That night Micah made love to Gisele in a way she hadn’t experienced with any other man. She craved his powerfully built body and the feel of him inside her. His taut skin stretched over rock-hard muscle, his male scent, and the tenderness of his kisses crumbled any resistance she’d clung to.
Micah was strong, virile, and confident. In the throes of passion, he took Gisele completely, owning her without question. Yet he was gentle and loving, and his admiration melted her. She hadn’t felt that way with a man before.
Gisele snuggled closer in the warmth of the bed, listening to his deep breathing. His chiseled body draped around hers, allowing her to feel Micah’s possession of her. With him, life was better, and that was something new. She hadn’t thought it could be like this.
In vulnerable moments, Gisele had dreamed of a man like Micah. Yet she hadn’t really expected him to meet him. Now she had, but wasn’t quite sure what to do about it. The fact that he was a risk taker hadn’t changed. He fought in the ring, where injury or even death hung over him.
But that didn’t change how Gisele felt. When she looked into Micah’s eyes, she was drawn to him. The thrill of being with him couldn’t be ignored; she didn’t want to push it aside. The feel of being close, melding into his power, and sharing his passion was too much to walk away from. She couldn’t do it, as much she might think it was best.
The vision of Micah holding her, fucking her hard and sweating with the effort flooded her mind. Gisele’s skin tingled, her blood warmed, and her heart swelled. In that private moment, she’d seen the emotion in Micah’s eyes, felt it in his touch.
Fate had seen fit to bring them together, to bond them in the most intimate way. What the next minute or the next day held, Gisele couldn’t say. But she wanted Micah and wasn’t a woman to deprive herself of such passion. It was her downfall; that she knew. But so be it. She’d face what she had to.
Gisele rested her head on Micah’s shoulder, pressing closer. In his sleep, he wrapped one powerful arm around her, holding her tighter. The sheet was down to his waist, giving her a view of his chest and his flat abdomen. She longed to run her fingertips down his belly, following the enticing trail of hair. But she let him sleep.
There was another side to things that Gisele had to consider. She was part of the mob; although not by birth, she was by upbringing and familial connections. That was a problem. Her one-night stands, the bad boys that she’d been attracted to, meant little.
Even if her brother had known about her interludes, he hadn’t taken issue with them. Alek made allowances for her youth and her spirit. Not one of her relationships posed any threat. She couldn’t think of one man she’d seen more than a couple of times, and she’d taken care to meet with each discreetly.
Gisele pondered the situation. Her brother hadn’t come right out and forbidden her to date, but he kept a close eye on her. He was alert to her activities, connections, and inclinations. If she asked about it, Alek would say that it was his duty to protect her. But how far would he go?
She hadn’t tested the boundaries. But Gisele didn’t know if it was wise to see Micah again. It was wrong of her to knowingly put him in danger, as surely any connection with her would do just that.
If Gisele waited, it might all work out. Once she moved out of the condo and lived on her own, maybe her brother would relax. He’d realize that she was an adult, and capable of leading her own life. He didn’t have the right to control her destiny.
Meeting Micah had been unexpected, and maybe a bit premature, since she was still under the control of her family. Gisele had lived under those conditions for most of her life, and was used to it. But she struggled for a way to explain it all to Micah.
If her brother had been open about it, the situation would be easier. But it was all so clandestine. On the surface, Alek wanted only what was best for her. He admonished her about the potential dangers, even from guests he invited into the complex.
Somehow Vik had her brother’s stamp of approval, probably because he was Russian too. So Gisele was allowed to date Vik as much as she liked, yet she had liked it less and less. Vik was handsome, but the chemistry wasn’t there.
Yet she’d placated her brother by continuing to date Vik, and she had developed a fondness for him. Although the more he pressed her to deepen the relationship, the less she was inclined to see him at all.
Gisele was frustrated. She wished life was simple. She couldn’t think about it anymore. For one more night, she was with Micah. His physical presence was a comfort to her, and she leaned into his warmth.
Then she closed her eyes and pretended that the outside world with its pressures and demands didn’t exist. There was only Micah…only being together. Maybe it would all work out.
*****
The next morning when Gisele woke up, Micah was watching her. She smiled and touched his cheek. Sweetly, gently, he pulled her on top of him and kissed her deeply. His heat seared her skin; he was hard and ready for her. Gisele’s arousal spiked, and she reached between them to fist his heavy cock.
Micah slid into her, gently, and made love to her. As if in slow motion, he stroked her, and Gisele tightened around him. His sexy kisses and rhythmic fucking spiraled her desire out of control. She sat up, straddling him, and pumped over his thick shaft.
Micah groaned through his ragged breathing, and Gisele sped her motions. Her clit tensed, and she clenched deep in her core. Micah rocked his hips up, his movements fast and fierce. Gisele shattered above him, as Micah exploded inside her.
Wonderful waves of pleasure engulfed her, and she let the tantalizing climax take her. Then she collapsed against Micah’s chest and he cupped her ass in his palm, squeezing sensually. Gisele was his…for now. She didn’t want to move, didn’t want this to end.
Then Micah slid her onto the bed and hovered over her. He gave her a kiss that lasted and lasted. When he pulled back, he ran his fingertips over her lips. She was grateful that he didn’t mention leaving…not yet.
When Micah slid out of bed, Gisele did the same. She went to the kitchen to put on the coffee. It would tide her over until she could get a good cup at the café. When Micah came out wearing only shorts, she stopped breathing.
The sight of Micah’s muscular chest and arms made her melt. Her eyes drifted down to his lean, toned thighs, making her wonder if he wore anything under those shorts. He put his arms around her. “Like what you see?”
“Begging for compliments?” Gisele said. “You already have an oversized ego.”
Micah laughed and kissed her forehead. He lifted her up onto the countertop and traced his fingertips along her jaw. “Well, I like what I see.” Then he kissed her, long and slow.
Gisele closed her eyes, lost in his affection, and rubbed her palms over his large, rounded shoulders. When he pulled back, she took his hands and hopped down.
“After breakfast, I’d like to go out to the lake and sit at the beach for a while. It’s so lovely out there.” She purposely didn’t mention that she had to go home later that afternoon. Such depressing news could wait.
After dressing, they ate in the café, and Gisele even had a second cup of coffee. Then they made their way through the village to the grassy hill. The lake was as lovely as could be imagined. The sun was pleasantly warm, the white sand glinted in the early light, and the water shimmered from the light breeze.
Micah sat on the sand at the edge of the water, and pulled Gisele beside him. For a while, they didn’t talk. It was enough to enjoy the beautiful morning and each other’s company. But the longer Micah was silent, the more Gisele thought about having to leave.
Finally, Gisele took his hand and squeezed. “You’ll have to drive me home later. I’m expected back tonight.” Her words hung between them. It was awkward.
Would Micah want to see her again? The instant Gisele thought it, she brushed it aside. That was silly. Of course he would want to see her. But still he didn’t respond.
Then Micah turned to face her. “That first night in Hollywood when we danced together…why did you shut me out?”
The question stunned her. Gisele had conveniently forgotten why she’d turned away from Micah. Now she couldn’t imagine doing so. “I just…reacted.”
“But why?”
“You just don’t know me…my life.”
Micah kissed her hand. “I’m trying to.” He looked into her eyes. “So explain it to me.”
Gisele sighed. “It’s just…me. I haven’t made good decisions. The men I’ve dated were poor choices. I guess that’s the only way to put it.” She met his gaze. “I’ve sworn off men like you…many times.”
“Men like me?”
“Rule breakers, risk takers…the dangerous ones.”
Micah frowned. “I won’t hurt you, Gisele.”
“You don’t understand.” Gisele looked away. “Nobody understands.” She covered her eyes. “I want the one thing that so many people take for granted.”
“What’s that?”
Gisele looked up at him, seeing his concern for her. “I want a normal life, a family that isn’t involved in…oh, I don’t know how to describe it.”
“I don’t know what normal is,” Micah said. “If there is such a thing, I haven’t seen it.”
“Don’t tell me that.” Gisele threw up her hands. “It’s my dream. It’s what I want.”
Gisele stood up, glaring down at Micah. “You don’t have the right to say it doesn’t exist. It does. I see other people, other families. You can’t tell me their life is like mine.”
“I didn’t say that.” Micah rose and wrapped her in his arms. Gisele folded against him. “So if you don’t want a man like me…” He lifted her chin so she had to look in his eyes. “Why did you agree to our date?”
Gisele expelled a breath. “You are so exasperating. You know the effect you have on me.” She saw the look in his eyes soften. “I said yes to the date because…” Her voice became a whisper. “I want you.”
Micah leaned down and covered her mouth with his. He dug his hands in her hair and pressed her to him. Gisele lashed her tongue against his, all upset dissolving. His taste, his warmth, his intimate kiss seduced her, fanning the flames of desire.
Maybe she did have to go home, but there was still time. Micah put his arm around her to guide her back to the hotel, back to their suite. Gisele wanted only one thing: to be naked with him, and show him how she felt. She needed to feel his touch again, to be close.
With Micah’s arm still around her, Gisele stepped into the coolness of the hotel. At first she didn’t see him, but a movement in the sitting area just off the lobby caught her eye. Her breath caught, and for no logical reason, fear struck her.
It was Vik, sitting on the plush sofa with one ankle crossed over his opposite leg and his hands clasped together. The posture reminded her of a father waiting for her to come home, that she was in trouble for being out past curfew.
But that was ridiculous. Vik wasn’t her father; he wasn’t even her boyfriend, not in her estimation. Although he may see it differently, and by the way he sat waiting for her, he did have the wrong idea. Gisele pulled Micah to a stop.
Despite the warm day, Vik wore a black turtleneck under a dark vest. His long hair dusted over the collar, partially hiding his face. He didn’t smile, or move to greet her, just stared. It was unnerving.
Gisele realized that Micah hadn’t met Vik, hadn’t seen him before, and that she hadn’t even mentioned him. She’d had no reason to. Why would she? She didn’t need Vik’s permission to go on a date.
“What is it?” Micah said, but Gisele just kept staring.
Micah followed her gaze. “Do you know that guy?”
“I can’t believe he’s here,” Gisele said. Her initial shock turned to annoyance. Vik had gone too far this time. “What is he doing here?”
When Gisele stepped forward, Micah stayed beside her. As she entered the carpeted sitting area, Vik rose from his seat. He towered over her, glowering, without so much as glancing at Micah. His stance was meant to intimidate, but Gisele was having none of it.
“Vik, I didn’t expect to see you here,” Gisele said.
“No?” Vik smirked. “That I can believe.”
“I don’t know what that’s supposed to mean…but I deserve an explanation,” Gisele said. “Why are you here?”
Vik stepped closer, ignoring Micah. “I’ve come to take you home.”
Fury coursed through Gisele’s veins. “You have no right to tell me what to do. I’ll go home when I’m damn well ready.”
Micah stepped in front of her, blocking Vik. “Who is this asshole?”
Vik didn’t back off, just turned to look at Micah as if he was an intruder. Before Gisele could respond, he said, “I’ll tell you who I am…I’m her boyfriend. Gisele is my fiancée.”
If Gisele had been insulted before, Vik’s statement was a slap in the face. She was so angry that she lost her voice; the words she wanted to spit out locked up in her throat. She looked at Micah. Although he didn’t move a muscle, the shock on his face was evident.
Gisele wanted to shout out, tell Micah that it wasn’t true, that Vik was full of shit. But she froze. Horror consumed her. This was the nightmare she’d tried so carefully to avoid. The situation she vowed didn’t exist. She was a free woman; she could do as she pleased.
The falseness of that belief struck Gisele, and the emotional impact overwhelmed her.
Then Micah clenched his fists, and Gisele stopped breathing. Oh God, this can’t be happening. Vik held his ground. The two men stood, chest to chest, neither backing off. Vik was taller than Micah, but he was out-muscled. When Micah’s biceps flexed and his chest pumped, Gisele knew that disaster loomed.
Micah got right in Vik’s face, as if to say: I don’t care who you are. Then he growled, “Back off, asshole. Gisele is with me.”
“That’s a joke,” Vik said, his face turning red with fury. “She wouldn’t hook up with some worthless fighter.” His voice was loud and he was nearly shouting.
The veins on Micah’s neck popped out, and Gisele panicked, desperate to avoid what she knew would come next. Micah wouldn’t hesitate to pulverize Vik, and as mad as she was, Gisele might enjoy watching that.
But Micah wouldn’t heed caution, wouldn’t back off from a confrontation. Out of the corner of her eye, Gisele saw a uniformed man step into the room. Hotel security flashed through her mind.
Without thinking, Gisele forced her body in between the two men, and looked at Vik. “Stop this. Now. I’m not…” But she didn’t get a chance to finish.
“Get out of my way, bitch.” In a blinding flash, Vik put his hand on her collarbone and shoved with such force that Gisele stumbled and fell back. She hit a table and crashed to the ground.
Faster than her eyes could follow, Micah plowed his fist into Vik’s gut, then, with a punch to the left temple, knocked him to the floor. Gisele gasped and gripped the edge of the table. Vik didn’t seem to be moving.
Micah stared at Vik for a second, which seemed like an eternity. Then he looked at Gisele. The hurt and disappointment in his eyes wrenched her gut. She lifted her hand to reach out to him, and started to tell him that it was a lie.
Then strong hands helped her up, but they weren’t Micah’s. The hotel security guy asked her if she was okay, as she stared dumbfounded at the two men holding Micah, one on each side of him. He didn’t resist them. Whatever they said to him went by in a blur.
All Gisele could see was Micah, the way he’d looked at her. He felt betrayed, and the knowledge that he had reason to was a knife to her heart. She should have told him about Vik, should have warned him of her fears.
Gisele wasn’t a free woman; that was just a dream, pure folly. Tears streamed down her cheeks as security led Micah from the room. A hotel medic knelt beside Vik, and hotel security kept talking to her, asking her stuff. She wished he’d shut up.
It was a total disaster. The police arrived and cuffed Micah. She heard them talking about assault. But they didn’t understand; they didn’t know what had really happened. She could explain, and she wanted to. But they wouldn’t listen.
There was too much testosterone in the room. Micah was arrogant as hell as the cops dragged him out of the hotel, and those bastards postured as if cuffing and dragging him off made them some kind of tough guys. One cop told her that she’d be questioned later.
The paramedics arrived, and Vik resumed consciousness, enough to mumble something to them. Gisele should go to him, should see if he was badly hurt. But she wasn’t a good person. She was still angry and she was sure that Vik would live through it. He’d gotten what he’d asked for. He should have known better than to challenge a professional boxer, especially one with a thunder punch.
Gisele accepted the water that hotel security handed to her. “May I call someone for you?” She didn’t look up, just said, “No, I’ll take care of it.” She held the glass in her hand and walked out of the lobby.
The cop car was in the circular driveway with its lights flashing, and Micah was in the back. As the car drove away, he didn’t look back, and that really hurt. The loss was too much. Through blinding tears she watched him go. Certainly Micah’s pain from the shock of learning of Vik and his sense of betrayal rivaled her own torment, but she wasn’t sure.
Then Micah was gone.
Gisele felt like hell. She turned to go back inside, and the medics passed her, wheeling Vik out to an ambulance. He had his eyes closed, although he was probably conscious. She waited while they lifted the stretcher into the back and closed the doors.
The sun glinted off the palm trees, and the lake shimmered in the distance. But it was no longer inviting, no longer beautiful. Her life had fallen apart, exploded before her eyes, in the span of minutes. What in the hell was she going to do now?
“Micah swears to protect Gisele, then she makes a discovery that could threaten their lives.”
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
UNLEASHED by Emily Jane Trent ©2016 All Rights Reserved
Published By Camden Lee Press