Tempt Me: Tattoos and Temptation Book 5

by Mia Monroe

  “I can't imagine anything you could tell me that I would not understand or support.”

  “Right.” I swallow hard, searching for how to start this.

  “Apollo? Is something wrong?”

  “No, Lucien. Everything’s really good.”

  “Okay then. Tell me your news.”

  I study his face, hoping I see the same affectionate smile in a few minutes.

  “It’s about Felix.”

  “Felix? Is he okay?”

  “Yeah, he’s great. Um, you know how you asked me to help him get settled, and maybe take him out with my friends and stuff?”

  “Yes.”

  “We’ve been doing that. Hanging out. Getting to know each other after ten years.”

  “He is so amazing, isn’t he? He’s so mature and smart.”

  “Yeah, he is. I really like the time we spend together.”

  “Good.”

  “Um, Lucien…” I bite my lip as nervous heat washes over me. “This is unexpected, but, um, I’m dating him.” I exhale. I need to stop sounding afraid. Felix deserves my bravery and confidence. No matter how Lucien reacts, I’m still with Felix. “I’m in love with him, Lucien.”

  Lucien’s mouth falls open. “You’re in love with Felix?”

  I nod. “Yes. We just click. Things I’ve always wanted, I can see in his eyes. I assure you, I would never play him. I would never use him.”

  “You’re sure? You are not just...exploring your new sexuality with my brother?”

  “No. I would never. We’ve been spending time together, and it’s been amazing. It only just turned romantic. I was trying to keep him as only a friend.”

  “Why?”

  “I thought it might upset you. There’s an age difference, and you know my past. I worried you might think I wasn’t good enough for him.”

  “I see. But you love him?”

  “I love him. I want to tell him, but I had to tell you first. I had to prove to him that he’s important to me. Even enough to risk you being upset. I want things with him. Big things.”

  “Big things,” he repeats. “Like?”

  “Like moving in together and talking about marriage and—”

  “Marriage,” he interrupts. “You can see yourself marrying Felix?”

  “God, if I were that lucky, yeah. He’s the man for me. He sees…” I pause, exhaling to tamp down the emotion in my chest. “He sees my heart, Lucien. No one ever has, but he does. I want a future with him. I want your blessing. It matters to both of us.”

  “But if I do not give it, what will you do? Will you break my brother’s heart to salvage your friendship with me?”

  My eyes sting with tears. “No, Lucien. I will not break Felix’s heart. We’ll just have to figure out how to go forward without your blessing. Maybe in time, you will see how amazing we are together and come around.”

  “So you love him enough, you will choose him over me?”

  “I wish you wouldn’t put it that way, but yeah. I choose Felix if I have to.”

  A smile pulls at Lucien’s lips. “This is beautiful, Apollo. I never thought it would be love.”

  “What?”

  “I thought you might come to me someday and tell me you did things with him. He is charming that way. I would have accepted it because you are adults and Felix can choose to do what he wants with whom he wants. I’ve suspected he had a crush on you for a very long time.”

  “He did.”

  “But you’re coming to me to tell me you fell in love with him? My heart is so full.”

  “You’re not mad?”

  “Mad? I am overjoyed. My baby brother and my best friend? This is wonderful.”

  I laugh as a tear I was holding back slides down my cheek. “You just said you weren’t giving your blessing.”

  “That is what you heard, mon ami. I asked what you would do if I didn’t. I wanted to hear that you would choose him. I wanted to know his heart is more important than anything to you. Even me.”

  I nod. “I get it. I wanted to tell him yesterday, so badly, how I feel, but he’s got this thing in his head. He knows it’s important to me to tell you, and I wanted to wait until I knew what it was gonna be. It’s only been like three weeks, and it feels like he’s always been part of me.”

  “I guess he has on some level.”

  “Right. So, do I have your blessing?”

  “One hundred percent. I can't wait to hear Felix tell me about it.”

  “Okay. Just let me tell him first. I’m planning something.”

  “Thank you for respecting me enough to come to me with this. Thank you for opening yourself up to Felix, but mostly, thank you for loving him and taking care of him.”

  “I really didn't have a choice about loving him. He kind of swept in like a hurricane.”

  Lucien laughs. “That is an accurate description of Felix.”

  “When are you coming for a visit?”

  “Thanksgiving, I believe. Apollo, I want to share something, but you cannot tell Felix or my parents.”

  “Okay.”

  “Promise.”

  “I promise.”

  “I have been thinking a lot lately about coming home.”

  My eyes pop. “What? You’d move back to Miami?”

  “I want to. I have worn out my desire to be here anymore. The work is good, but it’s not enough to fill the other gaps. I want to be with my family. I want to be with you.”

  “Dude. That would be the best thing ever, other than Felix.”

  “I will keep you posted. My lease runs out in three months.”

  “Felix will die. He’d be so excited.”

  “I know. I think it’s time.”

  “Awesome. Let me know.”

  “I will. I will wait for Felix to call me once he knows he can.”

  “Yeah. Thanks again.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  I hang up the phone with a huge smile on my face. Now it’s time for the third gesture. The public one.

  I can’t wait to see his reaction.

  Felix

  It’s been a busy week of baking at the shop. I was worried there would not be enough variety, but I was wrong. I have made everything from cookies to cupcakes to elaborate cakes. I have had so much fun with my coworkers, laughing and chatting as we work. It’s a camaraderie I desperately wanted but never had.

  When it’s finally Friday, I enter the bakery with a cheerful smile. I didn’t sleep well with thoughts of Apollo running through my mind all night. I miss him, but he was slammed all week once another celebrity posted on social media about the tattoo they got from Casper. They’ve had a surge of business again, and it’s been long nights for him and Jude. We’ve been supplying coffee and pastries all week, and a few times we even chipped in and sent over pizzas for dinner, knowing they’re all working through breaks.

  As I set up my station, my smile grows. It feels nice being included in taking care of my man, just like Briar does for Jude, Saint does for Casper, and Gen and Cairo do for Luca.

  A few hours pass before I look up at the clock. I excuse myself for a break so I can call Lucien. I can usually catch him between clients, but if not, he’ll call back.

  “Felix,” he answers. “How are you?”

  “Very well. You?”

  “Also well. To what do I owe a midday call?”

  “I have a question. What is Apollo’s favorite cake?”

  “Favorite cake,” he repeats. “Oh. He loves this cake from Publix. It’s a strawberry cream thing. Kind of like a shortcake but there’s mousse or cream or something. Why?”

  “I want to make him a cake. He mentioned something about cake but didn’t say what kind.”

  “Ah, well, I’m sure you can beat out what is available at the local grocery store.”

  “I hope so.”

  “All is good with you two?”

  “Very good. I will update you more later though. I have to get back.”

  “I’ll look fo
rward to hearing from you again.”

  After finishing my call with Lucien, I go back to work on frosting my cooled cake. When my workday ends, I drive to Publix to find this cake, studying what I think each layer is and buying what I think I’ll need. I buy a piece and head home to deconstruct it. In my mother’s kitchen, I unbox it, taste the completed product, and then each component. Got it.

  I work quietly for a while before my papa enters the kitchen. He looks so much better than the last time I saw him. He’s recently retired but doing pro bono immigration work, which seems to light him up after years of being a partner at a high-end law firm. Lucien idolizes Papa and followed in his footsteps.

  “Salut, ma petit,” he says.

  I smile. “Salut, Papa, but I am hardly little anymore.”

  “You will always be little to me. What are you doing?”

  “Making a cake for Apollo.”

  “Why? Is it his birthday?”

  “No. Can I just make a cake for someone I like?”

  “Of course. How are things with you and him?”

  I stir the ingredients in my bowl. “Very good, Papa. We are dating now.”

  His eyebrow goes up. “Dating? Does your brother know this?”

  “On some level, but I am an adult, and I can decide who to date, even my brother's best friend.”

  “Le bien. Apollo is kind to you?”

  “Apollo is a dream come true, Papa.” I stop stirring and shift my eyes up to him. “He sees me for who I am inside, and he appreciates who I am on the outside too.”

  “That is all we can ask, no?”

  “Yes.”

  My maman comes in, seconds later, and I watch as Papa scoops her into his arms, nuzzling her neck and grabbing her butt. My cheeks blush as I look away from the affectionate display.

  “Mon cherie amour,” Maman murmurs. “Not in front of Felix.”

  “Why? Then he will know his parents are still very much in love. What is wrong with that?”

  I smile, nodding. “C’est vrai, Maman. It is beautiful. I hope I will have a marriage like yours.”

  “I would be a happy woman. What are you making?”

  “A cake for Apollo.” I finish stirring my batter and pour it into my floured pans. After putting them in the oven, I start slicing strawberries. “I am thinking I will move out soon.”

  Both parents simply nod as if they’ve been expecting it.

  “Apollo has suggested I could move in with him. I don’t know yet though.”

  “Why?” Maman asks.

  “He asked it somewhat impulsively.” I bite my lip. “And it was unclear to me what he meant. Roommate or lover, I'm not sure.”

  “Is he your lover?” Maman asks.

  “Yes, Maman.” My cheeks blush, annoying me. I’m nearly thirty for fuck’s sake. “He asked to be my boyfriend.”

  “That’s lovely, mon fils. He makes you happy?”

  “Over the moon. I am in love.” I smile. “I think he is also falling for me. I was looking at this luxurious furnished apartment on South Beach. It would be a fun place to live, but it doesn’t feel right. So, I think I will wait for Apollo. I told him when he knows he is asking me to be his partner, then he can ask again.”

  “I am proud of you,” Papa says. “For having your standards.”

  “It is difficult. I want to do anything Apollo asks, but I also want to make sure we do things the right way. I told him before we can move forward as a couple, he has to tell Lucien how he feels about me. It is important to him that he is honest and upfront with my brother, which I respect.”

  “Apollo is a good man,” Maman says. “I have always liked him. If he is kind and loving and accepting toward you, that is all a mother could desire for her children.”

  “He is all those things.”

  The doorbell rings. “I will answer it,” Papa says.

  He comes back a few minutes later, carrying a beautiful pink and black wrapped box.

  “This is for you,” he says, handing me the box.

  “For me?” I wipe my hands on a dishtowel. When I read the name on the box, my heart rate speeds up. “Oh, I think I need to open this alone.”

  “It is a gift?” Maman asks.

  “Oui, from Apollo. I will be right back. The cakes are okay.”

  I take the box to my room, sitting on the edge of the bed with it. I pull the ribbon, letting it fall away, then lift the lid off the box. Beyond the tissue paper is the outfit I saw in the window that night after dinner. I gasp with delight, quickly grabbing the card.

  Felix,

  The moment we saw this, I knew it had to be yours. I can’t wait to see it on you. It will be even more beautiful then.

  Love, Apollo.

  My stomach does a joyful somersault. I grab my phone from my pocket and dial his number. It goes straight to voicemail, and I realize he’s still working. That’s okay. I will leave a message for him to hear when his workday is done.

  “Mon amour, I received your gift. My heart is full. It is thoughtful and generous and incredibly sexy. We will have fun when I wear it for you. I miss you and cannot wait to taste your lips again. Have a good night, lover.”

  I hang up, setting the box aside and heading back to finish my work in the kitchen. Okay, Apollo. I see your box of lingerie and raise you a strawberry cream cake.

  Game on.

  Apollo

  Lying in bed that night, I listen to Felix’s message over and over. His voice is like a melody you can never get tired of. You just play it on repeat because it makes you feel so good. It’s too late to call him now. He has to work early so he’s usually in bed, even on a Friday night. Only Saturday does he stay up late. But fuck, I miss him. I want him in bed with me right now, curled up into me, his warm breath on my chest. I want to come home to Felix. I have to tell him this weekend.

  For now, I close my eyes, letting the exhaustion from a busy week take hold.

  The next day at work, I walk both sides of the shop, making sure everything is clean and ready for the insane number of clients we have booked today. I don’t really need to do this. Our artists are dedicated and committed to a nice working environment, but the control freak in me insists I see it with my own eyes.

  I hear the doorbell ring, the one used for clients before or after regular hours, and wonder who it could be. When I get to the front, a smile spreads on my face.

  I open the door, pulling Felix inside. “Hi, baby.”

  “Bonjour, lover. How are you?”

  “So much better now. It’s good to see you.”

  “I couldn’t stay away anymore.”

  “I’m so glad.”

  “You have a few minutes? I want to show you something.”

  “Please. Let’s go to my office.”

  He follows me, leaning on my desk as I close the door. He’s carrying a small white box he sets down.

  “A kiss?” he asks.

  “Fuck yeah.” I walk into his arms, devouring his mouth like a starving man given a cheeseburger.

  His hands move down my back onto my ass, squeezing hard when he gets there. He hums on my lips, creating that insane vibration in me I’ve only felt from his kiss. Then he pushes me away just slightly, grinning as he sinks to his knees.

  “What are you doing, Felix?”

  “Ensuring you have a good day, mon chouchou.”

  “Oh fuck.”

  “I wish, but this will have to do for now.” He unbuttons my jeans and pulls the zipper down. When he gets to my dick, he sighs, a happy smile on his lips. “Oh, how I have missed this. So beautiful. It is like art to me.”

  I drag my fingers through his hair. “You are art, Felix.”

  He licks the underside of my dick, making it bounce. “I cannot describe what you feel like on my tongue.”

  I watch as he swallows my length, his lips wide and stretched as he gets most of me down his throat. I’ve had women complain that it was too difficult to suck me with the piercing, but Felix doesn’t seem to
have a problem with it. In fact, he delights in tugging it gently between his teeth, licking at it, letting it bounce on his tongue.

  “God, I want to fuck you.”

  “You will,” Felix murmurs. “Whenever you wish, Apollo. I am yours. Always, always yours.”

  “Always?”

  “Forever.”

  He winks then sucks me so forcefully I feel lightheaded. I grip his shoulders to steady myself, until he expertly twists us around so I can lean on my desk. I grip the edge, trying to hold myself to the ground while it feels like my body is trying to fly away. Felix seems to suck my soul out of me, working my shaft with his hand, his tongue, his throat, playing with my balls, and driving me absolutely batshit crazy.

  “Come for me, Apollo,” he whispers, his lips still on my dick. “I need to taste you. I have been craving you for days.”

  “Fuck. So close.”

  “Then tonight, I will come to you. In the middle of the night if that is what I need to do to feel you inside of me again. May I come to you?”

  “Yes, fuck, yes, baby.” My fingers find his hair, twisting and tightening as he sucks me insane. “Oh fuck. Gonna come.”

  The words are barely out of my mouth before the first wave hits, jerking my body forward and my dick further down Felix’s throat. He sucks, drinking down every drop, watching me with his beautiful eyes.

  When I slump against the desk, he pulls away, letting my dick leave his mouth with a pop sound.

  “Fuck.” I rub my forehead. “You are so good.”

  He smiles, rising to his feet. “Merci beaucoup. Also, it was my pleasure.” He leans close, nuzzling and nipping at my jaw. “You are my favorite taste, Apollo. If you could see your face when you come, you would know why it is my joy to bring you to that place. Then I am rewarded by your delicious cum.”

  I shake my head. “Delicious cum? Your mouth is filthy for such an angel face.”

  “Even the devil was an angel once, no?”

  Chuckling, I nod. “Yeah. I’m getting out at nine. Jude says we’re a hard stop tonight. Everyone’s exhausted.”