Chapter 6
Gemma was awash in a sea of sensations. It had been too long since anyone had made her feel so sexy or desirable. Since finding out she was pregnant two years earlier, she’d been firmly off the dating market, becoming more than a little lonely for male companionship. Sure, she had Aimee and other workplace friends, and her little man was always by her side to make her feel needed, but this was different. This primal longing in Alexi’s heart was for her—and only for her.
“Just come for dinner.” It sounded so benign, and yet the heat coming from Alexi’s eyes promised it would be anything but. And she wanted what he was offering. Just one more time to feel the kind of passion he offered… It was too much to resist.
She nodded. Before she could think twice, he ushered her back out of the parking garage and into the waiting limo.
She sank into the plush leather seats, marveling at the luxurious vehicle. She’d known money wasn’t an issue for Alexi. He had always insisted on paying for everything, but she was still shocked as the limo pulled up in front of the Hay-Adams, one of the most prestigious and expensive hotels in the District. “Are you staying here?”
He smiled and nodded. “I’ve got a penthouse suite while I’m here. Come, dinner is calling us.”
Gemma allowed him to lead her into the elegant hotel lobby, looking back and forth as she tried to take in everything at once. Located as close to the White House and Lafayette Park as one could get, the hotel was like stepping into a luxurious private dimension in which only the most elite resided. The arched columns, encased in vibrant walnut workmanship, the stamped and painted ceilings, and the white marble flooring made sure every occupant felt surrounded by elegance. The décor was a mixture of old and new. Everything sparkled. Gemma felt sorely underdressed and ill prepared for mixing with anyone they might meet.
He led her to a private elevator. Soon they stepped out into a small hallway and he ushered her into a suite fit for a king. Ecru walls, elegant armchairs, large floral bouquets, and floor to ceiling drapes made the space look enormous. She wandered over to the windows and looked out at the D.C. skyline. She could see the Washington Monument in the distance, and beyond that, the Lincoln Memorial. It was D.C. in all its glory, displayed for the fortunate person who could afford to stay in such surroundings.
“The view is very nice.” Alexi came up behind her and touched her shoulder softly. “What would you like to eat?”
Gemma looked over her shoulder at him and suddenly remembered that Aimee and Damien were waiting for her at home. She tensed. Should I leave, or call and ask Aimee to cover for me? When Alexi started massaging her tight shoulders, her body made the decision for her. “Um…I don’t really care. I need to make a phone call home. People are waiting for me.”
He released her with a terse nod. He stepped back, heading for a small table that held a phone and what appeared to be a rather lengthy menu. “I will order some food while you take care of your phone call.”
Gemma took out her phone and pressed the button to dial home. Did I imagine it, or did his voice sound colder all of a sudden? Aimee answered and she turned back to the windows. “Aimee?”
“Hey! I was beginning to get worried. Are you still at work?”
“No. I ran into an old friend and he asked me to dinner. I haven’t seen him in a while. I was hoping you could hang out with…”
“Girl, you never go out and do something for yourself. I just have one question. Is he cute?”
Gemma blushed. “Yeah. He is. So, if you don’t mind…”
“I really don’t. Have fun and if dinner becomes a nightcap and then breakfast, so much the better!”
Gemma smiled. “Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Aimee giggled. “Fall apart. Have a good time.”
Gemma disconnected the call. She turned to see Alexi watching her from across the room with a frown upon his face. She pocketed her phone. “Is everything alright?”
He nodded. “Yes. Dinner will be served momentarily. I ordered some wine as well. I hope you like it.”
Gemma smiled. “I’m sure I will. I don’t get the chance to drink very often.”
A knock on the door heralded the arrival of their dinner, served on an elegant wheeled cart with silver domed lids covering the various dishes. Alexi had ordered up a succulent selection of vegetables, breads and prime rib that melted in her mouth. The wine he’d ordered was delicious, as was the delicate caramel soufflé that completed their meal. He tried to refill her wine glass, but she switched to water, wanting all of her faculties present so that she didn’t make another terrible mistake.
“Dinner was wonderful.” She relaxed. He’d kept the conversation light and non-threatening, reminding her what an enjoyable dinner companion he was. Most of her misgivings had disappeared.
“Shall we sit on the couch and have our coffee?” He stood up, offering her his hand.
Gemma shook her head. “I could move, but I still don’t drink coffee. Most of my co-workers think there is something wrong with me, but I just can’t stand the stuff.”
He smiled at her. “No coffee then. Just conversation.” He pulled her down to sit beside him, keeping hold of her hand longer than was necessary. “Tell me what you’ve been doing for the last two years.”
Gemma leaned back against the couch, enjoying the comfort of the deep cushionsand soft lighting. “I’ve been working at the museum.”
“Ah, restoring the great masterpieces of the world?” He teased, reaching for a stray lock of her hair and rubbing it back and forth between his fingertips.
“Yes, some.” She watched as he slowly leaned towards her and kissed the tip of her nose. He ventured lower, tasting her lips, and then her chin. And then he nudged her head to the side and trailed a path of kisses down her neck. His hands molded themselves to her torso, and only when she felt cool air flow over the skin of her stomach, did she realize he’d unbuttoned her shirt. Rather than being offended, she gave herself over to the chemistry building between them, rejoicing in how feminine he made her feel. His hands seemed to be everywhere as he learned her taste.
She felt a strong desire to see his chest and tuggedat his shirt, pulling if from his slacks and then quickly undoing the buttons. She threw it wide open, running her palms across his hairless chest, revelling in the pure sculpted muscle beneath her fingers. Her delighted smile became a gasp and his hands found their way inside her waistband. “Alexi…”
He paused for a moment and then removed his hands. He stood, sweeping her up into his arms. “The couch is no place for this activity. I want you in a bed where I can stretch out and take my time with this delicious body.”
Gemma flushed hot as arousal shot through her system. “I want to touch you as well.”
“You will get no complaints from me.” He laid her down on the bed and made short work of removing the rest of his clothes. He undid her pants, pulling them from her person. Her underwear followed, leaving her clad only in her bra. He levered himself over her prone form and then used his hands and teeth to tease her until lying still was impossible.
“Alexi, I want you.” Gemma had never been outspoken in the bedroom, except with Alexi. With him, she was secure and confident enough to ask for what she wanted. And right now, she wanted him. “Don’t tease me anymore. I want you inside of me. Now.”
He laughed at her and then settled back on his knees. He pushed her thighs even further apart, teasing her with his hands until she was at the edge, moaning for more. “Now you are ready.”
Gemma was so far gone she needed him to finish what he had started. When he settled between her thighs and pressed into her, she could only tip her head back and arch into his touch. “God, that feels so good.”
“Se hriazome.”
“What does that mean?” She closed her eyes as he began to move deep within her.
“I need you.” His breathing was only slightly uneven. “Wrap your thighs around my hips, lígo gáta. Hold on tight to me.”
Gemma did as requested, holding on as he pounded into her, taking them both to the pinnacle of pleasure. Her heart soared as she reached her climax and basked in the aftermath. No one had ever made her feel this way. Being with Alexi was like coming home again. It felt so good that words could never suffice to describe the feeling. With a contented sigh, she drifted off to sleep in his arms.
It wasn’t until she awakened in the wee hours of the morning that regret settled in. She moved his arm from around her chest and made her way to the bathroom. She glanced down at herself, feeling reality hit her like a brick wall. She dampened a wet cloth to wipe away the evidence of his desire for her. Damn! He didn’t use a condom! I didn’t insist on it!
Gemma paled. The past seemed to repeat itself right before her eyes. She looked at her reflection in the mirror. How stupid could I be? The sex had been out of this world, but they’d had unprotected sex once before. And remember what that got you!
She didn’t regret having Damien, but she wasn’t prepared to go through another pregnancy on her own. Gemma did the only thing she could think of. She ran.