Chapter Eleven
Lila touched his sleeve, compassion etched in every line on her lovely face. “If you’re not comfortable coming out, I don’t mind if we get takeout and go back to the house.”
Though she kept her voice light and casual, Hunter could hear the anxious undertone of her words. Ever since he’d decided to take her out for dinner, he couldn’t fight the nerves coursing through his body. Going to work and dealing with his colleagues was a trial in itself, but it was a necessity. This on the other hand was different, voluntarily putting himself out there to be scrutinized by the public, inviting the stares, trying to ignore the whispers behind cupped hands. Perspiration beaded his forehead when he thought about it.
Clenching his fists to prevent his hands from shaking, he pasted a smile on his lips. Lila had turned out to be everything he could possibly want in a companion, and more. Because he hated seeing that look of abject longing he saw in her eyes when she didn’t think he was watching, Hunter had suggested they go out for a night on the town. To say Lila was thrilled at the suggestion was an understatement. Throwing her arms around him, she’d thanked him profusely and Hunter knew there was no turning back.
How could he tell her he’d changed his mind, when he hadn’t seen her face light up like that before? Hunter hadn’t realized how much making Lila happy meant to him until that moment. As much as he wanted to tell Ernest to turn the car around, he didn’t have the heart to do it.
Pasting a smile on his lips, he hoped it looked natural. Hunter patted her hand, letting his fingers graze her soft skin. God, he loved touching her. “No, I don’t want to go home, besides, I can’t think of a better way to spend my evening than with a beautiful woman enjoying a fine dining experience.”
Lila’s grin widened, making her dark eyes sparkle. She leaned over and planted her glossy lips against his cheek. “Thank you. This means a lot to me.”
A warmth spread throughout his body from the touch of her lips. “It’s my pleasure. You look fantastic, by the way.” And she did. Though he would have preferred her hair to be worn loose, it was pinned in a stylish topknot with loose strands framing her heart-shaped face. She didn’t wear as much gunk on her face as the other women who’d flitted in and out of his life, yet none of them could hold a candle to her natural beauty.
Her dress was one of the items he’d purchased for her. A strapless jade gown which hugged her curves like a second skin. His cock stiffened with the mere thought of his plan to undress her when they got home. How he’d undo her hair to let it cascade around his shoulders. How he’d kiss every inch of her soft chocolate skin, until she cried out his name, begging him for more.
Hunter wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of being in an uncontrolled environment. But he didn’t want to disappoint Lila when he knew it meant so much to her to have a night out. That she didn’t seem to mind she was spending it with him gave him the courage to see this thing through.
Her full lips curved to a smile. “And you don’t look so bad yourself. You clean up rather nicely.”
Hunter shook his head. “Just because I pay you a compliment, don’t feel obligated to give me one back. We both know what I look like.”
One finely arched brow shot up. “Oh? And since when did you become a mind reader? I happen to think you look very handsome right now. If you didn’t have so many damn hang-ups, maybe you’d be able to accept what I say at face value rather than scrutinizing everything.”
“What I accept is you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to hurt people’s feelings, but let’s not try to sugarcoat this joke I call a face.”
Folding her arms across her chest, she turned away from him. “I wish you wouldn’t start this again, Hunter. I’m not interested in joining your pity party tonight.”
“I’m not having a goddamn—” Realizing he’d raised his voice when he saw her flinch, Hunter paused. Taking a deep breath, he placed his hand on her thigh and gave it a light squeeze. “You’re right. Learning how to accept myself as I am now is going to take some time, but I’ll keep trying. For you.”
Lila turned and faced him again, her dark brown gaze roaming his face. Hunter tried not to fidget under her penetrating scrutiny. Placing her hand on the scarred side of his face, she shook her head. “No. Do it for you.”
There was no mistaking the sincerity in her voice. Lila Saunders was as genuine as they came, and he should have seen it right away. But he’d let his prejudices about women get in the way. Maybe he should let her go now instead of forcing her to spend time with him. But the moment the thought entered his mind, he immediately buried it again.
He’d have to let her go soon enough, but for now, he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible. Needed it. He enjoyed her company far more than he believed he would at the beginning of this arrangement. No, he wouldn’t let her go just yet. Hunter intended to keep her with him for as long as he possibly could, even though deep down he knew it was wrong.
Dinner was every bit the ordeal Hunter pictured it would be. Besides the stares he drew in his direction, the minute they’d stepped into the restaurant, Hunter was aware of the hushed whispers and stunned gasps. He’d known this was what to expect, knew people would pause in the middle of eating and stare, some pretending not to, while others watched him openly.
Suddenly Lila released a groan. “Oh no.”
“What’s the matter?” he asked. Was she embarrassed being with him? She didn’t seem to be at first but maybe he’d read the situation wrong.
“What’s the matter?”
“It’s my ex. He’s here and he’s coming this way.”
Hunter frowned. “Your ex?”
Just then a good looking dark-skinned man stepped to the table. He had the kind of look that Hunter once possessed. This was Lila’s ex? How could she be happy with someone like him if that was the kind of guy she used to date?
Lila glared at the newcomer. “What do you want Jason? I would have thought that since I didn’t return any of your calls that you’d get the hint. We’re done.”
“You’re just angry because I was with Veronica. It was just a stupid mistake.”
“No, you were a stupid mistake, now if you’ll please leave, I’m enjoying myself with my date.”
Jason turned his attention to Hunter who willed himself not to flinch. He could see the shock on the other man’s face as he caught a glimpse of some of his scars. “Are you serious?”
Lila crossed her arms over her chest. “As a heart attack.”
“So is this why you’ve been ignoring my calls? I recognize him. He’s that recluse property developer. Now I see why he doesn’t come out in public much. I knew you were a bleeding heart but I didn’t think you were into charity cases.”
Hunter clenched his fists at his sides. He was itching to knock this motherfucker out but
“And this is exactly why we’re finished. You are an arrogant jerk. You may be a respected physician but as a human being, you suck. You’re a selfish piece of crap. Now do us both a favor and disappear and please lose my number. And if you continue to harass me, I will place a complaint with the medical board.”
Jason glared before adjusting his tie. “Didn’t realize you wanted to place out a real life beauty and the beast fantasy.”
“Jason, you may think he’s a beast because of the way he looks but you’re ugly and rotten on the inside. Now be gone.” She turned her back to Jason then and focused her attention on Hunter.
Lila ex stomped off in a huff.
“He seems nice,” Hunter said with sarcasm.
“Don’t let him get to you. It’s good riddance to bad rubbish.”
“He seem more your type,” Hunter pointed out before taking a sip of his wine.
“Mean-spirited and self-centered? No thanks. I thought he was charming and sweet but as we dated I saw a different side of him. Then he gave me an ultimatum and I chose to break up with him.”
“But it seems to be a letdown to go from someone who looks like him to someone like me.”
“Stop it. I’m here with you and I’m enjoying your company. Just forget about that jerk. I already have.”
It wasn’t just what Lila’s ex thought. It was everyone in the restaurant. What made matters worse was knowing what they were thinking. He could tell by the sympathetic stares some shot Lila’s way. What is that beautiful woman doing with that monster? He must be incredibly rich because she couldn’t possibly be with someone like him. And they wouldn’t have been so far from the truth. What would they say if they knew he’d blackmailed her to be with him? They’d condemn him for being every bit the monster they believed him to be.
There was only so much of this he could take.
“Hunter.” Lila stretched her arm over the table as she waved her hand in his face. “Earth to Hunter.”
He shook his head to rid himself of the disconcerting thoughts swimming in his mind. “I’m sorry, were you saying something?”
“Can I go too?”
“What?”
“Wherever you were just now. I’ve been trying to get your attention for the last five minutes.”
He was doing exactly what he promised her he wouldn’t, feeling sorry for himself. Come on, Hunter, you’re being an ass. Pull yourself together. Pasting a smile on his face, he gave her his undivided attention, determined to block out the curious glances thrown his way. “I apologize. I was thinking about how long it’s been since I’ve been out like this.”
“Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Of course. How could I not when I have the company of such a lovely companion?”
“You don’t have to lay it on so thick, Hunter.”
“It’s true. You’re gorgeous, and I think you know it.”
She raised her shoulder in a nonchalant shrug.
“You don’t give a damn about your looks do you?”
Lila shook her head. “Not really. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t know I was attractive, but there are far more important things in life than being pretty. Eventually, my looks will fade and I’m okay with that because I have so much more going on in my life than my face. And I suspect you were the same way before your accident. You didn’t give a damn about your looks before it happened, did you?”
It was on the tip of his tongue to deny it, but she was correct. Sure he knew what a good looking man he used to be, but he’d taken his face for granted. It was only now when he was deformed that it mattered to him so much. He twisted his lips into a half smile. “You never appreciate what you have until it’s gone. What you say makes sense, but it’s hard to not to be uncomfortable when people are staring at me like I’m a circus freak.”
Lila sat back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest, looking at him with a suspicious gleam of amusement in her eyes. Her glossy painted lips were slightly curved. Hunter didn’t quite trust that look. He was beginning to learn what her expressions meant, and when the cogs were spinning. She was up to something.
“What’s that look for?”
Her grin widened to reveal her even white teeth. “What look?”
“The one that tells me you’re plotting.”
She tossed her head back showing off the graceful column of her neck as she laughed. “I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about, Hunter. Has anyone ever told you you’re paranoid?”
Hunter raised a brow. “When I’m given a good reason to be, I am.” He stiffened at the feel of her stockinged foot easing its way up his leg. “What are you doing?”
Instead of answering, she picked up her fork and knife, cut a piece of asparagus and popped it into her mouth as if her foot wasn’t sliding along his thigh.
Hunter’s cock jumped to attention and her toes were mere inches from his crotch. Yet she sat across from as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening. “What are you doing?”
“You’ve already asked me that. I’m eating.” She pressed the ball of her foot against his erection making him jump.
He inhaled sharply as heat rushed through his body. “Good God, woman, what are you doing to me?”
“Giving you something else to think about. Is it working?” She moved her foot against his cock in circular motions.”
Hunter clenched the tablecloth between his fists as sweat broke out along his forehead. Not only was he no longer concerned about what people around them thought about his face, he doubted he’d make it ten minutes without fucking her senseless.
“You’re asking for it,” he said through clenched teeth, trying to hold on to his last bit of self-control.
Lila continued to stroke him with her foot, all while eating her meal as if nothing out of the ordinary was going on. When she put her fork down and winked at him, Hunter could take no more.
He yanked his cell phone from his breast pocket and punched in Ernest’s number.
“Yes, Mr. Jamison?”
“Meet us out front in five minutes.”
“Sure thing, boss.”
Hunter clicked off and replaced his phone.
Lila pulled her foot away, a frown marring her forehead. “Why are we leaving?”
“You know why,” he growled. Hunter pulled out his credit card to pay for their meal before signaling the waiter. “I think you know.”
“But I’m not finished with my meal.”
“You should have thought about that before you pulled your little stunt. Now, I’m going to finish what you started.”
With their coats collected, and the bill paid, Hunter hustled her out of the restaurant in record time. He couldn’t get her home fast enough to ease his aching hard-on.
Ernest had the car parked in front of the building as instructed. Wisely, the driver didn’t ask questions about their dinner ending so abruptly.
Hunter held Lila against him, nuzzling her neck and inhaling the sweet scent of her fragrant skin. He gripped her thigh, pushing the hem of her skirt higher as he caressed her soft skin.
“Hunter, not here,” she whispered, her eyes darting to Ernest, though she made no move to pull away from his caresses. In fact, she leaned into his touch, her body seeming to beg for more even though her mouth said otherwise.
“Payback is a bitch isn’t it? All you have to say is stop and I will.”
A whimper escaped her lips and Hunter knew he couldn’t go another minute without tasting her. Lowering his head, he smothered her succulent mouth with his, plunging his tongue forward to sample her sweet essence.
With a sigh, she returned his kiss wholeheartedly, tangling her fingers through his hair and holding his head to hers. Not being able to touch her had been pure torture. He cupped her face to deepen the kiss, taking charge and showing how much he needed her. His body was on fire for her and his dick was so hard and sensitive it was almost painful to endure.
The ride home wasn’t long, but Hunter didn’t know how much longer he could hold out without being inside her hot, tight pussy. Kissing wasn’t enough. He needed her. By the time they pulled up to the house however, Hunter didn’t have the patience to make it to the bedroom.
He broke the tight seal of their lips only for a moment to leave instructions for his driver. “You can leave the keys in the ignition, Ernest. I’ll pull the car into the garage when Miss Saunders and I have finished talking.” Talking was the last thing Hunter had in mind, but he knew his employee was too professional to say otherwise.
“Of course, Mr. Jamison. Have a good night.”
Ernest slid out of the car and closed the door behind him with a decisive click. Once they were alone, Hunter pulled Lila across his lap with every intention of finishing what they’d started, but she placed her hands against his chest, halting the descent of his mouth on hers.
“Wait, Hunter. Shouldn’t we go in?”
He ran his tongue over his lips to lick up the taste of her still clinging to them. “No. Remember, you started this.”
“But in the car?”
He ran a finger along the top of her breasts peeking out of her dress. “Yes, in the car.”
A gasp parted her lips and her shoulders shook with a shiver. “Ernest probably thinks we’re depraved.”
“He’s not paid to think about what I do within the confines of my property. We’re both consenting adults. What’s the matter, sweetheart? Don’t tell me you didn’t mean it.” Hunter buried his face against her neck. She trembled within the circle of his arms, but he could still feel her resistance. By the time he was finished with Lila, he would have her absolute surrender.
“Mean what?”
“You were obviously trying to get a rise out of me back at the restaurant and you got one. I’d hate to think you don’t plan on following through.”
“I do.” She arched her neck, granting him the access he desired.
A smile curved his lips. Lila was weakening just as he knew she would. One thing he loved about her was how wonderfully responsive she was to his touch. The ways she’d shake at his every caress, moan and writhe against his passionate ministrations was enough to drive him to the brink of insanity. Nibbling on the soft flesh where her neck and shoulder met, he took his time exploring her creamy flesh before raising his head to meet her passion-glazed brown eyes. “Then what’s the problem?”
“I was—oh! I can’t think when you do that.”
Hunter’s hand slowly eased up her thigh, pushing her dress up as he made his way up. “Don’t mind me. Finish your thought.”
“You’re infuriating, do you know that?”
“Mmm, so I’ve been told.” He was more interested in getting her panties off so he could be inside of her, but he would humor her a couple minutes more. There was only so long she could hold him off. His concentration was on his task as he traced the fastening of her garter belt. “You were saying?”
“I was only trying to relax you when we were at the restaurant. I didn’t mean for things to go this far.”
“I see,” he said solemnly, moving his hand higher until the tip of his fingers touched the edge of her panties. “Well, it certainly worked. I’m so relaxed, I can’t think of anything other than fucking you, and you know what? I think I will.
She clamped her thighs together, trapping his hand between them. “Don’t.”
He raised a brow. “You don’t want me to stop, Lila, not when I feel your heat. It’s practically scorching my hand. I bet you’re wet for me aren’t you, darling?”
She averted her gaze as if she had something to hide. Hunter smiled, enjoying this game of cat and mouse, a game he fully intended to win.
“Hunter…”
“Open up for me, baby. Don’t deny what we both want.”
Her nibbled her bottom lip before slowly parting her thighs.
With her silent encouragement, Hunter grazed the crotch of her panties with his fingertips. “Hmm, just as I suspected, you’re soaking wet. I think we’re going to have to do something about that. Don’t you think?”
She met his gaze once more with narrowed eyes. “Does it really matter what I think?”
“Of course it does. All you have to do is tell me to stop, but I don’t think you want me to, do you?”
Clutching his shoulders, she hung her head in defeat. “You know I won’t, although I didn’t realize my actions would lead to vehicular sex.”
“This is only the beginning, dear.” He dipped his finger inside her panties and searched for her hot little treasure. When he grasped her clit between his thumb and forefinger, she bucked her hips forward.
“Hunter!”
“That’s it, baby. Let it happen. Don’t hold back. Admit it, Lila, this was exactly what you wanted when you did what you did.”
“Mmm.” She wiggled her hips against his hands. Lila didn’t need to admit anything, because he already knew. Hunter had learned in the few short weeks they’d been together how Lila, though a very passionate and giving lover, was still basically shy when it came to vocalizing her sexual needs. She probably fooled herself into believing her attempt at seduction was to relax him, but Hunter was certain she’d done it as much for her benefit as for his. Lila wanted this as much as he did. The more time they were spending together though, she was opening up more and more.
Hunter released her clit and slid two fingers into her damp sheath, pushing them deep. “Your pussy is tightening around my fingers. You want it bad don’t you, Lila?”
She ran her tongue across her lips, and nodded, her eyes tightly shut.
Chuckling, Hunter brushed his lips against the column of her throat. “You don’t get off that easily. You’re going to have to tell me how much you want this.”
“You know…”
He slipped his fingers in and out of her, making her shake and moan. Hunter couldn’t remember when he’d enjoyed a moment as much as this one. To have this gorgeous woman squirming on his lap, her cunt so wet and ready to be fucked… She was his for the taking and he couldn’t wait to have her. But he’d have her admit it first. It was the least she owed him for the sexual torment she’d dealt out earlier.
“I do, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear you say it. Tell me.”
“I want you. Please. I need it. I need you. Don’t tease me anymore.”
Hunter had her where he wanted her. Debating on whether he should prolong her sensual torture, he decided against it. His rigid cock strained against his pants, threatening to break through. To continue teasing her as she deserved would have been just as hard on him if not more so. Besides, the evidence of her arousal soaked his hand.
Easing his fingers out of her tight cunt, Hunter brought them to his mouth and licked her juices off, never breaking eye contact with her. She watched him open-mouthed, her body trembling. Hunger lurked within the depths of her gaze as her tongue slid across her now bare lips.
He had to have her right here and right now. “Come here.” Grasping her shoulders, he guided her until she straddled him with her knees resting on the leather upholstery. Her dress was hiked around her waist and her breasts hovered dangerously on the brink of popping out of the bodice clinging so tightly to her. Hunter grasped either side of her head with a groan and smashed his lips against hers.
Lila’s mouth parted as her tongue darted forward to collide with his in a duel for sexual supremacy, but it was a battle Hunter fully intended to win. He held her head steady until he was satisfied in his exploration of the sweet recesses of her delectable mouth. Damn she tasted good, but once again, the ache of his groin reminded him of his other pressing need.
Tearing his mouth from hers, Hunter took a few gasps of air before softly commanding, “Undo may pants and take out my cock.”
Lila opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but instead she merely nodded. Lifting her hips up just enough to maneuver her hands between their bodies, she fumbled with his belt buckle, unsuccessfully at first, but her second attempt was met with triumph. In hurried movements, she yanked down his zipper and slid her hand through the slit in his boxers.
When her fingers wrapped around his cock, Hunter felt as if he’d explode right then and there, silently praying not to come too soon. No, he wanted to save that for when he was inside of her. “Hurry!” So close to getting what he wanted, yet not quite, was driving him insane with a manic need.
Lila gently pulled his cock out of his pants and Hunter hooked his finger inside the crotch of her panties and pushed it aside. “Lower yourself onto me. Take every inch of me inside of you.”
She positioned his dick against her wet opening before dropping her hips just enough for the head of his cock to enter her. “Hunter.” The soft sigh of her voice was just enough to drive him over the edge.
With impatience, Hunter grasped her hips and surged up, sending his cock deep into her tight sheath. Wonder filled his being as he inhaled sharply. This wasn’t the first time they’d fucked, but he still couldn’t get over how right it felt being inside of her. How tight she was and how her muscles clenched so tightly around him. Most other times, he would have remained still for a moment to savor how absolutely perfect this feeling of being one with Lila was, but he was far too horny. There’d be time for that later.
Lila gripped his shoulders as she bounced her hips up and down, moving until his cock was nearly out of her and then going back down until he was so deep inside of her, Hunter wasn’t sure where he ended and she began. His fingers dug into the tender flesh of her hips while he bucked his hips to meet her thrust for thrust. It took a few strokes to catch his rhythm, but soon their movements were so synchronized, it was almost like they’d practiced it many times before.
Having Lila here like this excited him like nothing else. The thrill of taking her, fucking her in a new location and her absolute surrender was a potent aphrodisiac he knew he’d succumb to any minute now. Gritting his teeth and willing himself not to climax just yet made his pulse race.
One of her breasts spilled out of her dress. Its dark nipple hardened as though beckoning him to taste, presenting a temptation he couldn’t resist. This was how Adam must have felt when Eve presented him the apple, though Lila’s offering was far more inviting. Leaning forward, Hunter captured the taut tip between his lips and sucked with desperate tugs. He couldn’t get enough of her.
“Yes. Hunter. That feels so good.”
Her moans egged him on as he explored the contours of her breast with his tongue, their bodies never missing a beat. She tasted so good, smelled so wonderful, felt so right. Releasing her nipple with a wet pop, Hunter raised his head with the intention of finding her lips. But something happened in that moment. Their gazes clashed and he saw something in her eyes, an emotion he couldn’t quite make out, one he wasn’t really familiar with, but it was a look that changed everything—shifted this joining of their bodies beyond mere fucking, to something much more profound.
Hunter couldn’t put his finger on what it was, didn’t have the courage to further examine it, but it happened nonetheless. The urgency suddenly left him, but the need increased. The longer they maintained contact, Hunter could tell, the same thing was running through Lila’s mind. Slowly their mouths fitted together, and her arms went around his neck and her hands clasped the back of her head. Hunter held her against him knowing he must for no other reason than it was something he had to do.
They moved together, his cock still deeply imbedded in her pussy, their lips melded together as if it were their last kiss. He wasn’t sure how long they stayed like that, but finally Lila was the one to turn her head away as she gasped, “I’m coming.” Crying out, her head flopped back and forth and her shudders racked her body.
Hunter was close to his own orgasm, but the inner workings in his brain wouldn’t allow him to speak. He shoved deeper into her, getting closer and closer to his climax until the buildup that had started in his toes moved along every inch of his body, throughout every limb, every fingertip and every nerve ending, resulting in something so powerful he shouted his release. “Lila! Lila! Lila!”
Shooting his load into her pussy, he held on to her so tight, never wanting to let her go, frightened that he’d never experience this almost spiritual feeling coursing through his soul again. Hunter buried her face against her neck. “Oh, God, Lila. I lo—loved it. That was…”
She nodded. “I know,” she said with a whisper, holding on to him just as tightly as he was to her.
Hunter knew they should go inside. It was chilly out, but he wanted to stay like this just a little while longer. Lila didn’t seem to be in any particular hurry to move either. What had happened here? Even if he was forced to put it into words, he couldn’t. There was one thing he knew for certain: after tonight, things would never be the same between them again.