Intimacy (Rose Series Book 3)

by Eden Fortae

  Donny gave her one last smile before he roughly pulled her to the edge of the dresser, causing Eden to fall back. Her head and shoulders were against the wall. Both legs within his grip, held apart as he raised them to rest her on space between the edge and slightly opened top drawer. One finger dragged over the wet spot between her legs then slipped inside. Two more fingers joined the first and yanked her panties so harshly her body jerked as they ripped. He left the shredded material around her hips as he lowered his head, eyes locked on hers.

  Eden’s breaths slowed with anticipation. They picked up with the first slow, long lick. The second one parted her flesh. The third sunk deeper. He did it again and again and again until her eyes closed, and labored breathing became moans. The speed of his tongue increased with two fingers pressing into her. His fingers stroked her the way she wanted his dick, then pressed against the spot that no other cared to. He sucked her clit and pushed his tongue on it hard, applying pressure with his fingers at the same time. The onset of an orgasm was swift. It rocked her body before she could prepare for it. Her throat immediately felt raw from the loud moan she couldn’t withhold.

  Despite the sensitivity of her clit, he continued to stroke it with his thumb while his fingers moved within her.

  “I have condoms in the front pocket of my bag,” she barely managed and whined with the loss of contact.

  When he returned, she tried to sit up and get down, wanting to regain control and bring him to his knees like before. Donny stopped her, pushing her back onto the dresser with his hips. Only then did she notice his pants were off, and his boxer briefs were pulled down enough to give her a full view. The anticipation returned. The aching between her thighs growing again.

  She reached for him, surprised when he allowed her to stroke him and put the condom on. He brought his lips to hers and positioned himself. She didn’t want to kiss now. With one orgasm out of the way, she was thinking clearer. A kiss would undo that.

  Donny sensed her reluctance. Instead of increasing the distance between their lips, he backed away with his lower body, causing her to whine again.

  “Everything I give you or nothing. Choose.” That authority was back, and her walls were clenching again.

  “Everything,” she barely finished the word. The firm grip on her hips brought her to the edge of the dresser. He spread her apart and pushed in too slowly with his lips against her, nipping them as her breathing hitched. He gave her little time to adjust. The thrusts began slow and long, then grew fast and hard. His moans joined hers, the kiss deepening with each stroke. Eden felt that pressure rebuilding. The need to brace herself for it had her wrapping her arms around his neck, shoving her hands in his hair. His hips were slamming into hers so fast and hard now that she couldn’t catch her breath. The intimacy of his lips devouring hers and whispers in Spanish breezing over hers was too much. Ultimately, the breaking point. As she came, he did, too, saying her name with a string of words she didn’t understand.

  Donny pulled away abruptly, pinning her in place before he slipped into the bathroom. He came back seconds after the water shut off and picked up another condom. Wide-eyed and awestruck, she watched him sheath himself and step back between her legs. He dragged his thumb over her clit, and she jumped. The sensitivity of it was almost painful, but still, she felt her own wetness slipping down her ass.

  Taking one thigh in his hand, he pushed into her again. Donny pushed both legs back, watching himself thrust in and out of her. The sight alone turned her on despite the fatigue setting in. With the way her legs hooked over his arms and lifted her off the dresser without pulling out of her, she could have come on the spot.

  He stepped back, carrying Eden in his arms, and moved her up and down on him effortlessly. His eyes were open. Hooded with lust but focused on her. That was more intimate than she liked, but it was so sexy and felt too good to stop it. All sense of self vanished. Her thoughts and fears were lost behind the deep penetration and sexy as fuck moans.

  Against all she believed in, Eden lowered her lips to his. How he kissed her and maintained his pace, she didn’t know. The harder he brought her down on him, the deeper he went. Her lips moved over his jaw, reeling in the roughness of the hair on his face. Her lips traveled to his neck, the open mouth kisses receiving approval from him in the form of more words he spoke in both languages.

  “Yes! You’re mine, and I’m yours.”

  He thrust into her harder and faster. Donny pulled out entirely and pulled her back down on him so hard, pain shot through her stomach. The open mouth kiss turned into a bite. He’d nearly dropped her but caught her and held on firmly. Of all reactions, Eden laughed against his neck, wrapping her arms around him tighter. He joined her but silenced them both, using her hair to bring her up for a kiss. The passion passing between them reached new heights with that particular kiss. He stilled so she could take over, bouncing in his arms to bring them to an Earth-shattering end.

  This time when he pulled out and cleaned himself off, he took her to bed and wrapped her in his arms. Every concern and every insecurity returned with a vengeance but missing was the regret that would ensure there wouldn’t be a repeat.

  TEN

  Eden hadn’t realized she’d fallen asleep until Donny’s touch awakened her. Her back was covered by his chest while the fingers of his right hand ran through her hair. She opened her eyes long enough to see the first traces of morning peeking around the curtains, scoot away, and move his hand. Sleep reclaimed her almost immediately but she heard chuckles and felt him massaging her scalp again.

  The next time she awakened, the sun shined. Despite the slight soreness between her legs, every other part of her body felt relaxed. Sitting up, she froze. Donny was still beside her. Lying on his back, his head turned the other way, the sight, too appealing. The sheet only covered his morning wood and just barely. His dark hair and sun-kissed skin against the stark white bedding made him look more exotic than he already was. The ink on his arms and nearly covering his entire chest, made him look rough but enticing. He was sexy. And problematic. And too tempting.

  More than anything she wanted to remove the sheet and climb on top of him. The thought made her thighs clench and took her mind to reckless places. More than anything she needed to get her head back in the game.

  Slow and careful not to wake him, Eden eased out of bed to brush her teeth and shower. The cool spray did nothing to wash away the pleasant humming of her body. It rained down soaking her hair, oddly reminding her of what she felt before he warmed her with his touch and kisses.

  “Fuck!” She dropped her head to her hands. She had nowhere to run this time. No way to escape him. Even if she could, the damage was done. One night stands become faint memories. That was necessary. Sex several times in one night so good you slept beside him, was unforgettable. Denial could be easily maintained with just one experience as a reference. Not only did the sexy fucker get a repeat, but he also dominated her. A first since her first and instead of it being a trigger, she loved every bit of it.

  Eden threw her head back to stare at the ceiling. She prayed to it, begged for all thoughts and needs for him to be washed down the drain. Dropping her head and twisting the knob to warm the water, she extended her prayer to ask for a sign or guidance.

  A shadow passed by the frosted glass.

  She didn’t have to look to know it wasn’t Kya. Her poor friend was probably in her room with bloodshot eyes and sleep-deprived because of them. She already felt like a horrible friend. That visual kicked her guilt into overdrive.

  The body she’d taken her time to admire was on the other side of the door. He appeared to be naked but stood still.

  Eden looked up at the ceiling again. Surely that wasn’t the sign God was sending her. A naked man who’d broken nearly all her rules and made her want to do it again? He couldn’t be it.

  Her curiosity won the battle, hearing him move around. She pushed the shower door on its golden rail ducking her head out. That was the first
time she’d really seen his back. On it, a dragon identical to the one on the front. Instead of detailed scales and claws, the dragon was a complete skeleton, the wings torn with gaping holes. When he glanced over his shoulder, she reluctantly tore her eyes away.

  The customary terry robe draped across his arm had a smaller towel on top of it. He winked, causing her to look away temporarily. She heard him spit and the scent of mouthwash filled the room.

  “I noticed there weren’t any towels in here last night. I brought you the robe and a towel for your hair.”

  Why in the hell did her heart take on an extra beat? It’s just a robe. One she could have and would have retrieved on her own.

  “Thank you. I thought you were about to join me.” Say something else so it doesn’t sound like an invitation. “Are you?”

  “If you want me to.”

  No, she didn’t. But yes, she did. He was wearing his boxer briefs, still turned slightly to block her view of the print that would live with her forever. Clearly, he wasn’t planning to have sex again. If she declined, he’d go about his way and she could do the same.

  “Tell me what you want, Eden.”

  She lost count of how many times he’d waited for her directive or asked for permission but with authority. Proof that he’d figured her out and was too damn close for comfort. Another reason she should turn him away.

  “You...” out of my system.

  Donny cracked a smile, tossing the robe and small towel onto the ledge in front of the mirror. He removed his boxer briefs smoothly and backed her into the wall as he stepped in. Shower sex was a first like sex on the dresser, and in the air but she knew a condom wasn’t typically a part of this equation. He had her breaking all her rules but not that one. Never that one. The pill was her best friend but she’d never risk it.

  “We need—”

  He held his finger to her lips. The hand on her hips turned her back to the water. As if he were bathing a baby, he tested it on his hand first. As if he’d done it before, he poured a generous amount of body wash on the luffa and proceeded to wash her. The invitation to join her hadn’t gone at all as she planned. The chance to take back control snatched once again.

  His hands worked their way to her hair, massaging shampoo into it while she held her head back and watched him intently.

  “You know this is it, right?”

  “You know that’s bullshit, right?”

  She scoffed and rolled her eyes, “This is over once we leave this island, Donovan.”

  “Cállate,” he raised his voice slightly and cracked a smile. “Shut up.”

  She smiled back, “Are you going to teach me how to curse in Spanish?”

  “Only if you’re planning to moan it for me.” Reflexively, Eden swatted him. His laughter made her smile for a second.

  “I mean it, Donovan. This ends here. I can’t afford new avenues for heartache.”

  He pushed her head back to rinse her hair, dropping a kiss on her lips at the same time. She didn’t kiss him back but didn’t pull back either. “You want to fight this because you’re afraid but you relent because you’re submissive.”

  She stiffened, cracking her eyes slightly, “How can I be submissive when I want to control and dominate?”

  “You only want those things to protect yourself but if the right man shows you that he’ll protect you, you’d give up control and enjoy his domination.”

  “You’re wrong,” she closed her eyes again, “I enjoy being the one saying when and how and coming or going when I please.”

  His chuckle vibrated through her, causing her nipples to pebble against him. “You enjoyed me placing you where I wanted and doing everything I wanted just like you’d enjoy being told to get on your knees or bend over for me.”

  The words alone had an impact. The tingling between her legs and the urge to squeeze her thighs together was proof. Not wanting to fuel him, she remained silent. That was yet another piece of her puzzle he’d linked.

  After several moments of silence, he lathered her hair and worked his hands through it again.

  “When was your last relationship?”

  Her eyes shot open and stared directly into his. Fear spiked her heart rate. Comfort came from his gaze. As an extra measure, he tenderly kissed her lips again, causing her eyes to close. Meanwhile, his fingers continued to work in her hair.

  It’s a question. Not a proposal. She told herself then decided to answer.

  “Years ago.”

  “Why?”

  “I told you. A fool for love is a fool for pain and no matter how good you feel, I refuse to hurt again.”

  Conditioning his hair and cleansing himself happened in silence after that. For a moment she worried that she’d hurt him. That was the last thing she wanted but she also didn’t want to lead him on. Allowing things to go so far was a mistake on both parts. It was too late to take it back but they could prevent more.

  Donny wrapped a towel around his waist and made quick work drying his hair. With the same caring hands, he helped her into her robe and towel-dried her hair for her. Finished, he twisted the towel to hold her curls then cupped her cheeks to level their eyes.

  “I don’t want to hurt you, love,” his eyes were saying more. So much more that she unintentionally held her breath. “I want to heal you. I can if you let me.” He pecked her lips, allowing the kiss to linger. He wanted to take it further. She felt it in the way he pulled her close and embraced her. For her, he held back.

  As he dressed and departed with one last kiss, she realized that hug and small kiss left the most impact. That fact, a problem in itself.

  Something close to normalcy filled the days following their return to the states. Photoshoots, dead-end interviews, meals at Kya's with Karrina, while helping her prepare for Paris, became routine. Communication with Donny would have happened, too, had Eden not forced distance and limited him to texts only.

  Admittedly, Eden entertained memories of their second night while she showered and before bed. The first morning after she let the flashbacks bring her to orgasm, she awakened in good spirits. The second morning, she realized the purpose. Sexual stimulation went from one necessity to another, from the need to silence her thoughts to the need to relive every moment.

  Acknowledging the danger in it, she kept herself busy. Knowing he would shadow Kya meant they couldn't hang out as much as she liked. Most things were out of the question unless she wanted Donny there, seducing her by doing absolutely nothing.

  The girls accepted her claims of being busy, making the most of what time they had together. As she suspected, Karrina was their missing piece. She matched Kya's sweetness with her blunt manner of speaking and backed Eden with her sense of humor and similar mindset. Where they needed Karrina the most was the moment neither Kya nor Eden wanted to state the obvious. Karrina didn't mince words. Not even when the subject of their conversation was a member of her family.

  Of course, there was reluctance on Eden's part. With Karrina, it never lasted long.

  "I don't care what anyone says. Those motherfuckers planned that. They sat in my kitchen and discussed ways to con you both out of a piece of peach pie, and the one in my bed probably masterminded it."

  "I don't know, Rina. Donny didn't seem all that happy when Tony popped up at my auction and covered all our meals and drinks to make up for crashing the trip."

  "Of course he did. He was fronting for my future wife." She tapped Eden's knee, looking at her with innocent eyes, "Don't worry, baby. Pimp Kya is going to teach us how to hump 'em and dump 'em like she did my brother."

  Kya shook her head, "Chris and Donny are the types you keep."

  Karrina scoffed, shifting from her side to sit up beside Eden at the foot of Kya's bed. "They've been friends longer than they've been men. Birds of a feather and all that shit."

  "They've also been like brothers to you for just as long."

  "Not Chris. I've had a thing for him since I was stuffing my bra with tissue to catch his ey
e."

  "It must've worked," Eden added. "The way he looks at you makes me blush."

  "It wasn't the Cottonelle titts, wifey. I don't think a woman has ever approached him like I did. At least, I don't want to think that. In fact, the thought gives me visions of my own Snapped episode with both of you and my dad defending my name." She casually looked down at her nails and back up as if she'd been talking about pizza.

  Kya and Eden shared a look and burst into laughter, to which Karrina merely shrugged. "See what you have to look forward to, my beautiful, blasian buttercup. Wait, you are blasian, right? You look like it."

  Eden mimicked her shrug, "I'm adopted."

  Karrina's mouth opened slightly, and her eyes rolled. "You're making it hard as hell for me to compete with Donny when you have shit in common with him. I suppose you have an unhealthy obsession with guns and a shitload of tattoos, too?" Eden smiled awkwardly. She had a little more than a few small ones randomly placed. Karrina slouched with defeat then eyed her chest, "Let me see." Kya hit her with the pillow causing Karrina to pout. "Yeah yeah, I get it. I'll get out of his way. I'm still gonna look, though."

  Eden smiled sympathetically. "Don't worry, boo. He's just looking, too."

  From the corner of her eye, she caught Kya smirking. "For how long?"

  "Honestly," she paused, started to speak, and paused again. "I don't know anymore. Ignoring him was easy when all we shared was one night and minimal conversation. A second night and shampoo have effectively clouded my judgment so much that the only way to fight it is to avoid him. I can't do that forever, but I can try."

  "But why?" Karrina's seriousness caught her off guard. "If you want to explore the possibilities with him, go for it."

  She spared Kya a glance. Silent encouragement translated through a soft smile.

  "The one time I let a man get close to me, he hurt me so badly I'm still trying to recover. I thought we were in love and found out the hard way that love was a means of keeping me pliable and stupid. I built a wall around me with barbed wire to protect what's left of my heart." Her eyes welled. She laughed through her embarrassment, but she was alone. "Donovan is nothing like him, but I can't give him the power to hurt me."