Secret Billionaire’s Unplanned Baby
By: Ciara Cole
All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2016 Ciara Cole
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Maya Brown had seen loads of men walk through the store doors, but there was something different about this one. And no, it wasn’t just because he could possibly, be the best looking guy she’d set eyes upon.
There was something even deeper, a commanding aura that surrounded him and gave her all kinds of fanciful thoughts just from watching him approach. He hadn’t noticed her yet, so she could view him with candid interest. He had those noble, well-placed features that would have suited a stately ruler of some ancient empire in far off lands. Baby-smooth skin, dark wavy hair, and a body sculpted to perfection in his casual attire of jeans and buttoned down check shirt. Maya put his height at six foot one at least, and every inch of it sat well on his proportionately built frame. Like most girls Maya was partial to a mass of muscle, yet this guy with his lean and mean perfection held a unique new appeal.
In a few words he was hot, he was sexy, and she better get her head straight and stop staring, thought Maya.
One thing she did know, the man certainly fit right into the atmosphere of high-end designer finery surrounding them. Maya had worked in a men’s store for more than four years and had learned more than a bit about style and elegance – and this man had it in spades. He made those jeans look good, not the other way round and the same went for every other item he had on.
Maya let him have a minute just taking in the store, but soon she couldn’t curb her enthusiasm and dived forward before any of the other store clerks could intervene.
When she reached his side, he looked up and Maya felt her hovering smile almost capsize beneath the urge to hang her mouth open in awe. Up close she had her first glimpse of his startling blue eyes, so in contrast with his dark wavy hair. He gave a smile and just like that, Maya felt her panties cream. If any man could personify sex with his mere smile, it was this guy.
Whoa, he made her so hot and he hadn’t even opened his mouth.
“If you’re looking for a suit, I can help you find something appropriate,” Maya offered, turning on her well-honed professionalism with difficulty. The man turned his striking gaze back to the row of suits he’d been perusing.
“Thank you, that sounds good. I need something in black, for a formal event.”
Maya was taken aback once again, this time by his French accent. No wonder there was something a little different about him. The foreign types always stood out in some way, and if you were smart enough you could pick it out. Especially when it concerned their fashion style.
She wished he’d say something else in that sexy voice, but instead she settled for doing her job. They looked through different black suits and she helped him select several, then suggested he might want to check out the shirts as well.
Maya prided herself in being the shop girl to end all shop girls. After holding jobs in almost every type of boutique that the Miracle Mile had to offer, she certainly honed her craft to the pinnacle. From toy stores, art galleries and now, high end fashion retail, Maya believed she’d finally found her niche.
Her outgoing personality ensured she could draw out anyone and make them feel comfortable around her. She didn’t take long to get her new customer talking, as he admitted that shopping was usually an ordeal.
“Not when you come to the right place, it isn’t. Are you ready to trust my opinion?” Maya gave her best warm smile, and saw him respond in kind as he seemed to relax in relief.
“I mean, I wouldn’t want something that would look like my mama picked it out, so yes, please. I need all the help I can get,” he said.
“Then follow me,” Maya said sweetly and moved on ahead. She wondered if there was a chance those gorgeous blue eyes could be trained on the sway of her hips in the black skirt she wore with heels and a cream blouse, the uniform of the store.
Not that she thought there’d be any chance he’d be into black girls. Maya kept a slim, shapely figure thanks to not just exercise and diet but damn good genes as well – and she knew looks wise she wasn’t doing badly for her ripe age of twenty eight. She mostly turned heads, if she had to admit, yet it didn’t seem likely her shocking attraction to this European god was in any way reciprocal.
The guy just wanted some nice clothes, so yeah, Maya would do her bit. And it was the most enjoyable part of her job to get to serve such a gorgeous, charming and courteous customer. He couldn’t be above thirty, and had such a calm gravity about him that was so intriguing. Almost like he could be a painter or a writer, or something really deep and eloquent. Or she could be way off mark and he could be some nerdy tech guy, or even a banker. Though, it would be a shame to waste that whipcord body behind a desk all day, Maya mused dreamily.
Pulling her silly head out from the clouds, Maya focused on her task, as he followed her to the far side of the store. He indicated a shirt and Maya immediately reached for it, but then he’d also moved at the same time to get it and that was when his muscled arm brushed against her chest.
Maya quelled a gasp at the accidental touch – well, she hoped it was accidental. Or did she? Because for some reason her nipples were going crazy, the tips hardening to aching points beneath her bra. Quickly, Maya grabbed the shirt as the man beside her drew back politely. Ever the professional, Maya then pointed out another apparel and went on like nothing had happened.
But then when he had to move behind her as they exited the somewhat small aisle holding the shirts, Maya stumbled slightly. His strong hands fell on her waist to steady her and somehow, her body was pulled back against him as she tried for balance. Maya became instantly aware of his masculine energy and solid power from behind her, and it made her knees feel weak.
“Oh! Um…” She felt breathless, turned on and just stupid. She looked over her shoulder and into his deep blue eyes, and almost lost it. What the hell was happening? Out of nowhere came all this physical tension where the air around them seemed to crackle and thrum. The liquid heat between her legs seemed to spread to embarrassing proportions, and Maya told herself she was glad when his hands fell away and she could put a little distance between them. The last thing she wanted, was him to catch the scent of her desire.
“Would you…why don’t we go back to the dressing room and you can try these on,” Maya suggested, her voice sounding a trifle squeaky. She walked briskly ahead not waiting for an answer, holding the shirts over her chest as if like armor. They returned to the large dressing room with the full length mirrors, leather sofas and the rich scent of luxury colognes blending in the air along with the music from the record player. Never would Maya have considered the whole environment in any way suggestive, until now.
She could still feel the imprint of his fingers on her waist, and the sure touch of his hands had her thinking he must work with them a lot – which put paid to the desk job idea. Maya felt she should be a little more affronted by the forward touch…until she recalled that much earlier, she’d been somewhat forward herself.
Not long before, she’d taken off his jacket for him to try on one of the suits, and she’d run her hands over his shoulders to give herself an idea of the fit he liked in his shirt. She’d felt his muscles flex as she’d then moved her hands over his back and down his arms. She didn’t think anything of it at first, but she did remember feeling a bit excited to discover he definitely was packing more muscle than she might have imagined. Maya blushed thinking maybe she’d given him the wrong idea and in turn, instigated this charged atmosphere of awareness. She hated the thought that she may have come across provocative.
She definitely didn’t make a habit of doing that with her male customers.
Quickly, she exited the dressing room to give him privacy after ensuring he had everything he needed. Once outside the closed door, Maya leaned against the frame and let out a ragged breath. How long had it been since a handsome stranger had her all fluttered?
It might all have been nothing and she was just reading too much into it, so Maya decided to play it cool and collected. When he appeared minutes later, he told her which ones he wanted and Maya went to get them packed.
Maya soon handed him the bags, while concealing her reluctance to see him go – and sensing the same with him, as he lingered even after thanking her for her help and taking his purchases. Then to her surprise, he held out his hand and told her his name was Alain, and that he was in town for a month on vacation.
“Oh.” Maya slipped her hand into his, and felt the warm strength of his grasp for a moment before he released her. “I’m Maya.”
He nodded at the name tag she wore. “I know.” He smiled, the genuinely amiable gesture diffusing Maya with an inner warmth. “I’m not sure how inappropriate this is, Maya, but I’d like to take you out to dinner.”
****
Alain. What a gorgeous name for a gorgeous man, thought Maya. And I’m having dinner with him tonight.
It was just hours ago, at the men’s store where she worked, that he’d unexpectedly asked her out on a date. “I’d like to take you out to dinner.”
He’d seen her shocked look, and even as she’d tried to back away he held up a hand. “I’m sorry if I seem to forward. I guess I’m more used to being around cars than people.”
Maya’s eyes had sharpened at his words. “You work with cars?”
He must have seen the spark of interest in her expression, and he smiled. “I trained as an engineer, though now working on race cars is my thing. European motorsports to be exact.”
“Sounds like you live an exciting life.”
“Exciting enough to want to find out more? I’d really like to see you again.”
Maya had been divided. “Look Alain, you said you’re on holiday, and you’re probably looking for a diversion but…”
“I just want to take a very beautiful, attractive young lady to a nice dinner. It doesn’t have to mean anything you don’t want it to.”
Maya bit on her bottom lip. “You make it sound so simple.”
And maybe it was, she added to herself, and not giving it any more thought, she smiled and told him yes, she’d go out to dinner with him.
Maya didn’t want to think she’d made a mistake, now that she was dressed and waiting at the restaurant he’d asked to meet. She was early, but only because she’d needed time to gather her composure before their date. She’d never dreamed a man like Alain would be in any way interested in her kind of woman. During college she’d ventured into a few interactions with not just white men but Asian as well. She had nothing against any kind of race, she just wanted them to share something in common at least.
And thankfully, that seemed to be the case with her and Alain. When she’d said he worked with cars it had seemed like the icing on the cake, and was one of the reasons she’d agreed to go on this date.
Maya might love her career in fashion, but she dreamed of doing something more. She’d always loved old cars. Her obsession didn’t lie so much with the engines, but with the style and interiors. She knew the hobby was an unusual one, and maybe that’s why she kept it secret from most people. Knowing that she just might find a kindred spirit in the handsome Alain, was an uplifting prospect. The chance of getting to have someone to talk with about her love of cars, made for great incentive to go out on her first date in weeks.
That, and the fact that Alain was hot as sin, of course. Maya would definitely brave the dating scene again for eye candy like him. She’d liked his calm, alpha nature, and the way he looked like nothing could budge him. Maya was sure that such a trait would be invaluable in the fast-paced world of motorsports, with all the love of speed, thrills and danger.
Maya got more and more excited as she waited. It would be great, she realized, to see Alain again. She was curious to see where this could lead. For the first time in a while, she was going out with someone she really found appealing. She was always getting set up by friends and family, and it never really went the way she would have liked. There was always something missing.
Tonight, Maya wasn’t really looking for more than a nice time. She wouldn’t let herself think of anything beyond that.
With this conclusion in mind, Maya was able to relax and be at her most natural when Alain arrived right on time. He looked pleased to find her waiting, and Maya cordially invited him to join her at the table. The place was upscale, cozy and off the beaten track enough to ensure the best kind of privacy. There was nothing more intimate, than a restaurant with enough elbow room and the sense of not having to worry about prying eyes.
Maya could imagine the contrast they afforded, with her being black and Alain white. But it didn’t seem like Alain had any problem at all with that, and seemed quite at ease to make it plain she was his date.
The charming man had brought flowers, which he handed to the beaming Maya. “Nice touch,” she commented. “Is this your way of setting the tone for this evening? Because it would seem you’re going for romance. I thought this was just dinner.”
“What can I say? I like making the extra effort,” Alain said, not perturbed in the least by her teasing. Good sign, Maya thought to herself in approval.
Over delicious food and excellent wine, their conversation was mellow yet fascinating. Maya wanted to know about his work with race cars, and he was happy to oblige her with stories of many of the events he’d been part of while based in Europe.
“After I graduated, I got a job at an engineering company but I hated it – so I decided I was only going to do the things I love,” Alain said. “The nuts and bolts, the burn and growl of the engine and just being a part of something that offers constant challenges, is beyond fulfilling.”
“Yet you must have decided it was time to slow down, and that’s why you’re on vacation. Have any big plans?” Maya asked with a smile over her wine glass as she took a sip.
“Not really. I do have to check out a few trade shows, but one thing I’m looking forward to, is maybe getting to restore an old car while I’m here.”
Maya gasped and her smile widened, while she set down her glass and leaned forward. “That is so crazy. You know, I love old cars and just tinkering with them. Oh, I’m nowhere close to being able to restore anything. And guess what?”
Alain’s light blue eyes were twinkling at her animation. “What? Tell me.”
“I actually live right over this old garage. Since the landlord took it over he’s been saying something about redoing the space or renting it out, but for now it’s empty.”
“Would have been nice to get to see it.”
“What, a dusty old garage?” huffed Maya, while feeling her heart pound at the sexy tilt in his teasing smile. If he was fishing for an invite back to her place, then he really was more of a bad boy than she’d guessed. Not wanting to be tempted by that possibility, Maya instead steered the topic to safer angles. Like how awesome the food was, and Alain’s great taste in picking the restaurant.
It was then he told her he that though he was born in France he’d been raised in America. And after impressing the head of Mele Motors as a teen, he was invited to work directly with the owner of the company. Now he was twenty eight, he was grateful for the knowledge and experience he’d gained, that now helped him earn his career as an entrepreneur in his own right, and even working on his own patents.
Maya was impressed by his success story, and how easy it seemed for him to open up to her. In turn, she told him a bit about herself. “Growing up in rural Kansas, all I wanted to do was be in the hustle and bustle of the city,” she confessed with a smile. “I’ve made it, but after years of living in the crowds, I’m not sure what’s next for me. The city doesn’t call to me the way it used to, but I can’t imagine moving back home either.” First she sighed and shook her head, then she let out a wry laugh.
Alain settled his eyes steadily on hers, an answering smile playing on his lips. “It’s like you’re waiting for something…someone, to happen.”
Maya looked up at him with dawning comprehension. Was that it? Maybe she really was waiting, yearning for the unknown – and staring deep into Alain’s eyes, she wondered if by any slim chance, there was anything there. A true spark, a promise that was more than just this thrilling attraction between them.
Maya told herself he had to feel the same pull she did. She saw how he looked at her when he first saw her tonight, in her comely attire and mysterious evening makeup to complement her look. As they talked and ate, he never said or did anything out of place, or touched her inappropriately. Yet beneath the surface, and within the glint in his eyes and the husky heat of his voice, lay a spicy temptation. Telling Maya that it was up to her, to give in to it or shy away out of fear or self-preservation. Of course, she didn’t want to get hurt. Yet, neither did she want a golden opportunity to pass her by.
When something felt so natural, it was easy to simply let instinct take over. By the end of their dinner, Maya already knew she wanted this to go beyond tonight. Though how far was she willing to go, she couldn’t as yet ascertain.
Maybe she wouldn’t need to. Because there would be sometimes that everything would just align, and nature would simply take its course. Maya liked that Alain was confident, yet not brashly cocky. That he exuded control and dominance, without being arrogant or overbearing. He just had the whole package, making it easy for Maya to feel safe with him. Safe enough, to invite him in, by the end of the evening he’d brought her home.
Her reason was she wanted to see what he would think about the collection of cars stored in the garage, which had an entryway leading up to her apartment. The space was built to accommodate several cars but now held three. Though Maya had sometimes used it as a mudroom she’d mostly kept it free of clutter.
There were lockers and a workbench system, as well as various shelves, hook and racks affixed to the wall, which held the tools while keeping much of the checkerboard PVC tile free.
“The place is in pretty good shape,” Alain noted.
“I thought you’d be more interested in what shape the cars were in. Being a car nut and all,” she teased, and Alain turned to her with a small smile.
“Why do I have the nagging feeling you think I lied about being a mechanic. Am I right?”
Maya laughed at that. “Of course not. I believed everything you told me.”
Her bright smile slowly faded as Alain’s eyes gleamed at her breathy, artless words. The moment suddenly felt charged, and Maya was all the more conscious that she was alone with Alain in the dimly lit garage.
To her relief, he then broke the atmosphere by turning away and suggesting they look over the cars. Two were classic models, and really caught Alain’s attention as he gave a cursory look over them. Words like chassis, fabrication, painting and prep and other technical automotive terms mostly went over Maya’s head as Alain spoke about the work the cars needed done. But she did like his enthusiasm and his depth of knowledge about cars and engines.
There was something so irresistible and sexy about that. Maya couldn’t help the way her heart pounded and her nerves tightened as she listened to him while watching him move around checking things over with the cars. At one point he had to show her something and she drew in close, almost leaning over him and then realizing, their faces were almost level and their lips just inches from each other.
She hadn’t noticed that Alain was still and silent till she looked up from the car’s interior and her mouth almost brushed his. Maya instinctively reared back and almost landed flat on her ass if Alain hadn’t caught her deftly. One thought instantly coursed through her bloodstream as she felt his arms around her. Strength. Goodness, he was so strong. His touch was powerful and his capable hands made her feel delicate and vulnerable, and so much like a woman.
He didn’t let go of her even after she’d found her balance. Not like her legs could really keep holding her up, considering how wobbly they’d become from being in this situation with Alain. It seemed fate was always throwing them into these circumstances of physical awareness, just like back in the store earlier in the day.
Maya could remember the fleeting fantasy she’d had even as she’d been leading Alain into the dressing room. It had full length mirrors and chaise lounges in rich leather – and most importantly, a lock on the door.
Once inside, Alain would have the door closed and locked, the clothes forgotten as he stepped forward. He would turn Maya to face the mirrors, and with him standing behind her he would reach round and cover her clothed breasts in his big hands.
He wouldn’t have to say a word, as he stroked the nipples with his fingertips until the nubs became evident beneath the silk. Maya would watch, breathless, as Alain gently kissed her neck while opening the buttons on her ultra-feminine blouse. Feeling him nibble sensuously on her flesh, Maya would throw her head back against his shoulder, her eyes closed as she enjoyed the pleasure of Alain’s enticement. But then that sexily accented voice would rasp in her ear, telling her to open her eyes and watch him.
With that. Maya would obediently peel her eyes open and watch Alain finish her blouse, and then scoop out her breasts to swell over the cups of her bra. He would grab her chin and turn her face to the side so he could catch up her mouth in a kiss, as his other hand squeezed her breast and teased her nipples in his thumb and forefinger.
The heat would intensify between Maya’s legs at being kissed and touched by Alain, the moisture starting to trail down her inner thighs. Alain would break off the kiss and work his way down her neck, Maya moaning all the while as he continued to fondle her breasts in both his fine looking hands, so manly and masterful. Their eyes would meet in the mirror, and she would answer his smile with hers, just as she answered his dominant touch with no other thought but surrender.
The memory of that steamy fantasy flashed in mere moments, but it had Maya recognizing that in this instance, she felt exactly the same now as then…felt the irrepressible urge to submit, to completely yield to Alain’s thrilling mastery.
His eyes swept over her face and neck, her skin dewy and glowing, her chest heaving beneath her dress. His arms tightened a fraction, and he drew in a slow, deep breath. “You know two things I can never get enough of?” he said huskily, those ice-blue eyes hooded. “The smell of gasoline – and the smell of an aroused, sexy female.”
“Alain, I…” Maya’s chest felt so choked with excitement she couldn’t form any more speech. Knowing that Alain could tell she desired him was both shaming and exhilarating.
He swooped in for a kiss, and Maya instinctively went still and experienced the first few moments of savory passion, there on Alain’s delicious lips. Stifling a moan, she drew back and turned her head.
“Whoa, Alain, didn’t you consider I just might have a boyfriend,” she protested while pulling out of his hold.
Alain looked around the garage. “He’s not here, is he?” He reached for her again and tugged her purposefully to pin her against him. “And you wouldn’t have shown up for dinner tonight – in that dress – if you had a boyfriend.”
Mixed in with the chagrin she felt that Alain could be so sure the said boyfriend didn’t exist, Maya felt a hidden excitement. He was right about dinner and the dress. The black, clinging silk with its lacy back and the cutout that revealed a diamond-shaped expanse of her spine, was definitely screaming ‘single and ready to mingle’ to the discerning male. There goes my plan to play it subtle, thought Maya wryly.
“I guess you possess keen powers of insight,” she murmured, while her heart pounded as her breasts became tightly pressed to his broad chest, “What other things are you so sure of?”
“Well, for one, that I’m a damn good kisser,” Alain said. “And that deep down, you’re worried what one kiss with me would make you do.”
Maya huffed, just as she grew more breathless by how the distance between their lips grew smaller as he advanced. “Now that sounds like a challenge. What makes you think I’ll bite?” she asked.
“Because you’re just as curious as I am. About this.” He placed his hand on her hips, his fingers digging into her flesh through the soft fabric. His touch, his nearness seemed to make the air sizzle with awareness all around them. With her attention on the hand he now had trailing from her hip and up her waist, Maya was caught unawares when Alain planted a deep kiss on her lips.
Maya made a weak attempt to struggle but the blast of hormones catching fire within her, took over. She wrapped her arms around his neck and began to kiss him back. It started off soft and clinging till Alain deepened the kiss, hungrily devouring her mouth as his hands moved over her body massaging her soft, firm flesh.
Alain hadn’t been joking – he was definitely a good kisser. Her body reacted to the touch of his lips and hands in the strangest way. Her heart was pounding, knees weakening, she felt him capture her plump lower lip and suck it into his mouth. It brought a soft whimper from Maya’s lips and Alain groaned thickly in his throat, pulling her in harder against his body. It was thanks to his firm grip on her that kept Maya from dissolving into a blissful puddle of goo.
Maya was already losing what little control she had left, her nipples throbbing painfully in arousal. She wanted him to take her hard, fast and deep – and all after one soft kiss. Was she crazy?
Sweet, long moments later they parted slowly and looked directly at each other.
“This isn’t right,” Maya said, while thinking, they’d only just met that day – and she barely knew that much about him. Yet how come his touch, his kiss made her want to throw caution to the winds?
“And that makes it twice more fun,” Alain responded, which caused Maya to giggle. However, she wasn’t laughing when Alain slowly yet commandingly began to back her up. He stopped only when Maya felt the solidness of the wall at her back, and then he seized her mouth in another famished kiss.
As their lips dueled hotly, he rubbed his hands over her body. Her breasts, her hips, her ass. He cupped the firm, generous globes and squeezed while letting out a deep, low growl of appreciation.
Maya was having trouble breathing. She couldn’t believe this was happening – her handsome foreign stranger was now passionately making out with her. He lifted her by the waist and carried her towards the nearest car and gently placed her down on the hood. Those knowing hands thoroughly inspected her quivering body, making their way beneath the neckline of her dress. Maya moaned with pleasure as Alain caressed her breasts over her bra. She didn’t even know when she made a grab for his head and pulled him in for a closer kiss. In the meantime, he’d tugged down the cup of her bra and freed her nipples which he gave light tweaks with his fingers. Maya gasped into his mouth, saying his name.
The sound of it on her lips seemed to make him even more enflamed. With a groan he shifted a hand beneath her skirt to press against the wet spot forming on her panties. Maya jumped at first but quickly adjusted to the sensation of Alain touching her lace-covered sex. Even as her head reeled, Alain bent to capture her nipple in his mouth, sucking the areole whole and making Maya moan all the more.
Maya could literally feel her juices dripping from her folds down on the car, as Alain stood between her parted legs. While he sucked on her nipples one after the other, he delved underneath the covering of her panties to stroke her sizzling entrance.
“Fuck. I’m dying to taste you here,” he said while stroking her lush folds, “And find out if you’re as sweet as I imagine. But I’m worried I’ll want more than a taste.”
His accent sounded even sexier now that he was aroused. Maya quivered at his words, also asking herself if she wanted things to go that far so soon. If Alain wanted more, and then more, would she have the heart to stop him? Especially when she knew she wanted him just as badly?
She ached for him, ached to free that impressive bulge in his pants and take his hardness in her palms. Maya wanted to share as much pleasure with him as he’d given her with his lips and fingers. His mouth, sealed over her breasts, and his skilled fingers, stroking on her clit and plunging in and out of her moist hole…It was almost enough to send her off the peak into blissful oblivion.
“If you don’t intend to go all the way, you better stop me now,” he rasped, pale blue eyes blazing directly into her widened brown orbs.
“Alain, I want you, but…”
“Too fast?” he asked after a few moments when her voice petered out. Maya viewed him cautiously, wondering if he’d pay heed to her concerns, or simply venture on with his seduction. Either way, she couldn’t really see herself putting up much of a fight. Not with the way she was hot for him. Just, there was that small part of her that held some doubts if this was what she truly wanted. Sex for the sake of it, nothing more.
Hours later, Maya was still questioning her senses and how she could possibly have let the night end the way it did. Most women would kill to have been in her shoes, the object of desire for one of the sexiest men she’d ever seen. Maya kept wishing she could turn back the clock, and maybe it would be Alain keeping her warm in bed and not these mass of pillows surrounding her.
Even a warm soak earlier hadn’t eased her raging urges. She could still remember Alain’s last kiss, filled with the same temptation as ever, and yet mingled with a sweet reassurance – one that told her he understood her hang-ups about tonight. Maya remembered saying something about at least offering him some coffee upstairs, but he’d chuckled darkly and said it wouldn’t be just coffee he’d be interested in if he came up with her. As such, she saw him off to the door and watched his car leave, and it was then she began to feel the first prick of regret.
One that had continued to spread till it was an aching inferno between her legs. His kisses had tasted so good. His hands on her body had set her alight, even as his mouth and tongue on her breasts, and yes even that hint of biting teeth – had pummeled her with pleasure.
She’d been a fool to let him go, and she probably wouldn’t get another chance, thought Maya. She rolled up and down the sheets for a bit longer before exhaustion finally won – but even in her dreams, she could never run away from the memory of those intoxicating moments of passion with Alain.
***
Alain was just closing the trade show, after debuting some of their newest, most advanced quick-change bolts for car races. Normally he enjoyed fielding questions about his latest product line, and discussing patents with business associates as well as motor magazines present. Yet today felt different, as he couldn’t wait for it to be all over.
It could be that more and more, he was realizing that work couldn’t really give him everything. He’d spent so much time and dedication to get to his present level, but for too long he’d focused on work and no play. Considering that he was actually in town to take a vacation, it was no wonder he was already tired of the business scene. Good thing then, that for the next few weeks he had nothing else to do but focus on some personal time.
Alain remembered telling his mentor and former boss, Stephane, about his intention to restore an old car for his vacation – and how Stephan had laughed and said he wondered how a car was going to keep Alain warm at night.
Alain now wondered the same thing, while keeping in mind the gorgeous Maya from two nights ago. He thought of what had first drawn him to her when they met, and how it had him in pursuit without even giving himself time to think it through. For Alain, apart from her undeniable beauty and allure, there had been something else. Her confidence. That was what he found most beautiful thing about a woman, of any color. The way she spoke and carried herself, and the way she looked at him that got his blood rushing from his head down to his crotch, was enough to make her a fascinating prospect.
It was the third day since he’d last seen her, and he was of the mind she’d been afforded enough time and space to sort out whatever she’d been worried about that night. Because Alain promised himself that the next time he had the chocolate-skinned Maya alone, he’d be giving them both what they so manifestly craved.
***
When Alain called to tell her he would pick her up for dinner at 7, Maya felt relieved. She’d been so close to ringing him up herself, after three days of them not seeing. She hadn’t been sure if she should be the one to make the next move. Men took pleasure in the chase, right?
Whatever the case, Maya wasn’t in for games – not with Alain. One promise she made herself as she got ready for the night, was to let each moment lead the way. She didn’t plan on making any rash decisions, but she was determined not to inhibit herself either.
Alain arrived and again, she saw that look in his eyes that told her he liked what he saw – her choice of attire was a success, then. Before she could get in the car, he turned her round and gave her a long, lingering kiss. Whew, thought Maya. Was that a promise of things to come? Because it already had her feeling like jelly – in the best way.
Instead of heading for a restaurant as Maya expected, Alain informed her that he’d picked dinner up already, and they were going to have a picnic somewhere alone. Maya was brimming with excitement and curiosity, wondering where the location would be. But Alain didn’t let her in on it until finally, they arrived.
He brought them to a stretch of beach, very quiet and secluded. Maya liked it instantly, and got right into the mood of dinner in an outdoor romantic meal. They stretched out a blanket and Maya removed her high heels, sat down and curled her legs under her. Alain had got them some delicious Chinese, filled with things that were easy to feed her while they talked and laughed while enjoying the gentle atmosphere.
The washing waves, both serene and spine-tingling at the same time, the night-blue sky above them filled with stars, and the electric attraction between them, was all that kept them company. Maya had no idea how Alain had arranged such a beautiful spot just for them, but she appreciated the nice touch. It was a while since an admirer had gone out of his way to make her feel special.
Much mellowed out after a couple of hours of good food and company, Maya didn’t demur as Alain came behind her and softly kissed her neck. She did feel a shock when his hands came round to fondle her breasts through her dress – but then she decided she liked Alain’s boldness. No dithering with this guy, she thought with a gasp of pleasure.
Maya closed her eyes and dipped her head back, wanting to give Alain better access to her neck as he nuzzled. Just then, she felt Alain reach up and tie a dark silk cloth around her head, blindfolding her. She instantly reached up to remove it, but he told her, “No.” He gently pulled her hands down, then slowly, slipped her dress off her shoulders and let it pool at her waist.
Already disoriented by the darkness of her blindfold, Maya felt panicked by being half-undressed and threw her hands to cross over her bra, but again Alain drew her hands away and this time, linked them behind her back. The moment she felt him attached some kind of cuffs to keep them there, her stomach felt like its bottom had fallen out. “Alain?” she breathed half in fear and excitement.
“Trust me.”
Two words – and he had the plummeting beat of her heart go still and calm. The deep warm timber of his voice, and the equally warm touch of his hands on her bare shoulders, heavy and soothing, reassured her. Maya was way less scared now, but just as agitated by the scandalizing thought that she was half-naked, blindfolded and handcuffed on a beach. Thank goodness it was secluded and deserted.
“How captivating a picture you make,” Alain said in his husky, accented voice she found so sexy. “There in your bra and your dress half off, eyes blindfolded and hands restrained in my leather cuffs, with the ocean and night as your perfect backdrop. You can feel your nipples getting hard, can’t you? From not just the slight breeze but from anticipation as well. You can’t see what’s happening, and can’t even make to cover yourself if anyone happened by. I can almost see you dripping in excitement at the thought. Aren’t you, my beauty?”
Maya had let Alain’s words flow over her like poetry, letting her deprived senses, drink in everything around her. It all felt extra intense from not being able to see at all, and just experience.
She was definitely beginning to feel some moistness deep in her core, just as Alain had surmised. Maya couldn’t help wishing, that he would reach down and feel her sex to find it wet and swollen with arousal. The way she was breathing fast and her insides were charged up by desire, it would take just a brush of his hand against her clit and Maya knew she’d orgasm.
Alain seemed to realize this, since he moved away and from the sounds she caught, he began to open more of the containers. He then fed her a few bites of barbecued pork and kimchi, and occasional sips of wine. Eating felt different now that she was blindfolded – the flavors seemed to change on her tongue, becoming more sensual and decadent.
Her dominant lover was opening her senses to a whole new vista, thought Maya. Never would she have thought she’d agree to anything like this…and certainly not to Alain helping her to finish undressing, as he drew the dress down her hips and helped her lift off the floor so he could tug it off her feet. Now she sat in just her bra and panties, a sultry purple ensemble.
“Now you look far more comfortable,” said Alain with approval, though Maya could have retorted that she definitely felt the least comfortable at the moment. After all, she was the one in just her underwear while Alain was fully dressed – and she was at more of a disadvantage because she was blindfolded and bound. Of course, she didn’t voice any of such defiant thoughts. Something about Alain made her want to please him, and as such she gave in to her submissive side, one she never even knew she had before now.
Once more Alain lifted a spoon to her lips, and the morsel he fed her this time, was topped with some sweet and sour sauce. A couple drops fell on her pushed-up cleavage, sliding down in between the dusky hollow of her breasts.
“Look at the mess I made,” Alain murmured. “I’ll just have to clean it up, seeing as you’re unable to do so yourself at this juncture.”
Maya felt like they were playing out an elaborate scene, and she stifled a giggle thinking how much she really wanted to get into it. A bit of sexy role-play wasn’t out of place, was it – even though she might have picked a less exposed location for them to try it? Still, something about being in the outdoors and risking someone watching or even catching them…had its own dangerous appeal.
Maya felt her nipples begin to harden even before Alain proceeded to scoop out her breasts, freeing them to the open air, and to his gaze which she could already feel like a laser on her flesh. Even with her bra still on, Maya felt just as exposed as possible, what with her mounds raised proudly from their cups, the nipples stung by the swirling breeze.
Everything else before now had been like a teaser, but when Alain began to use his tongue to clean the sauce off her skin, it felt like being shot into orbit. Her nipples felt like hard, sharp points that begged to be tasted. But Alain only focused on the tops of her full, firm breasts where the sauce had spilled. Then he drew back and again, spooned some food close to her lips which she opened dutifully. Only this time, the next bite goes dripping down her inner thigh. Maya gasped as she felt the warm liquid slither down her sensitive skin.
Now what?
“Lie back,” Alain said, with a voice huskier than usual and almost unrecognizable. Maya was out of breath, just managing to rest on her back even with her arms linked behind her in the cuffs. Just how far was Alain going to take this? Her answer came soon enough.
He’d parted her legs and now she could feel him licking the sauce off her. The next moment, he announced that her panties had gotten wet enough. “They should come off, don’t you think? Before any food gets on them,” he suggested.
Was he serious? Yes, looked like he was, thought Maya with a surge of trepidation and excitement as Alain deftly rid her of her panties, barely needing her to lift her bottom as he all but yanked them off her ankles. Well, shit. Now she was completely exposed and open for all to see.
“Alain…”
“I’m so fucking hard for you right now,” he rasped, effectively shutting off her protest as her breathing hiked up impossibly at his statement. “I want to taste you, then take you right here and now. But tonight is all about the expectation, the wait. The longer I keep you on edge, the longer and keener the release when I decide you deserve one.”
Maya groaned, squirming on the blanket as she told herself that even a soft waft of air against her clit would cause her to explode at this rate. Self-conscious as she was to be virtually butt naked and unable to cover herself from Alain’s sight, Maya also felt deliciously keyed up. When she tried to at least close her legs, Alain swiftly commanded her to keep them open, and to widen them even more, which made her cheeks flush as she complied.
She couldn’t believe this was really happening. Could it be just a dream? But no, it couldn’t be, not when she could feel her own juices start to slide from between her folds and run down to her crack. Maya was sure Alain could see her shamelessly dripping for him? Crazily, she both wanted him to and yet, didn’t. Her head was all over the place, being trapped in the darkness of the blindfold. It made the whole circumstances feel all the more surreal for not getting to see anything, but to use her other senses even more.
“You’re far too fetching for your own good, Maya,” Alain said with a dark chuckle. “How much it’s taking me to hold back, you’ll never know. But this time on the beach is all for you, not me. And I think you need to cool down, don’t you?”
With those words, he took the cool wine bottle and brushed it along her hard nipples. Maya’s spine jerked in reaction, a sensual thrill moving through her body when Alain replaced that cold sensation with his warm mouth, as it engulfed one chilled nipple.
“Oh my…Alain,” Maya panted, feeling him nip gently on her nub with his teeth even as he sucked it whole. No longer able to quell her moans, Maya let the sounds of pleasure fill the night air. Yet even as she begged and gasped for relief from this sweet torture, Alain only laughed wickedly and said, not yet. It felt like an endless loop of wondrous teasing after that. Her relentless lover, turning her over on her stomach as he told her there was yet more area for him to explore on her beautiful form. He freed her hands from the cuffs, and had her stretch her arms over her head out of the way.
Telling her she was too tense, he added that he would help her relax. If those skilful hands of his, massaging her from her shoulders to her back then down to her ass was meant to relax her, then boy he had to be joking. Maya was all the more churned up with arousal by time she felt Alain’s touch on her derriere, kneading and squeezing. She was one mass of jello, yet her muscles were stretched tighter than a bow with waiting for him to finally touch her there, where she was her moistest and neediest.
Finally, he gave her what she wished for. Reaching between her open legs, he rubbed on her drenched lips. Maya whimpered in bliss, clenching her fists high above her while beneath, she could feel her aching nipples throb where they pressed against the blanket.
She was trembling all over with desire. Alain knew just what to do, sliding one finger ever so gently inside her and feeling her wetness. “So tight and wet. Open your legs wider, baby.”
Maya shifted her thighs farther apart with legs shaking, as Alain slipped in another finger to join the first. He leaned over to kiss and suck on her back, and coupled with him thrusting those two fingers in and out of her, Maya coasted right along the rim of ecstasy. “Alain, please. I need to cum.”
He kissed his way up her neck to her ear, making her shiver as he whispered, “Oh, you will cum. When you count to ten.”
Maya blinked unseeingly behind the blindfold. She couldn’t even remember her own name right now, and he wanted her to count to ten? Alain pumped his two fingers ever so deeply and slowly in and out, twisting and angling them just right, to touch her g-spot. His other hand wound into her hair and tugged, causing her head to snap back even as her spine arched. Suddenly, he started to thrust faster and deeper inside her. Beneath the blackness of her blindfold, Maya saw white stars.
“Start the count, Maya. Or this ends now.”
Oh God. He was serious, thought Maya. Unclogging her brain, she tried to remember which number came first. “One?”
“Keep going,” growled Alain, and slammed his fingers inside her so deep the heel of his palm slammed against her ass. Oh shit she just might not make it to ten before she harpooned into her orgasm. But something made her want to at least keep trying.
“Two.”
Alain’s fingers were a blur inside her, the pace of his thrusts unbroken as they built up the surge of pleasure inside her. Maya’s whole universe was spinning, as in the base of her womb a windstorm picked up force. Each time he plunged those fingers inside her, the impact sent her clit rubbing against the blanket underneath. This was making her crazy…what came after two again?
“Three.”
Hmm, he was kissing on her neck, just on her favorite spot. His lips felt almost soothing on her delicate flesh, while his fingers mercilessly pounded her twitching walls, stretching and filling her over and over.
Oh Christ. “Four.” Almost halfway, thought Maya frenziedly. If she could just catch her breath enough to make it to the next number.
“Five.”
Maya had never been so wet in her life. She could even hear the lewd sound of her juices, mashed by Alain’s fingers plumbing deep inside her. Shamed by her animal lusts, she could only surrender to the wild beat of passion’s drum as Alain played her like a maestro.
“Six.” Keep going, Maya, urged her inner voice. Don’t think about the fact that Alain had found that hidden trigger within her vagina no other lover had been able to discover. Certainly don’t pay heed to the hand he’d slipped from her hair, to reach round for her breast. Fuck!
“Seven!” she cried out, as Alain pinched one tingling nub within his thumb and forefinger.
Oh no, please don’t twist my nipple like that. “Eight.”
Maya was almost too weak to go on. It felt like being crushed beneath ten tons of pleasure. Leaving her breasts, Alain traced his hand down the middle of her stomach to tap against her clit. At the same time he fingered her with a corkscrew motion, going deeper than ever. Please, oh please. Not that spot. Holding out was impossible if he kept thrusting against her there.
“Nine.”
Feeling his lips track over her cheek and close to her lips, Maya turned her face to the side so they could kiss. Oh yes, his lips against hers was heaven. “Ten,” she breathed into his mouth, which he covered with his as he plunged in his tongue while ramming powerfully against her g-spot. Maya’s orgasm poured out of her in a gush of rainbows, fireworks and supermoons. As she thrashed and strained against the arms Alain held around her protectively, Maya felt the darkness of the blindfold go blacker than black as she reached limitless subspace.
***
Each time Maya went out with Alain after that it was always more exciting and unique. After a week of dating, she still never got that night on the beach out of her mind. Her explosive orgasm still reverbed within her thighs when she replayed it in her head. How she’d gone along with everything, and had let herself get into the whole bondage and submission groove, baffled her even now.
Just as baffling, was the fact that Alain was yet to take things further. Maya wouldn’t consider herself a sex-hungry freak but she was oh so ready for things to get to the next level between them. He’d already shown her so much, and she was eager to learn more. About what went on in his head, and just how much into the kinky side of sex he was into? Could he be holding back because he felt she wasn’t ready or equipped for more?
Maybe if she tried to get closer, then she’d know more about how to reach in to him. She was eager to find out more about his private life and discover the real Alain.
But while she was preparing to meet him for dinner later that evening as planned, Alain called to tell her something had come up. “I hope it’s nothing too serious,” Maya said worriedly.
“No, just the stupid hotel made an overbooking error, and now I’m forced to find someplace else to stay. I’ll probably have to look around for alternative accommodation so there might be some delay in meeting up tonight, sorry.”
“Or, you could just move into the garage.”
Maya had no clue she was about to suggest something like that, but there it was. And to her pleasure, Alain barely hesitated, before thanking her and saying that would do nicely. When he came over they took a few hours to do some cleaning, which left the garage looking more than habitable.
To pay her back, Alain insisted on doing some renovations, not just on the garage but one of the cars as well. “I think it’s worked out perfectly. I already planned to restore a car during my vacation, remember. Besides, didn’t you mention that your landlord is actually a distant relative? I’m sure he’ll be glad to be glad for the effort. Trust me, you’ll be doing me a huge favor letting me work on the car.”
“If you’re sure, then fine. Because I really don’t need repayment for letting you stay here a few weeks or whenever. Though, I do have one condition – that you let me help out any way I can.”
“Of course. Totally a win-win situation for me whichever way I look at it,” said Alain, with that sexy little smile that made Maya feel more special than any other woman he might know.
Did Alain really think of her as special, really? Maya knew they’d been dating barely a week but she had no doubt they were building on something here. If it was just a casual fling he wanted, he’d have taken what he wanted and moved on sooner. By offering to let him stay, Maya hoped he could tell that she was open to more substance in their relationship. But what if she pushed too hard and got him putting up his guard?
***
Maya’s life seemed to take on new meaning since Alain had walked into it. Now that he was staying just down in the garage of her home, it felt like she woke up every morning having a new purpose. He’d been working and sleeping in the garage and making great progress. In barely a week he’d addressed many of the renovations such as redoing the garage walls, electricity and the lighting. Next, he’d worked on the floors, doors and windows giving the place a whole new look – much like the perfect automotive playroom. He’d even upgraded the storage in the garage, having it built to his specifications. It was amazing how much equipment could be stored once the tool storage was designed right. It all left Maya awed, even as she wondered, just how long did Alain plan to stay, what with the major fix-up he’d undertaken.
“There’s no rule that says a hobby has to be dirty and uncomfortable,” Alain said when Maya teased him lightly, for going overboard a bit. “Besides, without a properly equipped shop it’s impossible to rebuild anything safely or correctly, least of all an old car. Also, I really want to complete the restoration in good time and that requires a proper working garage.”
At his words ‘in good time’, Maya felt her heart sink thinking Alain didn’t plan to stay that long after all. Yet she lightened her spirits with the thought that, it was best to enjoy every moment as it came and not worry about the future. It could well take care of itself.
With the garage all done and ready, Alain promised that their task of restoring the old car would be a more enjoyable experience. For Maya, it was enjoyable simply being close to Alain, and sometimes it got too enjoyable at times.
Because on several occasions she found they worked in the garage way into the night, when instead Maya should be in bed sleeping but she never minded it one bit. She’d never felt this fulfilled or ardent about something, until now. She was glad she’d been able to be of good use right from the start, thanks to being great at researching where to source parts and materials for Alain.
What she really loved though, was that she got to have a front-row view of Alain’s passion for cars. No one had warned her she would find it all so super sexy. Getting to see him in action, while wearing hi safety glasses, work gloves and of course, the requisite faded blue jeans and snug-fitting t-shirt always had her heart in a flutter. He’d grown out his hair and had it styled in a mid-parting, with the dark locks framing his temples giving him a tousled look that made Maya bite on her lip in desire.
She couldn’t count how many times she wished she could distract Alain from his focus on the old car and continue where they left off with that nighttime beach picnic. She never, never forgot those electrifying moments, of giving herself up to Alain’s demands and wishes, playing his willing submissive and having him take her pleasure to new realms. Could it be he’d lost interest in her physically now that he was deep into what she knew was his other great passion, cars?
As the days drew on, the once beat-up old 1965 Corvair Monza convertible took on a new lease of life, much like Maya’s romantic heart. She’d taken a huge break from love and now, shining rays of fairytale feelings took shape within her. Spending time with Alain, talking and working long hours with him when she wasn’t at the men’s store, made it no surprise she began falling for him.
Maya also began falling more and more for cars, too. She now liked learning how things worked and not just going crazy over the exterior or overall look of the classic ride.
Oh, but it wasn’t beautiful classic cars she dreamed of at night, but of the beautiful man downstairs in the garage while she slept, or tried to. Yes they may have kissed and made out a few times since their night picnic on the beach, but it never got much further. Alain had once mentioned how expectation built up the pleasure when it happened, but wasn’t he taking the sense of anticipation too far?
Deep down, Maya knew that she liked how Alain seemed so genuine. Other guys would have taken advantage of the situation to the utmost. Whatever else she might not know about him, Maya was sure of one thing – that Alain was real. She wanted to get closer and closer, know him better and better but there were so many invisible walls.
Maya sensed she’d already fallen for this man. He was intensely good looking, yet was comfortable with himself and confident enough not to worry about whether he was ‘spit-shined and polished’. Working at a men’s store Maya was used to men who were ever too conscious about their physical attributes and playing it to their advantage. Alain with his wavy dark hair that flopped on his forehead and touched his collar, worked hard at what he did and always had a positive attitude that rubbed off on Maya.
She only had loose connections with her family and not that many close friends. She’d been way too comfortable being solitary and now she had Alain around, she realized everything she’d been missing. The companionship, the security and safety of Alain being there for her was something she cherished.
Not that they’d officially assigned themselves a ‘couple’ status, but to Maya they’d acknowledged it enough with how many dates they’d spent together when not working, and the amount of hours they shared in each other’s company made it a given they couldn’t possibly spare time for anyone else.
And yet…Maya didn’t like to think they became exclusive simply by circumstances and not decision. But she quickly told herself to stop overthinking things, and accept the situation for what it was. That both of them were together, and that was all that mattered.
The one thing that would make an icing on the cake, would be for them to finally become lovers in the fundamental sense.
Yes, Alain had given her a few earth-moving orgasms, but it had only made her hungry for more. Still, Maya appreciated the way he showed her regard and didn’t treat her like a slab of meat just because she was readily available and always within reach.
All her friends were envious of her new ‘catch’ and the arrangement they had going on. Though, Maya couldn’t exactly tell her pals that nothing freaky was happening just because she had a hot mechanic stud living in her garage. He hardly had time for anything but restoring the car and come what may, Maya admired his work ethic.
The only one who possibly knew what was going down was Nikki, whom Maya had known since their high school days, back when their families were neighbors. She had a way of reading Maya all too well and had her own take on Maya’s hopes where Alain was concerned.
“The best thing that could happen would be watching you and your vanilla prince charming, ride into the sunset in that convertible you guys spend so much time restoring,” teased Nikki.
Maya felt her cheeks go hot and she shrugged as she tried to hide her discomfiture. “Okay, maybe we’re getting way too ahead of ourselves. And yet…I can’t help but see myself with him for the long term. There’s just something about him that makes me feel that he could be the one.”
“Normally I’d say let’s wait and see, but it doesn’t seem you two have that much time to spare – considering he came here on holiday,” said Nikki doubtfully.
“That’s why I simply want to make the best of whatever chance we have. I really don’t mind the thought of maybe a long distance relationship, where we travel back and forth. So long as we’re in agreement, there’s nothing we can’t achieve. So far, I’m glad with the progress we made.”
“Speaking of progress, that old convertible is beginning to look mighty promising. I have to admit, that man of yours is pretty impressive. He’s even turning you into a certified gearhead. Whatever next?” Nikki chuckled, and went on with her teasing while Maya took it good-naturedly. At least, Nikki wasn’t trying to judge her for taking in a man she’d practically just met, under her roof like Maya’s other friends would have done.
Not that it would have bothered Maya either way. She didn’t plan on letting anything or anyone stand between her and Alain. And when their night together finally happened, it seemed so perfect and worth the wait. And yet, Maya was to discover that perhaps, the price for finally getting her wish, was too high to pay.
That night, they’d gone to an annual car show just outside of town. In the past weeks Alain and Maya enjoyed a few of the local parades, picnics and festivals that provided the spectacle of vintage vehicles to fuel their automotive passion. Maya found she enjoyed every moment of these events, and in fact looked forward to the upcoming classic car auction which Alain told her would hold next month.
Maya had wanted to ask if he thought he’d still be here by then, but she caught herself from doing so.
They’d taken the bus to and from the event and the trip had been the best Maya ever had. Being on the road with Alain was like a great escape, and as they walked the rest of the way home the night was made more magical when it started to rain.
Though the forecast that morning had warned of the weather Maya hadn’t thought to bring an umbrella. When the downpour worsened they both ducked beneath the nearby shelter of a closed florist kiosk, the only cover available on the stretch of road. They both laughed as they tried to get the worst of the dampness off their clothes. Maya loved the carefree feeling of that moment and seeing the crinkles show beside Alain’s beautiful blue eyes.
He seemed to catch something in her gaze, which Maya had tried her best to conceal. She didn’t want to wear her heart on her sleeve and risk Alain suspecting her true feelings. She wouldn’t want to chase him off with her secret wish for them to be together in every sense, and possibly for the long run.
He gave her a sudden smile that pushed back any of her doubts, as she smiled brightly back at him not caring that her hair dripped slightly unto her face and shoulders. Thankfully the weather stayed warm despite the rain so the chance of catching a chill was lessened. Well, not that she could even feel a single bit cold when Alain looked at her with such heat.
Reaching up to cup her face in his hands, he murmured, “I read somewhere, that life is not about waiting for a storm to pass…but learning to dance in the rain. Are you ready?”
“What?” Maya said with a laugh and a look of incomprehension.
Alain merely smirked, fished his iPhone out of his pocket and a few taps later, put on a song. The melody of guitars and drums filled the night along with the washing sound of rain. Maya gawked as Alain then stepped out into the rain again, walked ahead a few steps and then spun around in a dramatic dance move that had her gasping in amazement. With his arms spread wide he danced to the music, which Maya recognized as a tune from the indie band The La.
Maya had never seen a man move so well and she figured it was a French thing the way Alain seemed so as one with the music and the rain pelting down. She was turn between humor and disbelief, more so when Alain waltzed forward and held out his hand to the wide-eyed Maya.
“Shall we dance?” he said and not waiting for her protest, took her hand and led her out into the rain with him. Maya squealed and tried to cover her hair with her other hand but Alain grabbed that too, swinging their arms from side to side as they waltzed around in the heavy rain together. Finally, having lost her breath from all the giggling and twirling, Maya got to break away and gulped in air. Pushing the wet hair back from her face she laughed as heartily as Alain, as he stood across from her and raked his now curly locks back from his forehead.
As their eyes held the upbeat song, and even the rain faded to the background. There was a look in his eyes that Maya couldn’t fathom as Alain swept his gaze over her face.
Though they had the distance of a few yards between them, that look took the place of a caress on her goose bumps-covered skin, even as he told her huskily, “I keep wondering why I have this burning need, to give you every special thing in the world you could wish for.”
Maya stared at Alain, and wondered why he’d think he had to give her anything. She thought she’d made it known in her own way that she didn’t care for material things, or what a man could provide for her. She didn’t care if he had nothing to his name, or if he came from a very humble background or a privileged one.
Her mind flew back to Alain’s earlier words about not waiting through a storm. That, as well as the whole dancing in the rain seemed suddenly symbolic. Maya decided then, that she didn’t want to keep waiting, wishing, but would take a bold step into the unknown.
“I don’t want anything else. Just you. I love you, Alain,” she worded clearly, eyes holding his with unwavering purpose. Tuning out the wild beating of her heart, she walked up to Alain, lifted on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his.
***
Maya was never the type to be assertive about anything in a relationship. It always had to be the guy to make all the advances, give her all the signals. With Alain, it was different. She was no longer worried about holding back or preserving her pride or feelings. That was why, when she told him she loved him she didn’t even wait to give him the chance to say the words back. Because she was giving her emotions freely, without expectations or motives.
Maya simply felt happy to be able to tell him how she really felt.
Just like she was happy she could take the bold step and initiate that kiss in the rain, fusing her lips with Alain’s.
The kiss, though chaste at first, held a power surge of invitation that felt like a lightning bolt had flashed between them. For what seemed like eternity though was just a few moments they stood still with just their lips touching, the rain streaming down on their linked forms. Till at last, Alain groaned and wrapped his arm behind her neck and tilted her face as he deepened the kiss hungrily.
The pounding rain along with the raging thunder and lightning were the only things to finally jolt them apart. For the rest of the way home they half-jogged, laughed and held hands and it felt wonderful. Even more wonderful was what came next, once the doors of the garage closed behind them and they shut out the noise of the wind and rain. Now, all that was left was just them.
“You have such a beautiful smile.” Alain stared intently into her smiling face. “The first time I saw you, I thought of only one thing that could enhance it.”
“What?” Maya couldn’t help but giggle, caught up in the euphoria that had no indication of ever simmering down for now.
“The fact that your smile would look even more beautiful beneath the moonlight. You, laying down on my silk sheets and your eyes on mine as I make love to you.”
Maya nibbled on her bottom lip, wanting to make a joke about Alain being corny, and the fact he didn’t have silk sheets, did he? But instead, she felt the ache in her core spread wider and moister. This infatuation of hers was going to get her in trouble, she knew it but she couldn’t run away now.
Never would Maya have thought all his sweet talking and seemingly sincere warmth was all a façade. A major part of her had guessed Alain had secrets, but she’d never dreamed that it could prove bigger than the both of them. Yet that night, she could swear that their passion rang true. And when Alain started kissing down on her neck and picked her body up to straddle his waist while he moved them to the lone couch, Maya’s giggles turned to moans as she felt Alain’s hardness press against her heated center.
Finally, Alain would make her his for the night. They both wanted it more than anything, and it showed in the way they undressed each other, peeling off the damp clothes. He told her she was beautiful, and she gasped in awe when she saw him naked. He had a gorgeous light tan that looked exotic next to her creamy brown skin. He touched and kissed her all over, never missing an inch of flesh. He got on top of her and trailed kisses down her body and came back up. Then he spread her legs and slipped his finger inside her.
He massaged her tightness within and Maya began to moan and move with his hand.
“Open your legs wider. Damn. You’re tight and hot, aren’t you?”
Maya spread wider and pulled him on top of her. “I want you inside me.” She looked into his eyes not bothering to hide her desire. She was so ready for him. To her joy he wasted no time and thrust his thick length inside her. Maya screamed in pleasure.
Alain stopped moving and Maya could see the muscle ticking in his neck. “You feel like it’s your first time,” he rasped, biting off a curse in French, which made Maya smile.
“It’s been a while for me,” Maya confessed. “Just please don’t stop. I know the discomfort will pass. Take me, Alain.”
She pushed up to meet her hips with his and Alain’s breath sharpened. He began to move slow and steady till he was fully inside her. Her walls throbbed and squeezed on him and soon his pace grew faster, rougher. Alain didn’t use a condom, but Maya knew he was aware she was on the pill. All they had to focus on was the pleasure, and it felt incredible. The sensation of hard and smooth, rough and tender gave the perfect synchromesh where their passion revolved at the same speed, shifting like the smoothest of gears.
Maya didn’t know what to say when their first release shattered through them simultaneously. Then Alain landed atop her, seeming reluctant to remove his erection from inside her. He finally slid off her and Maya just stared into space like one in a daze. How could sex feel like that? So raw and yet so dazzling? Her walls still thrummed from being so perfectly fused round Alain’s thickness. He’d stretched her and filled her until she lost each memory of any lover she’d ever had. A sense of satiation rocked her system and she turned on her side, her back to Alain. She had to figure out what the hell just happened to her mind and body and how she could piece herself back together. Was this how it felt when you loved someone with your whole soul, that just a physical act of fulfilled desire made it feel you were reborn?
Alain was in just as much turmoil. He’d gone to grab a beer which he gulped as he worked out what the fuck he’d gotten himself into. How had he not seen this coming? He’d held himself in check all this time, half-wary of taking things too fast and then, having his interest wan once the prize was sampled. Yet just now as he’d cum inside her, he’d been so close to echoing Maya’s emotional declaration of just an hour earlier. When she’d told him she loved him.
He’d felt like a king and a bastard at the same time. Yet when the time came to claim her beautiful, smooth-skinned and curvy body as his, he’d thought of nothing else but her scent, her softness, and her submission. In giving all of herself so uninhibitedly, she’d drawn Alain even further within her spell till he was submerged within her essences.
Now he was sure, he could never have enough.
Alain walked back over to the couch and noticed that Maya had fallen asleep. He let out a deep breath. After bedding a woman he always made sure to be gone, because even the most ‘liberated’ types assumed he could be tied down just within a pair of sexy, sizzling thighs. Yet Maya was the first he could picture himself with the morning after, and the morning after that.
He glanced at her derriere and felt himself go hard again. She had all the right curves and then some extra, and damn he wanted her again. He slid unto the couch beside her and pulled her close against him. He kissed her shoulders and then her neck. He grabbed one of her breasts and began to fondle and rub. Maya let out a moan, her lush hips rocking against his ramrod stem embedded against her ass. He slid his hand from her breast to her stomach and then down to slip his finger deep into her slit. As always she was ready for him.
Then Maya surprised him. She turned to face him and then pushed him on his back, before getting on top of him. Alain entered inside of her and it felt even more like heaven as she moved back and forth on him. He seized her juicy breasts and tweaked her nipples, watching her luscious body sway while his ivory member slid in and out of her cocoa folds. It felt too good, it had his head spinning. She moved her hips faster and faster, her walls like silk tightly wound around him. He had to take back control or he’d spill too soon.
Alain flipped her over and slid out long enough to maneuver her on her hands and knees. Then he drove hard into her from behind and heard her cry out his name. She moaned and begged for more and more. Taking Maya from the back was just as mind-blowing and Alain didn’t think he’d even been this hard, or felt anything as exquisite as Maya wrapped tightly around him.
Just when he felt too close to the brink he pulled out again and lay her on her back once more, covering her with his body as he surged back deep inside her. Maya gasped and roved her hands down his spine to his ass. Her fingers kneaded into his toned flesh along with her heels urging him faster, deeper.
Alain couldn’t remember the last time he’d been into vanilla sex. With other women he’d never really welcomed the intimacy of making love and felt more comfortable within the walls of a kinky, BDSM liaison with all the accompanying boundaries. Maya gave him a whole new perspective, where he could always have it both ways. It simply blew him away.
Brushing his lips against hers, he thrust and thrust and felt ready to lose himself in an endless foray of Maya. Sensing the changes in her body as her constricting walls pulsed and gushed in readiness to orgasm, Alain groaned and pulled back from her lips.
Watching her he saw her phases of release, the dilating of her liquid brown eyes, the way her lips parted in a silent scream while her body shuddered in ecstasy. Alain followed suit moments later, having held back just long enough to ensure they both coasted the smoldering waves together.
He looked into her eyes while Maya lay beneath him and in that moment, he sensed all her emotions. Her trust, love and fulfillment. Alain knew that would have been a perfect moment to tell her the truth – and to let her know he felt the same.
I really should have told her I loved her, he would think to himself over and over weeks and months later. It was a lapse he would regret with all the depth of his heart when the time came. Because in the end, even when he hadn’t set out to, he managed to leave her all alone, emotionally and physically. And would hate himself for it for a long, long time to come.
***
Nothing seemed to make sense anymore, not to Maya. Just days ago, she was so sure she understood the way of the world, and just where she stood with a certain man who’d blown into her life at just the right time. And now he was gone.
That rainy night a week ago, Maya and Alain finally had sex. The next morning before Maya was awake, Alain had left with a vague note and his phone number, saying he had to go back to Europe early.
Maya had been in shock the whole time afterwards, and even the fact that there were signs Alain would be back gave her no reassurances. For one thing he’d left the keys to the garage and some money to continue to source parts. But the whole leaving in the middle of the night thing didn’t bode well.
What could she do, but pick up the pieces and forge ahead? She had her menswear shop job, and on top of that was her new past time of networking within the car community. A new determination set in, as Maya began to decide how to move forward. Maybe her new career would be centered round being a classic-car enthusiast.
She certainly needed every kind of distraction to keep her mind off Alain, or any thoughts of calling his number.
That was, until a month later, when she found out she was pregnant.
***
Her best friend Nikki was all for Maya calling Alain up with the news about the pregnancy. All Maya wanted to do, was first just get her head around the fact she was carrying a baby. For a man who’d made love to her one night, then disappeared. And hadn’t called her since.
Finally, Maya found it impossible to keep up her stance not to contact Alain. He’d been the one to leave, whether on an emergency, or to escape any kind of repercussion from their night of passion. A part of her, was beginning to regret her wish for them to become lovers, because it had all but backfired on her if she had to admit.
There was no more time to think. She’d received the full test results that morning, confirming her suspicions.
For so long all she’d wanted was a stable relationship. She had a comfortable life, but nothing was really complete without someone to share it all with. How could she now connect the caring Alain, to the cold one who’d left her high and dry and in the biggest pickle of her life?
Now she was carrying his child, and she suddenly knew she had to tell him before it was too late.
Maya didn’t want to raise a child all alone. She couldn’t imagine putting a child on her parents either, when they had their own kids to raise. If she was going to make any decisions about her pregnancy, she’d at least need Alain’s input. Whether he would deny it, or turn his back on her completely, was what she couldn’t be sure of. When it came to Alain she could never be sure of anything ever again.
Maya called the foreign number with a sense of purpose she hadn’t had, before she found out about the baby. But the person who answered the phone was female who first spoke in rapid French. When Maya interrupted her in English and asked to speak to Alain, there was a sudden silence.
The next moment, Maya could hear the phone exchange hands and then it was Alain speaking. Maya’s breath caught for a moment at the sound of his voice after so many weeks.
“Alain, it’s Maya. We need to talk,” she started after they shared the initial greeting. It ached her deep inside to feel like she was talking to a stranger.
“Is everything OK?” His tone had been surprised when she’d first said who she was, as if he’d never expected to hear from her again. Now he sounded deeply concerned.
Maya had to hide her confusion. She didn’t understand who it was who’d first picked up the phone. It had definitely been a woman, but who was she to Alain?
Somehow, she couldn’t find the words to say what she’d meant to say. “I just wanted to know when you’ll be back. You’ve been gone a month already, and I didn’t want to seem impatient, or entitled in any way or I would have called earlier. Still, I’m curious to know if you really ever plan to return.”
Resentment had begun to creep into her voice, and Maya was sure Alain detected it. He seemed to let out a deep sigh. “I’ll still tied up here for at least another two months. But if there’s anything serious that needs…”
“No,” she said quickly. “There’s nothing serious, honestly. You do what you have to do.”
“So, you’ll wait for me?”
The husky heat in his voice was back, and try as she could Maya couldn’t fight the chills of pleasure going up and down her back. She was crazy, wasn’t she? Because she was already making up all kinds of excuses why this was happening and how it couldn’t be any fault of Alain’s. It had to be something beyond his control, and she’d have to respect that.
“It’s not like I have a choice, do I?” she finally joked, while thinking that of course, Alain couldn’t tell what she really meant. What could she do but wait, even when she knew that in two months, she was possibly going to start to show.
Wait, she was keeping the baby?
Maya kept asking herself the same question over and over, long after her call with Alain had ended. And yet, deep down she already knew the answer.
Two months was indeed a long wait. Maya could only keep busy as much as she could. Partly, she acted as if the pregnancy hadn’t happened and life was normal as usual. But during unexpected moments, she’d get bouts of sentimentality when she’d simply burst into tears of disarray and fear. How could she possibly know what decisions to make, when this baby wasn’t hers alone?
Somehow, she made it through the many long weeks of waiting. Being a woman who always had that enterprising spirit, nothing could ever really keep her down for long. She was so sure she’d got herself together, but that was until the moment her phone rang, and it was Alain. He was back.
He asked if they could meet up, and Maya said yes. They made plans, and the moment the call ended Maya felt the panic set in. Did she really want to see him again? This was the weirdest relationship if there ever was one. Even if it was a long distance one, why was he so close-mouthed about himself – why couldn’t they keep in constant contact? Could he possibly be – gasp – married? And was trying to keep Maya as his dirty little secret?
That was all the least of her worries though. The baby inside her was showing more and more signs of its presence each day. She had no obvious symptoms yet, except some infrequent bloating that went after a day or two. Maya wondered, would Alain notice anything different about her physically, when they met up again after three whole months apart?
The fact was, Alain did notice something a whole lot different – in Maya’s demeanor, for one. She still had her usual confidence, just not with the same openness that had made it so easy to get closer to her. Now, she’d put up fences around her emotions and responses, acting more guarded than she’d ever been – but could Alain really blame her?
Normally, he’d meant to stay away three months thanks to an unavoidable work emergency. Yet, he’d done his best to wrap things up in two, so he could make it back to Maya. Now there was this divide that hadn’t been between them before, and he hated it.
He wanted the old Maya back, but how could he ease her mind, wouldn’t having to spill all the secrets he’d so far kept from her? There had to be another way to melt down her reserve, so he started asking about what decision she’d made as to her future, as well as what cars she’d found for him to restore. It was the first time she began to show any kind of animation, as her face brightened while talking about her plans. There was still something about her that had him concerned though.
“Looks like you’ve been busy,” he said. “I’d imagine how exciting and exhausting it must all have been. You did manage to put on a little weight, so that’s a plus.”
Maya let out a slight laugh, even as she raised a self-conscious hand to her cheeks. “For some women, weight gain isn’t actually a good thing.”
“Well, the extra pounds looks great on you. You have this delightful glow, Maya. I can’t tear my eyes from you.”
And yet, you could tear yourself away for three whole months, Maya would have burst out saying, but held herself back just in time. She wasn’t going to attack him for leaving. She just felt so glad he was back – even though she couldn’t show it to the fullest.
Maya wasn’t surprised at Alain’s level of observation – he was always so astute and had noticed her body had changed. But he couldn’t guess it was from pregnancy. Maya, in her own case had been careful with her outfit, choosing a flattering dress in a free-flowing silhouette that hid her baby bump. She was already starting to show and couldn’t keep the baby a secret too much longer – not if Alain was going to be around for a bit. She just couldn’t decide, when would be the best time to break the news.
Maya didn’t argue when Alain chose to bring her back to her place. But she led him up to her apartment instead of lingering in the garage. It held too many memories of their time together and Maya didn’t want any of those memories clouding her judgment. Once upstairs she offered Alain some wine or coffee, he chose wine but Maya didn’t pour a glass for herself.
“You must have a lot of things on your mind where we’re both concerned,” he began, twirling the empty wineglass in his hand as he sat on the edge of the couch. Maya sat on the other end, hugging her arms around her with her back stiff while sitting forward.
“I’m simply interested in how you plan explaining yourself,” Maya said calmly.
“What if I asked you to trust that it’s for the best?” Alain lifted those arresting blue eyes up to Maya’s. “You always put faith in whatever I said. Has it changed?”
“Oh, you have no idea what’s changed,” Maya said with a dramatic shake of her head. “But there are a few questions I have. When I called your number, it was a woman who answered and I wasn’t sure what to think. Is she some secretary, or…”
“That was Cerise. She’s an assistant at the company where I work. You don’t have to bother about her or anyone. I’m more interested, in knowing just how much progress you made. And if you really want to make your mark in the car community like you’ve implied. Is that really your dream?”
“So now you care about my dreams?” Maya huffed. “You skip out of here without warning, barely even call me or keep in touch, and suddenly my dreams matters? You’re joking right?”
Maya saw Alain’s cheeks flush slightly and she felt a twinge of satisfaction. Whether he was angry or just embarrassed that she called him out, it didn’t matter. If she didn’t love him so much, she’d have kicked him out from the first second.
Feeling annoyed with herself, with everything, Maya sprang up from the couch. Alain rose too, and now his brow was furrowed, this time in concern. “Maya, are you okay?”
“What?” she asked wide-eyed, surprised at the look on his face.
“Your nose is bleeding.” He gently grabbed her shoulders, swearing harshly in French even as he peered into her face. “Just what the hell is happening? Are you sick?”
“No, I’m not sick!” She brushed out of his arms and turned away, while lifting a tissue she kept handy to her nose. “I have nosebleeds every once in a while. I just need to soothe it with a dab of petroleum jelly and it’ll be back to normal.”
“There’s something you aren’t telling me,” Alain said, his chest slightly heaving as he placed his hands on his hips. “I’m not backing down till I find out what it is. I was with you for months and you never had nosebleeds once.”
“Nose issues are quite common in my condition.” Maya spoke in a calm tone, closing her eyes briefly before turning to face Alain again. “It’s the pregnancy hormones, or so my doctor tells me. Alain, I’m having a baby. Our baby.”
***
The following day was Maya’s three-month appointment, and she’d invited Alain to come with her. She had the hope that Alain might settle down and work on this with her.
He did show up, and when they both see the baby on the screen for the first time (a boy), Alain seemed overcome with emotion. Maya didn’t think it had all set in for him, until now. When she’d told him last night about the baby, she’d asked him to go back home to his hotel and think things over for the night. They’d both needed some distance but Maya had been glad, that he hadn’t acted like a dick and asked her if it was sure it was his.
Now, she felt incredibly connected with him as they shared a look. Afterward, they took a walk around the park surrounding the hospital. They found a bench in a cozy corner of the garden, and talked.
“Before I say anything, I’d like to know how you feel.” Alain didn’t look at her, but had his hand over hers in a warm, reassuring grip that almost, made Maya forgive him for his disappearing act.
Taking a deep breath, Maya found her voice, and gathered her thoughts. “Having the baby feels right to me. I’ll continue to work my retail jobs and support my small family. I’d love for you to be involved, but…I’ll understand if you’re not ready.”
She could have sworn she saw him flinch slightly, but Maya couldn’t be sure. She turned to him fully, expectantly. “Alain?”
His light blue eyes shifted to hers, and she saw all that genuineness she’d found so compelling and attractive from the start. There’d always been something noble and worthy about Alain, but could she still trust her instinct after what happened?
“The baby feels right to me too. This is what I want for my future, as well. That’s all I can say.”
“That’s all I need to know.” For now, Maya added to herself.
Seeing something in her eyes, he moved closer, took her hand and tugged her the rest of the way into the cache of his arms. It had been so long…and she was feeling extra vulnerable tonight. Getting to see her beautiful baby boy for the first time, and learning that he was fully formed and healthy, gave her life more richness than it had ever known. Even just breathing felt like the utmost treasure, and Alain’s nearness, his touch…felt just as precious.
Maya knew she was a fool, but she couldn’t stop the way she felt about him. He kissed her lips and the world became picture perfect. He’d never made her any promises, and just with his smile did he manage to spin his wizardry that had her melting into his charms.
She could tell herself it was just sex, and she was just using Alain’s body for the pleasure she craved. Or she could admit that she was ready to settle for whatever he had to offer, even if it wasn’t lasting, or secure. If it had to be for just here and now, then I’ll have to live with that, Maya told herself, as she stepped into her bedroom while leading Alain in with her hand in his.
The door closed behind them in the dimly lit bedroom and that’s when Maya relinquished control, and Alain took over. As willingly as ever, she gave herself up to his guiding touch and wishes. Such as when he told her to strip, slowly, and then had her stand there naked and quivering while he perused her blooming form with blazing eyes. Her breasts were fuller and her nipples thicker, and though her waistline remained trim there was definitely evidence of the baby bump as Alain rested his hand there along with hers.
“I’m going to take care of you. Both of you,” he said huskily, and when he looked up, Maya held his gaze with bated breath. Could he really be making a commitment right now? Maya almost didn’t dare hope.
Just dwell in the moment, Maya thought to herself. She watched breathlessly as Alain too, undressed with deliberate slowness. She drank in his masculine beauty as he walked over to her, never taking his gaze off her. Shivers chilled up and down her body and she moved back, until she bumped into the dresser behind her.
His hands on both sides of her head, he leaned closer and brought his lips closer to hers then stopped. Feeling his warm breath on her lips, and his gaze burning unto her skin, drove Maya’s hormones up the wall. She was going weak at the knees, wishing she could lean further back but instead, found herself drawing in and closing the space between them.
Hmm, his lips were soft and tasted like cherry wine. Gasping, Maya drew back instantly as heat shot down her stomach to her inner thighs. This time, Alain chuckled and seized her mouth again, crushing her lips with his and exploring the inside of her mouth hungrily. Maya gasped and arched against him, just as he shifted from her lips to kiss down her neck to her breast. Taking one full into his mouth, he sucked it deeply and brought tingles of bliss throughout her nerve cells.
“Alain. Oh God,” she gasped, throwing her head back and shuddering. While she gripped harder at the edges of the dresser for support, Alain sank on his knees and buried his face within the apex of her thighs.
“No, please don’t,” Maya moaned, as he lapped at her sex, his lips plucking on her folds.
“You need this,” rasped Alain. “And so do I. You are mine, Maya,” he murmured across her moistened slit. He deeply inhaled her scent and groaned, before lightly nipping on her clitoris. Maya bucked and buried a fist in his hair, grabbing tight. His tongue inside her felt good, and his lips teasing her clit made her see bright stars behind her closed lids.
She was so close, and the knot inside her was so tight, getting tighter…but then it stopped. Maya’s eyes dragged open and she stared down as Alain grinned, those devilish blue eyes glinting. “You don’t get to finish yet, beautiful. There’s more.”
Holy fuck. Maya wasn’t sure how much more she could take. When Alain guided her atop him on the bed, she was confused for a moment as she was positioned to face him reverse cowgirl style. But then, he urged her up to virtually straddle his face and suddenly, it sank in what he wanted.
Maya went hot all over, as she felt Alain bury his tongue inside her slit. As she bucked with pleasure on top of his face, her hands reached for his rigid member which stood straight up from his groin. He seemed like a baton in her eager palms, so big and hard and pulsing with a life of its own. Without thinking, she leaned forward till she was horizontal over Alain’s torso, and slowly engulfed his shaft into her mouth.
Never had she tried the sixty-nine position with anyone and it seemed just right to share it with Alain. He was ravenous as he licked, sucked and teased her sex while thrusting intermittently inside her with his expert fingers. Aiming to give him as much pleasure as he gave her, Maya eagerly mouthed his turgid length, bathing him with her tongue and lips and then bobbing her widened mouth up and down his meaty stem till his hips bucked up to meet her in rhythm.
The perfect finish came, when in between their moans and groans, they finished inside each other’s mouths. Maya’s first taste of sperm, was Alain’s spearing her throat in ropes of thick cum. It tasted so good she was already eager to try this all again. At the same time, she could feel him lapping every drop of juice she squirted after her powerful orgasm, thanks to his unrelenting exploration of her dripping sex.
That was just the beginning, because the night was spent in every position imaginable, and with varying degrees of roughness and tenderness in the passion they shared. Maya let herself get lifted high by each star-bound climax, because she couldn’t tell if she’d wake up the next morning and her secretive lover would be gone again.
Maybe now that he knew he was going to be a father, Alain would find more and more reasons to stay, Maya thought hours later as she rested her head on his chest in slumber. His hand on her hair gently stroked her to sleep as their connected flesh slowing cooled and stilled. And Maya had never felt safer or happier. Could she really start to put hope in forever?
***
Alain didn’t say how long he’d be in town, and Maya didn’t want to pry. The last thing she wanted was to act clingy, or push him away. As long as he was around, she’d keep things simple. After all, he’d promised to return and here he was. She decided he’d open up to her when the time was right.
He was finally finished with refurbishing the 1965 Corvair Monza convertible, and Maya felt just as proud as Alain must feel that they’d completed the project successfully. He suggested they celebrate by taking it out on a spin, and Maya was all for it.
Just a day earlier, Maya took Alain to an awesome car graveyard she’d found, and Alain had picked out multiple cars he’d like to renovate and sell. Maya had felt a hidden excitement, telling herself this had to be a sign that Alain was ready to settle down.
For today, her smile was brighter and warmer, all because she was starting to believe in the future again. She had fun with Alain dreaming about what they would do with the cars, and also what their future looked like with the baby. They ended up heading outside the city in their newly renovated convertible, and had a picnic on the hill that reminded Maya of their first picnic on that private beach.
“Weeks ago, I started building a considerable list of vintage-auto owners in the locale. I plan to orchestrate their participation in several classic-car events,” Maya told Alain with a smile. She’d felt bad about snapping at him all those days ago when he’d asked her about her dreams. Now, she went on about how she planned on arranging cars to be shown at annual events and parades. She loved the idea of being an organizer, and was already reaching out to the town’s Chamber of Commerce to partake in the Fall festival with the vehicles she’d arrange for.
Alain looked suitably impressed. “You’re really dedicated. Some of these projects, you’ve taken to preparing for months in advance.”
“I’m trying to be the go-to gal when it comes to classic cars in this area,” she joked, then her smile grew dreamy. “I feel like I can achieve anything I set my mind to, now that I’m becoming a mother. Now, I see myself dividing my spare time between attending a first-time pregnancy mom’s group, and the local classic-car enthusiasts group.” She shook her head as she laughed, only for her smile to turn sober as she caught Alain’s steady gaze.
“Maya, I have to leave Chicago in two days,” he said. At Maya’s look of dismay, he added, “But I’ll be back as soon as possible – at most a week after. I’ll always find a way to make time for you – and the baby.”
Maya expelled a deep breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “It would be terrible to feel abandoned again,” she half-joked, and saw the flash of pain that crossed Alain’s face, which he quickly masked. In the end, she was the one who seemed to do the reassuring, as she rested a hand on his arm.
“I’ll be fine. I promise not to get too overworked or tire myself out. I’ll be careful to always put the baby, and myself first before anything else.”
She cupped his face and kissed him sweetly, only to squeal when he suddenly swung her bridal-style into his arms. He carried her back to the convertible, stating that there was one way they hadn’t yet christened the like-new car.
When Alain settled her to lie across the back seat and covered her body with his, Maya sighed and wrapped her arms around him eagerly. Desire coursed through her veins, and in moments they were immersed in each other. Passion turned the heat levels up to scorching, and her gasps filled the air with each thrust her lover speared within her eager sheathe. While facing the beautiful vista of the valley below, the convertible rocked slightly as the fervent lovers mated in a dance as old as time.
***
In his Paris office, Alain Montand perused the files provided by his head of security, and one of his closest friends, Robert Vidal. For months, ever since Alain had had to leave Chicago unexpectedly, he’d been keeping tabs on Maya to ensure she was okay. He felt faintly grubby – guilty even, for putting her under surveillance but he’d felt even guiltier about leaving her unexpectedly just after their first night together as lovers.
Since then, he always kept in the loop through information which Robert normally dropped his findings into Alain’s email inbox. Since Robert had other stuff to see to regarding the computer security of Alain’s company handled by Robert’s firm, Robert decided to hand in the info personally.
Now, Robert viewed his friend Alain with a considerate glance. “You’re killing yourself traveling back and forth to Chicago every other week. It’s just not working, is it?”
“I’ll admit, my business in Europe is suffering because of it,” Alain said on a short sigh. “Coupled with that, the cars are coming slowly in America. It’s all getting hectic.”
What Alain didn’t add, was the part that really affected him the most: the fact that Maya was becoming more and more pregnant – and as such, keeping the secret of who he really was, kept biting him.
“Well, Maya seems to be blossoming running the new renovation company. As you can see in the report, she’s really mastered being able to source original materials. Buyers and new projects are all lining up. That’s a good thing, surely?” Robert’s smile was slightly rueful. He knew much about the situation between Alain and Maya, and knew how much Alain was weighed down by all the secrets between them.
“Normally, it should be,” Alain replied, turning to view the scenery from his penthouse office window. “But I feel sick, that Maya has built this whole new life based on a lie I told her.”
“What lie? You just weren’t as open as you should be about your financial status. In the end, she’ll understand why you did it,” reasoned Robert.
“Will she?” Alain sighed again and pushed a hand through his hair. In the beginning, it had all seemed so simple. For a long time, Alain had become sick of the stuck up models, actresses and socialites he’d been with. All he’d wanted, was to meet a normal woman again – perhaps, one of those bread and butter types whose ambitions were to find a good man to marry and raise a few kids.
When you played all of the mind games that came with being wealthy and single, it wasn’t a surprise to long for simplicity. As such, Alain had chosen to pose as a normal guy on his vacation to Chicago, and hopefully find that everyday girl he was looking for. Then he met Maya.
The deeper he began to feel for Maya, the worse he felt. Still, he always held back from revealing his true identity. He never wanted to change that expression in her eyes when she looked at him. With the women in his past, he’d always wondered if all they saw was Alain Bernard the billionaire, or the man himself. There was no cause for such hang ups while he was with Maya.
He could have told her who he was from their first date, but he didn’t want her to like him for his money just like most of the women he’d been with. After he’d overcome the shock of finding out she was pregnant for him, he began to view the whole development as a happy chance. Alain was glad to have an heir, and he could picture a future with Maya. But when she found out he’d been lying to her from the start, would she picture a future with him?
Alain realized it was time to come clean. When he returned to Chicago in a few days, Maya expected them to go house hunting. She’d told him she hoped they could get a larger apartment if they could afford it. It was moments like those, that Alain felt the most like a total heel. The downside of his whole façade, that as much as he wanted to shower Maya with all the finest things she deserved, he knew he couldn’t more so because she wouldn’t wish for them.
Still, he longed to give her the whole world all the same. She was worth it, if only she knew.
He’d just have to prove it to her - and Alain planned to do just that the next time they were together again. Soon, he’ll work things out so they – all three of them - would never have to be apart again.
***
He’d always remember the first time they met.
Physically, Maya was perfect. Her figure was slim and shapely, and she wasn’t too petite or too tall – just the right height and with a gorgeous ass that made Alain wonder why he’d never been into some extra bit of junk in the trunk before. Well, now he was – just as he was now into mocha skin, highlighted with a natural golden glow that made him want to taste her all over.
Maya had a capable demeanor to go with her sweet personality and bright smile, yet beneath all her professionalism, Alain was man enough to sense her reaction to him. He felt that instant spark between them that he hadn’t felt with a woman in a long time.
And best of all, she had no clue who he really was.
Alain had sensed her innocence and genuine nature, but he had wondered if it would matter to her if he was the heir of an empire as well as a mogul in his own right. Would she jump at the chance of possibly becoming Mrs. Alain Bernard, her eyes filling with dollar signs just by looking at him, as did those other women he’d come in contact with?
It was almost ten months since that first time he’d met Maya in that men’s store. Alain knew he would have to tell her eventually about who he really was, but he had first needed to convince them both that this could be real without basing anything on status or personal assets. Whether Maya would relate with his viewpoint, was now what he was worried about.
After he must have told Maya the truth, Alain planned to take her to Paris to meet the family. He had the jet ready to fly them back to France once they picked out a new place in Chicago.
Alain had a smile on his face as he flicked through photos of Maya on his phone, some which she’d sent him. At seven months pregnant she’d never looked more beautiful, her weight gain healthy and her skin radiating. She’d make the sexiest new mom alive, thought Alain as he viewed her very evident baby bump displayed by the form-fitting dress she wore. How she could look so elegant even with how heavy she had become, was an awesome feat. Alain knew she’d look beautiful to him anytime, anywhere.
Alain put away his phone and laptop in preparation for landing the jet at the private strip. The flight would have been the best time to catch up on the business plans and progress reports on his patents, yet instead his thoughts kept going back to Maya. She’d called him yesterday to remind him to keep his promise about making it back today. As if Alain could stand being away another day, when he’d missed her and their unborn baby.
Little did Alain know, that things would come crashing down, and that it was already too late to set things right.
Maya had got a call from the topnotch real estate agent about meeting up to view some listings and Maya was all for it. This realtor took a long time to set appointments, so Maya decided not to wait for Alain and use this rare opportunity to check out the apartments herself. Thankfully, the agent truly knew Chicago and offered invaluable insight on the neighborhoods, up to the buildings and even the blocks.
When Maya did find the apartment she instantly fell in love with, the rest was an absolute breeze. What would have seemed a daunting task of inspections and contracts went by without Maya feeling overwhelmed since Alain wasn’t there.
Maya really loved the apartment she’d chosen, and was sure Alain would too. Not wanting to waste any more time, Maya quickly got the agent to run their numbers in readiness to close the deal. And that was when Maya got the shock of the century.
“I can’t imagine why you were worried. You both can easily afford to get this place,” the agent, Penny said with a smile. “Alain would certainly have no problem. He’s your boyfriend, isn’t he?”
At the moment, Maya didn’t know who the hell he was. She was simply staring at the screen in front of her on Penny’s laptop which showed how much Alain was worth. Alain Bernard, to be exact. His name had never rang any alarm bells to Maya before, yet suddenly it seemed it carried more than its weight in money and power.
CEO and self-made billionaire, founder of a leading company in the European automotive industry. He’d put his extensive academic background in engineering, industrial design and business to good use and had started out holding various positions in many notable car firms before branching out on his own.
His company designed and manufactured nuts and bolts used for European race cars, while in his personal life, he remained an avid car enthusiast and enjoyed spending time at the rallies.
Maya was shocked to discover that Alain had earned numerous industry achievement awards and was considered a lynchpin of European motorsports. That, and the fact that he was a billionaire.
That last part had her reaching shakily for the nearest chair to settle into. Even Penny noticed her reaction. “You had no idea who he really was or how much he was worth?” The agent shook her head in amazement.
Maya grimaced and rested her hands on her bump. She wasn’t exactly in pain, and she suspected what she felt was acute embarrassment to have found out the truth from the real estate agent.
She spent the next several hours fuming and running everything Alain had ever told her, over and over in her mind. How could she not have seen him for what he was? It was always the deep, steady types that held the most capacity for deception. And she was done being the victim of his trickery.
The shock soon wore off, replaced by Maya’s calm certainty that there was no way forward for both of them
When Alain arrived at her doorstep, she made sure he had no doubts as to her resolve to leave him. She’d already called him on the phone, so he at least knew what to expect after the way she’d cried and yelled at him. Now that they were face to face, he tried to explain things, but Maya wasn’t ready to listen.
“I never wanted money – I wanted to build a life with someone. I never would have dreamed you were keeping me like a mistress on the side,” she said angrily, already losing her calm. Maya hated being played for a fool, especially when with Alain she’d been so blindly and happily trusting. How he must have laughed behind her back!
“That’s not true and you know it.”
Maya lifted her hand in a universal ‘stop’ gesture at his words. “One thing I do know for sure, is that it’s over between us. I’m moving all your stuff out of the apartment and I’ll hire a new mechanic for my business.”
“So, you’re totally ready to cut ties with me,” Alain said. “You’re forgetting a vital detail, such as the fact we’re having a baby together.”
“My baby doesn’t need you. I can find him a father who can be trusted, who’ll treat me with simple human dignity which you’ve obviously fallen short of doing.”
“I’m sorry, okay. I’m sorry!” Alain growled, and gently but firmly took her shoulders and turned her to face him fully. “If I had a way to separate myself from what I am – the billionaire CEO, I would. Every moment I was with you, I felt I was experiencing something worthwhile for the first time.”
“Being rich and powerful is part of who you are. Why would you need to hide behind a mask and ask me to accept just a version of you?” Maya breathed. “I gave you the whole version of myself.”
“I know. Dammit, Maya, I know,” said Alain, his face creased in pain as he pulled her close, taking care not to press the baby bump.
Alain knew he could keep saying the same thing again and again, but Maya was too hurt right now to let it make any difference. “I need to figure out what I really want. I’m not sure I can believe in anything we share anymore, not when it was all based on an illusion.”
“This isn’t an illusion,” Alain told her while resting his hand possessively on her pregnant stomach. “It’s proof that what we have, has the right to bloom. Neither of us have the right to say it’s not worth a chance.”
Maya stared at Alain while fighting down her anger, so deeply embedded within her since she’d found out about him yesterday. “You’re too good at saying all the things I want to hear. But no matter how much sense you make, I’m standing by my decision. You can still play your role as the father of my baby, but there can’t be anything romantic between us.”
She could see how hurt Alain was by her words. But what could she do? He just kept giving her more and more pain. Right from the start, she’d opened her heart to him without question. Like a fool, she’d told herself she didn’t need to know more than the fact he wanted to be part of her world. She’d established so much of her future based on everything he’d opened her up to. Now it all felt like ashes, because she didn’t know what was real and what was not, anymore.
“Don’t make any rash decisions right now,” he said in a calm voice. “I take the blame for everything. Because of my damn ego, I risked sacrificing your trust. Give me one more chance, and I promise I won’t make the same mistake again.”
“I’m done with promises,” Maya said, and moved to the door as quickly as her heavy body would allow. She knew if he was still close by she’d never be able to think things through. “Just give me a bit more time,” she added with less hostility than before.
Maya saw him wince, and knew he didn’t want to leave, but she was glad Alain finally chose to respect her wishes, and after a deep sigh he was gone out the door. Tears spilled silently out of Maya’s eyes as she leaned against the closed door, and somehow, she sensed Alain’s presence right outside on the other side, and imagined him resting his head against the frame, unable to just walk away. All Maya needed to do was unlock the door again and take him back in but, she found the inner strength to hold back.
Minutes later, she heard faint footfalls of Alain finally making his departure and her heart sank with every receding step. Was it well and truly over between them? Or was she making the biggest mistake by pushing him away? What if he never came back?
She’d have to pay the price, come what may. Maya wanted to win back her pride and self-esteem, battered after several months of never being secure about Alain. Maybe they could work things out, maybe not. But she couldn’t hinge her whole happiness and existence on another human being, not after he’d used gimmicks just to protect his ego.
Perhaps, if it wasn’t for her own hidden insecurities and how she’d never really felt worthy of him, then she wouldn’t have reacted so negatively to everything. She’d seen glimpses of the world where he truly belonged, when she’d viewed his profile both online and in every magazine he featured in, which she got her hands on. That life of glamor, affluence and accomplishment where someone like Maya couldn’t even dare dream of attaining on her own.
Maya had been awed and frightened by the prospect of wanting to lay claim to being at Alain’s side. She couldn’t really picture herself as a billionaire’s girlfriend or wife, that was if Alain was even thinking that far.
She’d seen pictures of women he’d been with prior, and she even began to question what he’d ever seen in her. Maybe she’d started out as an exotic diversion, but then she went and got pregnant and now, he felt duty-bound to take responsibility for the baby. How could she bear being the one to make him trapped?
Even with how much she told herself she’d made the right decision, Maya spent the next few days in constant turmoil. She wasn’t completely alone – she had Nikki and the support of a few other friends and family, but it wasn’t the same. How had she grown so dependent on Alain’s presence in her life, that it physically ached to be separated from him this way?
To make matters worse were the headaches that started to get at her as she got well into her third trimester. Her doctor had told her to be more careful about her posture and to get plenty of rest and relaxation, but none of those remedies seemed to be working.
Deep down, Maya knew her tension headaches might not be entirely pregnancy related. She couldn’t count how many times a day she stared at the phone wanting to call Alain up. She didn’t even know if he was still in the country or had returned to Europe on one of his constant business trips.
Thinking of how in the past many months he’d always been too busy, Maya’s resolve hardened and she changed her mind about calling him. She could handle this alone, she vowed.
Finally, Maya decided she needed some time away. She didn’t plan on going anyplace far, just somewhere quiet she could have to herself for a few days. Even Nikki wasn’t told exactly where it was – Maya didn’t want anyone trying to butt in thinking she shouldn’t be alone while heavily pregnant. It was exactly because of everyone making such a fuss, that Maya decided on the little retreat.
The spot was a secluded, out of town location that was almost rural in setting. Maya instantly felt revived by the fresh air and the sense of being cut off from the stress of city life. The property owned by one of her aunts who’d passed on and left the place to Maya and her sisters. The others hardly spent time there, not fond of the rustic life with barely any amenities, but the thought of living rough strangely appealed to Maya.
It was like being one with nature, and during her time there she let her thought wander over the past year. About how she’d always been independent – maybe too independent. Her last boyfriend, Sam had even told her, he’d sometimes felt lacking because she never seemed to need anyone or anything. Her self-sufficient nature, made it so that even when she cried, or felt down and alone, she never really expected anyone to give any comfort or even care.
Slowly, Maya realized how much she wasn’t perfect either. As such, she started to feel guilty about giving Alain such a hard time just because he’d made mistakes. She wasn’t ready to simply excuse them all away, but she began to understand that she couldn’t stick totally to the negative side of things. In many ways Alain had been a pillar of support at that time when she’d lost her bearing. His patient and steadfast nature had encouraged her to seek an inner purpose and do something with her life other than just working for a paycheck. He made her want to make the best out of life, and of herself.
She felt bad now, when she thought of when she told him she could always find a father for her baby. To her, Alain was the best father. It hurt her to think of his pained eyes and how he looked like he already thought she was slipping away from his grasp.
She thought of his many calls since the two weeks she’d spurned him and told him to go. Sometimes, she picked up and managed a stilted conversation keeping him posted about the pregnancy. Other times, she simply disregarded the call, telling herself not to be softened by his apparent solicitude. Where was he all those months, when he’d left her on her own while he’d tended to his precious company abroad?
Maya had dozed off with all those thoughts swirling, and when she roused from her nap it was to a splitting headache, worse than any of the ones she’d had of late.
She cursed herself for taking the risk of coming out this far out of town on her own. The acute pains that racked her skull almost made it impossible to reach for her phone on her bedside drawer. Finally, she grasped the mobile and pressed the needed number. She felt an almost dizzying relief that almost an instant later, a deep voice came on the line.
“Maya?” The sound of hope in Alain’s voice made her heart churn along with her head. He sounded so glad to hear from her she wanted to cry at all her foolishness. How could she have been so stupid as to let her pride stand in the way, after accusing Alain of making the same mistake?
But just as she readied to pour out her emotions and tell him she was sorry for being so blind and judgmental, she felt her vision blur as her head swam round and round. “Alain, I don’t feel so good,” she worded, and then gasped in pain, the phone slipping out of her fingers. The last sound she was conscious of as she drifted into blackness, was Alain’s voice calling for her. Then, nothing.
***
In the dim hospital room, the machines beeped softly along with the mounted TV with the weather forecast on, the volume low. Maya felt groggy as she came awake, and looked around unsure for a moment, as to why she was there.
Bit by bit, the events of the last many hours came flying back to her memory. Unable to keep her heavy eyelids up, she let them drift closed again as sleep again took over.
Somehow, Alain had found her. Maya had no clue how, considering she hadn’t told anyone where she’d be. He’d appeared right in her bedroom and carried her limp body up in his arms. She was barely conscious of his soothing voice, tinged with its own worry and fear. She was placed at the back of the car, her head resting on Alain’s laps as they were driven to the hospital.
From there it was a blur of activities. Tests to check if the baby and mother were okay, and then the doctors diagnosing high blood pressure as the culprit for Maya’s collapse. Thankfully it was nothing some rest and proper diet couldn’t fix, and would have no adverse effect on the pregnancy or delivery. Maya had felt relieved to know that, even as she shifted in and out of alertness. One constant thing, was the feeling of a familiar touch of hands, linking with hers and offering warmth and strength even without saying a word.
Maya felt safe just knowing Alain was right there next to her, making sure everything was okay with her and the baby.
When she woke up again, she turned her head to the side and saw the flowers, cards, balloons and even stuffed animals piled there. She turned to the other side, and smiled weakly when she saw Alain seated right next to her bed. His head rested forward on his chest, his arms folded as he nodded in obvious exhaustion. Maya’s smile deepened even as she felt bad for causing him to worry and lose sleep. She lifted a hand to reach out and brush back his dark, silky locks when suddenly, she let out a shocked gasp.
Her outstretched hand was dazzling thanks to the biggest, most fabulous engagement ring she’d ever seen in her life. Her jaw dropped in amazement as she tried to remember where the hell it had come from. It was so beautiful, set in a gorgeous cluster that winked and stunned.
Managing to break out of her daze, Maya again reached for Alain’s lowered head and ran her fingers through his hair, marveling at how the diamonds gleamed against his dark mane.
Roused by her touch he came awake, his head lifting. He looked disoriented for a moment then shook himself alert, before breaking out in a huge, disarming grin. “Never have I been gladder to see those beautiful brown eyes,” he told her huskily. “You know how scared out of my mind I was?”
He leaned forward to drop a tender kiss on her forehead, and Maya’s heart fluttered. Damn, did she love the hell out of this man.
“Would you by any chance, have something to do with this?” she asked in a voice slightly thick, as she wagged her ringed hand under his nose.
Alain smiled, looking unrepentant as he grabbed her hand and kissed each finger. “I was hoping you’d like it.”
“I’d be crazy not to like it – it’s beautiful! But, what does it mean?”
“What you think it means,” Alain said deeply, in response to her shy query. “That I don’t want to spend another moment apart, and that I’m settling on making you mine for keeps. No more games, no hiding. I love you, Maya Sherwood. Will you marry me?”
***
That was a year ago. Not long after that, Maya had found out, through Alain’s admission, how he’d been able to know she’d be at her aunt’s property. Alain confessed how he’d been having her followed, and Maya had been shocked.
But then he’d explained, that because he’d had to be away so much, he never felt really at peace unless he knew she was doing okay. It was one of the hired detectives who’d informed Alain of Maya’s exact location. He’d rushed there just in time and found her unconscious before bringing her quickly to the hospital. Thankfully it had all turned out well in the end. Thusly, Maya didn’t really have the heart to stay mad at Alain for tailing her without her permission.
And as to Alain’s marriage proposal…Maya’s answer had been, “Yes, with all my heart.”
Since then they’d moved to Europe, where Maya now ran a renovation garage. Alain enjoyed helping on his own time, but it was really Maya’s brainchild.
Now that their son Marcel Adrien Bernard was almost ten months old, Alain again proposed to Maya at their new home in front of the baby. Curly haired, blue-eyed Marcel giggled and clapped his tiny hands as he watched mamma and papa, Maya letting Alain twirl her high up in his arms as they went round and round, laughing happily. Of course, her answer again was yes. It was about time for a wedding, she told him.
It was tough picking where to go for their honeymoon. They’d never really taken a decent holiday together. It had to be somewhere extra special. Maya had always longed to visit Hawaii, but she wasn’t sure it would be Alain’s cup of tea.
To her delight, he thought it was a splendid idea.
Alain assumed she’d want something small and private for the wedding, but Maya seemed full of surprises. Once Marcel was born, Maya had decided she wasn’t going to keep to the shadows. Alain had sensed her unease with being introduced to his lifestyle, but apart from her initial diffidence she’d made sure that Alain continued to enjoy the limelight that his business and interests in car racing brought to the forefront.
Now that their son was older and needed less round the clock watch, Maya could delegate more time to the army of nannies, friends and relatives happy to give a hand with the baby while Maya introduced herself to Alain’s world of European high society.
Secure in Alain’s affections, she never felt like she had to compete with all the beautiful supermodels, actresses, heiresses and other females always swarming around Alain while in a social environment. Of course, Maya always aimed to look her best and always be someone Alain could be proud of. She maintained her looks and figure, and kept up with the finest trends in fashion. She frowned on any extravagance though, and was determined that through her business pursuits she was less of a liability to Alain and instead, more of a partner in so many ways.
Alain called this, their first real courtship and Maya tended to agree. They were together as a couple that held no secrets or masks between them, and each day brought new ways to learn and love. Their honeymoon, best of all, was a time for the fullest of bonding between them. It would be the most memorable few weeks of Maya’s life.
It almost felt like suddenly, they could now make time for romance. Since the beginning it had always been about starting her new business, having a baby and just making it through the challenges in her private and professional life. Now, it was all about love and passion and togetherness.
Like something out of a fairy tale picture book, the next few months passed in a dream. Maya and Alain planned a lavish wedding even royalty would envy, and invited friends from far and wide to the location wedding at a picturesque English castle.
The headlines told of billionaire Alain Bernard marrying his girlfriend of over a year and mother of his son, Maya Sherwood. The pictures all over the internet and glossy magazines showed a gorgeous brown-skinned bride in a breathtaking white lace designer wedding dress, while her incredibly handsome French groom, dressed in his impeccable Giorgio Armani suit, was by her side sharing vows, smiles and joys.
The details of the honeymoon though, were far more closed to the public. All that was known, was it was somewhere in the central Pacific, perhaps on an idyllic island of corals and volcanic peaks.
“If they guessed it was Hawaii, then they were spot on,” joked Maya, seated next to Alain in the private jet as they hovered over their destination.
“Well, it would take them at least a few weeks before they find out for sure. Before that, best not to let anything leak out from friends or social media.”
“You know me. The mistress of discretion.”
Alain laughed at that, and Maya beamed at the sound. She couldn’t have enough of this Alain, with his unrestrained mirth and almost boyish appeal. Maya was sure their upcoming triad of sun, sea and sand on their small island, would create the happiest, most long-lasting memories that would keep them smiling for ages to come. Maya planned to take tons of pictures, all the more to treasure each blissful moment.
Maya was determined to try everything. Though she’d done some traveling since she’d moved to Europe with Alain, she’d never done much in way of adventure. In Hawaii there was certainly no shortage of activities and of course, romance.
Thanks to the fantastic weather, all they needed to do was pick what to do for whatever time or day it was. Ever indulgent, Alain ensured that Maya had her fill of every kind of thrilling experience she longed for. Helicopter rides over the gorgeous islands, scenic rides through amazing terrain, scuba diving and wind surfing, dolphin and whale watching and so much more. Maya especially loved the sense of rich culture, and of being stuck in time, within a paradise location dotted by volcanoes and the black sand beaches created by them.
How totally amazing it was, to pick a day to leave behind the hotels and spas, all the golf and tennis and instead, go on a drive south to Mount Halekala. There, they got to see the huge crater that could easily fit in the city of Manhattan, and simply enjoy the more laid back, undeveloped areas of the island. Maya already felt like she’d want to return to Hawaii for every holiday from now on.
What would always stand out for Maya though, was the very first night of their honeymoon after arriving at the breathtaking island Maui. They were afforded an incredible sunset view just off the beach where they attended a luau, a traditional Hawaiian party. On offer was some of the best food and drink Maya had ever tasted, while they enjoyed the lively show and music. Sharing this tropical nirvana with her dream man who was now her husband, made Maya almost want to pinch herself every five minutes.
“We absolutely should go dancing,” Maya said suddenly, and caught Alain’s slight smile.
“Really getting into the aloha spirit, aren’t we?” he teased.
“Aw come on, I know you like to dance. Remember that time in the rain? I’ll never forget those moves of yours. I think I fell wildly in love with you that night,” said Maya dreamily while giving a pleading pout.
“That was just the two of us. I’m not really that much of a hotshot when I have to do it in public, with other people.” Alain rubbed at his eyebrow, looking endearingly cautious. Maya couldn’t believe there was anything Alain wasn’t perfect at!
She let out a good-natured laugh, and filled up his wine glass. “It’s my honeymoon so I get everything I want, remember? You promised. So, maybe a few more glasses of wine to build up enthusiasm? Because when it comes to dancing, that’s all we really need.”
“Enthusiasm, huh? Okay, let’s do this.” Alain drank his wine in one gulp, sending Maya a glint-eyed look. “Just don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he added, but Maya could tell he was just as pleased as she was, at the thought of them dancing their feet off. They headed back to their hotel, known for its bubbly though somewhat cheesy nightly entertainment. When they arrived, the atmosphere felt like it had come alive in a vibrant kaleidoscope of lights and music. Maya decided there was no better way to work off all the food from the luau, and wasted no time tugging Alain inside the venue with her.
Sure enough, a music show was taking place and included Hawaiian dancing lessons on stage, which Maya totally insisted they partake of. Watching Alain try to go along with the gyrating dance steps made Maya giggle like crazy, till her stomach hurt.
The festivities slowed down as the hours drew late and soon, some romantic, slow music came on and Maya slipped readily into Alain’s waiting arms. They gazed at each other in the swirling lights of the dance floor, not bothering about anyone else and simply revolved in their own glittering universe.
That same feeling of being in a fantasy, lingered around them even when they finally headed up to their suite. Maya still wasn’t used to just how opulent and breathtaking it was, fit just for royalty. Alain had insisted on pulling out the stops and for once, she hadn’t objected. Tonight, the setting around them created the perfect mood for their first night together as a married couple.
Maya was so filled with happiness, she turned to Alain and took his hand in hers. He faced her and smiled as he met her steady, warm gaze.
“When you look at me like that, I feel I could take on the whole world,” Alain said huskily. “I still can’t figure out how I got this lucky.”
He felt lucky? Maya shook her head and smiled, a faraway look in her eyes as she rested her head on his chest. “After we met, I couldn’t really say what it was about you. You just seemed to have this inscrutable character. Whenever I saw you, I brightened up immediately. All my worries seemed to disappear and I felt like all my problems could be resolved, just so long as I had you,” said Maya softly.
“It was the same for me,” Alain said, kissing the top of her head. “I had to stop myself from placing everything I possessed at your feet, just to make you happy. All the same, I knew none of my material wealth would impress you in the slightest, and that all you needed was to know I’ll always be there. It killed me that I had to hide a part of me away all the time.”
“I’m glad that phase is over,” she said with a relieved sigh as she lifted her head from his chest to look up at him. “I’m glad we’re building our future on trust, and love. It’ll make us strong enough to face challenges that come our way – whatever and whenever they might be.”
Her sweet, shy smile drew him in just like the very first time. Alain couldn’t stop from moving closer, slanting his head to the side as his mouth covered hers.
Maya gasped in excitement and he swallowed the sound, drawing in the taste of her. Maya’s fingers dug into his broad shoulders and she felt his arms circle below her knees as he stooped slightly, their lips still meshed. Then in one swift move he straightened and drew her up off her feet.
Alain gave Maya no chance to object as Alain carried her inside their bedroom, his heel kicking back to slam the door shut. Maya giggled against Alain’s lips, clinging to him as he didn’t set her down but went and set her back against the nearest wall. Their tongues tangled heatedly, while one of Maya’s legs hooked up around his waist. She felt his hardness against her moist center and she gave a throaty moan, feeling Alain drop his hands to cup her ass.
Even after a year, their desire for each other had only grown stronger and more intense, almost painfully so. Alain tore his mouth from hers and his lips felt like flames trailing down her cheek to her neck as he kissed her there. Her lush curves rubbed against him and every part of him grew taut with arousal and the strain of muscles as he held himself in check. Maya made him rock hard as ever and he wanted nothing more than to shove up her dress, slide her panties to the side and pound her into the wall with his raging pole.
Maya’s hips rocked again in her sexy temptress dance and Alain swallowed, willing the fog in his brain to settle as he lifted his head and met her equally hazy gaze.
“Everything okay?” Maya purred, her tiny white teeth biting sultrily into her swollen bottom lip. Alain groaned and shook his head.
“Hell yes. Was just thinking, I planned this whole romantic night with the candle-lit bedroom and the filled hot tub sprinkled with red rose petals. Yet here I am going crazy.”
Maya laughed in delight, the sound sending thrills of pleasure down Alain’s spine. He smiled and leaned close, but when she reached to meet his lips he edged away slightly. That had her groaning in frustration as again and again, she strained for his lips but he held back. He chuckled and closed his lips around her soft, scented ear lobe. Now that brought a shudder right through her, and he tightened his hold on her.
“I think I want to go crazy for the rest of the night,” Alain told her seriously, staring into her eyes. Maya sobered and licked on her parched lips, thinking how much she’d like that. She was fine with things being unscripted, aggressive and rugged, as if he couldn’t wait to have her. It made her feel so desirable, and fuelled her own feelings of arousal. Keeping their eyes locked, Alain bent his head and brushed his lips over hers. Once, twice, thrice, then suddenly Maya cupped his head in her hand and slammed her mouth hard against his.
Alain growled deep in his throat and went with it, in full approval of her taking charge of her needs. His thigh pushed in between her legs, feeling the soft heat of her core make contact with his bulging crotch. He thrust against her, and then again till her weak cry filtered through his nerve cells, making his chest tighten with love and need. Their burning desire for each other had always felt deep with meaning and substance, and that was what would keep the fires burning till their bones went to dust, far beyond when they turned old and grey.
Bringing his lips close to hers, he coaxed out her tongue in a lascivious, open-mouthed kiss that left them both breathless. He laughed darkly and called her his dirty girl, and she moaned in assent. “Yes, daddy. And you love it.”
“That I do,” growled Alain, growing thicker just from the sound of Maya calling him ‘daddy’ in that breathless, sexy tone. When it came to role play, there was no saying how raunchy they could go. Because together, there were no limits, no escapades they wouldn’t try together at least once.
It was in moments like these, Maya shed her intrinsic shy side and gave in to the other Maya that was daring and carnal to the core. Slowly, she slid her legs down Alain’s body and balanced on her feet, only to push herself down on her knees and unbuckle Alain’s pants. She lowered them along with his boxers to the floor. As Alain palmed his huge erection, Maya shrugged off the top of her dress to expose her bra, making sure to free her swollen breasts for his inspection.
Opening her mouth wide, she took his tip inside her mouth, sucking and licking hungrily. She’d mastered the ability to take his entire length in her mouth, but it took a lot of dedicated, enthusiastic effort which Maya had in abundance. Alain groaned and propped one hand against the wall behind Maya, while the other one fisted her hair tightly. He watched through glazed eyes as Maya took him deep in her throat, gagging slightly. It took him all his strength not to spurt his seed down her gullet, the sight and sensation of her pleasuring him taking him to overdrive.
Maya stared up at his contorted face, eyes filled with as much desire as Alain’s. As if her mouth wasn’t teasing enough, she put her hands on her breasts and played with the full mounds and tight brown nipples, making herself wetter and Alain harder, as he pulsed in her esophagus.
She bobbed her head faster and faster, wishing she could push him past the realm of control and taste his cum splashing the back of her tongue. Yet, she knew what she wanted just as badly – his huge man meat splitting her dripping sex up to the hilt, till she became lightheaded and dizzy from the masterful invasion.
Alain began to use his fist in her hair to guide her back and forth on his shaft, giving her that thrilling sensation of choking he knew she loved. He never let things go overboard, and kept it all within their accepted rims of consensual and safe. Just as her vision grew dark from the overload of pleasure and oxygen denial, Alain pulled her off his pole-hard member with a rough groan.
Wasting no time, he settled back to lie on the floor and dragged Maya down to straddle his chest. He soon got her feeding him his favorite treat – her aching, moist and juicy sex on top of his face. Maya moaned and cried out as she rode his untiring tongue, lashing inside and outside her slit. His hands alternation between squeezing her ass and spanking it, as more and more she smothered his face between her thick brown thighs. Maya knew how much Alain loved it when she ground her ass on his face and rode her way through to a rampaging orgasm.
But Maya wasn’t about to be greedy and seize her release on her own. She slid her slippery thighs down his body and impaled herself on his monster of a pole, gasping out loud as he stretched her impossibly. How could it still feel like the first time? It would have taken moments of simply sitting there with him lodged up her vagina to the hilt, to get Maya in spasms of climax, but Alain wanted to take things a step further.
Switching positions, he now had Maya on her back as he kneeled between her legs and lifted them to rest her feet on his shoulder. He plowed into her again and felt her walls constrict and reverberated around his plunging staff. His eyes were fastened on her beautiful breasts which bounced with every angry thrust he gave. Damn, her body was even more beautiful and sexy than ever. Especially since having the baby. She’d grown more womanly and lush, and Alain couldn’t imagine not getting to burying himself inside her sexy heat every day for the rest of his life.
It wasn’t just about Maya’s incredibly beddable body, but everything else about her. The spicy sweetness of her scent, her delectable smile as she urged him deeper inside her, and the promise of everlasting love and passion in her beautiful brown eyes. Alain wouldn’t trade any of those for the whole world, especially to see the way her face glowed and her eyes grew luminous as she came, over and over.
Feeling her orgasm so powerfully it made his brain matter ignite, Alain rammed in several punishing thrusts as Maya screamed in intense pleasure-pain. She’d told him many times before, how much she enjoyed giving in to her masochistic side and how it made her orgasms more powerful when he wasn’t too gentle in these extreme moments of release. As ever, Alain took care to ensure the right balance, as he took them both higher and higher as if riding winged horses on thundering clouds. Even after a year of being together, Maya still felt the same overwhelming joy when Alain finished inside her, filling her with his warm essence. His body rested on hers and he nuzzled her breasts, while Maya wrapped her arms around his shoulders and tenderly combed through his damp hair. For now, the calm had settled and these precious moments were just as thrilling as those moments when they were locked in passionate throes. It had been a long day, and Maya soon heard Alain’s slowed breathing as he lay cushioned on her full, firm breasts. She smiled and thought to herself that something felt different tonight. Maybe, they’d made another baby?
They had planned to wait till Marcel was at least two years old then they’d try giving him a sister or brother, hopefully the former because Maya knew Alain would want a girl.
But surely there was no real reason to wait? Her pregnancy and delivery had been problem free and Maya knew she had a clean bill of health. Now that they were officially married, Maya couldn’t wait for them to make another addition to their cherished family.
Just as Alain always said he wished to provide her with everything she could possibly need, Maya was just as eager to give Alain that wonderful sense of family and togetherness she’d never really had growing up.
Maya decided to feel Alain out about it as soon as possible. She couldn’t really guess what he’d say, but she had no doubt she could be very convincing.
A mischievous smile spread on her face as Maya thought of how much more interesting the honeymoon would be while trying out her many diverse, naughty means of persuasion to make her doting husband see things her way…
THE END
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