Dirty Boss by Mia Ford (22)

“No!” My reply came out much louder than I’d intended and the word bounced off the walls around me. “No, I’m not going to leave until I can talk to Jackson!”

I was barely aware of the sound of elevator doors pinging open behind me.

“Ma’am, please,” the blonde said. “Mr. Rhodes isn’t available right now. Please leave, or I’ll be forced to call security to escort you out of the building.”

A deep masculine chuckling from behind made me whirl around.

Jackson was standing there, looking sexier than ever in a dark blue suit. His cheekbones were so sharp they looked carved from ice, and his grey eyes flashed over my body. His expression turned to one of disdain when he saw that it was me.

“Jackson!” I cried loudly. “I need to speak to you.” Angrily, I turned back towards the blonde at the desk. “See, he knows me,” I insisted loudly. “He’s my stepbrother!”

Jackson licked his lips. He walked closer and crossed his arms over his muscular chest. A wave of spicy cologne washed over me and I shuddered. It smelled so good, so strong – so powerful, like Jackson himself.

“Belle, what are you doing here?”

This was it. This was my big moment to scream at him, to shame him, to blame him for not wanting to take care of my mother, his late father’s widow. But when I turned to face him, I found that I was suddenly unable to speak. It was like someone had reached into my chest and yanked out the words I was going to say.

Jackson raised his eyebrow at me, smirking. “Belle, I asked you a question,” he said, in a deep, sonorous voice that sent shivers down my spine. “What are you doing here?”

I swallowed. I could hear the blood pounding in my ears and I knew that I was losing precious seconds of time. If I didn’t say anything soon, I’d have lost my chance forever.

“I need to talk to you,” I said softly.

Jackson smirked. “About what?”

That’s when my anger came back. I couldn’t believe this asshole was standing in front of me, smirking, just like nothing was wrong.

“You know why,” I hissed. “My mother is going to be homeless unless you help her out.”

Jackson shrugged. “I didn’t ask my father to leave me everything,” he said callously. “It just worked out that way.” Jackson licked his lower lip and raised his eyebrows. “You ever think that maybe, just maybe, your mom was a shitty wife?”

My fist swung through the air and connected with Jackson’s cheek before I could think twice.

Jackson took the punch without wincing. He stood there, staring at me, then lifted a hand to his cheek and gently rubbed the area where my fist had landed.

“You’re a little idiot,” Jackson said. He shook his head and grinned, then lowered his gaze down my body and stared right at my chest. “You don’t know anything, Belle.”

“I don’t know anything?” I repeated angrily. “I don’t know anything? Fuck, Jackson! It’s you who doesn’t know anything! Don’t you know that you’re supposed to take care of your family?” I pointed angrily towards my chest. “That’s what families do, Jackson! They take care of each other!”

Jackson’s smirk vanished. “My family is dead,” he said coolly, before turning on his heel and walking out of the lobby.

* * *

I sank down to the floor and started to sob as Jackson walked away. Even though I screamed after him to turn around and come back, he didn’t listen. Instead, security guards came and grabbed me before unceremoniously throwing me out onto the street. It had begun to snow outside, but I didn’t even feel cold. All I felt was hatred and anger towards the man who should have been one of my closest relatives.

Jackson Rhodes, my stepbrother, was now officially my enemy.

I knew I couldn’t hang around First Perfect all day waiting to see Jackson again. The guards who tossed me out made it very clear that I wouldn’t be allowed back inside under any circumstances. Finally, I decided to take a cab back to the bed and breakfast. I couldn’t face the idea of talking to Mom yet, and I knew I’d have to come up with the perfect phrasing so she wouldn’t be upset with me.

But it is my fault, I thought dejectedly as the cab carried me through the slushy streets. If I hadn’t been such a bitch, maybe Jackson would’ve listened to me. But, oh, I wasn’t that bad. He never wanted to listen in the first place! If I hadn’t bumped into him in the lobby, I probably would’ve gone the whole trip without seeing him at all!

All I could was curl up and cry. I wound up falling asleep, gripping my legs to my chest with my shoes still on.

Hours later, the sound of the phone ringing woke up. My heart sank as I realized where I was. It’s probably Mom, I thought sadly. And now I’m going to have to tell her the truth.

Warily, I grabbed the receiver and held it to my ear. “Hello?”

“Belle?”

I frowned. “Who is this?”

There was a laugh. “It’s Jackson,” the voice said “Don’t you recognize my voice? I am your stepbrother after all. Didn’t you say something earlier about family?”

I groaned. “What do you want?”

“Hey,” Jackson said, sounding wounded. “That’s a nice way to say hello.”

I sighed. “Well, you did laugh in my face and tell me that I wasn’t really family,” I said grudgingly. “What the hell do you want?”

“I want you to meet me for lunch tomorrow.”

My senses tingled with alarm. “Why?”

Jackson chuckled again – the sound of his laughter was enough to make my blood boil.

“You’ll find out,” he said patiently, like he was talking to a small child.

“When?”

“Tomorrow,” Jackson said. “At Le Bateau Ivrea. I doubt you’ve heard of it, but it’s in Manhattan. Shall I send a driver to pick you up?”

My heart was thudding in my chest. I wanted nothing more than to refuse him, to tell him that I’d been through enough already and I didn’t need this asshole toying with my emotions.

But just as I was about to say the words, Mom’s sad face popped into my mind. I knew I couldn’t do it – I knew I had do go through whatever Jackson wanted. If there was even a slim chance of Jackson offering Mom money, I knew I had to do it.

“I can get there on my own,” I said warily. “What time?”

Jackson chuckled. “You’ve always been so independent, Belle. I’ve always liked that about you.”

We agreed to meet at twelve-thirty the next day and then Jackson hung up. When the dial tone started buzzing in my ear, I reluctantly pulled the phone away and set it back in the cradle. My stomach was doing nervous flips and flops – I couldn’t believe that Jackson had changed gears so quickly. What the hell was this about? I had a horrible vision – me, walking into some classy bistro, with a bloodstain on the back of my pants.

I cringed. It’s always going to be just like high school, I thought with a shiver as I lay back down in bed. And I’m always going to be weak around Jackson, just like always.

--

The next day, I dressed in the classiest outfit that I’d brought with me – a simple black dress and flat sandals – and took a cab into Manhattan. The drive was just long enough for me to start worrying about running out of money before I even left the city. I’d looked up Le Bateau Ivre online and felt concern – what if Jackson refused to pay for me? What was I going to do? The prices were so high that I knew my savings would be gone in no time.

To my shock, Jackson was there when I arrived. He was wearing a grey suit that matched the color of his eyes perfectly. As I walked closer, he stood up from his seat at the bar and smiled coldly.

“Hi, Belle,” Jackson said. He slid his eyes down my body and my cheeks flushed red as his gaze lingered at my bust. “Glad you could make it.”

I swallowed. “I didn’t really have a choice,” I said stiffly.

Jackson chuckled. “Come now, of course you did,” he replied in a light tone. “What do you think is going to happen, Belle? Why are you so afraid of me?”

I bit my tongue. Because you’ve made every effort to ruin my life and ignore me, I thought tartly. But before I could speak, a waiter showed Jackson and me to our table. When I was left alone with him, I sat up as straight as I could and reached for the menu.

The prices were enough to make me gasp. I realized that even if I ordered the most frugal thing possible, I’d still be walking out of Le Bateau Ivre a good sixty dollars lighter than I’d walked in.

“What’s wrong?” Jackson leaned over the table and pulled the menu out of my hands. “Something the matter, Belle?”

I blushed. “This place is…. expensive,” I said quietly. “I’m not sure I can afford to eat here.”

Jackson snickered. “You’re not paying,” he said. “Don’t worry, Belle. Everything’s fine.”

I stared at him. “I don’t believe you.”

Jackson made wide eyes. “What, you think I’m kind of guy who lies?” He cocked his head to the side. “When have I ever lied to you?”

“That time you tricked me into showing a roomful of strangers that I’d gotten my period,” I hissed. “How about then?”

“God, Belle, that was years ago,” Jackson said mildly. He smirked, making me blush. “You really think I haven’t changed at all since that happened?”

I blinked. “I don’t know what to think,” I said softly. “I don’t know you.”

Jackson cleared his throat. The waiter approached the table and before I could stop him, Jackson had ordered two tasting course meals for both of us. I couldn’t help but gasp – I’d seen the price of those, and I knew they didn’t come cheaply.

“So,” Jackson said. He lifted his mimosa and clinked the glass against mine, where it rested on the table. “Why did you come looking for me at work?”

I bit my lip. “You know why,” I said steadily. My stomach was churning but I forced myself to take a sip of the mimosa anyway. The orange juice and champagne was a delicious combination in my mouth, but I knew that I couldn’t keep drinking – my stomach wouldn’t be able to handle it.

Jackson chuckled. “Because of my dad’s will,” he said calmly. “That’s why, right?”

I nodded and sighed. “I don’t know why he didn’t leave anything to my mother, but please. Jackson, you’re her only hope.” I forced myself to look into his steel-grey eyes. They were so beautiful, so cold – I could feel myself getting lost in them with every second that passed.

Jackson shrugged. “My father’s wishes should be respected,” he said. “I don’t know why he did that, either, but don’t you think we should honor what he wanted?”

“No,” I said softly. “No, I don’t think that way at all. Jackson, my mother is alone. And she’s going to be homeless and broke unless you help. Please, she doesn’t need much. Just enough to get a small apartment and live for a while until she’s able to find a job.”

Jackson shrugged again. “I don’t know that I can do that,” he said. “After all, that money is marked for me. It would be a lot of legal trouble if I decided to argue my father’s will, especially that it’s in my favor like this.” He raised his eyebrows at me and I felt my stomach plummet once more. “Don’t you agree, Belle?”

“I don’t,” I said softly.

Jackson smiled. “Well, I’m sure Anne doesn’t like the idea of working, but she should be able to get a job. She worked before she married my father, right?”

“Your father was the one who made her quit,” I hissed through gritted teeth. “She would have kept working the whole time, but he said it looked unseemly!”

Jackson frowned. “I don’t know why he would have said that,” he said. “My father has always respected drive and hard work in others. I doubt he said that,” he added, in a calm tone of voice that made me seethe with anger. “You’re probably misremembering.”

I knew that I had to stay calm, but this was too much. I couldn’t just sit here, across the table from Jackson, and listen to him berate my mother and call her lazy.

“I mean, really, Belle,” Jackson continued. “You’re going to have to be a little more self-aware now that you’re what, twenty?” He smirked at me. “These are things we all have to learn,” he added in a smug voice. “So don’t get upset with me for telling you the truth about your mother.”

Every ounce of calm that I’d managed to summon in the past thirty seconds flew out of my body. Standing up, I pushed the chair back from the table so forcefully that it felt open and clattered against the floor with a loud bang. Jackson looked up in surprise. I wanted to slap him again, but that’s when my eye caught my mimosa flute. Grabbing it, I threw it in his face.

“I hate you,” I snarled loudly. “I never want to see you again!”

The look of surprise was just beginning to register on Jackson’s face as I turned on my heel and ran out of Le Bateau Ivre. Tears blinded my vision and I stumbled, almost falling as I ran. When I pushed open the bistro doors and ran into the street, the cold shocked me. For a moment, I stopped, gasping for breath. Then my instincts kicked in and I started running down the street as quickly as I could.

“Hey!” I screamed towards a cab that was parked on the corner. “Hey!”

The cab pulled away before I could reach it and I groaned in frustration. There was a stitch in my side and my breath was coming in white clouds but I knew that I couldn’t stop. I couldn’t risk Jackson chasing me out into the street. I just wanted to go home to Alfred and forget that all of this had ever happened – I wanted to imagine that life was back to normal, that Mom was okay, that I’d never have to deal with this shit again.

I broke into a run again, rounding the corner and speeding down the block.

“Hey, watch where you’re going!” Some lady screamed as I almost ran into her kids.

“Slow down!”

“What the fuck, girl? Where you goin’?”

The accusations from New York strangers were enough to make the tears fall faster than ever. I was choking on my snot by the time I reached the stoplight. In a blind panic, I whipped my head around to make sure that I wasn’t being followed. Thankfully, all I could see was a large crowd of people bubbling around the corners and intersections.

Gotta love New York, I thought. All these people make it a really private city, after all.

When the light changed to red, I bolted across the street. The stitch in my side ached and I longed to throw myself down on the pavement and moan in pain. I knew that I had to keep going however, and I lowered my head against the icy wind. My nose was numb and soaked with snot and I wiped frantically at my face with the back of my hand.

Stumbling onto the next block, I kept running blindly. I took a deep breath and sprinted as fast as I could, keeping my eyes down so the wind wouldn’t burn any more than it already was.

“Aurgh!” I cried out loudly as my body slammed right into someone else. “Oh my god,” I gasped. “I’m so sorry!”

I straightened up and looked in front of me, prepared to apologize as quickly as I could and then get the hell out of there. There has to be a cab around here somewhere, I thought. I just have to keep going, just a little bit longer.

Standing in front of me was Jackson Rhodes.

“Belle,” Jackson said. “Why did you leave?” He frowned, crossing his arms over his chest. Even though the temperate of the day had to be somewhere in the mid-teens, I noticed that he wasn’t wearing a jacket.

It’s because he has no heart. He can never be cold, I thought as I glared at him, rubbing my arms with my bare hands. I was freezing.

“You insulted me, my mother, and our whole family,” I spat. “I hate you, Jackson. You made me think you were going to help me! You made me think— “

Jackson grabbed me roughly and pulled me towards him. I wanted to resist but I was powerless in his strong hands. As Jackson crushed me against his muscular body, he bent down and kissed me.

When his lips met my own, I swooned. Jackson’s mouth was soft and pliant, and he tasted like champagne. As his tongue slipped between my lips, my legs felt rubbery and weak. I could feel my knees shaking as Jackson slipped his arm around my waist and tugged me closer, hauling my breasts against his torso. The thin fabric of my black dress was enough to let me feel his muscular body, and I shuddered as Jackson slipped his hands down my back and gently squeezed my ass. A delicious racing sensation coursed through my body and I moaned softly into his mouth as Jackson nibbled at my lower lip. I’d never been kissed before, and this was enough to make me forget everything. I couldn’t even remember my name.

Jackson slowly pulled away. His lips were glistening with saliva and there was a roguish look in his sexy grey eyes.

“We weren’t finished yet,” Jackson repeated in a low voice that sent shivers down my spine.

Then I remembered: I’m supposed to hate him.

“I hate you,” I murmured softly. But my blood was still racing through my body, my heart was still pounding, and maddeningly enough, my pussy was tingling with excitement and arousal inside my damp panties. I wanted Jackson to take me in his arms again, to kiss me, to thrill me with his touch.

Jackson smirked. “Yeah, I bet you do,” he said softly.

My heart was pounding in my chest.

“I can help you, Belle,” Jackson said. He stepped closer and looked down into my eyes. I shivered again. “I can give you what you want.”

I shivered. There was something about the way he was staring at me that was making me deeply, deeply uncomfortable.

“What is it?”

“I can help you,” Jackson repeated. He raised his eyebrows and glanced down at my body once again. When I shivered this time, it wasn’t because of the temperature outside.

“How?” My voice was barely above a whisper.

Jackson leaned close to my ear. “I’ll give Anne three million dollars, and a monthly allowance.”

I stared at him. “Jackson, that’s more than I’m asking for,” I said slowly. “Why are you going to give her so much money?”

Jackson’s lips curled into a smile. “Because you’re going to give me your virginity.”

* * *

I gaped at him. My mouth was hanging open for so long I felt the delicate tissue lining my tongue start to dry out from the cold air.

“What’s wrong?” Jackson asked. “Cat got your tongue?”

I closed my lips and swallowed hard. My throat felt tight and dry, and for a terrible moment, I was afraid I was going to throw up the half mimosa I’d drank back at Le Bateau Ivre.

“I can’t date you,” I hissed after a prolonged pause. “I’m your stepsister!”

Jackson threw his head back and laughed. I saw the sun glinting off his perfect white teeth.

“I don’t want to date you,” Jackson said, shaking his head. He was still chuckling. I felt my hands ball themselves into fists. “Of course I don’t want to date you, Belle. I just want to fuck you,” he added.

I glared at him. “I hate you.”

Jackson smirked. “That’s not what I thought a few minutes ago.” He tapped his chin with his finger and looked thoughtful. “You were moaning in my arms,” he said. “That didn’t exactly seem like the reaction of someone who hates me as much as you claim to.”

The sound of the slap across Jackson’s face echoed off the alley walls as I turned on my heel and ran away. This time, he didn’t try chasing me. The only sound I heard was the ringing sound of his laughter, bubbling around me.

It wasn’t like his cruel laughter before. It was a different kind of laughter, an amused kind of laughter.

As I climbed into the backseat of a cab and gave the driver my address, I slunk down in the back seat and vowed to never speak to Jackson Rhodes ever again.

When I got back to school the next day, I didn’t know what to do. I hated the idea of giving my cherry to Jackson, the man who’d made my life hell for as long as I could remember. Sure, he’d been a good kisser….in fact, thinking about the way he’d kissed me sent shivers of desire between my legs. But I knew I couldn’t go through with it. It was just like prostitution, except worse. And what would it get me?

It would let you help your mother, a little voice sang in the back of my head. And that’s what you really need to do, isn’t it?

I dreaded talking to Mom. I spent the evening with Alexa, pretending like Jackson didn’t exist. We made popcorn and watched all of our favorite girly movies…it should have been enough to make me forget all about Jackson.

But it didn’t.

When the phone rang, I felt horrified and scared.

“Hello?”

“Belle, honey,” Mom said on the other end. “I was starting to think I wouldn’t ever hear from you.”

I sighed. “I’m okay, Mom,” I said softly.

There was a pause.

“Belle, I just wanted to tell you that I think you’re the best daughter in the world for helping me out like this,” Mom said softly. “I appreciate you and love you so much. I can’t believe I got so lucky – lucky enough to have a daughter who would do anything for me.”

My heart sank.

“Um, well— “

“No buts, Belle,” Mom said. “I want you to know how much I love you for doing this. I know I never should have had to ask you – I never should’ve had to put you in the position of helping me like this. But you did, and I’m so grateful. I promise that nothing will ever be this bad ever again, honey.”

“Mom, that’s just it. I didn’t— “

“Belle, enough,” Mom said. “I want you to take credit for what you did – you did a great job, and you helped me out so much. I love you, honey. I’m so proud of you.”

I sighed. “Thanks, Mom,” I said in a thin voice. “I just wanted to help.”

When we hung up, I felt worse than ever. I knew I couldn’t go back to relaxing with Alexa and watching my favorite movies. It wouldn’t matter – nothing had mattered now that I hadn’t been able to stand up for myself and tell Mom the truth.

With a heavy heart, I dialled Jackson’s number from the business card he’d given me back in the city.

“Hello?”

“Is this Jackson?”

“Belle? Is that you?”

I sighed. “I’ll do it,” I whispered.

“I can’t hear you,” Jackson said impatiently. “I’m in a bar. Can you speak up?”

“I said,” I hissed loudly. “I’ll do it.”

There was a pause – somehow even worse than it had been when I was on the phone with Mom. What was Jackson going to say? Would he be excited? Thrilled? Condescending?

Or worse – what if Jackson told me that it didn’t matter, that the offer had only been a joke. What if he told me that I was really and truly fucked?

“Good,” Jackson said. “I’m glad you came to your senses, Belle.”

I rolled my eyes. It sounded like he was talking about a business decision.

“Well, I don’t have a choice,” I said pointedly. “You said this was the only way you’d help me.”

“Right,” Jackson replied. “After your finals, I want you to come into New York City. You’ll be spending winter break here, with me.”

A chill ran down my spine. I hated that – I wished that my body would turn off, that I somehow wouldn’t think of Jackson as sexy. But I knew deep down that no matter what he did, I’d always be attracted to him. That was exactly the problem.

“Can’t we just go to a motel or something?” I whined into the phone. “Do I really have to spend the whole break with you?”

Jackson snorted. “Belle, please,” he said.

“Well, I mean, it’s not like you need me more than once.” I winced at the implication of my words.

“You’ve got a lot to learn, Belle,” Jackson said shortly. “I’ll see you after your finals.”

And with that, he hung up.

After I was done with the phone, I locked myself in my room, flopped on my bed, and stared at the ceiling. I didn’t know what to do – I didn’t want anything to do with Jackson, but I knew that I couldn’t back out now. That was probably exactly what he wanted me to do, too.

I closed my eyes, hoping for sleep. But instead of sleep, memories came rushing back tenfold.

I was running through the hall of Mom and Mitchell’s palatial home. That was when I heard the sound – almost like someone stepping into a hot bath and gasping at the temperature of the water. But the bathroom door was open, and I didn’t even think Mom was home. Mitchell had some kind of work event, and Mom usually went with him.

“Mom?” I called softly. “Are you home?”

There was no answer. A chill of fear stabbed at my heart – what if someone had broken in? Mitchell had a great, very desirable home…and our neighborhood had been rife with robberies and crime for the past few months. What if the robbers had broken in?

I began to sweat with fear. Slowly, I walked down the hall, trying not to make a sound.

That was when I heard the noise again. I swallowed hard – it wasn’t coming from the bathroom at all, but rather one of the spare bedrooms down the hall.

“Hello?” I called shakily. “Don’t try anything,” I added softly. “I’ve got a phone in my hand, and I’m going to call the police!”

I hoped the intruders wouldn’t notice that I was bluffing. After all, I was only seventeen – what could a teenager like me do in the face of a burglary?

My heart was in my throat as I edged down the hall and peered into the room. It was dark, and it took my eyes a moment to adjust. When they did, I gasped, immediately clamping a hand down over my mouth.

Jackson Rhodes, my stepbrother, was inside the room. He wasn’t alone – he was with a girl. I didn’t recognize her, although she looked about my age. They were standing by the window together. Jackson’s arms were around her body and for a moment, I thought they were embracing. Then I heard the sound again. It wasn’t a gasp this time, but more of a soft moan. The girl tilted her head back to face the ceiling. Her lips parted with desire as she moaned softly. I watched as Jackson’s hands slid across her lower belly. When he slipped his fingers down the waistband of her jeans, I felt an unfamiliar tingly feeling in my own belly…like he was touching me, not her.

I stood there, frozen, and watched. Jackson deftly unbuttoned the girl’s jeans and tugged them down her slender hips. She made a small cry of protest but didn’t attempt to move away from him. Her white panties glowed in the dark room, and I thought I could see a wet spot between the crotch of her slim thighs.

“Jackson,” the girl whispered. “Are you sure no one else is home?”

“I’m sure, baby,” Jackson replied in a husky voice that sent a thrill through my whole body. “Damn, girl,” Jackson whispered. He leaned close to the girl’s neck and kissed her earlobe wetly. “You have a great body.”

The girl wriggled and moaned. She shivered in Jackson’s arms. He slid his fingers across her bare belly, making her jump. I covered my mouth with my hand so I wouldn’t make a sound. I knew I shouldn’t be watching them, but I couldn’t make my legs work. Suddenly, all I wanted to do was stay and watch.

“I’m gonna stroke your pussy now,” Jackson whispered. His breath was coming in heavy bursts against the girl’s neck. “Baby, can I touch your pussy?”

The girl wriggled against Jackson’s body, giving no response. As he slid his fingers into her white panties, I felt my lower belly kick with arousal. It was like I could feel it both ways – I could practically feel his strong fingers stroking my labia, I could almost feel her silky skin against the tips of my fingers.

The girl moaned as Jackson’s hand disappeared in her panties up to his wrist. I watched his arm flex against her body. She spread her legs wide and her eyes rolled back in her head. In a few seconds, she was grinding her hips and shoving them forward in time with Jackson’s ministrations.

“Oh my god,” the girl moaned softly. “I think I’m gonna come, Jackson!”

“Come for me,” Jackson hissed into her ear. “Come for me, baby. Scream for me. Show me you’re mine.”

The girl moaned again, shoving her hips forward. I could see that her white panties were stained with her arousal. The smell of it hung heavy in the air – musky and intoxicating, almost like jasmine.

I couldn’t help it – I moaned, too. As soon as I realized I’d made a sound, I stumbled backwards into the hallway. The girl cried out in surprise and jumped into the air.

“Oh my god!” She shrieked loudly. “Jackson, someone’s been watching us!”

Mortified, I ran down the hall and locked myself in my room for the rest of the day. I kept waiting for Jackson to break the door down, to burst in and scream at me for being a little pervert. But it never came. Even when Mom and Mitchell got home, Jackson acted completely normally.

But that night, after dinner, Jackson came up behind me in the hall. I could feel his muscular bulk moving through the air, almost like we were connected.

“Belle,” Jackson whispered in my ear. “Did you like that? Did you like what you saw?”

My eyes flew open. My face was drenched in sweat and to my horror, my fingers were inside of my own panties. The smell of my musky pussy had filled the room, and my heart was pounding with a mix of agony and arousal.

I knew then that I wouldn’t be able to resist Jackson, no matter how much I hated him. I’d wanted him for years, and this was my chance.

All I have to do is make it through one night, I promised myself as I drifted back off to sleep. Just one night, and then Mom will be fine. And I never have to see Jackson again.

* * *

Finals passed in a blur. When they were finally over, I couldn’t believe that I was already packing my bags for NYC again. It seemed like just yesterday that I’d been there last, slapping Jackson’s face in the street and vowing to never see him again.

Funny how life works, isn’t it?

This time, I wasn’t able to concentrate on a book as the train pulled into New York. My stomach was churning and I shivered every time Jackson’s face flashed in my mind. I wanted to just do this and get it over with – although that didn’t stop me from blushing each time I thought of how it would feel for Jackson to take my virginity.

Would it hurt? I swallowed hard. All of my friends, including Alexa, had told me that losing my cherry was no big deal. But then again, I didn’t exactly feel like a normal girl. I’d always been shy – hell, I’d never even kissed a guy until Jackson had grabbed me the week before. So maybe things would be different for me.

Would Jackson just yank my pants down and fuck me right then and there? Would he take his time with me? Would he bother making sure that I enjoyed myself at all?

These were all questions that I hated thinking about, but I knew I had to figure out soon.

Jackson sent me an email while I was still on the train. It was very curt – it was just an address and a time to be there. I figured it was some kind of hotel.

Instead, it was a grand apartment building, overlooking Central Park. As soon as I walked into the grandiose lobby, I knew I’d made a mistake.

“Hi,” I said to the concierge. “I think I’m staying here? Maybe?”

She stared at me. “And you are?”

“Belle Harrington,” I said quickly. My cheeks flushed. “Sorry – I should’ve said so earlier.”

She nodded, but didn’t reply. I stood there awkwardly listening to the clacking of her fingers on the keys.

“Ah, Belle!”

When I looked up again, she was wearing a warm smile.

“You’re a guest of Mr. Rhodes! Why didn’t you say so?”

I smiled tightly. Because he’s got me over a fucking barrel, I thought. And what? Am I supposed to tell you that technically, we’re related?

The concierge pressed a large brass key into my hand. “You’ll be staying in the penthouse,” she said kindly. “Mr. Rhodes requested nothing but the best.” She raised her eyebrows. “Are you his girlfriend?”

My jaw dropped. “Excuse me?”

She blushed. “Never mind,” she said quickly. “I shouldn’t have asked. This way, please!”

It was hard to keep from gawking at the luxurious splendor all around me as the concierge led me from the lobby to the elevator to my room. Everything was splendid – there was more gold and marble together than I’d ever seen in my life. I couldn’t believe that it was real – that I was really there, in such a nice place.

“And here we are,” the concierge said lightly. She pushed open the door. “Just let me know if you need anything, okay?”

I nodded. Stepping into the apartment made me mute. It was the grandest place I’d ever seen. My shoes sank into the plush white carpeting and there were floor-to-ceiling windows with a beautiful view of the park. It made me feel small, almost agoraphobic. I stepped hastily back from the windows and looked around the rest of the apartment in similar awe.

It was all beautiful. The couches were upholstered in Italian silk and there was real art on the walls – all too gorgeous for me to even look at for more than a few seconds. The kitchen was stocked with artisanal food and wine, and I gasped when I realized the fridge was stocked with bottles of Dom Perignon.

“Wow,” I whispered softly. “This can’t all be for me. This is too much!”

The bedroom was the best yet. The large, king-sized bed was covered in a duvet of purple silk and the walls were draped with tapestries, also silk. The windows overlooked a beautiful meadow in Central Park, and even the closet was stocked with designer clothing, shoes, and handbags.

I figured that maybe this was Jackson’s apartment that he owned just for the sole purpose of having someplace to bring women.

The phone rang and I jumped at the sound.

“Hello, Miss Harrington?”

“Yes?”

“I have a message for you, from Mr. Rhodes,” the concierge said. “He’ll be there in half an hour. He requested that you be ready for him.”

I frowned and blushed. “What…what exactly does that mean?”

“I’m not sure, miss,” the concierge replied. “Would you like me to call him?”

My blush deepened to one of crimson red. “No! I mean, no, thank you.” I gritted my teeth. “And thanks for passing along the message.”

When I hung up the phone, my heart was slamming against the walls of my ribs. I couldn’t make it stop – I didn’t know what to do. What the hell did he mean, “ready”?

With a sigh, I walked into the bathroom. There was a silk gown with ostrich trip hanging on the back of the door, and I blushed when I saw it. The tub was huge – big enough for four people, at least – and even though I knew I didn’t have much time, I felt like taking a bath would relax me.

After soaking in the hot water for twenty minutes, I climbed out, dried off, and put the robe on. My heart was still thudding like a jackhammer, but at least it would be over soon. I looked at myself in the mirror, hating my unruly brown hair.

“Not much longer now,” I said softly to my reflection. “Everything’s going to be okay, just get it over with and then you can go home.”

The sound of the apartment door opening made me jump. With a shriek, I ran into the living room.

Jackson was standing there, looking hotter than I’d ever seen him. His blonde hair was swept perfectly off his forehead and his grey eyes were shining in the morning sun. He gazed at me – first, my face, then his eyes slid down my body, lingering on my exposed cleavage.

I shivered under his intense scrutiny. My stomach was tied into knots of nervous panic and my hands were shaking but I somehow managed to untie the knot in the silk belt of the robe. I let the robe drop noiselessly to the carpet below.

The room was cold. My nipples hardened into stiff little points and I shuddered as goose bumps broke out over my skin. The hair between my legs was still damp from the bath and I could smell the rose-scented body wash lingering on my skin.

Jackson licked his lips. The way he was looking at me was making me feel more naked than ever before. My pussy was tingling in anticipation as Jackson stepped closer.

I closed my eyes, suddenly fearing his touch. But when I felt something brush against my shoulders, I gasped. It wasn’t skin, but silk.

Jackson had put the robe back on me.

He smiled. “Not now, Belle,” Jackson said. “We’re going to take our time.” He raised his eyebrow. “I thought you would appreciate that.”

I blushed bright red as Jackson tied a clumsy knot at my waist. I was so confused! What the hell was his problem?

“Let’s watch a movie,” Jackson said. He slipped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me close. “In here,” he added, pointing towards the bedroom.

The sight of the bed made my heart start going crazy once more. I couldn’t believe this – what the hell was going on? Did he want me or not? Was he trying to drag this out, to make it deliberately uncomfortable for me? Why couldn’t he have just fucked me in the back of a Town Car?

“Why are you doing this?” I asked in a quavering voice. “Why can’t you just, I don’t know, fuck me and get it over with?”

Jackson turned to me with an odd look on his face. “Belle, that’s not how I work,” he said. “I can tell you’re uncomfortable…I want you to be relaxed.” Jackson smirked and I swallowed hard. “So let’s relax, shall we?”

After queuing up a movie, Jackson disappeared into the kitchen. When he returned, he was carrying a bottle of Dom Perignon and two flutes.

“Refreshments,” Jackson added with a smirk. “Would you like some?”

I accepted and greedily drank half the flute, swallowing the expensive champagne before I had a chance to savor the taste.

“Slowly,” Jackson said. He raised his eyebrows. “This isn’t a two-for-one happy hour, Belle. We’re two adults, getting to know each other.” He put his hand on my knee and I felt the warmth from his skin soak through the thin silk. It was enough to set my heart racing once again.

For a few minutes, I tried to pay attention to the movie. But it was impossible with Jackson so near. With every breath, I could smell his delicious cologne. His hand on my knee was hot and heavy – his fingers squeezed at my skin under the robe and I had to actively work to keep from moaning.

Just being next to him was making me feel more turned on than I’d ever felt in my life. It was torture. His breath was sweet with champagne but scent radiating from his skin was masculine, sexy – dark. My breath was catching in my throat and my heart was pounding. Touch me, I thought, staring at Jackson’s elfin profile. Touch me. Pull me into your arms and make me yours. Make me forget everything, make me scream with lust.

Jackson turned to me with amusement on his face. “Yes?”

I licked my lips. I knew this was it. I could tell him what I was thinking – or I could just do it. The seconds passed like hours as I stared into his grey eyes. Do it, I told myself angrily. Just do it, now. Just do it and get it over with.

I closed my eyes, leaned forward, and kissed Jackson on the lips.

For a moment, the kiss was chaste. But then, after a few seconds, a delicious warmth began to spread through my limbs. Jackson’s body pressed against mine, his tongue slipped between my lips and caressed my own. As his hands gripped my shoulders and slid down my chest, I arched my back, hoping that he’d take my breasts in his hands and caress them.

Jackson’s touch was enough to send shivers and chills all the way through my body. He pulled my lower lip into his mouth and began to suck. I moaned softly and Jacked tangled his fingers in my brown hair, pushing my head close to his. As our tongues danced, he slid his hands down my body and grabbed my waist. Jackson pulled me onto his lap and I cried out as arousal spread through my body. My skin was so hot that it almost felt like I was burning as the kiss grew deeper with each passing second.

“God,” I moaned softly. “I want you, Jackson.”

Jackson shifted his weight underneath me. Through the silk robe and the material of his slacks, I could feel a huge bulge between his legs. My cheeks reddened when I realized that he had an erection, and that I was sitting on his cock. That’s not going to fit, I thought in anticipation as I felt Jackson’s cock twitch beneath my lap. He’s too big. He’s huge!

Jackson kissed me again, more deeply this time. I slipped my tongue in his mouth, exploring the hidden cavities and corners. He was such a good kisser that I could feel a wet spot growing between my legs, soaking the silk of the robe. I was barely aware of Jackson’s fingers sliding down my body, stroking my breasts through the silk. When his fingers rubbed over my stiff nipples, I cried out into his mouth and Jackson kissed me all the harder.

“Belle,” Jackson grunted huskily in my mouth. “God, you’re so sexy.” He kissed me savagely, until my lips felt flayed by his own. Our bodies moved together in a frantic rhythm of lust. I could feel the robe slipping off my shoulders and I twisted my body in a futile attempt to preserve my modesty. Jackson growled, ripping the material away from my body. As my breasts were once again exposed to the cold air, I threw my head back and moaned softly.

Jackson’s warm hands covered my breasts. He stroked the skin gently, making me shudder with arousal. When his fingers began gently pinching at my stiff nipples, pleasure that I’d never felt before swirled through my body. I arched my back, throwing myself against Jackson, wanting more.

“Jackson, please!” I begged. “Take me!”

Jackson pulled away slowly. He pulled the robe back over my naked body, then put his hands in his lap and gently pushed me off his muscular thighs. When he looked at me, his grey eyes were glittering with lust.

I frowned. “Wait,” I said. My voice came out as a breathy moan. “What’s going on? Why are you stopping?”

Jackson grinned, making my heart lurch to the side. “Because,” he said coyly. “I want you to beg for it.”

I stared at him. My heart was pounding faster than ever before in my chest and my pussy was soaking wet. I could feel my clit – hard as a little pebble – thumping between my thighs, desperately wanting to be touched. My lips felt chapped and raw from Jackson’s intense kissed, and I reached out as if to pull him closer.

“I want you,” I said softly.

Jackson climbed off the bed and grabbed his jacket. He winked at me. “That’s not good enough,” he said. He smirked, raising his eyebrows. My cheeks flushed bright red.

“What do you mean?” Protectively, I wrapped the robe tightly around my body. “What’s wrong?”

Jackson grinned. “I want to make you wait,” he said in a low voice that sent desire pulsing through my body once more. “I want to make you wait, Belle. And then, once you can’t wait any longer, I want to make you mine.”

I frowned. “So…you’re leaving? Now?” I shook my head. “Wasn’t that good enough for you?”

Jackson smirked as he slipped his jacket on over his shirt. “Like I said,” he said casually, taking his flute of champagne and draining the whole thing at once. “You’ll have to wait just a little bit longer.”

I stared at him, my heart slamming inside my chest. I was filled with so many strange emotions – lust, confusion, anger. Part of me wanted to slap Jackson across the smug face again – the other part of me wanted to grab him and pull him back down in bed once more.

“I want you to beg for my cock,” Jackson said slowly. He smirked at me. “And until you do that, I’m not going to fuck you.”

I watched him gather his things and leave. I was still seething with anger – and my pussy was throbbing so hard, I knew that I’d have a hard time not touching myself as soon as Jackson was gone. When he left, I wanted to grab something and throw it at the door in his wake. But all I could do was stare at my reflection in the mirror.

I didn’t look like me. My lips were swollen with kisses; my brown hair was wild. There was a dark look in my brown eyes that I’d never recognized before now – the look of a girl driven wild by lust.

* * *

I stood in the foyer, fidgeting nervously in my Vera Wang cocktail dress. It was five minutes past seven and Jackson was late. He was supposed to pick me up at quarter till, but that had come and passed and still, he wasn’t there.

When he finally arrived, I could tell he wasn’t in a good mood. Jackson put a hand on the small of my back and guided me into the Town Car. The sensation of his fingers against the silk of my dress were enough to turn me on, but I could tell Jackson wasn’t thinking about sex.

“Where are we going, anyway?”

Jackson shrugged. “Some work event.” He snickered. “I needed a date.”

I frowned. “And you wanted to take me?”

Jackson turned to me, his grey eyes wide. “Why, Bella. You’re my temporary assistant! Of course, I’d want to take you.”

I narrowed my eyes. “So you’re going to lie,” I said flatly. My bad mood was turning even worse with each passing second.

Jackson shrugged. “It won’t hurt anyone. Besides, I thought you’d be glad to get out.”

I was, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. The past week I’d spent cooped up in that apartment, getting an early start for next semester’s reading. Despite my luxurious surroundings, Jackson hadn’t provided any actual cash…and as a result, I couldn’t really afford to leave. Still, it hadn’t exactly been torture. I’d been subsisting on all of the delicious snacks in the fridge. The expensive caviar had been top-notch, as had the smoked salmon and artichoke hearts in some kind of delicious olive oil. I hadn’t eaten food like that since the last time I’d dined with Mom and Mitchell. Thinking about it brought back all kinds of bittersweet memories.

“Belle, we’re here,” Jackson said impatiently. I stared out the window – the Town Car had pulled up in front of the Waldorf Astoria.

I raised my eyebrows. “So just some work event?”

Jackson shrugged once more. “I told you, I don’t pay attention to these things.”

Inside, I practically sprained my neck from looking around so much. The inside of the hotel was decorated splendidly – ropes and garlands of shiny tinsel hung from the ceilings, and everything was a bright, shiny silver. The people were all gorgeous, too – those slender New York City types, all dressed in black with bright red lips and smoky eyes.

I tugged at the hem of my Vera Wang, feeling more self-conscious than ever.

“I don’t know about this,” I said slowly. “Are you sure?”

Jackson nodded impatiently. “Of course I’m sure,” he growled. “Why the hell would I bring you if I weren’t?”

I could tell something was bothering him the whole night. He wasn’t the way he’d been the other day – if anything, he was back to his old, snide self. Every remark that came out of his mouth was a sarcastic jab. Finally, I decided to abandon Jackson and stay by the cocktail table. At least this way I can drink, I thought miserably.

The night dragged on and on. Jackson flitted throughout the room, laughing too loudly. I cringed whenever I heard his booming voice sailing through the air. It was like he was trying too hard to impress someone, but I had no idea who Jackson would even bother trying to impress.

“Hey there,” an unfamiliar voice said. “You new here?”

I turned around to see a handsome guy leaning against the wall by the bar. He had a friendly smile, dark hair, and brown eyes. He wasn’t as gorgeous as Jackson, but he must have been rich – his tailored suit and shiny shoes spoke of wealth.

“I’m actually here with Jackson Rhodes,” I said. “He’s…um, my boss. I’m his temporary assistant.”

The guy threw his head back and laughed. He handed me a glass of champagne. “You’d better drink, then, I bet you need it,” he said. “I’m Dustin. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Belle,” I said. “Pleased.” I extended my fingers, expecting a handshake. Instead, Dustin lifted my fingers to his lips and kissed the back of my hand. A pleasurable shiver crawled down my spine, mingled with guilt. I should find Jackson, I thought. He’s probably not going to like this.

“Nice to meet you, Belle,” Dustin said. “That’s a pretty name.” When he dropped my hand, I rubbed it against my dress as if to rid myself of his kiss.

“Thanks.”

“So, how long have you worked for Jackson?”

I frowned. Just as Dustin spoke Jackson’s name, I spotted him across the room. Jackson was talking to a group of women – they were all laughing, like he’d said something hysterical. Jackson turned and I watched his eyes search the room. When he found me and Dustin, his gaze hardened.

I frowned. “Why?”

Dustin shrugged. “Oh, just wondering,” he said. As he talked, I kept glancing over at Jackson. He’d stared angrily at Dustin for a minute, then turned away. My heart dropped in my chest as I watched Jackson reach over to one of the women and pull her close, kissing her on the lips.

“Oh!” I cried out. “Oh my god!”

Dustin frowned. “What’s going on?”

Tears welled up in my eyes. I can’t believe it, I thought. He brought me here just to flirt with other women in front of me! He brought me here to make me think that I’m nothing special!

I shook my head and broke into a run. Running across the marble floor of the Waldorf Astoria wasn’t easy, but I somehow made it. Tears blinded my vision and I started sniffling and gasping for air before I’d even reached the doors. I hate Jackson Rhodes, I thought angrily as I ran. I hate him so much! I wish he were dead!

Stumbling over my own feet, I almost fell right on my face but I managed to grab the door and jerk myself to my feet. Outside, the cold air assaulted me through my thin dress but I didn’t care. I knew that I had to get back to the apartment, get my stuff, and go home.

This whole plan had been stupid – it had been a ridiculous idea! Why the hell had I fallen for something like that? Why the hell had I listened to Jackson?

A sharp hand on my elbow made me whirl around.

“Belle!” Jackson yelled. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“I hate you!” I screamed. “I hate you so much!”

Jackson was staring at me with his lips open. His grey eyes clung to my body and I shivered under his gaze.

“Why did you run away, Belle?” Jackson crossed his arms over his chest. “Just tell me why, and I’ll let you go.”

I bit my lip. “I was jealous,” I said through sobs. “You only brought me there to make me miserable! You brought me there to show off in front of me with other women!”

Jackson pulled me close and crushed me savagely against his chest before I could move. I tried to push myself away from his body but he was stronger. For a moment, we tussled on the street. The wind whipped around us, obscuring my vision as strands of hair covered my eyes.

When I felt Jackson’s lips against my own, I couldn’t help but melt.

“Come on,” Jackson growled in my ear. “I’m taking you home.”

--

As soon as we entered the apartment, Jackson scooped me up in his arms and carried me down the hall. He dropped me on the edge of the bed and then stood back, his grey eyes boring intense holes into my face.

“Come to me,” Jackson growled. Nervously, I scooted down to the edge of the bed and got onto my hands and knees, moving slowly towards him. His shirt looked so crisp and white in the candlelight, like he was a dream, or some kind of vision. This is too perfect to be a dream, I thought as I stroked my hands down the crisp cotton. As I began to fumble with his shirt, I looked into Jackson’s intense grey eyes. His expression was calm, serious, but I could see the fire there as I pulled the fabric away from his body and laid it on the side of the bed. With a growl, Jackson pushed his shirt onto the floor. He laid a hand at the center of my chest and pushed me backwards on the bed, then crawled on top of me. His skin felt like hot silk pressed against my body. His muscular arms cradled me, making me feel safe and protected. As our lips met, particles of light flew between our bodies. I could see them floating around us like electric sparks and particles in the air. Moaning softly, I arched my back and buried my head in the pillows.

Jackson slipped a hand under my back and eagerly pulled my body to his. His other hand trailed on my bare thighs, pulling the hem of my dress up to my waist. I didn’t even think about pushing him away. It felt completely natural, completely right to be practically naked under this perfect vision of a man. Jackson nudged my head up and planted a scorching line of kisses down my neck as he slid down my body. He nipped at the delicate skin around my collarbone and I cried out with pleasure as his hands slid under the tight fabric of my dress, pushing it up to my neck.

“Belle, I’m going to take your dress off now,” Jackson growled. I shivered – I knew that he wasn’t asking permission…instead, it was a demand. I arched my back as Jackson slipped his hands under my skirt and lifted it over my head. Jackson tossed it to the floor, then ran his hand down my breasts. I shuddered – I was wearing a lacy bra, but my nipples sprang to his touch and stiffened under the itchy, thin layer of fabric. Slipping a hand behind my back, Jackson unclasped the bra expertly, then eased the lace away from my body.

“You’re so sexy.” Jackson’s eyes travelled over my almost-naked body. Even though he’d seen me completely naked, I still felt more exposed than ever.

“I’m not.”

“You are,” Jackson growled. “End of discussion.” I groaned softly when I felt his lips fasten around one of my nipples and begin to suck. Heavenly pangs of feeling raced through my body and I groaned softly, arching my back and spreading my thighs under Jackson’s body. Between my legs was a wet, pulsing mess and I wanted him to touch me there so desperately that I thought I would die. He slid a hand between our bodies and rested his fingers against my crotch. The heat from his hand was enough to stimulate me, just a little, and it was almost more agonizing than not being touched at all. Groaning and writhing, I shoved my body close to Jackson’s and eagerly rubbed my pussy against his fingers.

Jackson was panting when he took his mouth away from my swollen nipple. Jackson sat up and I reached forward, fumbling with the silky material of his trousers and tugging them down his hips. Nervously, I traced my fingers down Jackson’s rock-hard abs, until I got to the waistband of his briefs. Jackson licked his mouth, his muscles bulging at my touch. I smiled – there was something intensely satisfying about knowing I was giving him pleasure. When I pulled my hand away, Jackson groaned. He grabbed my wrist, sliding my fingers over the hard bulge at the fork of his legs.

When I felt the size of Jackson’s hard dick under my hand, I blushed and groaned quietly. He moaned in response and ground his hips against my fingers. Jackson reached down and slid his fingers under the waist of my undies, slowly pulling them down my legs and slipping each thigh, knee, and foot out of the soaked material. I buried my face in my hands as the smell of my wet pussy filled the room. Jackson ran his fingertips up my naked legs and pushed my thighs apart, slowly lowering himself down onto the bed until he was eye-level with my secret place. The feeling of being utterly and completely exposed was driving me insane, and I blushed hotly as I felt Jackson’s warm breath on my soaked, bare skin.

“Belle,” Jackson growled. “I need you.” He yanked my hand away from my face, making me look at him. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I said softly. “Are you?”

Jackson moved to the side of the bed and reached into the nightstand, coming back with a silver square packet of foil. My mouth felt dry as I watched Jackson pull his underwear down his muscular thighs and throw them to the side. Naked, he was the most gorgeous thing I’d ever seen. His skin was perfect, smooth, and glowing and his cock bobbed through the air. Blue veins pulsed at the side of Jackson’s cock and I shuddered.

Ripping the condom open with his mouth, Jackson yanked the condom of the packet and grabbed his cock with one hand, unrolling the latex sheath down. Watching Jackson touch himself sent a new feeling of lust through my body and I reached down and put my hands on his shoulders. The bedspread under my naked butt felt like silk and I snuggled into the soft bed as Jackson moved between my thighs. He reached down and grabbed my hip to steady himself, pushing the head of his cock against the entrance to my swollen pussy.

It didn’t really hurt, but I felt a thick, stabbing kind of pressure. I let out a small cry of discomfort and writhed on the bed, spreading my thighs wider and slipping further under Jackson’s bulky frame. His grey eyes met my own.

“This might hurt, Belle,” Jackson said. He leaned down and kissed me deeply, licking the moisture and sweat from my lips. I nodded silently and Jackson swept my soaked hair out of my face, straining against me. After what felt like an eternity, the pressure gave and a sharp agony, almost like a needle as big as a knife, hit me between the thighs. I tensed my muscles and dug my fingers into Jackson’s back.

For a moment, Jackson froze inside of me. “Are you still in pain?”

I shook my head. “No,” I said softly. “I’m fine.”

Jackson slid out of me, then pushed back in at a delicious, maddeningly slow pace. I groaned – the aches and pain were already starting to melt into something soft and warm and delightful. I felt like Jackson was gripping me between the legs, and I writhed and moaned loudly. Each time Jackson’s cock was buried inside of me, I felt his muscular body resting against my clit and it was an amazing sensation. I didn’t even know that I was holding my breath until my lungs began to ache for want of air. Gasping, I opened my mouth and breathed greedily as Jackson began to fuck me faster than before.

I slid my hands down Jackson’s body as he began thrusting his hips inside of me a little more rapidly. The discomfort had vanished and now I was arching my back and meeting his thrusts, spreading my legs as wide as I could to Jackson’s delicious thrusts. My nerves were on fire as Jackson’s hard erection filled every inch of my womanhood. My lower belly was clenching and I let out a passionate moan as Jackson slammed against my body. I could feel that my clit was swollen and I writhed underneath of Jackson, desperate for more stimulation.

Without warning, Jackson reached for my wrists and held them above my head with just one of his strong hands. Jackson lowered his head to my breast and I screamed at the sensation of his teeth against my nipple.

By now, we were both covered in a thin layer of sweat. As he fucked me, hot drips of salt water fell from his face and landed on my bare skin. I moaned softly, moving and twisting underneath of him. I wanted Jackson to fuck me for hours, to never stop, to keep going until we burned out like a black hole in the sky – driven to the end because of our lust.

“Yes,” I screamed loudly as something amazing and titillating clenched my lower abdomen. The feelings grew more intense and sharper by the second and I clamped my lips together, holding my breath, bucking my body against Jackson’s. Arching my back, I finally broke free of his tough grip and pulled his face towards mine. My eyes were screwed shut and I could hear myself moaning and screaming with pleasure but I didn’t even care how ridiculous I looked. It felt so wonderful, so heart-shatteringly amazing that I couldn’t even make myself breathe. As the intense wave of orgasm exploded inside of my body, I groaned and twisted, smearing my own perspiration all over Jackson’s chest. Jackson thrust and bucked and threw his head back towards the ceiling. He let out a loud, throaty cry and then I felt his cock pulsing inside of my pussy.

Jackson was breathing hard. He slid out of me, unrolled the condom from his cock and threw it to the side before curling up next to me. My skin was warm and damp, just like Jackson, but I didn’t mind. The perfect glow surrounding us, the intense feeling of love and desire that kept washing over my brain in huge, powerful waves, was too powerful to disregard.

I giggled.

“What’s so funny?” Jackson eyed me. “You laughed.”

Nervously, I licked my lips and grinned at him. “It’s just…. if I’d known it was going to be that good, I would’ve had sex a long time ago,” I said. I blushed. “But I’m glad I waited for you.”

A grin slowly stretched itself across Jackson’s perfect, sculpted face.

“I’m glad, too,” he said. He winked. “I’m really fucking grateful.”

* * *

In the morning, I couldn’t believe what I’d done. Jackson was lying next to me in bed, snoring loudly. As quietly as I could, I slipped out from between the sheets and threw all of my things in a bag. I can’t believe I slept with my stepbrother, I thought as I grabbed my bag and quickly left the apartment.

On the train, back to Alfred, my mind was all over the place. Part of me thought I was crazy for leaving…but the rational part of me knew that I’d done the right thing. So, what if I’d felt some kind of crazy love connection to Jackson while he was taking my v-card? It didn’t matter – it had just been sex. That was all. He’d told me himself that he didn’t want a relationship, that he didn’t want to date me.

I swallowed nervously. I should just be grateful that I got it over and done with, I thought morosely. Now at least I won’t have to tell the guy I actually date that I’m a virgin!

But even that seemed like thinking too far ahead. I didn’t want a boyfriend. I didn’t want anyone but Jackson. When I closed my eyes, I saw us writhing around on the bed, moaning loudly and thrusting our bodies together. I saw Jackson slipping his fingers down my breasts, pinching my nipples, making me come harder than I’d ever thought possible. Sex had been like nothing I’d imagined it would be – it had been so personal, so intense.

For a moment, I’d actually thought that Jackson was enjoying himself, too. Don’t be stupid, I told myself. Obviously, he couldn’t have liked it that much. He has sex all the time – why the hell do you think you were anything special?

It was with relief that I checked my bank account and saw three commas there, separating the numbers. I’d never had so much money before. I wanted to call Mom and tell her that things had worked out, but first, I wanted some time alone. I wanted to take a bath and try to forget all about Jackson Rhodes.

I thought it would feel better knowing that I was never going to see him again. But all I could feel was sadness, emptiness. Like I’d somehow ruined the best thing that had ever happened to me.

When the train pulled into the station, it was almost dark. I grabbed my bag from the overhead racks and lugged it down the steps. I hadn’t thought to call ahead and ask Alexa if she could pick me up. Now, it was bitterly cold and I hated the thought of standing by the parking lot, waiting for a ride back to my apartment.

“Belle?”

I turned around.

Jackson was standing there, an enormous bouquet of lilies and roses in his arms.

My jaw dropped.

“Belle?” Jackson stepped closer. His grey eyes were narrowed with concern, and I saw that he was sweating.

“What?” I frowned. “What are you doing here?”

Jackson sighed. “You left before I could wake up,” he said. He smirked. “Did you know that it’s a shorter drive up here? Well, as long as you speed.”

A lump was forming in my throat and I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him.

“Jackson…what are you doing here? What do you want?”

Jackson licked his lips. “I…. I realized something, Belle.”

I sighed. “If you’re going to humiliate me, just— “

“No,” Jackson said sharply. “Let me finish, okay?” He sighed and I gnawed nervously at my lip as I waited for him to continue.

“I can’t,” I said softly. “I can’t let you do this – I can’t let you break my heart again, Jackson.”

“That’s not what I want to do,” Jackson said firmly. He pressed the flowers into my arm and grabbed my suitcase with one hand. The winter winds whipped around us but I could no longer feel anything resembling a chill.

“Then what?” I stared at him expectantly.

“Being with you…Spending time with you, Belle, has really made me think about my situation,” Jackson said hoarsely. “I was horrible before. I was a miser – I was cruel, and I know I shouldn’t have ever considered not giving your mom any money.”

My heart sank. “So this is about my mom?”

“No!” Jackson dropped down to one knee. “Belle, this is about you. This is about us. I love you, Belle. I’m so sorry for all of the times I treated you badly. I’m sorry for saying everything and for hurting you. I never thought I could love anyone, Belle, but when I woke up and saw that you were gone…” His voice was choked with genuine emotion. “It hurt so much.”

I swallowed hard.

“And I’ve fallen in love with you, your kindness, your goodness...” Jackson trailed off. “Your willingness to do anything for your family. I’ve never seen that before. I never even thought people like that existed.” He ran a hand through his hair. “But they do. You do, Belle. You’re too good to be real.”

“I don’t know what to say,” I said softly.

“Say you’ll be with me.” Jackson pulled a box out of his pocket and I gasped. Just as I was about to slap his hand away, he grinned. “This isn’t a ring,” he said, opening the familiar, robin’s egg blue box. Inside, a sparkling diamond bracelet was sitting on a pad of velvet. “This is a present for you. I want you to be able to look down and see how much I love you, even when we’re apart.”

The tears began to drip down my cheeks and I blushed as I tried frantically to wipe them away. My heart was beating like a drum and I had no idea what to say or do. Finally, Jackson climbed to his feet and pulled me into his arms.

“I love you, Belle,” Jackson whispered huskily into my ear. “And I want to be with you forever. Being around you has changed me.”

I stared at him. “I…. I don’t know what to say,” I said softly. My breath was coming in rapid little bursts and for a horrible moment, I thought I was going to hyperventilate.

“Say what you feel,” Jackson said slowly. He looked into my eyes and I shivered.

“I love you,” I said softly. “I love you, Jackson Rhodes.”

As our lips met, I melted against Jackson’s body and threw my arms around his neck. He pulled me close, crushing the flowers between us. But I didn’t even care – I knew that I had something better in my arms. Somehow, my love had changed Jackson…and somehow, that made things even better than they would have been if he’d always been kind and willing to love.

“I love you so much,” Jackson said quietly. “Thank you for showing me how, Belle.”

I blushed softly as he kissed my cheek. “My pleasure,” I whispered huskily. “I love you, too.”

Jackson smirked his trademark smirk. “Come on,” he said playfully, linking his arm through mine. “Let’s go get warm.”

I raised my eyebrows and blushed. “I’m still sore from last night,” I whispered softly.

Jackson grinned and I blushed even harder. “Trust me,” he said, winking. “I’ll make you all better as soon as we’re alone.”

As we left the Alfred train station together, I knew that I’d finally found what I’d always wanted.

* * *

Freshmen and upperclassmen alike scurried along the tree-lined street that ran through the campus separating the on-campus dorms from the campus buildings where classes were held. Girls wore skirts and dresses; guys wore shorts and short-sleeves as everyone attempted to enjoy the last warm days of a summer past before the cool temperature drop of autumn set in. Although we no longer lived in the on-campus dorms, we had a lot of friends who did and on a small campus like Greenville University, one was more likely to run into a familiar face than not. Today was a hot beautiful day for the first day of classes and it set the tone for a great semester. Since my best friend, Gemma, and I were now sharing an off-campus apartment together, we had decided to walk to campus together although we would be parting ways soon to go to separate classes in different buildings. Gemma and I were both enrolled in the Education Program which came with its own required core classes in addition to the ones that the university mandated and the classes for our chosen majors. I was an Art major and Gemma was an English major. Art had always been my favorite class in school and ever since I was a little girl, I had always wanted to be a teacher.

A cool breeze gently caressed my face and bare legs. I wore a yellow floral off the shoulder dress that was fitted over my small breasts and flat stomach then fanned out over my round hips and bubble butt. It came down just above my knees, showing off my summer tan and toned calves. I wore a pair of pink sandals with bows on them that matched the flowers on my dress, the headband in my hair and my nail polish. My long blonde curls blew softly in the wind. It felt good to be on campus, and I was all smiles even though I had been here all summer finishing up my general core classes. When we reached the building where Gemma's class was, we stopped walking.

"So, I'll meet you after class at our usual spot?" Gemma asked me.

"Yea," I answered with a smile.

Gemma returned the smile before saying "ok, see you soon!"

She gave a small wave with her manicured hand and headed into the building with all the other students who had 9 o'clock classes. I watched her walk into the building before I started walking again. My class was held in the building right beside hers. I could feel excited butterflies fluttering in my stomach as I neared the creative arts building. My first class of the semester was Figure Drawing 101. This class intrigued me the most because I had heard that we would be drawing real live nude models. I bit my lip at the thought, hoping that they would be hot. The class was held on the fourth floor so I would have to take the elevator. Luckily, I got to board and ride the elevator alone because I’ve always hated how awkward sharing an elevator with other people can be.

My sandals slapped against the linoleum floor as I got off the elevator and began walking the halls in search of my class. I was looking for room 402. I passed 400, then 401, and when I reached 402, the door was closed. I pulled the door open and walked in. What I saw when I entered that class room made me choke on my spit and I had to immediately step back out so that no one in the class could see me sputtering and struggling to breathe like an idiot. I could feel my face heating up and knew that it was all red and flushed. With one hand, I searched my bag for my water bottle. Once I found it, I hurriedly twisted it open and drank until I could breathe normally. I returned the water to my bag and wiped my face. My eyes had started tearing up and I felt like a hot mess! I fanned my face and tried to calm down. Clearly, I was not as mentally prepared for this as I had otherwise thought. Again, I grabbed the door handle and took a deep breath before pulling open the door and stepping inside the large, high-ceilinged room. There were stools and drawing tables arranged in a letter 'C.' Perched upon a stool in the heart of the 'C' was a Greek God of a man, naked wearing nothing but a towel. Facing the door, a chalkboard on wheels sitting at the opening of the 'C' read:

I am your professor and model Professor Moore. Welcome to Figure Drawing 101!

Please have a seat anywhere and begin sketching.

I took a good look at this mature Thor poised like the Thinking Man atop a stool and wondered if he used to play football because he was built like a retired line-backer. With all those muscles, he looked as though he were made of stone, but also like he gave the best hugs. I imagined those strong arms wrapped around me and a shiver ran through my body. I had to shake the thought from my mind. I circled behind the easels keeping my eyes trained on him trying to find his best angle and didn't stop until I was facing his back. And what a glorious and strong back it was! He had broad shoulders and this sexy dip where his spine was. His back slimmed at the waist and just below, a glimpse of his crack peeked out from under his towel. From the looks of it, he had a great ass. I wanted nothing more than to hug him from behind. My arms would wrap tight around his waist and I'd rest my face upon his back. I closed my eyes and imagined going to sleep like that, a smile spreading across my face.

I opened my eyes and as I sat on my stool, I wondered if a picture would be inappropriate. Ok, I knew that a picture would be inappropriate but I wanted one anyway. I mean, how often is there a naked God with a perfect back sitting before you as though on a platter? Never, that's how often and I wanted a keepsake for my private collection for private moments with my private parts. I took my phone out of my pocket and acted like I was reaching in my bag for my sketch pad, but really, I was scoping the scene to see if anyone was watching. There were only three other students in the classroom at the time and these three had already begun sketching, albeit they had all decided to sketch him from the front and were thus facing me.

At that moment, I realized what a creep I was being. From the fact that I was facing his ass to the fact that I wanted to sneak a picture of said ass, I was totally being a creep. But even as I admitted the creepiness of the situation to myself, I still proceeded to pretend to take a selfie whilst taking a barrage of silent pictures of Professor Moore's back.

Once I was satisfied with my pictures, I put away my phone and finally opened my sketch pad. Now, more students were arriving and taking seats on stools. I took out a pencil and began sketching. After putting in some time and work, the sketch was coming along nicely. Maybe that had something to do with the fact that I had a beautiful subject. As my sketch got closer to completion, my mind began to wander and I quickly realized that pictures of his back alone were not enough. I needed more.

I quickly scanned the classroom. Everyone else was still sketching, but I noticed an empty stool and easel facing him. I bit my lip in contemplation, realizing why it was empty: it sat directly in his line of vision! How was I going to take a candid picture of someone who was looking directly at me? The yearning between my legs told me that I'd figure it out and urged me to gather my things and stand up. Quickly and quietly, I made my way around the perimeter of stools until I arrived at the empty one and sat down. I took my sketchbook and pencil back out and tried to sketch, but it was hard to concentrate with how intensely Professor Moore was staring at me. I felt myself blushing and going hot all over. This was the hot seat! Every time I looked up, our eyes met. It was going to be impossible to get a picture without him knowing, I thought as I drew.

Then a voice inside of me whispered "I want him to know." The thought threw me off and made me freeze with anticipation, yet my hand twitched in the direction of my phone. What the fuck was I considering right now? I tried to shake the thought away and focus on my drawing, which was coming out even better than the first one, might I add! Every time I’d look up, we'd lock eyes and more fuel was thrown on the fire inside that made my body glow. The artist in me wanted to capture the intensity of his gaze on paper and I tried my hardest despite the puddle forming between my legs. I opened and closed my legs in an attempt to bring down the temperature between them but, to no avail. When my legs parted, I noticed his eyes shift ever so slightly downward. It was so fast that I wondered if I was imagining it, but then I noticed a flush of red spread over his chest and neck. He was blushing! Why would he be blushing unless.

Just then, he sat up so abruptly that it made me jump and drop my pencil.

"Alright class, that's a wrap!" He boomed in a smooth baritone. Maybe he was just checking the time on his wristwatch, I thought to myself. But I didn’t believe that. Professor Moore had tried to get a glimpse of my pussy! He stretched revealing the full expanse of his body. My eyes travelled up from the tips of the V that extended upward from under his towel, to a neat happy trail that led to his taut belly button. The stretch showed off his long torso and washboard abs that were covered in cute freckles. He had little pink nipples and a small patch of thin curly hair on his chest. His arms reminded me of thick ropes. The kind that could secure a massive ship to a dock.

Before I could think about it or stop myself, I pulled out my phone and snapped a picture of him stretching. Then, just as quickly, I put my phone away and made sure that no one had seen me. No one had except for Professor Moore and he stared at me before addressing the class.

"On Wednesday, we'll review and critique your sketches. That's all for today. Enjoy the rest of your day!" He said with a clap of his big hands, dismissing the class. You know what they say about big hands? Well, you know what I say about big hands? A man with big hands carries a big...

I hauled ass out of that class so fast that you'd think my panties were on fire and they might as well have been with all the heat that was generating between my legs. I made a beeline for the women's bathroom and locked myself in the handicapped stall. I had to get out of these wet panties. I peeled off the wet lace and thought about tossing them in the trash versus carrying them around in my bag, but then had a better idea. That same voice from earlier thought that I could put my pink lace thong to better use. I smiled deviously as I unlocked the stall door and exited the bathroom, the panties balled up in my hand.

I caught the elevator downstairs, but this time, I wasn't alone; the elevator was full. I couldn't help smiling at the fact that unbeknownst to the other people on this elevator, I had a pair of wet panties in my hand and none under my dress. It gave me a rush! I didn't know what had come over me, but if the rest of the semester was anything like this morning, then I was ready for it! The first floor held the creative arts professor’s offices. I marched with purpose in search of Professor Moore's office. The professor's names were printed on their mailboxes. When I found Professor Moore's mailbox, beside his office door, I calmly opened it and dropped my panties inside before turning on my heels to leave. I walked out of the building with a sense of accomplishment feeling very womanly and powerful. I headed across the campus lawn to a secluded bench under a shady tree. There, Gemma was impatiently waiting for me.

"What took you so long teacher’s pet?" She greeted me. I smiled. Little did she know. I didn't answer, I just shrugged as I sat down beside her on the bench and casually crossed one leg over the other. Warm wind blew up my dress and I could feel the moving air on the bare lips of my bald pussy. My smile grew.

"So how was your first class of the semester?" I asked Gemma pleasantly. I wasn't even listening when she went on to tell me; I was lost in a fantasy. I imagined Professor Moore strolling across the lawn wearing nothing but that towel, his eyes on me with every step. I'd spread my legs for him like a blossoming flower as he dropped down to his knees and...

"I have to head back to the apartment! I left a book that I need for my next class!" I suddenly exclaimed springing up from my seat and interrupting Gemma in mid-sentence. Gemma looked at me sceptically but she couldn't even begin to understand what was going on with me. Before she could respond, I gathered my things, ready to go.

"Let's meet in the dining hall for lunch!" I told her as I hurried off in the direction of our apartment.

As I walked, I scrolled through the pictures I had taken of Professor Moore. I groaned as I zoomed in on the different details of his physique. My favorite picture by far was the one of him stretching; it made me want to lick him from neck to navel and then some. When I got to our apartment building, I buzzed myself in and ripped the door open. We lived on the second floor and there was no elevator so I ran up the couple flights of stairs, cursing with every step. I was sweating by the time I reached our apartment. Blonde curls were stuck to my face and neck and my headband was askew. I quickly unlocked the heavy door and let myself in, slamming it shut behind me. Since it was hot out and we didn't have to pay for electricity, we had left the air conditioner on in the living room. The cool air was refreshing and I closed my eyes to enjoy it, leaning my bare back against the metal door. I wasn't going to make it to my bedroom. Gemma's cat Sprinkles came out of hiding to welcome me home with a meow as she rubbed herself against my leg. I wished her away.

"Shoo Sprinkles. I don't want your innocent eyes to see this," I told her. She responded with a meow and proceeded to sit down on the hardwood floor and lick herself. I slid down to the floor, legs wide open as I looked at my phone. On the screen was the picture of Professor Moore stretching. And what was that? I zoomed in to the front of his towel and let out a combination of a moan and a squeal, my free hand finding its way to the slippery lips between my legs. Professor Moore had blessed me with a dick print!

I stroked the fire between my legs, relishing how slick my fingers were getting. I imagined Professor Moore standing over me, his dick dangling behind his towel, and my fingers dove deep into my pussy. I imagined myself pulling his towel off and his hard dick springing up to look me in the face and my mouth salivated. I wanted to take his huge dick in my mouth. I stuck out my tongue as my fingers caressed my hard clit, my hips grinding against the floor.

"Mm Professor Moore," I moaned as I licked my pouty pink lips. I stuck my wet hand in my mouth and sucked the juices off as my other hand took its place between my legs. I eased my fingers inside as my thumb worked my clit, lost in my fantasy and blinded by my oncoming orgasm. I came on my hand on the living room floor calling out Professor Moore's name while Sprinkles licked herself and watched me.

Now I was sleepy, hot, sticky, and thirsty. I laid out on the floor, resting my sweaty head on the cool wood floor. If it weren't all the way in the kitchen, I'd probably drink out of Sprinkle's water bowl. It was probably for the best that her water bowl was in the kitchen. I just wanted to crawl into my bed and go to sleep, but I didn't have a nap scheduled until after lunch and I had another class before lunch that would probably be starting soon. If I was lucky, I had enough time for a shower, but definitely not a nap. I blindly searched the floor with my hand for my phone. When I found it, I checked the time. I had half an hour before my next class. I needed to pull myself together fast! I picked myself up off the floor and stripped on my way to the bathroom, leaving a trail of clothes on the floor behind me. I was naked by the time that I got in the bathroom. I turned on the cold water and climbed into the shower, letting the water wash over me. I could wash away the remnants of my passion, but never my feelings for Professor Moore.

* * *

Obsessed

My other classes were gray blurs in comparison to Figure Drawing 101. Professor Moore's teaching style was very...unorthodox, to say the least. He was very "hands on" and liked to interact with his students. One class, he asked for two volunteers to model together for the class. As tempted as I was, I didn't raise my hand. I was waiting for the opportunity to model with Professor Moore and I refused to settle. He asked for a female volunteer and a male volunteer. Then he had them do really expressive and intimate poses. Every pose, I imagined that it was Professor Moore and I doing it and I'd get aroused.

I was one of the best artists in the class. I knew it and so did everyone else. It seemed like Professor Moore went out of his way not to praise me too much which made me work harder. When I wasn't in Figure Drawing 101, I was fantasizing about Professor Moore. I had written poems about him in the notebooks that were for my other classes. I spent my free time drawing him and sometimes drawing us together. On my laptop was a whole collection of candid pictures that I had taken of Professor Moore without him knowing. Most were taken in class, but some were from around campus. He was the background on the home screen of my phone! 

I had made it a habit of randomly dropping off my panties in his mailbox. It was my guilty pleasure. I usually did it after a super intense masturbation session. One day, when I was going to drop off a pair of black boy shorts, I found that Professor Moore had accidentally left the door to his office ajar. So, naturally, I snuck into his office. I was in heaven! His office smelled like paint, cologne, and leather. Paintings decorated the walls, books and sculptures lined the shelves. There was a large window overlooking the lawn. I could see me and Gemma's tree from here! Beside the window, was a large mahogany desk with a matching leather cushioned office chair. There were papers messily strewn across the desk and an unfinished mug of tea. I sat down behind the desk and picked up the tea. I brought the mug up to my lips and took a sip. It was still warm! He was just here, sitting in this seat, drinking from this mug. I took another sip, trying to figure out how he liked his tea. It was sweet with a little spice in it. Maybe cinnamon? And ginger? My eyes searched the shelves for a box of tea. When I didn't see one, I searched the drawers of the desk and found a box of tea in the bottom drawer, but that's not all I found! In the bottom drawer of his desk were all the panties that I had left in his mailbox! I grinned from ear to hear. I was beyond flattered and a little turned on. I deposited the black boy shorts into the drawer, adding a new pair to his growing collection.

I leaned back in the chair and gazed out the window, wondering what would happen if Professor Moore walked in here right now. I imagined myself sitting here with my legs crossed, fingers teepee atop the desk. "I've been expecting you," I'd say. He'd close the door behind him and begin undressing. 

My eyes were now closed as I touched myself to my fantasy. I licked my lips and lifted my leg up onto the desk as I slid my hand under my skirt. I arched my back as I touched myself, moaning softly. Suddenly, the office door opened! I heard someone enter and then the sound of the door close. I opened my eyes and found Professor Moore watching me wearing an expression that I couldn't read. I didn't stop. I continued touching myself while he watched. 

"So you're the one who's been leaving panties in my mailbox," he finally said. I nodded and whimpered, biting my bottom lip. His dick was growing in his pants as he watched me. I smiled. 

"Come here," I instructed. He obeyed, slowing walking forward as though in a trance. He unbuckled his belt, then unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, removing his long hard dick. The whole time, he never took his eyes off me. We just watched each other masturbate. I had never experienced anything like it. I removed my wet hand from between my legs and licked my fingers. Professor Moore moaned as he stroked himself. I was tired of masturbating. I wanted to make my fantasies come true. I removed my jacket and then pulled my shirt off, over my head. Then I unhooked my bra and let it drop onto the floor. He watched my every move and I watched him watch me. I stood up and pulled down my skirt, stepping out of it. Then I slipped out of my sandals. I stood before him, completely naked. His dick was rock hard and pointing straight at me. I sat back down with my legs spread before him like a gift. He took one step towards me, then another. I arched my back and resumed touching myself as I watched him draw nearer. He hesitated, as though debating over whether he should continue. 

"I know that you've been sniffing my panties Professor. I know you want to put a taste to a smell," I said as I twirled a long strand of blonde hair around my finger. He licked his lips and dropped down to his knees between my legs, eye level with my pussy. I stopped touching myself and stuck the fingers that had been inside of me, inside of Professor Moore's mouth. He licked and sucked the juices off my fingers, making me even wetter. I took my fingers out of his mouth and he brought his face closer to my pussy. The closer he got, the harder it became to control myself. The anticipation was driving me crazy! When he finally put his lips on me, I shuddered and exclaimed, "oh my goodness, yes!" He ate with enthusiasm, gripping my thighs, pushing his face deeper between them. When I got too loud, he grabbed a pair of my panties from the open drawer and stuffed them into my mouth. I could feel a puddle forming in the seat of the chair, wetting my butt cheeks. My body shook as I came hard. I had been waiting for this moment for so long that there was no holding back. I moaned loudly into the panties as my body went stiff and I came into Professor Moore's waiting mouth. 

When Professor Moore looked up at me, his chin was glistening, I couldn't help but grin. I pulled the panties out of my mouth and tossed them into the drawer before I began getting dressed. 

"Wait, where are you going?" Professor Moore asked me from the floor. I gave him a sleepy smile. 

"To make you chase me," I answered with a wink. I crouched down between his legs, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed him. His goatee tickled me and his mouth tasted like me. Our tongues caressed and I enjoyed how I tasted on his. He wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him. I slid my hand down the front of his pants, gripping his hard dick before pulling away and standing up. I stepped over him, heading towards the door.

"See ya," I said before exiting his office, closing the door behind me. I walked home smugly, with pep in my step. Let the games begin!

Later that evening, when I was doing homework with Gemma in the dining room, I received a text message from an unknown number. It read:

‘Hey, it's Marquise.’

I grinned and nibbled on my bottom lip. It was Professor Moore! Marquise was his first name.

"Who's got you smiling like that?" Gemma asked me. I blushed. What I wanted to say was the love of my life.

What I said instead was "oh just this guy."

"Ok? Who?" Gemma demanded impatiently. I frowned. I wasn't sure that I wanted to tell Gemma about Professor Moore. Or should I say, Marquise. I liked that it was a secret.

"It's still very new, I'll tell you when it gets more serious," I told her. Gemma nodded understandingly and then returned her attention to her book. I texted back:

‘Marquise who?’

Just to be sure. He replied:

‘Marquise Moore’

So, I wrote back:

‘???’

Inside I was laughing. He sent back:

‘From Figure Drawing 101’

And I said:

‘…’

So, he said:

‘The man who you’ve been gifting panties to!’

So, I wrote back:

‘Oh him! Hello Marquise :)’

I couldn’t help but laugh. He replied:

I want to see you. 

I grinned and texted back

Want. Or need? 

He texted back:

Want...

I raised an eyebrow and typed back:

Then you'll see me in class tomorrow Professor Moore. 

After that I turned off my phone and returned my attention to my homework. I noticed Gemma watching me out of the corner of her eye, but she didn't say anything. 

The next day, I decided to wear something sexy to class. The temperature had dropped and I decided to wear something autumn inspired. I wore a short burgundy plaid skirt with a black sweater, black thigh highs and black booties. The sliver of thigh that showed between the top of the thigh highs and the bottom hem of the skirt was super sexy yet subtle. The sweater had a deep V-neck and showed off my perky cleavage. I decided to put my hair up in two messy pigtail buns. Around my neck, I wore a burgundy choker and I put on matching burgundy lip gloss. Before leaving for class, I gave myself a once-over in the mirror. Pleased with my reflection, I met Gemma in the living room so that we could walk to class together.

"Woah, you look hot!" She said. I grinned. 

"Thanks! Ready to go?" I asked her. She nodded and we headed out.

I made a lot of heads turn on our walk to class, but there was only one person whose attention I was after. After Gemma went into the building where her class was, I walked slower. I didn't want to get to class early. I stopped in every bathroom on my way and checked my reflection, even taking a few selfies. When it was exactly 9 o'clock on the dot, I decided to go to class. Everyone else was already seated when I arrived and all eyes were on me, including Professor Moore's. The class was quiet as I strolled to an empty stool and sat down. I didn't look up until I had reached into my bag, pulled out a stick of gum, opened it, stuck it in my mouth, and began chewing real slow. Professor Moore was staring directly at me. I fought to keep my face blank. 

"How nice of you to join us Miss Winters. The rule still stands that late students must model so please come sit on the stool in the center of the class," Professor Moore instructed. I smirked as I put my stuff down and sauntered to the center stool. I had been expecting this. 

"Can I have someone to model with?" I asked. I could tell that no one was expecting that.

"Of course," Professor Moore said to me, then to the rest of the class, "anyone want to volunteer to model with Miss Winters."

Before anyone could volunteer, I quickly said, “I want you to model with me.” There were murmurs around the class. The rest of the class was intrigued by the idea. Professor Moore merely chuckled dismissively.

“No, I don’t model with my students. So, let’s get a volunteer from the class to help you,” he said. I raised an eyebrow skeptically. So, he didn’t model with students, but he was willing to other things with us... Everyone looked around to see who would volunteer. Then a cutie timidly raised his hand. I clapped my hands together happily. The cutie stood up and shyly walked to the center of the class to join me. 

"Ok, now that you have a partner, are you ready to pose?" Professor Moore asked. I nodded. Professor Moore nodded too, then turned to address the class. "Ok everyone, get out your sketchbooks and pencils and get ready to begin."

I turned to face the cutie.

"What's your name?" I asked him. 

"Richard," he answered. I sat down on the stool and spread my legs.

"Ok, Richard, get down on your knees," I instructed. He laughed nervously, but did as he was told and got down on his knees between my legs. "Now open your mouth and stick out your tongue. Are you comfortable because I need you to stay like that?" He nodded and stuck out his tongue. "Perfect," I said as I leaned back and arched my back. I knew that both Richard and the class were getting a good view of my panties and I didn't care. This was all being done in the name of art... amongst other things. I opened my mouth and closed my eyes in a face of ecstasy. The class was quiet and all eyes were on us, including Professor Moore's. This almost made me smile, but I didn't want to break character. We had to stay like this for the remainder of the class. I hoped that Richard was a good model.

The time dragged on forever. The pose that I had chosen was difficult to keep up. I had to keep my balance while leaning back on a stool for a whole hour. When Professor Moore finally clapped his hands together, signaling the end of class, I sat up and stretched. Richard sat back on his heels then slowly stood up, stretching his knees. "Good job!" I told him and gave him a high five. 

"Ok, that's a wrap for today. See you all on Monday!" Professor Moore's loud deep voice boomed as he dismissed the class. I headed over to the stool and easel where I had deposited my stuff and gathered my things. As I exited the classroom, I checked my phone. I had a new message from Professor Moore that read:

‘Meet me at my office.’ I smiled smugly. 

I rode the elevator down with my classmates, then let them all exit first. They all headed off in the direction of the buildings exit, while I headed in the direction of the offices. When I got to Professor Moore's office, I patiently waited outside for him to arrive. He got there five minutes later, attempting to look calm, cool, and collected as though he were in control of the situation. We both knew who was in control. He unlocked his office door and held it open for me to go in before following me inside, closing the door behind him. When I turned to face him, he was in my face, backing me up against a bookshelf. 

"What was that little stunt you pulled in class today?" He growled into my ear as he slid his hands under my shirt and bra, filling his hands with my breasts. I whimpered and closed my eyes, licking my lips. He had one leg between each of mine and lifted my knee up to brush against his hard dick. One of his hands traveled all the way up to wrap around my neck. His other hand descended over my skirt then pushed it up as he grabbed a handful of my ass and squeezed. I moaned and bit my lip as my hand struggled to free his dick from his pants. Once it was free, I licked my hand and wrapped it around his hard shaft, stroking it up and down. He moaned into my hair, his warm breath tickling my ear and making me shiver. He lifted me up with the hand that was on my ass and I straddled him as he guided his dick inside me, choking me the whole time. When he entered me, he stuck his tongue in my mouth, muffling my moans with his mouth. We made out sloppily as he pumped in and out of me. He stopped kissing me to whisper in my ear, "this is what you wanted?" 

"Yes!" I cried out. He covered my mouth as he fucked me. We could hear the wet sounds of him sliding in and out of me and the sound of my back shaking the bookshelf with every pump. "Oh my God, I'm about to come!" I exclaimed into his hand. He moaned, sweat beading his brow. He released my mouth so that he could hold me by the ass with both hands, pumping in and out of me ferociously. I bit his shoulder, muffling my moans with his sweater. In the background, his phone began ringing. I gripped his strong back, digging my nails into it as I came. I came first, but he wasn't done. I licked his ear before he flipped me around and bent me over his desk, taking me from behind. He pounded into me, making my ass cheeks clap. He grunted as he came inside of me, filling me with his seed. I was face to face with his phone, which was still ringing. While still inside of me, he leaned forward and kissed my neck before pulling out. I stood up, my legs feeling like jelly. We both were sweaty and out of breath, trying to fix our clothes. His phone rang again. I glanced at the screen, which read "Sharon."

"Sharon's calling you," I informed him. I watched him pick up his phone as I fixed my hair. He didn't answer it, but instead, stuffed it into his pocket. "Who's Sharon?" I asked him. He looked out the window as though to gather his thoughts before looking me in the eyes.

"My wife."

* * *

Bad Romance

That one statement instantly killed the whole mood. 

"You're married?!" I demanded. My eyes went from staring into his to staring at the bare ring finger of his left hand. He didn't wear a ring nor had I ever seen one. Professor Moore slumped into his chair. This was obviously not the conversation that he was looking to have right now. "If I would've known that, I would have never..." I continued, but didn't finish. 

"Well you didn't ask," he pointed out lamely.

"You don't wear a ring!" I snapped back. Before he could respond, his phone rang again. 

"I'm going to go so you can stop ignoring your wife," I spat before snatching up my things and storming out, slamming the door behind me. I stomped down the hall, fuming. In my haste, I smashed right into a woman walking in the opposite direction, knocking both of our things to the ground. "Sorry," I muttered distractedly as I crouched down to help her pick up her things. 

"It's ok. What's wrong? Get a bad grade?" She mused good naturally. I shrugged, picking up my things. I noticed a wedding ring on her ring finger and finally gave her a good look. She was older than me, but still fairly young. She looked good and had a nice body. We stood up and she forced a smile, but I just stared at her. "Well, enjoy the rest of your day," she said before walking off in the direction from which I had just come. I turned to watch her go and just as I suspected, she stopped outside of Professor Moore's office and knocked on the door. It was his wife. I turned and walked off, exiting the building. When I got outside, I sat down on a bench, needing a moment to clear my mind. Only then did I realize that I was holding his wife's phone in my hand. I must have picked it up when I had almost run her over. 

A mischievous smile spread across my face like the Grinch as a plan hatched in my mind. I was going to need Gemma's help for it to work. I took out my phone and opened my Facebook app. In the search bar, I typed in 'Sharon Moore.' I smiled when her profile popped up. That was definitely his wife. I went through her pictures. I had to give it to her, she was a beautiful woman. She wasn't me though. I closed the Facebook app and texted Gemma: ‘What are you doing?’ 

While I waited for her to text me back, I called my phone from Sharon's so that I could store her number, then I deleted the call log.

Gemma texted me back: ‘Nothing, at the apartment. My next class was cancelled. What are you doing?’

Instead of texting back, I stood up and started walking home. When I got to our apartment, I found Gemma sitting on the couch watching TV in the living room.

"Hey," I greeted her as I sat down beside her, letting my stuff drop on the floor by my feet. 

"Hey," she said looking at me and then back at the TV. 

"So, I have a favor to ask," I began. Gemma looked at me with a raised eyebrow. "I found this phone and wanted to know if you would return it for me. I would do it but I have to go to class." I watched as Gemma thought it over.

"Who's phone, is it?" She asked me. 

"An older model from my Figure Drawing class," I answered. 

"A woman?" Gemma asked.

"Yea, here's what she looks like," I said and then opened Sharon's Facebook page pictures and handing Gemma my phone so she could look through them.

"Wow, she's hot," Gemma said sounding impressed. I rolled my eyes.

"Yea, so will you do it for me?" I asked her. 

"Sure. Where am I meeting her?" She asked, still looking at Sharon's pictures. Just then, as though on cue, Sharon's phone rang from a private number. 

I answered sweetly, "hello?"

"Hi, I lost my phone," Sharon said. I smiled, this was working out almost too perfectly. 

"Yea, I found it. Are you on campus?" I asked her.

"Yes! Where can I meet you to get it?" She asked. 

"You can come to my apartment." I told her our address and she said that she was on her way. I turned to Gemma and handed her Sharon's phone. She handed me my phone back.

"She's on her way here now. Maybe you can invite her inside and get better acquainted," I said with a wink. Gemma rolled her eyes at me but smiled. I knew that Gemma liked older women and it was hard for even straight women to resist Gemma. Even I had considered hooking up with Gemma before, although I never acted on it. I just hoped that my plan worked. I stood up and gathered my things. "Well, I'm off to class! Don't do anything that I wouldn’t do," I said with a smile. Gemma smirked at me.

"Bye," she said, returning her attention to the TV. I left the apartment but I didn't leave the building. I wasn't going to class, I had something more important to handle. I hid in our hallway and waited for Sharon to get here. When I heard, heels coming up the stairs, I crouched down in the shadows so that she couldn't see me. Unfortunately, I couldn't see her either, but I could hear. Someone must have let her in the building on their way out. Sharon knocked on the door and I heard it open.

"Hey!" Gemma greeted her.

"Hello!" Said Sharon. 

"Here's your phone," Gemma said.

"Thank you so much! I don't know how to repay you," Sharon said. I crossed my fingers. 

"Come in for a cup of tea. I won't take no for an answer," Gemma said laying on her charm extra thick. Sharon hesitated but said, "Oh, ok. Yea, I'd love some tea."

I grinned like the Cheshire Cat as I heard Sharon go into the apartment and Gemma close the door behind her.

Now for the tricky part.

I stood up and walked up to the apartment door, unlocking it and going inside. I followed the sounds of Gemma and Sharon talking into the kitchen. They were seated at the table. Water was boiling in the teapot.

"Hey!" I greeted them enthusiastically. Sharon recognized me and smiled.

"Hey! I remember you from earlier. Do you live here?" She asked me. 

"Yea, I gave my roommate your phone to give to you because I have class. I came back because I forgot something," I said before heading down the hall to where the bedrooms were, but instead of going into my bedroom, I went into Gemma's. I headed straight for her dresser and opened her jewelry box. There in a little tiny baggy, was exactly what I was looking for. I removed two ecstasy pills from the baggy, returned the baggy to the jewelry box and closed the jewelry box. Now that I had what I was looking for, I quietly exited Gemma's room. I went back into the kitchen with the ecstasy pills in my hand.

"So, I just checked my email and my class is cancelled too so I could've given you your phone myself," I told them. Just then, the teapot began whistling. "Let me get that for you! You don't have to get up," I said to Gemma as I briskly made my way over to it and removed it from the stove. With my back to them, I dropped the two ecstasy pills into the hot water. I turned around to face Gemma and Sharon wearing a huge grin. I placed the teapot on the table between them and then went to retrieve two large mugs from the cabinet, moving slowly so that the E pills had time to dissolve. I placed one mug in front of Gemma and the other in front of Sharon. Then I brought out the sugar and tea bags.

"How do you take your tea?" I asked Sharon. "Gemma likes hers with vanilla almond milk."

"Oh, do you have cream? If not, I'll try the vanilla almond milk," Sharon said. I opened the refrigerator and peered inside.

"You're in luck, we have cream!" I announced. I brought out the cream and the vanilla almond milk and placed them on the table before sitting down. I watched them put teabags in their cups and then pour hot water onto the tea bags as I fought to hide my excitement. 

"You're not going to have any tea?" Gemma asked me. I frowned and shook my head no. I was having too much fun watching them prepare their tea. 

"So, what are you girl’s majors?" Sharon asked us. 

"I'm an English major," Gemma answered. I had been dreading this very conversation.

"I'm an art major," I said. At this, I had Sharon's full attention.

"That's why I saw you in the art building. I wonder if you've had my husband's course yet. Figure Drawing 101?"