The Prodigal's Desire

by Valerie Lynne

  SHORTLY AFTER CLOSING the Literary Ladies’ Book Nook and Café for the holiday season, Jennifer arrived at Victoria’s home with an oversized platter of cookies balanced on one arm.

  Snatching one of the cookies from the platter, Victoria bit into it. “Yum.”

  “Hey, those are for dessert,” Jennifer said and swatted Victoria’s hand.

  Christmas carols played on the radio as Jennifer began to assist in the preparation of their holiday feast, a ritual they’d been doing together for years.

  “What are you smirking about?” Jennifer asked as she wiggled her hips to the music.

  “Nothing.” Victoria shrugged. “Didn’t realize I was.”

  “How could you not?” Jennifer asked sarcastically. “Forget I asked. I’m pretty sure I know what that smile is about, and some things are better left unsaid. Especially when they have to do with your extracurricular activities with Henrique Santana.”

  Victoria’s cheeks flamed crimson. “Probably a good idea.”

  Lips curved into a sly grin, Jennifer teased, “Damn, hussy.”

  “I learned from the best.”

  “Smart ass!” Jennifer exclaimed as they both broke out into laughter.

  The timer buzzed to indicate that the ham was finished cooking. Then the doorbell rang just as Victoria slid on her oven mitts to remove the spiral ham from the oven. “I’ll let him in,” Jennifer said and headed to the living room.

  As Victoria started to drizzle a brown sugar glaze over the piping hot ham, she overheard Henry thank Jennifer for allowing him to share Christmas dinner with them. Warmth spread throughout her when Jennifer thanked him for making her so happy.

  “Damn, you look hot in that apron,” Henry said, his compliment sending a jolt of electricity through Victoria. He stepped behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his lips lowering to her ear. “Merry Christmas, Goldilocks.”

  “I hope you’re hungry,” Victoria said as she turned to look at him.

  Henry’s mouth covered hers, his tongue flicking out as Victoria’s lips parted. “You taste delicious. Like sugar and spice.” His hand slipped down her spine, stopping to cup her ass as he pulled Victoria flush against his chest. A devious grin crossed his handsome face when she sucked in a breath after his hard erection poked her thigh.

  “Ahem.” Jennifer stood at the kitchen door, one eyebrow cocked. “Sorry to interrupt. Just wanted to let you know that Andre has been called into work unexpectedly.”

  “Oh, no.” Victoria stepped out of Henry’s arms and moved toward Jennifer. She knew that Andre’s absence saddened Jennifer more than she was willing to admit. Wrapping her arms around Jennifer, she squeezed her tight. “I’m sorry Andre won’t be able to come. You okay?”

  “I’m fine. It’s all right. I’m not going to let that ruin our celebration.” Jennifer winked. “I’ll deck his balls in private.”

  Henry chuckled, “Lucky guy.”

  Victoria slapped him playfully. “Henry,” she said with mock outrage.

  “Almost as lucky as me,” Henry clarified, giving Victoria a quick peck on the cheek.

  “That was smooth,” Jennifer said and shot Henry a cocky smile. “Vicki, I’m starving. Let’s eat!”

  After dining on a meal that could have easily fed at least a half dozen more people, Henry reclined on the couch, listening to the holiday music that played in the background while Jennifer adjusted one of the glass ornaments that hung from Victoria’s seven-foot blue spruce. “Honestly, Vicki, I don’t know how you fit all of these ornaments on one tree. You’ve got to stop buying them.”

  “I can’t,” Victoria said, lowering onto the empty cushion beside Henry. “They’re too beautiful to resist.”

  “But what are you going to do with them all? There isn’t room for all of them,” Jennifer asked.

  “How about purchasing a second tree,” Henry suggested.

  “Now that is a great idea.” Victoria smiled and placed a kiss on Henry’s cheek. “I do like the way you think.”

  “Be careful, Henry. Vicki is a bit of a hoarder. You may regret that second tree suggestion.”

  “No, I’m not,” Victoria quickly protested.

  “Have you seen the dolls?” Jennifer arched her neck, her eyes dancing across the room. “They’re everywhere,” she whispered.

  Heedless of the multitude of doll eyes that glared back at him, Henry looked around the cozy living room. Three large display cases lined the length of one wall, jam-packed with Madame Alexander dolls in various heights. In one corner, a Steiff bear clad with iron-rimmed glasses and a large velvet bow sat in an oversized chair beside her Nana’s beloved roll-top desk. “If it makes Victoria smile, that is all that counts,” Henry answered.

  Jennifer rolled her eyes. “Why did I bother? You’re a lost cause; she’s got you wrapped around her little finger.”

  “I like it that way,” Henry said, reaching to capture the hand Victoria had placed on his thigh.

  “Oh my gosh,” Victoria interrupted, her eyes wide.

  “What’s wrong?” Henry and Jennifer asked simultaneously.

  “I forgot to bring home The Night Before Christmas.”

  “It’s all right, honey. There are a lot of great Christmas movies we could watch,” Jennifer said. “We might even start a new Christmas tradition.”

  “I don’t mind watching a movie—but Jenn.” Victoria’s voice cracked. “Nana always read it to us.”

  Jennifer released a halfhearted sigh. “I know.”

  “I should have left it here. It’s not as if I don’t have a slew of copies at the shop,” Victoria said.

  “But you wanted to show Lilly our well-loved and worn copy because of the illustrations,” Jennifer interjected.

  Henry stroked his thumb over the top of Victoria’s hand. “The book is at your shop?”

  “Yes,” Victoria answered, trying really hard not to sulk as if she were a child.

  “The shop’s not far. Let’s head over there and get it,” Henry suggested.

  “Really?” Victoria bolted upright, a huge smile on her face. “You don’t mind?”

  “No, not at all. I’d enjoy listening to the story myself. It’s been a long time since I’ve read The Night Before Christmas.”

  “We’ll be back shortly,” Victoria said, springing off the couch.

  Jennifer reached out, capturing Henry’s arm as he was about to walk past her. He stopped and peered down at her. “Thank you,” she whispered.

  A small grin crossed Henry’s face and then he nodded.

  Chapter 25

  Victoria

  “You could’ve waited in the car,” Victoria said as she unlocked the front door of the Literary Ladies’ Book Nook and Café. Then she stepped inside with a very overprotective Henry following right behind her.

  “And miss an opportunity to kiss you under the mistletoe?” Henry pointed at the sprig of green hanging from the archway over the back hallway.

  “You don’t miss a thing, do you?” Victoria laughed.

  “Never.” Henry captured her hand in his and guided her throughout the darkened room, the window display’s multicolored bulbs providing a soft glow illuminating their path. Victoria hadn’t bothered to turn on all the lights since they were only going to retrieve the book from behind the counter and, immediately, head back home. “I don’t think you miss much either.” Henry pointed to the full-length mirror hanging on the wall of the hallway. “You even trimmed the mirror with garland and white lights.”

  Giggling, Victoria walked beside him and pulled her hand from his to gesture to the mistletoe hanging above their heads beneath the entrance to the hallway.

  Henry leaned toward her, his hands clasped behind his back and his lips puckered. Standing on her toes, Victoria curled her arms around his neck and drew him to her mouth. A playful squeal escaped her lips as Henry wrapped his arms around her waist and stood upright, lifting Victoria up from the floor.

  “We told Jenn we’d only be
a few minutes.”

  “We lied,” Henry said, lowering her back to the floor. Wordlessly, he unzipped her parka, pushing it from her shoulders and onto the floor.

  “Henry?” Victoria questioned softly.

  “Shh...relax.” His hand moved beneath her sweater, his fingers kneading the curvature of her lower back.

  “I like that.” Victoria closed her eyes, arching her back. She was putty in his hands. “It feels so good.”

  “How about this?” Henry asked, his hand cupped over her breast, giving her a gentle squeeze.

  “Much better,” Victoria said.

  “And this,” Henry asked, his mouth moving to cover hers while his thumb circled her nipple.

  “Definitely better,” she breathed against his lips. “But the clothes are in the way.”

  “Mm hmm,” he agreed, taking a step closer. His free hand dove beneath her sweater, seeking her other breast, massaging her through the sheer fabric of her bra.

  “You’re insatiable.”

  “It’s the glasses. You drive me crazy dressed up like a prim little librarian. It makes me want to do things.”

  Victoria’s breath hitched, a thrill of desire surging through her. “Sinful. Naughty. X-rated things?”

  “And you call me insatiable, Ms. Hathaway,” Henry chuckled.

  Peering up at him, she worried her bottom lip between her teeth. “You haven’t answered my question, Mr. Santana.” Victoria’s eyes locked on his. “What exactly does my wearing glasses make you want to do?”

  Henry’s lips curved into a knowing grin. “For one thing, I plan to punish you for this fucking 24-hours a day, 7 days a week hard-on you’re responsible for.”

  “Why, Mr. Santana,” Victoria said huskily at the feel of the massive bulge that strained beneath his jeans. “Maybe, I could help to remedy that.” Her fingers moved to his crotch and slowly unzipped his fly. She tugged his pants to his knees, slipping her fingers beneath the flap of his boxers. “Since I am at fault.”

  Hard and thick, his cock sprung forward.

  “Does this help?” Victoria asked as she curled her fingers around his shaft and began to pump him up and down.”

  His eyelids fluttered shut, a low groan escaping through his partially opened lips.

  “Or would it be better if I kissed your cock instead,” Victoria asked brazenly.

  His breathing shallowed as Victoria lowered to her knees and flicked her tongue over the head of his engorged cock. Flattening her tongue over the pre-cum, which glistened from its small slit, she licked up the salty residue.

  “Fuck,” Henry growled as Victoria trailed her tongue lower, lapping leisurely over his iron-hard shaft. “I’ve been so bad, Henry. What else can I do to make it up to you?”

  His eyes opened. Dark and intense, he peered down at her. “Suck my dick,” he demanded.

  “Like this?” Victoria taunted, her lips closing over the head of his cock.

  “Deeper,” he said through clenched teeth, a vein pulsing from his neck.

  Victoria closed her lips over his cock, her eyes watering as she took the length of him to the back of her throat.

  “Yessss.” A guttural sound came from deep within his chest.

  Adrenaline shot through her at Henry’s grunts of pleasure. Grasping her fingers around him, Victoria worked her hand over the length of his velvety hard shaft. Fast and then slow she pumped his cock while her other hand moved to cup his balls, fondling their weight in her open palm.

  Hips bucking, Henry ground his groin against her mouth. “You don’t know how badly I want to fuck that amazing mouth.”

  “Do it,” Victoria challenged.

  “Are you sure?” he panted, his eyes wild with passion.

  “Yes.”

  Henry moved his hands to her head, cupping her securely within his open palms. Then he began to buck his hips. At first, he moved slowly, allowing Victoria to get used to being dominated by him. With each thrust, his speed increased until Henry could no longer hold back. Fast and hard, he pumped into her mouth. “I’m going to come.”

  “Hmmm,” Victoria murmured as a primal sound echoed through the narrow hallway, Henry’s body growing rigid as he shuddered. Hot, thick liquid shot into her mouth, squirting down the back of her throat.

  “You’re going to be the death of me,” he panted.

  RUNNING HER TONGUE over her lips, Victoria licked up the remaining residue. A throaty, satisfied laugh escaped from her chest.

  “Stand up,” he said, his demand low and husky.

  A thrill shot through her. Obediently, she rose to stand before Henry.

  “Take off your clothes.”

  “You first,” Victoria answered defiantly.

  His lips quirked into a half-smile. “As you wish,” he said, shrugging his woolen coat from his shoulders. Next, he unbuttoned his shirt, stripping it from his broad chest. He bent down to untie his shoes.

  Victoria watched, the juncture of her thighs growing increasingly wet.

  Completely naked, he shot her a knowing grin. “Your turn.”

  Her fingers probed the bottom of her sweater, rolling it slowly over her breasts, making a production of stripping before him. “Will you help me?” she asked softly, her arms lifted to the sky, fingers wiggling gracefully in the air.

  Henry chuckled, stepping closer, “Gladly.”

  Goosebumps rose over her skin as his hands trailed up her arms and then lightly tugged the sweater over her head.

  “Thank you,” she breathed, exhilaration coursing through her as she noticed his lust-filled expression.

  “Now, your jeans.”

  Stepping out of her shoes, Victoria undid the brass button of her jeans and then unzipped them, taking her time rolling the denim down her legs.

  A deep growl escaped Henry’s mouth, exciting her with his urgency. He kicked the faded jeans into the mound of discarded clothing and lowered his mouth to her breast, sucking it through the sheer lace demi bra, nibbling and biting playfully at the thin material. “You’ve got five seconds to take off this bra.”

  Unclasping the bra, Victoria rolled her shoulders back and pushed her breasts together, her arousal increasing as she prolonged her striptease. Looking as if he wanted to devour her, Henry feasted on her half-naked breasts, igniting a fire deep within her. Unabashed, Victoria allowed the material to cascade to the floor, her breasts spilling free from the confines of the bra. Then, she reached her hands up to roll their swollen peaks between her fingertips.

  “You’re so fucking sexy,” Henry rasped, a primal hunger scorching Victoria with his heated gaze.

  Head craned back, Victoria reveled in his desire for her. It turned her on to know he wanted her. She got off on knowing he watched her pleasuring herself.

  Henry’s tongue flicked out over his bottom lip, looking as if he were about to salivate. “Do you trust me?”

  He’s going to punish me. “Yes,” Victoria rushed out on a breath, her heart racing.

  “Yes, sir,” Henry corrected her, his voice having lowered.

  A thrill shot through her at his powerful command. “Yes, sir,” Victoria quickly answered.

  “That’s a good girl.” His voice deep and controlled, he pointed behind her. “Turn around and brace your arms against the mirror.”

  Anticipation filled Victoria as she complied. Her palms flat against the glass, she could feel her pussy pulsing with need. She jumped as Henry’s warm palm stroked her shoulders, kneading her flesh into submission. His lips fell to her neck, kissing the sensitive skin beneath her earlobe. Her head lolled forward at the exquisite sensation.

  “Your skin is so soft,” Henry whispered against her ear, the stubble shadowing his face scratching the side of her cheek. An arm snaked around her waist, drawing her back flush to his chest. Slowly, his open palm slid over her stomach. “Spread your legs for me,” he demanded.

  Victoria parted her thighs. Molten lava pooled in her lower belly as his hand moved lower to cup her mound. Victori
a swiveled her pussy against Henry’s muscled thigh as he used his fingers to tease her through the fabric of her panties.

  A low moan echoed throughout the hallway as Henry’s finger slipped between her panties. Instantly, Victoria pressed down hard against his thigh, desperate to find relief for her growing need. Gliding over her sensitive slick folds, Henry slid a finger into her sodden channel and began to thrust in and then out.

  “Oh my God,” Victoria cried as a second finger pushed into her. Her hips bucked as Henry picked up the pace, fucking her mercilessly with his fingers. On the brink of orgasm, he pulled his fingers away. “No,” Victoria whimpered in protest.

  With his palm, Henry slapped her swollen sex, a gasp coming from Victoria as the sting turned into exquisite pleasure. “You’ll come when I say you can come.” Powerful and strong, Henry’s arm remained around her waist, his hand rubbing a circular pattern over her belly. “When you do, you’re going to flow like a fountain.”

  Legs buckling, Victoria collapsed against him, her back flush against his broad chest. Dirty talk turned her on—the more vulgar the promise, the better. She dropped her head against his shoulder, reclining limply against him, then slipped her fingers beneath her panties to stroke her clit.

  “That’s my job,” Henry said and hooked his finger through the thin fabric of her panties. With one yank, he tore them from her body. Through heavy lids, Victoria stared at their reflections in the mirror. Strong and big, Henry dominated her. She felt small, feminine, and very desired.

  “You’re so wet,” Henry said, spreading her wetness over her clit, and then plunged a finger into her tight channel. Victoria’s inner muscles clenched around him as he finger-fucked her. His other hand busied itself with her breasts, squeezing and playing with her nipples.

  He cupped her chin, gently angling her mouth toward his. “Kiss me,” he demanded, his tongue sweeping over her lips. Henry sucked her bottom lip, urging Victoria to open her mouth. His tongue delved into her mouth, swirling and twisting with hers. Each flick, lick, nip, and groan was wilder than the last until their tongues meshed into a passionate cataclysm.