Chapter Eleven
Selena laughed as Brad told her the story of how he met one of their teachers on some hook up app. She hadn’t seen him in years, not since they went to high school together; she didn’t even know that he worked at Merlin’s. Brad said he enjoyed the job and being around other warlocks. She understood, as she missed life with the coven, the sense of community and feeling safe. She probably would visit more often if it weren’t for her stepsisters.
“Oh my God, Brad!” She swatted him playfully on the shoulder. “No. Way. Mr. Jenkins?”
“Oh yes way, Selena,” he laughed. “His profile said he was a papa bear looking for his baby bear.”
“I don’t even know what that means … so what happened?”
“Well, we went to the backseat of his car and—”
“Selena.”
The familiar voice made her freeze. It couldn’t be. Slowly, she pivoted toward the speaker. “Quinn?”
Quinn’s mouth was pulled into a hard line, and his jaw was set tight. “What are you doing here?”
Selena’s expression went quickly from surprise to irritation. “Excuse me, what am I doing here? What about you? What are you doing here?”
“I came here to say sorry to Evie,” he answered in a clipped voice. “Wow, you sure do recover quickly,” he said, his eyes flickering to Brad.
“Who is this guy and what the fuck is he talking about, Sel?” Brad asked.
Irritation was now going to full-blown anger, and Selena felt the pressure building behind her eyes. “You jerk. What gives you the right to come here and judge me?”
“Well, it’s true, right? What, you can’t stand a Lycan touching you, but you’ll gladly fool around with some warlock stripper?”
“Entertainer,” Brad interjected. “We’re changing our job titles to entertainer now.”
“For your information,” Selena retorted, putting her hands on her hips. “Brad is a friend from high school. I ran into him, and I didn’t know he worked here.”
“And just what are you doing here, anyway?”
“I got Evie this job. I recommended her to Uncle Lucien.”
Quinn’s eyes bulged from their sockets. “Uncle?”
“Yeah, you jackass,” Brad said in an annoyed voice. “Her last name should have given you a clue. Selena Merlin.”
“Wait,” Quinn turned to Selena. “Merlin is your last name?”
“Yes!” she yelled at him. She couldn’t believe she was having this conversation with Quinn. And that he was even here. “Ugh! I can’t do this.” She threw her hands up in the air and pivoted, walking away from Quinn and Brad. She wasn’t sure where she was going, but anywhere far away from Quinn sounded like a good idea right now.
After Quinn had left that night and she poured her heart out to Evie, they decided to get drunk—very drunk—consuming every drop of alcohol in the apartment. And then, three sheets to the wind, they thought it would be a good idea to go out and find more booze, but seeing as neither had the extra funds to go out drinking at expensive clubs and bars, Selena suggested they go to Merlin’s. After all, even though their first and last outing to the club hadn’t gone too well, her Uncle Lucien had told her they were welcome anytime.
So, they took an Uber downtown to Merlin’s. Uncle Lucien (who was not Selena’s father’s brother but more like a distant cousin) had welcomed them into his private booth and gave them more (free) alcohol. Selena refused to talk about why she was trying to drown her sorrows, but Evie, who was coming home from another failed audition, went on and on about how she was never going to get on a Broadway stage and that she’d never get to exercise her creative side. That was when Uncle Lucien was struck with inspiration—why not come work for him and help him revamp Merlin’s? The warlock had been trying to come up with ideas to drum up new business, and he thought that creating a sensual cabaret (as opposed to his usual male strip show) might help. Evie immediately jumped at the chance and so, come Monday (after they spent Sunday recovering from the hangovers), they both arrived at Merlin’s. Evie worked on a couple of ideas with the dancers and Selena took the day off to support her friend.
And, now, Quinn had somehow found them. Damn him. She was determined to forget him and try to move on. But then, all he had to do was show his handsome face, and she was a goner. Even though he was a jerk to Brad, her mind kept replaying that night in her apartment and how Quinn tasted and how his fingers felt so good inside her. No man had ever touched her down there. She felt the warmth creep up her neck. God, she had to get out of here before she embarrassed herself.
She walked down the hallway behind the stage, deciding that she would circle back and go to the left side of the stage, then maybe try and slip out the back before anyone noticed she was gone.
“Selena! Selena, stop!” Quinn’s voice rang down the narrow passageway.
“Get away from me!” She picked up her pace, but it was no use. Quinn’s long strides made up for her head start and he caught her arm, whipping her around to face him.
“Selena, please, I’m sorry,” he said.
“Take your hands off me,” she cried. “I don’t want to see you.”
“Selena, you gotta listen to me, please.” He pulled her up against the wall, his hands on either side of her so she couldn’t escape. “I know that you’ve never been with anyone before. Evie told me.”
Selena’s cheeks went hot as if someone poured gasoline on them and struck a match. “She shouldn’t have said anything.”
“No, I’m glad she did.” When she turned away, unable to meet his gaze, he touched a finger to her chin and tipped her face up to meet his bright blue gaze, almost glowing in the low light of the backstage. “I’m sorry for what I said. I was out of line, and I was frustrated. I shouldn’t have taken it out on you. But I’m not sorry for what we did. Selena, I wanted you so bad. I still want you now. You’re beautiful and sexy, and I just couldn’t help myself.”
Selena stared up at him, trying to process his words. Quinn thought she was beautiful and wanted her? Still? “Quinn …” She reached up and placed a hand on his jaw, running up to his stubbly cheek, the rough hair tickling her fingers.
All her life, Selena had done nothing but give while the people around her did nothing but take. When her mom died, she was the one who took care of her father, even though she was only twelve years old. When Leonard decided to get remarried two years later, she swallowed the bitterness and pretended to be happy for him, even when Alexis and Katrina’s cruel treatment made her cry herself to sleep. When her sisters took her things, her friends, and her boyfriends, she accepted it to keep peace in the family. And now, just for tonight, she wanted this one thing. To be selfish, just for a moment.
“Quinn,” she breathed. “I want you, too. Let’s go back to your place.”
His pupils blew up with desire. “Selena … are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m sure,” she said with a nod. “Take me away, please.”
***
As soon as the words left Selena’s mouth, Quinn sprang into action. He whisked her away from Merlin’s and hailed a cab, giving the driver his address in a hurried voice. It was like he was afraid she would change her mind again and wanted to make damn sure she didn’t this time. They soon arrived at his loft, and Quinn wasted no time getting them through the door.
“Wait,” she said, putting a hand on his chest as he approached her.
Did she change her mind already? He let out a sigh. He respected her, of course, and would never even think of making her do anything she didn’t want. “What is it? Do you want to go home?”
“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “I just want to make something clear.” She took a deep breath. “About what you said before. I understand, and I agree.”
“Huh?” What the fuck was she talking about?
“I just want you to know that I remember what you said about not wanting a relationship and I respect that. I’m not going to trap you into anything. After tonight, you’re free to whatever you want.”
He ignored the pang in his heart at her words. “Of course. We’re in agreement. Now,” he backed her up against the wall. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.”
He swooped his head down, bringing their lips together in a searing kiss that sent his nerve endings on fire. Damn, she tasted sweet, and it was like he was drunk. Drunk on Selena and her mouth and her butterscotch scent. He grabbed her thighs, lifted her up against the wall, and then pushed his hips to hers so she could feel how much he wanted her. She let out a whimper and wrapped her legs around his waist, grinding her heated core against him.
Quinn held onto her tighter, his hands going around her, and walked them to his bedroom. He kicked the door down and strode over to his bed, laying her down gently. He felt like he was in a dream, seeing Selena on the sheets, her wild red mane loose and flowing over the pillows. God, she was gorgeous as she looked up at him, desire glittering in her blue-gray eyes. She watched him undress down to his underwear, her gaze flickering briefly to the wolf’s head tattoo on the right side of his chest. He shucked off his pants and kneeled on the bed.
“I … I don’t know … what should I do?”
“Just do what feels right,” he said, crawling over her. He unbuttoned her blouse, one at a time like he was unwrapping a precious gift. He parted the fabric, revealing her perfect breasts encased in white lace.
“Selena …” he groaned, feeling more blood rush into his dick. He couldn’t remember being harder than he was now.
A blush crept up her neck and her cheeks as his hands cupped her breasts. They were so fucking gorgeous and fit his large hands perfectly. His fingers traced up, yanking the straps and cups down to free her tits. The pale pink nipples hardened, and he leaned down to take one in his mouth.
“Quinn!” she cried, her hands digging into his hair, and he moaned when her fingernails scratched his scalp.
He teased her nipples with his tongue and teeth, pressing her tits together so he could suck on both at the same time.
“Oh, please, Quinn!”
He loved hearing his name on her lips, especially when she was moaning in pleasure. With a sigh, he released her nipples, though he really could have feasted on them the whole night. But there was something else he’d wanted to taste for a while now.
“Shhh … kitten,” he mouthed against her skin as he moved lower. He tugged at her pants, unhooking the clasp and then pulling them down. White lace panties that matched the bra covered her hips, the shadow of her dark red curls barely visible. He pulled those off too, revealing her sex, already wet with wanting. “I wonder if you taste as good as you smell?”
“Quinn!”
The first touch of his tongue on her pussy sent her hips bucking up against him. He steadied her, pushing her down on the bed. She squirmed underneath him but remained steady. Pressing his lips against her wet cunt, he tasted her, lapping up her juices and caressing her with his mouth. He positioned his hand over her mound, finding her clit and stroking it with his thumb. She was sweet, too sweet, and he rubbed his hard cock on the mattress, the friction giving him some relief.
She screamed his name, and her soft thighs clamped around his head as her hips pushed up off the bed, her body shaking as an orgasm raced through her body. Selena let out a whimper as her hips crashed down, and he caught her, digging his fingers into her ass. Quinn licked a stripe up her slit before sitting up on his heels. He reached over to the side and opened his side table drawer, pulling out a foil wrapper. He tried to steady his hands as he pulled his underwear off, tore the packet open with his teeth, and rolled the condom over his cock.
“Tell me if it’s too much,” he said. Her eyes were wide as she looked at his cock, a glint of fear in her eyes. “Don’t worry, it won’t bite.”
“I hope not,” she giggled, her body relaxing.
Quinn positioned himself between her legs, spreading her thighs apart. He braced himself on one elbow, and he reached down. She was still wet. Good. He slipped a finger in her and her muscles clenched. Slowly, he inserted another, and then another. God, she was so tight. He tried to stretch her with his fingers, thrusting in gently.
Her hands clutched at his forearms. “Please, Quinn … no more teasing.”
He let out a breath. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t,” she answered, her eyes full of resolve. “Just … I need you. Inside me. Now.”
Her words made him growl, and he withdrew his fingers from her. He positioned the tip of his cock at her entrance, pushing in slowly. Selena gasped, then bit her lip when he stopped. He felt Selena's tightness around him and her back going stiff. He had to take a deep breath to calm down.
“Selena,” he murmured and bent his head down low until their lips were barely touching. “I’m sorry.”
His mouth muffled her cry when he pushed into her, breaking through the barrier. Selena clung to him, digging her nails down his back, but he ignored the pain. Slipping his hands underneath her, he cradled her, whispering soothing words into her ear until her body relaxed.
“Are you okay?”
She nodded against his shoulder. “I’m fine,” she sighed.
“Tell me to stop if it hurts.”
“I will.”
Quinn gritted his teeth and braced himself. He stared down at her beautiful face, her soft pink lips, and her peach-tinted skin with a smattering of light freckles across the bridge of her nose. Her lids were shut, and her sweeping lashes cast shadows across her cheeks. “Selena,” he breathed, and her eyes flew open. Brilliant blue-gray orbs fixed on him, unblinking. “Selena,” he repeated as he moved his hips. One, two, three small thrusts, just to gauge her reaction. A breath escaped her mouth, and she moved her hands down, over his lower back, lightly scraping at his skin.
Encouraged by her reaction, he moved more. She was so tight and hot; he was afraid he’d blow his load right then and there, so he did it slowly. He pulled his hips back, easing out of her halfway, and then thrust back in. Selena moaned, her eyes rolling back, and a small whimper of pleasure escaped her mouth. Sweat formed on his brow as he controlled the urge to just fuck into her harder, but he had to get a hold of himself. This was Selena, not some girl he picked up from some bar or Tinder for a quick lay.
“Quinn, more,” she demanded. Her fingers dug into his ass, urging him deeper. “I need more.”
He snarled, the sound ripping from his throat as he picked up his pace, swinging his hips, going gentler when he saw her wince. Soon, she was moaning and sighing, little gasps that made him want to please her more. Reaching down between them, he plucked at her clit as he slid in and out her. Fuck, she felt so good, wrapped around him, his cock dragging along her tight passage. Selena was gasping again, and he leaned down to kiss her, sliding his tongue along hers.
He was really moving now. Though she was still tightly grasped around him, it was getting easier to sink into her. His hips pummeled, faster and faster into her, filling her to the hilt with his cock. He was hanging on by a thread, so he gave her clit a hard pinch, which made her throw back her head and cry out his name. Her pussy gripped him tight, squeezing so hard around him he had to slow down. Her body thrashed underneath his, and her fingers clutched at his hair as her orgasm crashed through her.
Quinn gave one last savage thrust as he lost control, spilling his seed as his orgasm hit him, sending him shuddering with pleasure. “Fuck,” he cried out, grappling her hips as he pushed deep inside, his heart hammering in his chest, the tremors refusing to stop. He crashed on top of her, though her small squeal of protest made him prop himself up to prevent his weight from crushing her.
He laid his head on her breasts, listening as the thundering beat of her heart began to slow down. With a small grunt, he eased out of her and rolled to his side, facing away from her. Discreetly, he pulled the condom off and tied off the end, chucking it into the trash bin beside the bed. He rolled over, expecting Selena’s warm body next to his, but all he got was empty air.
“Selena?” He looked up.
She was standing by the bed, still naked. Her head turned, and she smiled as she stood there, wild red curls all over her shoulders and down her back, her skin still flushed from pleasure.
“Hey,” she said shyly. “Have you seen my panties?”
He sat up and looked around. A scrap of lace was wedged under his leg. Snatching it, he offered it to her. “Here.”
She turned around and leaned over, making a grab for the underwear. As soon as she was within reach, he wrapped his fingers around her wrist and pulled her back onto the bed.
“Quinn!” she protested as her body slid along his and she lay on top of him.
He nuzzled at her neck, giving her a playful nip. “Where do you think you’re going?” He slid his hand down her back, scraping lightly at the soft skin
She whimpered at his touch. “I … was … going … home.”
Quinn rolled her over, pinning her to the mattress. “It’s only eight o’clock, kitten,” he said with a nod to the clock on his bedside.
“But—”
He stopped her protest with a kiss. “I thought you said you wanted one night? The night’s not over.” He covered her mouth again before she could object. She wanted one night with him? Well, he’d give her that then. The whole night. He would have her and fuck her senseless until they both had their fill.
***
“Quinn …”
“Hmmm?”
“Quinn … stop …”
Quinn looked up from between her legs, an annoyed look on his face. “You seriously want me to stop now?”
“No, but …” Selena cocked her head to the clock on the bedside table. The red numbers on the face read 12:01.
“Isn’t it daylight savings time or something?” he said “I don’t think I changed the time on that thing.”
“Right. Wait a minute, it’s spring so … ohhh!”
***
“Quinn …”
He stopped in mid-thrust. “What now?”
“My Uber’s almost here,” she said.
“When the hell did you have time to book an Uber?”
“You were snoozing for a bit,” she said. “And so I booked one in advance.”
“Cancel it,” he growled.
“But it’s three a.m.”
Quinn grabbed a pillow and tossed it at the clock, knocking it off the side table. “It’s still dark out. That still counts as tonight.”
“Quinn!”
***
By the time morning came, all excuses were gone. Frankly, Quinn was too exhausted to protest when she rolled out of bed after another round. Despite her eagerness to leave, Selena was insatiable. Not that he minded. He thought he’d get enough after the first time, but each taste of her made him want more. The gnawing at his chest grew as he watched her walk into the bathroom, her clothes in hand.
He rolled onto his back and placing his arm over his eyes to block out the goddamned rays of light filtering in through the windows. This was what he wanted, right? No clinging, no attachments. Waking up next to her was already breaking the rules. He never waited for morning to leave, much less had anyone stay over.
When he heard the shower turn on, he imagined her full breasts slick with water and suds. He groaned, and it took every ounce of his will power not to go in there and screw her silly against the tiles.
He got out of bed, slipped his jeans on, and walked down the steps from his lofted bedroom to the main living area. Padding over to the kitchen, he decided to make breakfast. Their last meal was hours ago, leftover Chinese food, which they ate right after he bent her over the kitchen island and pounded into her as she gripped the edge of the granite top. Kitchen sex was going to be up there on his list of must-dos from now on.
He busied himself making eggs, toast, and coffee, humming as he prepared two plates of food.
“Smells wonderful. I didn’t know you cooked.”
Quinn turned his head. Selena was standing there, dressed in her clothes from the night before, leaning against the island. “Did you think I survived on Chinese takeout and cereal?” he joked. Taking the two plates, he placed one in front of her. “Eat.”
“I have to run. I have to be at work in 45 minutes.”
“C’mon, you have time for a bite,” he coaxed. “You’re, what, ten minutes away from work by cab?”
“Fine,” she relented, taking a mouthful of eggs. “Hmmm, this is good.”
Quinn tried not to stare as her tongue darted out to lick her pink mouth. “So,” he cleared his throat. “I … uh … what …” Fucking hell. He was like some teenager with his first crush.
Selena put her fork down with a loud clatter. “You’re not going to make this weird are you Quinn?”
“What?” he asked, his voice pitching higher than he wanted. “No. I mean,” he let out a huff and crossed his arms over his chest, “no weirdness. At all.”
“Good,” she said in a resolute voice. She walked around the island and closed the distance between them. “It was fun.”
“Yeah …” He stared down at her, so close he could smell her intoxicating butterscotch scent.
“And so, thanks. For everything.” She got on her tiptoes, and he leaned down, expecting a kiss, but she only brushed her lips on his cheek. “I had a good time,” she whispered, before stepping away.
“Yeah, sure. I mean, me too.”
With one last smile, she turned around and walked to the door. Quinn watched her pick up her purse from the console table and then open the door. When the lock clicked into place, he jolted out of his trance but was still unable to move.
At that moment, he thought of that old saying: Be careful what you wish for; it just might come true.