Warner held Taddy in his arms while she slept. Her chest rose as she breathed, causing her cleavage to become more glorious. As her mouth parted, she released a breath through her full lips. She radiated when awake and was spectacular when asleep.

He reflected on dinner. His intentions hadn’t been to push her buttons on the Brillford family question. Taddy had struck him as an independent and intelligent woman. He didn’t identify being ‘self-made’ as a trait they’d shared, but it was, and he respected her all the more for it.

The moon’s reflection cast a haunting blue veil over her naked body, making it hard for him to sleep. With his face buried along Taddy’s nape, her curls tickled his cheeks. He loved her hair. Red, soft, and wavy, it was like touching silk organza. She smelled of tuberose and sex.

His hands cupped her breasts and he felt her heartbeat under his palm. He’d resisted the urge to play with her nipples while she slept. Taddy’s handfuls had tasted hot in his mouth earlier. He could’ve sucked on them for hours.

The following day, Taddy was scheduled to return to New York after the press conference. Hôtel de France’s relief manager would come from Marseille. Warner’s work commitments would take him to Asia to visit a hotel property he was hoping to acquire. He didn’t want to see her leave, but knew she was in demand.

Taddy’s mobile phone had been beeping in her purse in fifteen-minute intervals since they’d met. At dinner, and even in the interrogation room at the jailhouse, it had vibrated. He thought it was interesting that’d she never answered her cell or excused herself to respond. Her attention had been on him the entire night. Warner hoped it wouldn’t be another five months until he could spend time with her again.

Taddy rolled over, kissing his cheek. “You’re awake?”

“Hmm.” She stretched out against him.

He felt his pulse rise. Her lips were puffy from their sex earlier. Warner kissed her, placing her further on her side to face him. “I can’t sleep.” With his right hand, he rubbed up and down her left side.

“Me, either.” In a playful way, she wrapped one arm around his waist and gently tugged at the fuzz on his navel with the other. “It’s been a while since I…slept next to someone.”

Warner had assumed Taddy kept a line of men waiting at her bedroom door. He supposed it was possible they just never stayed over. If they’d made love in her bed, would she have let him stay? Curious, he asked, “You spend nights alone often?”

“Yup. I usually have the bed all to myself.” Taddy gave him a sobering nod. “Just me and my Shih Tzus. You have any pets?”

“No. I travel too much.”

“I’ve always slept alone. Even when I was little, the nannies would turn off the lights and I’d be all by myself, in the dark.”

“What was it like, being emancipated at such a young age?”

“Painful.” She closed her eyes for a minute.

“Like you said at dinner, you never really get over the loss.”

Taddy looked as if she was trying to force a smile, but couldn’t. “It was a long time ago. Right now in my life, I try to look at the good things the universe has given me. I’m pretty blessed.”

Warner admired her for saying that. “Yes, you are blessed with smarts, beauty and business success.”

She laughed. “I didn’t mean that exactly. I’m happy I have my friends.”

“What are they like?”

“Brave. I admire them.”

“Just like you,” Warner complimented.

“I never thought of it that way. But they are pretty fearless.”

“How so?”

“The week the judge declared me an independent was around Thanksgiving time. How ironic, right?”

He inhaled sharply, realizing it must be hard for her to talk about. But he was curious about Taddy and wanted to know more.

“My friend Blake, who works with me now, was also having a bad spell with his family.”

“Why?”

“He’d come to terms with being gay and hadn’t told his parents. He was terrified they’d disown him.” Taddy pulled her body in closer to his.

“What happened?”

“Blake said my courage to stand up to my parents motivated him to want to tell his folks about his sexuality, so I went home with him. I sat with him while he told them.”

“You’re a good friend.”

“His parents are the most conservative New England types you’d ever meet. I still can remember the look on their faces.”

“Were they okay?”

“No, not at first. His mom got sick, right there in front of us. It was horrible. They cried for what felt like hours.” Taddy paused and started to smile.

“And then?”

“Mr. and Mrs. Morgan hugged him. It took them a while, but they loved him more for being honest, for being who he was. I was grateful to have been there. So…don’t you see…I’m blessed to have people like Blake in my life, who are true to themselves and to me. I respect and love him so much. I don’t think I could ask for more.”

“I see what you mean.” Warner sensed Taddy had depth, but not like this. Underneath those designer clothes was a woman who had a big heart. “You’re quite remarkable.”

She gave him a kiss on the lips. “Maybe I should go downstairs to my room to get some sleep before the press event.” Taddy sat up to leave.

“No way.” He grabbed her, pulling her into him. They were just starting to get close and getting to know each other better. Warner didn’t want her to pull away. Bringing his face to her breasts, he licked them. Realizing they were probably tender, he gave each nipple a respectful kiss before he returned his attention to her face. “I know what we can do. Afterward, you’ll sleep for hours.”

“My pussy is too sore.” She shivered with a chill.

He lifted her right leg to witness her swollen cunt. She’d climaxed too many times to keep track. Warner massaged her thigh. Licking his two fingers, he slipped them into her asshole.

“Warner!” She grabbed onto his shoulders.

With a sly glance, he offered her a villainous smile.

“I’ve never done anal.”

“Please.”

“I’d love to try.” She kissed his lips. “You’re going to have to be gentle, though. No rough stuff.”

Look who’s talking. “Music to my ears.” He reached behind him for a condom from the nightstand and the bottle of lube. “Can you also be gentle?”

After unwrapping the condom, she sheathed his erection. “You should special order extra-ginormous rubbers for the next time.” Taddy laughed, tickling his balls, but had nothing to say about his tough-girl-in-bed question.

Next time? “So, you’re saying you want to see my penis again?” He took a quarter size of silicone oil onto his hand and lacquered her asshole.

“Perhaps.” She squirted lube all over his hard-on. It grew with each stroke.

Ready, his cock itched with intense pleasure. Having Red rub his dick, even when wrapped in Latex, felt euphoric. “Taddy, baby.” He slid two fingers into her ass, testing her tightness.

“It burns,” she gasped.

“You weren’t kidding.” He tried for three fingers.

Taddy gripped his cock and pressed the tip to her anus. “Go slow.” Obviously scared, she kissed him sweetly.

“I promise.” He pulled her into him, ready to take charge. Readjusting her leg around him, he buried his tongue in her mouth. His cock pushed into Red’s ass.

Her warmth guided him deeper.

“You’re doing good, baby.” He kissed her again. “Breathe for me. Take a deep breath.” He went in more.

Taddy inhaled, then exhaled as her ass opened a little more.

“Baby.” He sank in farther. “I’m nearly all the way in.” He kissed her again, putting attention on her nipples, massaging her sore breasts.

She was beautiful. She was quiet. She was sweet.

His cock drove further into her tight, hot asshole. He loved it.

“God, Warner.”

“I’m in, honey. All the way.” He rocked her gorgeous body back and forth. His manhood guided her frame against his. Warner could come right that second. However, he held it. “How do you feel?” Cupping her breasts, he drilled her ass.

“Amazing,” she panted. “You’re…”

“Don’t fight it. Let me be one with your body. Lie with me inside you.” He pumped back and forth. “You’ll get familiar with my dick, I promise.”

“I love it!” Taddy screamed in pleasure.

He pumped again, responding to her joy. She was talking to him more that time around than before. Maybe her reservations were starting to disappear. Feeling encouraged by the vulnerability in her eyes, he complimented, “You’re everything I’ve hoped for.”

Taddy slapped him across the face.

Ouch! “What did I do?”

Her eyes squinted. “Rough play.”

Fast, he grabbed her wrists, pinning her down. His stomach churned with Rielle flashbacks, her abusive ways. “We’re going to talk about your nastiness.” He stayed in her ass. “I don’t like that behavior.”

“Warner—”

He placed her on her side. Bringing his body down over her, he didn’t wait for a response.

“I—”

“Stop.” He gently covered her mouth with his hand.

“Ouch!” Blood spotted her lip. She’d nipped herself.

“Let me talk, Red. I mean it.” He slid farther into her ass. It was tightening fast, putting pressure like he’d never felt before on his shaft.

Blinking, she nodded. Arms out at her side, she balled her hands into fists.

“Rough play is fun, but you will respect me in and out of bed.” With his cock embedded in her ass, he pumped once, then twice. “Especially since we’re new to each other.”

“Yes,” she muttered. Her hands reached for his triceps, holding on to them.

“You will never tell me to shut up. And I will never choke you when we’re in bed.” He didn’t appreciate what she’d requested of him earlier.

Eyes widening, she nodded.

“You will never hit me.” He removed his hand from her mouth, wiping the blood from her lips.

“I understand.” Taddy lifted her head from the pillow and tried to kiss him.

He jerked his head, not ready to accept her apology. “Have you ever been in a relationship?” He pumped, and her asshole constricted.

“It’s been a while.” She looked away, inching to the bed’s other side as his cock slid out.

Pulling her back in to him, he sank his dick deep inside. His gaze returned to hers. “I can tell. You’re feral, like something from the wild.” He kissed her with a slight laugh, pressing his lips upon hers. Cautiously, she opened her mouth. Warner shoved his tongue inside, deep-throating her. Let your walls down, Taddy.

“I never said I wanted to be tamed.” Taddy arched her back.

Here we go again. “Is that so?” He thrust down on her ass, pulling her with force onto his cock.

“Warner!” She turned, facing him, and put her palms on his chest to push him off. Her nails dug in, the acrylic tips almost piercing his skin.

“I have what you need.” He pressed his body on top and kissed her.

“Whatever.” She pushed her hands against his chest again. He could fall back, allowing her to pretend she didn’t need his affection, but he knew better. She grew ever more defensive and ridiculous.

“I have what you want.” He kissed her stiff upper lip. “Kiss me back, Red.”

“Spare me.”

“So I’ll ignore whatever garbage flies from your smart mouth.”

“Warner, I’m Taddy Bri—”

“Quiet.” He kissed her lips and lifted her legs high. Sliding in, he allowed her ass muscles to guide his next orgasm.

In bliss, she screamed and reached for a pillow, placing it over her face to stifle the ecstasy. Perhaps she knew he didn’t intend to stop drilling until he came.

Pushing her legs back, her cunt split wide. Tush up, he jackhammered into her. “Yeah, Red.” He dove in deeper.

Taddy’s hot asshole swelled tight around his dick, resembling a virgin’s cunt.

“Come for me, Red.” He scissored his fingers over her muff. Stroking the hood protecting her clit, he studied her face as she removed the pillow and relaxed. That’s it, Red! Gently, he pulled her folds back, feeling the hard kernel underneath. Vibrating with excitement, her clit felt good under his fingers

She creamed, then giggled as if embarrassed by her ability to come.

“My girl!” He cheered her on, rejoicing in her beauty.

Using her orgasm to re-lube her ass, he thrust in harder. It was finally his turn.

She held onto her ankles when he climaxed.

He came in her ass, the fragrant semen filled the condom.

Her once-crimson face blanched before Taddy cried.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No! I loved it.”

He tore the condom off and threw it onto the floor, holding her in his arms. “Why are you crying?”

“I don’t know why I hit you.”

“Are you afraid of getting close?” Warner didn’t expect this from her.

Her eyes closed as she nodded. “Other than my friends, I don’t let a lot of people into my life.”

“I hope you can make room for me.” He held her tight. “Sleep here, next to me. Don’t go to your room. We’ll talk about it some more in the morning.”

Taddy kissed him back, tears running down her face as she sobbed. Warner was unsure if she’d hit him again or leave the room when her hand came around his shoulders. But she was only wrapping her body tight around his. “Please, hold me.”

She needed him.

Gathering Taddy into his arms, he rested her face on his chest and wondered if she pushed everyone away from her who tried to get to know her better.

God, did I screw up. The next morning, lying there next to Warner, Taddy was so mortified by her behavior, she couldn’t face herself. How could she even look at him? A take-charge billionaire like Warner couldn’t be bossed around. He didn’t work at her company. What had come over her?

The desire to be choked?

Taddy had starred in her own porno in her head and spat at him while he stood, thrusting inside her, trying to be intimate and real with her. She’d thought at first she’d done it to be playful, but looking back, she understood Warner had let one slide. Taddy had acted out to hide the real emotions coming over her. She’d been enjoying something other than lust, other than her usual sex cravings, and wasn’t prepared to identify or label them.

The slap across his beautiful face?

One minute, she’d enjoyed being in his arms, his cock planted in her ass, and then fear had consumed her. He’d use her. He’d throw her away. She couldn’t bear it, which was why she’d slapped him.

After her hand had struck his handsome face, he didn’t pull her hair, call her a whore, or tell her to invite her friends over for some girl-on-girl action. No, this was like nothing she’d seen in the Manuel Coq de la Grande movies. Or like anything she’d experienced with the guys in the city. Warner just looked down at her with disgust and disappointment. Was it a mistake to hook up with him? At dinner, when she’d taken his hand, she’d hesitated, knowing it would be a night like no other.

She could run a Fortune 500 company, no problem. She could be a boss. She could be a friend. However, real intimacy could ruin her. Part of her, rich with desire, wanted to cuddle with Warner and try to redeem herself. Another element wanted to run for the door, leaving a note stating she’d fallen ill and returned home to New York.

Damn this press conference.

She squinted as the French Riviera sun came through the windows. Warner moved, letting her know he was awake. Taddy rolled over. He was staring at her. His face searched for an answer from her, for what had happened the previous night. She didn’t know what to say. “Good morning, Big Daddy.” Taddy forced a publicity-perky voice.

“You wanna talk more about last night?” Warner folded his hands over his eight-pack, straightening the sheets out below him.

“Not really.” Attempting to roll over to face the window, she hoped to go back to sleep. Taddy didn’t want to tell him she was scared.

He pulled her body into him and brought her face to his. “You sure do act as if you have a penis.” The hypnotic smell of his sex struck all of her senses.

“Ha ha, funny.” She’d get a strap-on if he got into role-play, but something told her he wouldn’t. Be strong, Taddy. You can do this. You can tell him you don’t wanna get hurt. You can’t get close to him.

Warner kissed her on the forehead. “We have about two hours before your press arrives. Let’s order some breakfast and talk.” He stroked her chin, letting her know it was okay to open up.

“Blah! Talking is overrated,” she said and pulled the sheets back, giving Warner’s nakedness a once-over. Still muscular. Still gorgeous. Yum. She lowered her face down to his crotch.

“No way, Brill.”

But his stiff dick said, ‘Go for it, Red.’

Stroking his shaft, she admired his cock as it rose to the sunrise. Her fingers spread wide as she gripped his girth and ignored his words. She licked his penis’s fine slit while eyeing his sweet face.

With a sharp inhale and a bite to his lower lip, he fought the urge to fuck her. She could tell. His mind wanted to talk, but his body wanted to screw. He issued her a pouty, frustrated face. “Do you always slap men across the face?”

“Not always.” Taddy winked at him jokingly, but he was serious. She wasn’t up for a heart-to-heart. Taddy laced her tongue over his mushroom head and jacked him.

He throbbed in her hands. Warner stretched his arms out, his developed biceps popping. “You’re going to talk to me before we’re through here. I wanna know why you think it’s okay to hit me. I mean it.”

“I mean it” she mocked, shaking her head. No way, no how. She placed his cock in her mouth, the thickness stretching her lips. This is all I need. Her mouth circled his beautiful dick as she raked her nails up and down his veiny shaft.

“Red, you want forgiveness?”

“Yes, please.”

He jolted, stiffening his legs and holding her hair back from her face. “You’re beautiful.” Warner massaged her back.

Taddy took him entirely. His pubes brushed against her nose, her tongue edging to his scrotum. She sucked harder, tasting him. Salty.

“So good.” She pumped him in her hand. His pre-cum spun like silk.

“Fuck, Red.” He swung her legs over his chest, putting her body on top of him and into a sixty-nine position. “I’m hungry for you, too, baby.” His hands spread her tush apart. Warner’s tongue came at her notch as retribution for the behavior she’d given him the night before. His lips and morning scruff danced around her sensitive skin, sending a chill over her entire body.

“Eat me out, Warner. Rock my world with your tongue.” She squeezed her nipples, forgetting their sensitivity. Shit.

“Red, I wanna punish you, but I can’t.” He drove his fingers deep inside her asshole, stretching it out while he nipped at her hard nub.

“I want you to.” She held on to his balls with her right hand, driving him further down her throat. Please don’t fall in love with me. I screw everything up. I always have. I always will. She turned to face him.

“You wanna be on top?” He reached for a condom from the nightstand, tore the foil packet open and slid the rubber over his shaft.

“Please.”

“Giddy up, cowgirl.” He held out his hands and gave her balance as she faced him.

She brought herself onto him. “Now we’re talking.” Her sex was sore from the previous night so she put her feet down flat at his side, squatting, and rode him gently. Warner felt good inside her. Leaning back, she took to his cock better than she had before. I love having you inside me. Bucking, Taddy rode him harder than she’d expected.

“Shit, Red. Amazing.” He held onto her waist, guiding her but letting her do her thing.

Pressing her palms against his chest as he went in deeper, she felt him swell inside her. “I could get used to this.” Taddy paused, covering her mouth the second the ‘future words’ slipped through her lips. Her fears felt stronger than ever. What is wrong with me?

Warner yanked her hand down from blocking her mouth. “I want you to talk like that.” He pulled her closer. “Say it again.”

Her voice caught in her throat, her heart pounding in her ears. “I can’t.”

He thrust under her, causing her to bounce forward, and caught her face in his hands. Warner kissed her then demanded, “Say it.”

“Ummm.” She paused, still uncertain. Taddy looked deep into his eyes for encouragement.

“For me.”

“I could get used to you, to us.” Taddy felt her eyebrows arch up. Who talks this way?

His face colored fiercely. “Woo-hooo. I’m excited.” He plunged his dick hard under her, sending a chill followed by a fast prickle all over her skin.

“Ouch, Warner!” Tempted to slap him, she raised her hand but stopped herself.

Shaking his head, he declared, “Punishment time.” Warner rocked up inside her, faster. Grabbing her hands, he pulled them behind her back. He lifted his ass off the mattress, burying himself inside her as far as he could. “Look at me, Taddy.”

She faced down as his hands restrained hers at her backside, riding him. As her breasts bounced in cadence, she felt somewhat liberated, yet her mind resisted. I have to let my guard down. I have to go with this.

Smiling, she started to enjoy the hold he possessed over her. Her scalp tingled, more sensitive than ever, her cunt fired up for him. “I’m coming.”

“Yeah, Red.”

“Big Daddy.” She kept her eyes open, remembering his orders from before. Letting her body fall into his, she came all over his dick. “That…was amazing.”

“We’re not done yet. My turn.” Warner sat up, releasing her from cowgirl ecstasy and moving into missionary, your-fuck-it-stick-is-too-large-for-my-twat position.

“Control freak.” She wanted to spank him.

“I am not. I want to look into your green eyes when I come.” He thrust in.

“Can I slap your ass?” she asked, flattered he knew what color her eyes were.

“You can spank my ass. You can even strike my dick. But don’t ever hit my face.” He kissed her and drove in faster.

“Shit! Warner!” Her muscles loosened then contracted again. Shit, shit, shit.

“When you’re on top, staring off into space, I’ve lost you.” Warner pumped harder and harder.

“You’re intense.” She raked her nails over his chest. “You know it?” She put her hands over his shoulders, anticipating his jackhammer ride.

“And you aren’t?” Lifting her body off the bed, he thrust so far up her cunt she nearly saw stars.

She screamed. Her slit leaked more and more. “You are driving me crazy.”

He kept pumping. “I’m going to come.” He pulled out. “Where do you want it?”

“Where do you think?” She ripped his condom off and received him in her mouth. His cum felt hot as it surged down her throat. It tasted sweeter than before. Rest must’ve given him time to refuel.

From the bed’s edge, he stood and lifted her over his shoulder.

“Warner!” Her face smacked his backside. She pushed her hands against his muscles so she wouldn’t hit her mouth.

“Shut it.” He tightened his grip behind her knees. “My girl needs a shower before her press conference.”

In the bathroom, the steam came up, comforting her skin.

Lowering her to the floor, he insisted, “Let me wash you.”

Feeling better, she stepped in next to him and closed the glass door behind her. Taddy wrapped her hands around him and hugged him tight. “I’m sorry for smacking you.” She leaned in and pressed her lips onto his.

He took her into his arms and kissed her back, loving her with his tongue. He reached over and grabbed the shampoo, lathering a coconut smell in his hands. “Why did you behave so aggressively last night?”

“Scared, I guess. I’m not used to this.” She was relieved the shower sprayed her face. It disguised her tears.

“Get used to it.” He palmed the shampoo into his own hair, washed and then rinsed. He held her under the water to rinse, as well.

“You make us sound…easy.” She lifted her hands, and he washed over her responsive breasts. Then he slid the cotton cloth between her legs.

“Don’t make us hard, Taddy.” He squatted down, scrubbing her legs as she lifted each foot, holding on to his shoulders for balance.

Taddy tried to smile. “I’ll do my best, I promise.” She’d give one hundred percent. She wanted, needed and perhaps finally deserved someone like Warner.

“We’re going to continue this talk after the conference.”

She left his room to go upstairs to change. From the look on Warner’s face, he thought she might not come back.

A part of her agreed with his fears. She didn’t want to be vulnerable.