by Nikki Jacks
“Come here, kitten, I want you to ride me. You are going to slide that pussy all over my cock, and I’m going to pay some attention to these pretty breasts I’ve been ignoring.”
Lotus licked her lips as she straddled me. She rocked her hips a couple of times before rising and taking my cock into her hand. Using the back of the couch as a support, Lotus slowly impaled herself. I was forced to take a number of slow, deep breaths before I embarrassed myself by coming before my mate had a chance to really ride me.
Once Lotus had sunk fully on to me, she grabbed the back of the couch with her other hand and started to lift her body and then slide back down. The feel of her thighs hitting mine was one of the most erotic things I’d ever felt.
Lotus position had her breasts close to my body. I reached up to start kneading them, plucking at her nipples occasionally. As Lotus increased her pace, I lifted her breasts and sucked a nipple into my mouth. As I tongued and sucked, Lotus moaned my name and started riding me harder. Feeling she was close, and knowing I couldn’t hold back much longer, I kissed my way to her other breast. Using one hand, I reached between us and flicked her clit.
Lotus’s high-pitched squeal was uncomfortable to my sensitive ears, but no less satisfying to hear. I let go of Lotus’s breast and grabbed her hips. Holding her steady while she rode out her orgasm, I pumped my hips. It wasn’t long before I was chanting her name as I spilled into her body.
I sucked in a lungful of air while Lotus was a boneless heap draped over me. I ran my hands over her back as we both recovered from a second time that was just as earth-shattering as the first. There was no denying sex with a mate was better than anything a person could imagine.
25
Lotus
Two days from the grand opening and I knew I would have to declare bankruptcy at the age of twenty-five. All the lovely tension relief I’d received at Drake’s hands had evaporated with an email from my furniture supplier. They were going to try to have everything delivered tomorrow, but couldn’t guarantee it.
I’d been wracking my brain to figure something out. I knew we needed seating at least inside the shop, but I couldn’t figure out what to do. I wanted to ask the guys, but I’d been so adamant about being independent and figuring things out on my own that I felt like a foolish little girl asking for help now.
I was finishing a hefty coffee from Jewels when a knock sounded on the back door of the shop. I walked over to the door and opened it. I caught sight of a large refrigerated truck with a Pegasus on the side before I focused on the man standing in front of me.
“Can I help you?”
“Sure, lady, I’m from Flying Horse Ice Cream, and I have a delivery for Silver Springs Ice Cream Shop. That’s you, right?”
“That’s me! Do you want me to show you where things are going?”
“Whatever, lady. Do you want to review the invoice? There are some interesting things on here.”
“Let me show you the front cases and which freezer is for ice cream here in the back, then I’ll review your invoice.”
As I turned to walk back to the front of the shop, I noticed the delivery guy checking me out. It gave me the willies, and I wished one of the guys were here so I wasn’t alone with the perv.
Ignoring the look in his eyes, I pointed out the freezers I wanted ice cream stored in and then made my way into the main room of the shop. I showed him where I wanted the ice cream and told him what order to place the tubs in.
I held my hand out for the invoice. When the delivery guy handed me the clipboard, he let his fingers caress over the back of my hand. Repressing a shudder, I walked back into the kitchen and leaned against the sink so I could face the door and see the delivery guy coming in and out.
Before I let myself review the invoice, I pulled my phone out and opened the group message thread I had with the guys.
Me: The ice cream delivery is here! The delivery guy is kind of creeping me out, though.
It didn’t take long before I got responses.
Lance: What do you mean he’s creeping you out?
Drake: Get the guy’s name and we’ll contact the factory to let them know what he’s done.
Evan: Are you okay, Lotus? You don’t usually speak of people making you uncomfortable.
A noise at the door had me looking up. The driver was standing just inside the door, looking at me. The leer on his face sent a shiver skittering down my spine.
“Is that it? That was quick, thank you! I appreciate your hard work.”
“Well, you can show your appreciation, you know.”
I blinked at the statement. “Excuse me?”
“You just said you were appreciative. You can show me that. It won’t take long; sweet, little thing like you.” The guy moved closer as he was speaking. The icing on the cake was him adjusting himself.
I don’t know what happened, but hearing those words and seeing this gross man acting in this manner shut my brain down. It wasn’t until he was in front of me and reaching for my shoulder that I even thought to react. Before I could raise a hand or knee, the guy was gone.
He was being held by the throat against a cooler unit. I shook my head at the realization that Evan was standing in the shop and he was holding the slimeball.
“I don’t know what kind of appreciation you were thinking of getting, but the lady said thank you. I suggest you gather your supplies and leave. If you set foot in this shop again, you will regret it. If I find out you have spoken about the lady, I will find you and end you. Do I make myself clear?”
As he was speaking, Evan’s free hand traced some pattern on the man’s forehead. After the man nodded his understanding of Evan’s very clear threat, Evan used the nail of his thumb to prick the center of the pattern. Once a drop of blood welled up, Evan placed his thumb into the blood and pressed like he was giving a fingerprint sample. A few quietly spoken words I couldn’t make out later and a small, green light flashed around Evan’s thumb.
A feral smile graced Evan’s features as he met the man’s eyes. “And now I will know if you do anything I don’t like when it comes to this lady.”
At that, he let the man drop and figure out how to regain his footing to leave the shop. I stood rooted, trying to shake off my fear of the delivery guy and regain some of my equilibrium. The roar of the refrigerated truck coming to life shook me out of my stupor. I looked at Evan. He still stood in the same place, looking very nervous.
“Are you okay, fe’yanil? I’m sorry you had to see that. Your text worried me, so I got here as fast as I could to make sure you were okay. To see that cretin attempting to put his hands on you shocked me. But you don’t have to worry. I’ve placed a tracer on him. If he ever thinks or talks about you, I’ll know and will pay him a little visit.”
Evan’s hands were on my shoulders giving me a slight shake. “Lotus. Lotus? Answer me please!” I blinked and looked into a concerned, green stare.
“E… Evan!” Evan’s name comes out with a little sob. “I just froze. I didn’t know what to do, and by the time I thought about it, he was so close! I texted you guys because he was making me nervous, but I didn’t expect you to come. And I really didn’t think he was going to try anything. Some independent woman I am. The first time I get nervous, I text some men. And when I need to defend myself, I freeze.”
“Your reactions were natural. You know the men in your life care for you very much, and we would do anything to make sure you were safe. He shouldn’t have tried anything, fe’yanil. I’m sorry none of us were here when your delivery arrived. I’m just glad you’re safe now.”
Evan’s hands slid around my shoulders and held me close. I soaked up his warmth while I tried to get myself under control. We both stepped back as we heard a buzzing. I looked down to see that my phone was sandwiched between us and was ringing.
I turned it over to see the screen and answer the call.
“Drake?”
“Lotus! Gods, are you okay? You texted us and then you didn’t re
spond. I’m freaking out!”
“I’m sorry I frightened you. Evan came. The guy was a real creep, but Evan put a tracer on him so he won’t bother me anymore.”
“Did you get the guy’s name? I’m going to call Flying Horse and have the guy fired. This is completely unacceptable. If this is how they are going to do business, we’ll figure out another supplier once your licensing contract is up.”
I had been feeling shaky and was drawing comfort from Evan’s presence and Drake’s concern. And then Drake had to step in and start telling me what I was gonna do.
“Drake, it’s fine. He won’t bother me again. There’s no need to get so crazy. I’m sure that Flying Horse doesn’t make a habit of hiring pervy creeps.”
“That’s not the point. The guy was a pervy creep to you!”
“I’m sure I understand that. Listen, Evan was here, he took care of the guy. I don’t appreciate you getting all caveman on me, telling me how I will conduct my business. I appreciate all you’ve done for me in the capacity of attorney, and I more than liked you being the concerned boyfriend, but you will not tell me what to do or try to control my actions. I’ve had enough of that to last a lifetime. Are we clear, Mr. Anders?”
Drake’s voice was more than a little growly as he replied, “I understand, Lotus. I’m sorry I tried to take control, but I won’t apologize for caring and wanting to make sure you are safe.”
“And I’m not asking you to apologize. I just want to make sure you hear me and we are clear on our expectations.”
“Noted, and I’ll do better.”
“We all will. It’s new, this relationship thing, but we’ll get there. Now, let me go so I can let Lance know I’m okay.”
Turns out I didn’t need to call Lance. He came barreling through the back door. “Lotus, babe, are you okay? I’m so sorry I wasn’t here! Where is the guy? I’ll make sure he’ll never touch you again!”
“It’s okay, Lance, Evan got here. He took care of the guy. He did some fae thing so the guy won’t come near me or think about me again without Evan knowing.”
“Man, thank the gods you got here! I was getting something prepped for tomorrow and didn’t want to burn down my apartment building. I’m so sorry!”
“It’s okay, Lance, I’m okay. But I am glad you are here. Can we start getting this ice cream loaded into the freezers and out front? With our opening only two days away, we need to get things settled. Will your creation wait until we get this done?”
“Babe, I don’t care about what I was working on. I need to be here, anyway. I know we need to be focusing on the opening. I should have been working on recipes here since I need to get used to the equipment.”
Evan touched my elbow. “I have to get back to the bank, fe’yanil, but can we have dinner tonight? I’d like to treat you to a meal before you get swamped with the shop opening.”
“I’d like that, Evan. Say six thirty? Where are we going?”
“Six thirty is perfect, and I’d like to cook for you at my home if that’s okay.”
“It sounds perfect, I can’t wait. Thank you again for being here.” I stepped in close and rose to my tiptoes to wrap my arms around his neck and place a kiss on his cheek.
Evan’s arms closed and cradled me to his body. Thinking about what could have happened if Evan hadn’t been there had me turning my face into his neck and inhaling deeply. Evan’s unique sun-warmed grass and citrus scent filled my nostrils and helped me relax.
My little earworm chose to turn up the volume at that moment. As I soaked up strength and reassurance from Evan, I thought I was hearing another melody blending with mine. The small bit I heard before Evan pulled away slightly to kiss me on the forehead was haunting and beautiful. The harmony of the two melodies was something I wanted to hear again and again.
“I’ll swing by and pick you up, if that’s okay. That way you don’t have to drive.”
“I’ll be ready.”
Evan left the shop, and I turned to Lance, who’d stood quietly while Evan and I had our moment.
I smiled brightly as I clapped my hands together. “Ready?”
26
Lotus
Lance and I worked through the afternoon. Creepy delivery guy had just shoved things in places, so some organization was needed. He did the heavy lifting to get the tubs of ice cream arranged in the freezers the way I wanted. The cases in the front required a little more work. Before Lance placed the tubs, I wanted to open each one and see what they looked like. I wanted to see the colors to create the most visually appealing display possible.
As we looked at the flavors and their colors, a pattern took shape in my mind and I walked Lance through the placement. When we were done, we had a gentle wave that blended the lighter and bolder colors of ice cream well. Just this small thing had me squealing in excitement.
Lance chuckled at my little wiggle dance as I looked at the case.
“All right, babe, let’s get your adult flavors into the mini case. Didn’t you say the guy would be here to get the soda fountain set up today too?”
“Oh, shoot! I forgot about that, but, yes. He’s going to install the little gun thing, make sure we’ve got the soda water all set up with the right strength, and walk us through the syrups. I think these are going to be so much fun!”
“Well, come on, time’s a-wasting and someone’s got a hot date with a fae hottie! Can’t be late for that!”
I stopped, and the smile fell off my face. “Does it bother you that I’m having dinner with Evan tonight, Lance?”
“I’m a bit jealous I didn’t think of asking you before he did, but no, babe, it doesn’t bother me. We’re all in this together, remember? I want you to look forward to seeing any one of us, even if we’re here together. It won’t bother me to see you get smiley thinking about later when you’re going to be with me or Drake or Evan. It’s not fair of us to ask you to temper those reactions. Besides, those poor saps are the ones losing out. I get to see you every day here in the shop.”
With those few words, my spirits lifted and I was excited for what the evening would bring. “Onward, minion, we have work to do!”
“You wound me, my lady!”
The easy laughter and jokes with Lance had my face feeling numb and my abs aching. We continued joking as we got the adult flavors into their case. The menu sign had been installed the week before, and sure enough, in one corner of the board, a pair of cherry red lips puckered with a speech bubble that said, “Want something a little more mature? Ask about our adults only flavors. They’ll rock your world.”
The soda installation went off without a hitch. The delivery guy was professional and personable. He walked Lance and me through the cleaning and care of the hoses and nozzles, made sure we could replace the soda and syrup containers, and gave us some tips on creating the perfect mixes.
I was excited to try the different flavors we were offering. We weren’t going crazy on the sodas, just cola, cherry cola, lemon-lime, and chocolate cola. These were all classic flavors offered in the original soda shops, and I thought they would be perfect for us.
Before I knew it, it was five o’clock and time for me to get cleaned up and ready for Evan to pick me up. Lance was giving the flat surfaces one last wipe down before we turned off lights and walked out.
“Thanks for all your help today, Lance. There’s no way I would have gotten all of this ready without you being here.”
“My pleasure, babe, you know that. Tomorrow we’ll get all the pastry stuff loaded in. I’ll try out the equipment by whipping up some batters that will do better to refrigerate overnight. We can discuss the macaron flavors we want to offer opening day too. Now, missy, you get upstairs and get yourself dolled up. I know you’re just doing dinner at Evan’s, but blow him away. Leave him speechless when he sees you. And make sure you bolt the doors behind me.”
With that advice and a wink, Lance left so I could get ready for dinner with my fae. I bolted the back door and made sure to lock both d
oors on the stairwell as I entered my apartment. It was going to take more magic than I was capable of to set a security spell on the doors, but after this afternoon I was going to try it. I would start figuring it out tomorrow. I needed to get ready and had to trust that no one would try to enter uninvited.
27
Lotus
Opting for a casual chic look, I showered quickly. I used a little product to sculpt my pixie cut into a sleek look I imagined an old Hollywood vixen from the 1920s would have.
My makeup was very light. I emphasized my eyes so the blue would stand out, but just swiped a clear gloss on my lips. I blotted some of the shine away as I really only wanted the moisture. Thanks, frigid northern winters.
I slid on a pair of black pants that could be worn with boots and a deep green v-neck sweater shot through with silver threads. The random placement of the thread gave an illusion of movement. In the right light, it looked like I had a glowing aura around me.
The sweater was one of my favorites. The color was perfect for giving me a peaches-and-cream complexion, but fit well and was insanely comfortable. It was almost like being in a sweatshirt. I added a pair of low-heeled booties, a warm coat, and a small bag. All set!
At six twenty-five, I was down in front of the shop waiting for Evan. At six thirty on the dot, a sleek, luxury sedan pulled up. Evan stepped out, looking utterly delicious. His hair was a little messy and he was dressed in dark jeans. His cable-knit sweater was gray, but was heathered with a dark green. Overall, the look was incredible. Evan’s green eyes stood out even more.
“Lotus, why are you standing on the road? I would have knocked at the back.”
“I thought this was easier, especially until I get a buzzer or something installed in the apartment. I can’t believe the owner of the building didn’t do that sooner.”
“We’ll mention that to Drake so he can add that to the list of things to go over with the landlord. No matter. It’s freezing, let’s get you into the car.”