Alluring Attraction: Book 1 of Illicit Illusions Series

by A. F. Zoelle

  Hunter felt pleasantly exhausted after a particularly vigorous threesome with one of his clients and another Cole Corporation employee. Cesare, who now went by the name Lorenzo at the brothel, was still a relatively new employee, but Hunter had immensely enjoyed the times they had partnered up together.

  Christophe had called interviewing Cesare a reward and Hunter begrudgingly had to admit it was one of the most enjoyable things he had ever had the privilege of experiencing. Cesare was not only a stunningly handsome Italian, he was also a superb dancer whose sense of rhythm translated into his intense sexual prowess. His times with Cesare had provided some of the most satisfying sex Hunter had ever enjoyed in his life, so he looked forward to any excuse to partner with the man.

  Tonight had been even better than normal since his client had enjoyed taking a back seat, watching Hunter with Cesare for part of the time. The mere memory of getting masterfully fucked by Cesare made Hunter softly moan and ache for more. Hunter didn’t know what it was about the Italian, but even the smell of him was almost dangerously addictive. It made Hunter wish he had more excuses to work with Cesare, but he knew he couldn’t show too much interest, because Christophe would certainly put an end to it.

  Stretching out with a satisfied sigh, Hunter contemplated taking a quick nap before his next client. He was exhausted from his busy night and his shower after the threesome had sapped the last of his energy.

  A soft knock on the door interrupted Hunter’s light doze and his permission was muffled through his pillow. Ishi still understood and complied, shutting the door behind her before walking over to him. “How are you, Hunter?” Ishi inquired as she sat down in the bedside chair.

  Hunter turned his head to face her and immediately took note of her troubled expression. It was enough to get Hunter to sit up, despite his body’s protests. “What happened?”

  Looking down at her hands, Ishi hesitated momentarily before answering, “Your next patron already left.”

  “Permanently?” Hunter questioned with an arched eyebrow.

  “I’m not sure,” Ishi honestly replied as she looked at Hunter. “He seemed rather distressed.”

  Hunter was mentally going through his list of patrons, but abruptly stopped at her adjective. There was only one person he knew who would be distressed. “Ryder?” Hunter flatly guessed, even though he knew that he was right.

  Nodding glumly, she said, “I tried to stop him, but…”

  “Shit,” he swore softly under his breath, irritably running his fingers through his hair. He could well imagine the reason Ryder left in a distraught state and Hunter knew he was in for some damage control later. “He knew I was with someone?”

  “I’m sorry,” she apologized as she bowed her head, misunderstanding the source of Hunter’s agitation.

  Waving it away, Hunter told her, “Don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault.” No, it was Ryder’s fault for being an idiot about something like this, Hunter decided.

  “Still,” she insisted, worrying not only about Ryder, but about Christophe’s reaction once he found out about it.

  “It’ll be fine,” Hunter said, hoping that he was right. “Look, I’m going to try and rest before my next client shows up. Don’t let it worry you, okay?”

  Ishi stood with a formal bow before leaving.

  Once he was alone again, Hunter sighed and closed his eyes. He was irritated by Ryder’s reaction, but he also understood why his rival had reacted poorly to the news. They obviously were going to have to talk and Hunter was already annoyed at the thought of it.

  Hunter was also surprised at how frustrated he felt that Ryder had chosen to leave. He felt cheated out of the rare enjoyable patron and then was irritated by his reaction.

  Most concerning was Christophe’s reaction, if he found out about Ryder’s abrupt departure when he returned tomorrow from his visit to Macau. Hunter could only hope that he could explain his way out of any repercussions, since hoping for his adoptive father to remain wholly ignorant was unrealistic.

  Sighing, Hunter closed his eyes and tried to focus on the satiated feeling resonating through him from being with his previous client and Cesare. Unfortunately, the underlying irritation made it hard to relax. Instead of ruminating on the problem, Hunter decided it would be better to seek a distraction instead.

  Hunter got out of bed and put on a black suit, choosing a plain white shirt to go with it, which he left partially unbuttoned. He then made his way down to the lounge, where the employees often relaxed in between customers. Seeing Cesare sitting alone on one of the couches was a welcome sight, especially since Hunter knew the man would be a proper distraction. Cesare had opted to wear a black satin robe with large kimono-style sleeves, still exuding sexual satisfaction from their encounter with Hunter’s client.

  As Hunter drew near, Cesare openly checked him out with a look of blatant desire in his eyes. When Cesare licked his lips, Hunter couldn’t stop himself from remembering the exquisite blowjob he had received earlier that night from that talented mouth.

  “You clean up real nice, don’t you?” Cesare asked with a murmur of approval. “Fuck, you’re so sexy.”

  Looking smug at the comment, Hunter sat down on the same couch and was unsurprised when Cesare took the opportunity to sidle close enough that they were almost touching. It allowed Hunter to indulge in Cesare’s unique cologne, which affected him in ways he didn’t understand.

  “Even though I just had you, I already want you again,” Cesare murmured before he leaned over to try and kiss Hunter.

  Placing his hand on Cesare’s chest, Hunter gently pushed him back in discouragement as he reminded him, “You know you can’t.”

  “Please, like I give a fuck about the rules,” Cesare scoffed with a laugh. “It just makes me want you that much more.”

  Hunter’s ego purred at being wanted by someone as attractive as Cesare, but he pushed the man back when he once again tried to make a move. “Unless someone’s paying to watch or join us, it’s not going to happen,” Hunter told the persistent man.

  “We’ll see about that,” Cesare replied with a knowing look. He leaned close enough that his breath was warm against Hunter’s ear, sending a shiver through him. “I’m a man who knows what he wants and will do anything to get it. And I want you, Hunter.”

  “Dragon,” Hunter sharply corrected him, still angry at Christophe for allowing Cesare the liberty of using his real name when they were together during the interview. It was deeply uncomfortable being referred to by his real name in the brothel, when he was so careful to keep that part of his life separate.

  “Him, too,” Cesare said with a dark chuckle. “I won’t be satisfied until I have all of you.”

  Hunter’s response was interrupted when Cesare teasingly sucked on his earlobe before giving it a gentle tug, making him inhale sharply. It brought back memories of what they had done together earlier that night and he could feel his cock starting to stir with interest. He dismissively told Cesare, “You wouldn’t know what to do with me.”

  Slowly moving his way down Hunter’s neck, Cesare replied in between kisses, “I think I’ve proved over and over again that I more than know how to handle you.”

  Although he was amused by Cesare’s reaction and growing increasingly aroused, Hunter reminded him, “I told you to stop.”

  “I don’t want to,” Cesare said with a dark chuckle that made Hunter shiver.

  “You’re not a very good listener,” Hunter dryly said as he finally forced some distance between himself and Cesare.

  Holding Hunter’s gaze, Cesare smoothly said, “That’s where you’re wrong. I’m actually such a good listener that I can hear what you aren’t even saying.” He slowly slid his hand in between Hunter’s legs and started trailing it up his thigh in a sensuous caress. “Like right now, I can hear your body silently begging me for more.”

  It was infuriatingly true, but there was no way that Hunter was going to acknowledge it. As much as Hunter wanted to enj
oy what Cesare was offering, his fear that Christophe would review the security footage and see them made it too dangerous to allow. Stopping Cesare’s hand from moving any further, Hunter warned him, “Stop before you get us both in trouble, Lorenzo.”

  “If I had known my interview was going to be the only time I’d hear you moaning my real name, I would have savored the experience even more,” Cesare said with a rueful smile. “I’m sure I’ll have you shouting it again someday, though.”

  “What makes you so sure?” Hunter asked, finding Cesare’s confidence amusing.

  Boldly cupping Hunter’s growing erection, which bolstered his argument, Cesare answered, “Because I know you want me just as much as I want you.”

  Hunter forced Cesare’s hand off of him as he said, “Don’t mistake my appreciation for your skill as actual interest.”

  “Uh-huh,” Cesare replied, sounding like he didn’t believe Hunter in the least. “You keep telling yourself that, Dragon. I know better.”

  “You don’t know shit about me,” Hunter derisively told him.

  “I know more than you think,” Cesare disagreed. “We both know if there weren’t security cameras in here, you’d already be riding me hard and moaning in ecstasy.”

  An image of what Cesare described was quick to come to mind, which was far too pleasurable. His cock stiffened further at the thought, despite his protests.

  Cesare’s satin robe was doing nothing to hide his growing hardness. He touched himself with a moan as he continued, “I can see it now. Your head tossed back in pleasure as I grab your ass and fuck you so good that you’re begging me for more.”

  Hearing Cesare describing the scene with his light Italian accent while stroking himself over the robe was incredibly arousing. Hunter could see the darkening fabric where Cesare’s pre-cum was soaking through it. He swallowed hard at the thought of Cesare’s talented cock being inside him, making Hunter ache for another chance to experience the gorgeous man’s talents.

  While Hunter had been looking for a distraction, he was getting more than he bargained for with Cesare. He sounded slightly cross as he warned, “Behave yourself, or I’m leaving.”

  “To go take care of yourself?” Cesare asked with a lewd grin, fully aware that Hunter sounded annoyed because they couldn’t act on their desires. “Why do that when I’m right here and willing?”

  “You’re relentless,” Hunter said, shaking his head. “Are you like this with everybody?”

  “Are you asking me if you’re special?” Cesare playfully asked, still slowly caressing his hardness through the robe.

  The question made Hunter laugh. Before he could respond, Ishi entered the lounge with a slight bow as she said, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Mr. Chevalier will arrive soon.”

  Hunter scowled at the information. That was one of his regulars, a French diplomat who was as sexually appealing as a root canal. Holding back a sigh, Hunter curtly said, “Understood.” He once again felt a flash of annoyance at Ryder for leaving, forcing Hunter to be free for his regular client.

  Ishi left with a bow of her head, to ready the room for Hunter’s next client.

  When Hunter started to stand to leave, Cesare grabbed his wrist to prevent him from getting up yet. He leaned in close again as he murmured, “I’m not afraid to take what I want, Hunter, and I fucking want you. Remember that.”

  “It’s Dragon. I won’t tell you again,” Hunter coolly responded as he pulled his wrist free. “You should remember your place.”

  Rather than responding to the comment, Cesare charmingly smiled at Hunter as he teased, “Have fun fantasizing about being with me while you’re enduring your next client.”

  Hunter rolled his eyes as he scoffed, “You’re so full of yourself.”

  Letting his hand run up his thighs as he slowly parted them, Cesare moaned, “I’d rather be full of you.”

  The visual made Hunter’s cock twitch with interest, but he had to remind himself he didn’t have time to waste. He arrogantly replied, “Then you better find a client who is willing to pay for you to have that privilege.”

  Cesare laughed as he replied, “I guess that’s what I’ll think about to get myself off after you leave.”

  “Do whatever you want,” Hunter dismissively said as he started to walk away.

  “I always do,” Cesare replied with a self-satisfied smile that Hunter found sexier than he should have.

  The words almost felt ominous, but Hunter didn’t have the luxury of time to worry about it as he returned upstairs to get ready for his next client.

  “You’re avoiding me,” Hunter growled in irritation.

  The sound of Hunter’s voice startled Ryder almost as much as the accusation. It wasn’t an entirely untrue claim, but Ryder had been trying to ignore his thoughts and memories of Hunter, which in turn meant distancing himself. Things had gotten way too out of hand, and Ryder was afraid that if he didn’t try to slow down things down between them, he would be completely consumed by the fire. Plus, he was still deeply disturbed by what had happened the previous night when he had attempted to visit Hunter.

  It was getting far too dangerous on too many different levels, and on top of that, Ryder didn’t want to risk Jake finding out about Hunter’s secret. After all, if Kyle had figured it out, how much longer would it be before Jake did?

  Of course, it also raised the troublesome question of who he was actually trying to protect, mostly because Ryder knew the answer and it had nothing to do with Jake. How the hell did it come to this? Ryder wondered with a frustrated sigh.

  Hunter narrowed his eyes in irritation as Ryder continued to lie motionless on the couch in one of the open rooms in the student union, obviously cutting the class they shared. Shutting the door behind him for privacy, Hunter scornfully asked in a tone harsh with disdain, “So now you’re giving me the silent treatment? Real fucking mature, Ryder.”

  “No,” Ryder denied as he opened his eyes and blinked in the bright light, “I was thinking.”

  Hunter’s irritation calmed to mere annoyance, but he was still far from pleased. “Answer my question,” Hunter ordered, staring down at Ryder in disapproval.

  The bright light made it hard to look up at Hunter and Ryder squinted as he pointed out, “You made an assumption. You didn’t ask a question.”

  “Do you deny it?” Hunter demanded.

  Instead of answering directly, Ryder muttered, “Why are you both so fucking paranoid?”

  It was the wrong response and Hunter felt a ripple of rage wash over him that caused him to kneel over Ryder’s waist and pin the insolent man to the couch. “You dare to compare Hunter Cole to that worthless excuse for a mutt?” Hunter snarled, his grip tightening on Ryder’s wrists in displeasure.

  “When you’re both acting like children, yeah,” Ryder defiantly replied, willing himself not to get distracted by their position.

  Hunter’s pride wanted to lash out, but reason won out when he realized, “You’re deliberately dodging my question.”

  “And your attitude is pissing me off,” Ryder shot back, his own ire coming to the surface. “You come in here and—”

  “I wouldn’t have to if you weren’t avoiding me,” Hunter argued, irked at his own impulsiveness, which had driven him to track Ryder down.

  “What difference does it make to you?” Ryder wanted to know.

  It was a question that Hunter wasn’t sure he could answer, so he settled for, “Because if this is about the mutt and the other day—”

  “Do you not care at all that he could find out?” Ryder interrupted in his exasperation. “That anyone could?”

  “Like anyone would fucking believe that delinquent,” Hunter muttered before initiating a harsh kiss in an attempt at distraction.

  It was far too tempting to give in, but Ryder’s temper prevailed and he pulled away as much as his position would allow. “Are you really going to risk it?” Ryder heatedly argued, his emerald eyes bright with anger.

  “Are you r
eally going to stop coming to see me for such a stupid reason?” Hunter countered, not completely realizing what he had said until it was too late.

  Ryder’s eyes went wide in disbelief before narrowing as he impishly retorted, “Why? Would you miss me?”

  “Maybe,” Hunter coyly responded before leaning forward to steal a devastatingly passionate kiss.

  Ryder didn’t have time to process the full implications of the answer because he was overwhelmed by Hunter. Even though he knew he should resist, Ryder succumbed to the passion, hungrily returning the kiss and straining against Hunter’s hold.

  Hunter accidentally moaned as he dominated Ryder, having been thoroughly irritated by being denied yesterday. He was pissed that he wanted Ryder as much as he did and he couldn’t stand the fact that he was intensely craving him. Hunter took it out on Ryder with punishing kisses, pleased with the noises he was inspiring.

  It was frustrating to Ryder to be completely out of control and he nipped at Hunter’s lower lip to try and dissuade him. Hunter refused to be deterred and he became more aggressive, roughly undoing the buttons on Ryder’s shirt. “What the hell are you doing?” Ryder demanded in between kisses.

  “Proving a point,” Hunter replied in an irritated tone as he undid another button.

  Thwarting Hunter’s hands from progressing any further, Ryder demanded, “About what?”

  “About why you shouldn’t have left last night,” Hunter murmured as he stole another kiss, this one slightly less vicious, but no less passionate.

  Fighting not to get caught up in the sensations, Ryder still continued trying to protest, “I couldn’t—I can’t—“

  “Can’t what? Handle the mutt finding out?” Hunter sneered, sounding crueler than he meant to.

  “No, I can’t stand that you work there!” Ryder angrily corrected Hunter, his cheeks flushing at his own confession.

  “That hasn’t stopped you from visiting in the past,” Hunter pointed out, not taking the protest as it was intended.