Chapter Four
Ava
My eyes droop as I try to study for my Chemistry exam Monday. I’m beyond exhausted and I’ve barely done anything. I thought this job would be harder than it was but turns out, it’s just as lonely and boring as being by myself each night at home.
Aiden was nice but he made a sandwich before hiding in his room all night.
Anthony started off rather sweet. Flashed a panty-melting grin that he seriously must have learned from his father before offering to cook me something to eat. I was glad that the difficult twin seemed to have warmed up to the idea of me being their babysitter. But then he mentioned watching the movies. I’d seen a slight flicker of deception in his eyes. Since Quinn is so strict, I wanted to ask first. The moment I told Anthony no, he uttered tattle telling bitch under his breath. I thankfully managed to wait until I heard his bedroom door slam upstairs before I burst into tears.
Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any worse, Quinn stepped in. His texts confused me. When he told me I was perfect, I simply stared at the words in disbelief. He followed it up with a rude text that had me upset all over again.
I need to get my act together.
This stress—all of it—is beginning to get to me. I have to make straight As for a multitude of reasons. Most specifically, I need the college scholarships if I plan on going. But my classes are difficult, and now my job is time consuming and no fun whatsoever. I wish I could call a time-out and take a me day. A day where I could relax and do things I actually want to do.
As if the world wants to show me exactly what I want, I hear the garage door open. I sit straight up on the barstool and begin to worry about my appearance. Since when do I care?
Since I met Quinn Blakely.
That was the exact moment I started to care.
My camisole is pale yellow and I’m not wearing a bra underneath. After the boys went to bed, I took a long hot shower in the nicest bathroom I’ve ever seen and opted for something comfortable to wear. I didn’t realize time had slipped away from me while I studied. Running into Quinn was not something I anticipated.
I start to panic but then the garage door that comes into the house swings open. The moment Quinn walks through the threshold, I melt.
Dear baby Jesus, he’s so good looking.
He strides in with his steely gaze straight ahead, the door shutting behind him. I almost go unnoticed but he stops dead in his tracks. His dark hair has lost some of its gel and hangs over his brows, making him a little roguish in appearance. My heart rate quickens when his eyes dart to mine.
“Ava,” he greets, his voice hoarse. “I didn’t think you’d still be up.”
I suck in a sharp breath when his gaze falls to my breasts and lingers there. “Uh... I had to study,” I squeak out.
His stare is back on mine, penetrating and heated. “What are you studying?”
“C-Chemistry,” I stammer.
He walks around the side of the bar and comes up behind me to look over my shoulder. The heat of his body seems to scorch my flesh without actually touching it. Despite the fire burning through me at having him this close, goosebumps break out over my arms. When I shiver, his large warm hands cover my bare shoulders. He slides them up and down my arms to warm me up.
“You should wear more clothes,” he says, his hot breath tickling behind my ear. “I keep it cold around here.”
All I can manage is a nod.
His hands stop their movement and I swear he inhales me. If I were braver, I’d ask him to slide them around to my front and touch my breasts. The image has me letting out a small whimper. He leans into me from behind and points at the textbook.
“That’s some hard shit right there.”
My eyes flutter closed because, speaking of hard, his impressive erection presses against my back. “Very hard,” I whisper.
“You have a nice neck.”
A nervous laugh escapes me. “A nice neck?” I make the mistake of turning my head to look at him. Our faces are mere inches apart. If he wanted to kiss me, he could. I would let him.
“The nicest I’ve seen. Your boyfriend should be decorating it with pretty necklaces.”
Heat burns my cheeks and throat. “I don’t have a boyfriend.”
Satisfaction glimmers in his eyes as he pulls away. His fingers drag down along my throat and he grins before tugging his hand away. “Perhaps I should decorate your lovely neck with pretty necklaces then.”
I gape at him in shock.
He reaches forward and uses his fingers under my chin to close my mouth. “Go to bed, Ava. It’s not a school night but you need to get some sleep. It’s late.”
Before I can formulate an answer, he stalks off and disappears. I’m hot and bothered and completely squirming with need.
Quinn is going to be difficult to work for because I can’t seem to keep my head on straight any time I see him. My studies are a blur. All I can think about is him.
And yet, this is the most focused I’ve felt in a long time.
* * *
Thankfully, Mondays are Mom’s day off so I was able to use the car. After feeling as though I failed my Chemistry test, I can’t help but sulk the whole way to the Blakelys’ house. Aiden chats my ear off the entire time from the front seat. I get glares from his broody twin in the back in the rearview mirror. The moment I pull into the driveway, Anthony bolts.
“He doesn’t like me,” I say, defeat in my tone.
Aiden laughs. “Anthony doesn’t like anyone. He’s not mad at you anyway. It’s Dad he’s pissed at.”
“Don’t say ‘pissed,’” I admonish.
He laughs again. “Well, it’s true.”
My phone buzzes. Aiden takes that as his cue to head in the house. Heat floods through me when I see it’s Quinn texting me.
Make it home okay?
I can’t respond quickly enough.
Safe and sound.
He replies immediately.
Good. I want them doing homework before video games.
This weekend I have another engagement to go to. Can you stay over?
My mind drifts back to Friday where he stared at me with a need I didn’t imagine in his eyes. Just thinking about the way he stared at my breasts has my nipples hardening.
Wear more clothes this time...a girl like you is way too tempting for a man like me.
I stare at his text in shock.
Close your mouth, Ava.
* * *
Mom had to use the car the past couple of days but thankfully Olivia was able to take me and the boys home from school each time. Both days, she came back for me once Quinn got home and took me to my house. Tonight, though, I sent the boys to bed hours ago and Quinn still isn’t back. I can’t even focus on my AP Pre-Calculus homework because now it’s late and I can’t exactly ask Olivia to take me back home at this hour. Quinn finally texts.
So sorry. I meant to text you earlier but time got away from me. Dealing with a frustrating issue at the office. Wednesdays are usually a pain in the ass. I’ll be home shortly. Thank you.
I frown and pick at the edge of my textbook. I’m trying not to be disappointed he’s working so late. Every other day this week, he’s come home at an early hour. Each time, he invited me to stay for dinner. I’d wanted to but didn’t want to put Olivia out since she was my ride. Around his boys, his eyes behave and he doesn’t say any things that could be considered crossing the line.
But, sheesh, how I wish he would.
I’ve spent too much time fantasizing about the powerful and commanding Quinn Blakely.
“I’m losing my mind,” I grumble as I set the textbook down on the coffee table. The living room is dark, aside from the lamp I was using to read. I pull the blanket off the back of the couch and drape it over me. As I lie back and relax, I can’t help but let my fingers drift toward my sex. It’s been throbbing since the moment he leaned into me and I felt his erection against my back on Friday.
While rubbing my finger over the seam of my jeans, I pretend it’s Quinn instead. Delicious warmth spreads through my nerve endings.
His long fingers touching me. Probing me. Massaging me.
His hot breath tickling my lovely neck.
His cock pressed against me from behind.
Suddenly, I have the urge to feel my skin. With hurried, clumsy movements, I unbutton my jeans and unzip my zipper. I’m able to slip my hand under my panties and am surprised to find them soaking wet.
Quinn makes me crazy.
I touch my clit for what seems like hours. No matter how fast or hard I massage myself, I’m not satisfied.
* * *
I dream about someone sucking on my finger. My dream feels pretty real. Quinn in all of his masculine glory, kneeling beside the couch sucking on my finger with possessiveness written all over his face. I’m so into my dream that my other hand slides back down into my pants.
“Ava.”
The low, alluring voice seems so realistic.
“Mmm?”
“What are you doing?”
I don’t have to answer him because he peels the blanket away.
“Holy fuck,” he hisses, his grip around my wrist tightening. “Jesus.”
It’s then I realize my dream has bled into reality.
“Oh my God,” I whimper as I jerk my hand from my pants. “Oh my God.”
He chuckles, his voice deep and throaty. “Let me help you with that.” His hand finds my other wrist and he takes it upon himself to suck off my juices—just like in my dream. I’m about three seconds from finding the courage to ask him for more when he speaks again. “It’s after two. You need to stay over. I’m not letting you drive this late with the drunks driving around and in your sleepy state.”
I nod because it’s not like I have a car anyway and then he’s lifting me from the couch. God, he smells so good. I’m horrified he caught me doing what I was doing, but he can’t think it’s too bad because he sucked on my fingers. The thought both thrills and terrifies me.
Is he taking me upstairs to have sex with me?
I stiffen in his arms.
“Relax.”
I’m carried through the house and disappointment surges through me when he stops in front of the guest room rather than his. He pushes through the door and sets me to my feet beside the bed.
“Do you need help undressing?” he asks, his eyes dark with lust.
My head nods of its own accord.
He clenches his jaw and tears his gaze from mine. His thumbs hook into the top of my jeans. I hold my breath when he drags them down my thighs to my ankles. My palms find his shoulders to steady myself as he helps me step out of them.
“Now what?” I breathe.
He stands to his full height and towers over me. His fingers trace down my throat to my collar bone.
“Now you sleep.”
I start to whimper in protest but his thumb presses to my lips.
“Shhh,” he whispers. “I’m hanging on by a very thin thread here. Just, please, go to sleep.”
Chastised, I slip away from him and climb into bed. He pulls the covers all the way up to my chin. I feel like a child.
“Do you not like me?” I ask, my voice quivering.
He leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I like you so much it’s making me stupid. Sleep, pretty girl.”
And then he’s out, flipping the light off along the way.
Sleep, pretty girl.
I fall asleep with a smile on my face.