She smiled. How the hell did she get herself into such situations? Even with Devon, she wasn’t promiscuous, just tired of not experiencing what so many of her other girlfriends raved about. She’d still been a virgin at twenty-five. So, she finally made a decision to sleep with Bob Hathaway. They’d been dating for a few months, and he was trying desperately to get into her pants.
Disappointment then an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy ensued. He’d been good in the beginning, but there was no love lost between them. Devon never asked about him, and she never volunteered any information. In time, she hoped that her son would work things out with his father. Until then, she needed to make sure Devon was as well rounded as possible.
Darlene straightened her uniform and left the restroom, crashing right into her supervisor, Harriet Barker.
“
Darlene, where have you been? Are you okay?”
“Yes, Harriet, I’m fine. My stomach’s a little upset, but I’ll be fine,” she lied.
“My dear, have you seen the boxer, Joe Murphy? I heard they’ve been looking for him, and I was told he came this way.”
“No, I haven’t,” she said. Another lie. “If I did, you know how I am. I’d never approach him, Harriet, the guy’s a celebrity.”
Harriet was a big woman who thought herself to be quite the beauty. “Well, if you do see him, his manager is looking for him. Please direct him to the administrative offices.”
Darlene nodded.
“Sweetheart, he’d never give you a second look, so don’t worry. Just do that if you see him. I do believe you’re safe.”
Darlene’s eyes narrowed, and her brow began to furrow, but she held her annoyance back. She put up with Harriet’s bullshit and her putting her down because she needed the job, the benefits, and they paid well. She smiled and stifled a small giggle. If the bitch only knew.
She watched Harriet walk away, and then hurried to her next assigned area. There was an event scheduled for tonight in one of the private press boxes, and it needed a little extra sparkle. Tiger Desmond was the main guest, and he was the heavyweight champion of the world. She never connected the two.
****
He carefully took out his cell phone as he walked toward his car and called Mack who answered, surprising him.
“Hey, I’ve trying to get in touch with you for days,” Joe said.
“Christ, Joe, did you look at the time? Hold on a second while I wake the fuck up.”
Joe stopped in his tracks and checked his watch. Jesus, it was four a.m. in the morning. Did he even sleep? Was seeing Darlene again such a priority that he couldn’t remember? He shook his head.
“Sorry, Mack, I guess I didn’t realize the time.”
“No shit. Well now is as good a time as any to tell you. I’ve been putting together something sweet. I don’t give a shit what you have planned for tonight, we’re meeting with Tiger Desmond and his entourage.”
A Dominant Anthology Page 23