chapter Nine
You Called
Talina
This first two weeks here in London have been interesting to say the least. Nelson hasn’t brought up the auction not once. Not that he talks to me much outside of details for work. It’s been this way, since we boarded the plane to come here.
Nelson has been distant. He speaks mostly, when he has something to say about the work we’re doing here in London. Which, by the way, is so much more than I was prepared for. Nelson is pure genius.
Our company deals mostly with marketing, but this expansion will turn Fisher, Inc. into a marketing, branding, and product development giant. We’ll be able to tell our clients what they need, instead of them bringing what they think they need to us.
Nelson has already taken two British companies and revamped their business models to freshen up their companies. It’s not always about the big idea, but how to make the core of the idea work.
Nelson has taken companies that have lost their focus and shown them what their consumers truly want. It’s amazing. We have such great expectations for the first quarter of the year.
I wish I could say my expectations were as high for my relationship with Nelson. I miss the easy going boss I got to connect with, back in New York. Things have been very different over the last two weeks.
I wouldn’t mind so much if I weren’t with him for what seems to be twenty-four-seven. I’d thought we were going to be staying in a hotel for the eight weeks we’ll be here in London. However, to my surprise, that first night we arrived at a private home, owned by Nelson.
The elegant brownstone is stunning, but the close quarters feel awkward. I feel like there are so many unanswered questions between us. I still haven’t a clue why he would bid so much money for me. Especially, now, as he freezes me out.
I expected to spend this trip away from my family for the holiday, just not under this tension. I know it’s just Mya now. Well, Mya and Jin, but spending this time with them would’ve been better than walking on eggshells here.
I thought this trip would be exciting and fun. I know it’s a work situation, but I didn’t expect it to become depressing. Nelson has been treating me more and more like I’m the one responsible for kicking his puppy.
He is never rude. Well, I’ll take that back. When we are here in the brownstone, alone, Nelson can be quite dismissive. He won’t stay in a room alone with me for more than five seconds. He’s become brooding and snippy.
Yet, I can’t for the life of me stop having these fantasies and day dreams about him. At this point, his presence is just getting on my damn nerves. I don’t know if I want to ask him what his damn problem is, or throw him against the nearest wall, jump on his waist, and hump his brains out.
Nelson just looks strong enough to hold all this up and still keep pounding. Ugh, my brain has been wondering over thoughts like that since I woke up this morning. It’s Christmas Eve, so there’s no work today.
An idle mind is a dangerous thing. Being busy with work has keep me from circling my thoughts of Nelson. However, this morning, as my ears are greeted with the harshness of my own breathing and the ramblings of my own mind, I can stop thinking of what that print I’ve noticed repeatedly would feel like.
“Ugh,” I growl and punch the bed beneath me.
I roll onto my stomach and bury my face into the pillow. Squeezing my thighs together, I try not to think of Nelson, yesterday morning after his run. His hair damp, his torso sweaty and shirtless, those grey sweatpants, and the determination that oozed from him.
I wish I knew what he was so determined about. The focused look in his eyes more than peeked my interest. I guess it’s a good thing he has a live-in housekeeper here. Ms. Cork saved me from jumping Nelson right where he stood and embarrassing myself. Living here with Nelson, I’ve never been concerned for my own safety, it’s his safety that I question.
“What’s wrong with you,” I huff into my pillow. “Shit, I need to take the edge off.”
I’m talking to my horny self. I need help. I’ll be glad when Detra arrives. She should be here after Christmas. She informed me she would be spending the holidays with her family.
“Just a few more days,” I murmur to myself.
Yet, even her presence isn’t going to do anything for my needs. Has it been that long? I truly think it has.
I give in. Like a thief in the night. I sit up and creep over to the closet. I retrieve my suitcase for the few items I didn’t unpack.
I bite my lip, as I look at my options. At this point, I’m not in the mood to drag this out. I make a quick decision, moving the suitcase back to the closet.
My We-Vibe will get me there nice and quick. My mind turns back to a sweat soaked Nelson. His muscled back and the fluid movement of that tall body of his.
I wiggle free of my panties, switch on my vibrator, and get to work. A long sigh spills from my lips. I picture those hazel eyes and long lashes staring back at me. I can feel those full lips wrapped around my nipple, sweat dripping from his nose onto my skin.
I buck off the bed, crying out. I completely lose myself in my own pleasure. I reach to cup my breast, as I feel my peak rushing further.
“Fuck, yes,” I whimper. My orgasm hits so hard, I start to call his name, while I drown in mindless bliss.
Suddenly, my perfect release is interrupted by a knock on the door. I nearly jump out of my skin. My heart pounds in my chest. My mind clears enough to register that I may have been a little louder than I meant to be.
“Shit,” I whisper, my face turning hot with embarrassment. “Just a second,” I call out.
I drop the vibrator and jump off the bed. My eyes dart around the room. I spot my robe, rushing to put it on. I groan when I go to tie it shut, but the tie is missing.
Another knock sounds on the door, and I stump my foot in frustration. Tugging the robe closed, I wrap my arms around my waist. I cross the room and crack the door open.
My eyes meet with a white t-shirt covered chest, not the kind blue eyes I was hoping for. Ms. Cork is a tiny thing, a little shorter than me. I was praying it would be her on the other side of the door.
My eyes slowly lift to the hazel eyes staring back down at me. I watch as his nostrils flare, and his eyes darken. Yet, Nelson’s face gives nothing else away. I switch my prayer to hoping I wasn’t as loud as I think I was.
I want to slap my forehead. I have no idea what I was thinking. Why on earth had I been calling this man’s name?
I shift at the thick awkward silence between us, as he continues to stare in my eyes. The movement seems to catch his attention. His eyes drag down to my breasts like a hot caress. My nipples peddle against the silk of my robe.
I swallow hard trying to find words, but I have none. I tighten my fingers in the fabric of my robe, feeling as if I’m completely naked. I would swear his gaze could see right through the thin material.
When his words fill the air, I feel them in my core. Never in my life have the simplest of words made me so wet and filled with need. My entire being stands to attention.
~B~
Nelson
I’m uncomfortable in my own space. I hate this tension between us. I’ve kept my distance from Talina. I still don’t believe her words from the night of the fundraiser. She lied and I know she did. I haven’t been able to move pass that.
Detra tried her best to tell me there was more going on with Talina. I’m just not willing to throw myself under that bus. I’m better off walking away. Just as I should be doing right now.
Walking away from those big, brown doe eyes. I’d come to her door to knock and see if she wanted to have breakfast with me. I know I’ve been freezing her out. I figured I’d try to be more pleasant with it being Christmas Eve.
What I wasn’t expecting was the sounds coming from inside her room. The sexy erotic sounds that have me swollen inside my jeans. Then, I heard her calling my name.
Fuck, I sure as hell wasn’t expecting her to open the door in nothing but a robe. I can smell her. I lick my lips with the thought, as I stare at her pebbled nipples.
“You called?” I rasp, watching her swallow hard, as her chest heaves.
My eyes lift back to hers. They’re wide with what seems to be surprise or shock. Her pupils are completely blown. It’s that desire I was sure I saw on her face that night I bid for her. The moment I’d been confident that she wanted me, as much as I want her.
But what happened once she got off the stage? What changed? Something had changed and it wasn’t a fucking feminine issue.
“I…I, um, I was talking on the phone,” she says breathlessly.
I press my lips and grit my teeth. She’s lying to me again. I’ll tolerate a lot, but I will not tolerate being lied to.
I step into her space, bumping the door open a little further with my shoulder. I dip my head so we’re eye to eye. Talina’s hand reaches out, resting on my chest. It’s not a restraining motion. It seems to be more of a gesture to help her stay up right.
“We’re going to stop with the lies, Talina. I don’t like being lied to,” I say tightly.
Her brows draw in. “I don’t lie to you. When have I lied to you?”
“Other than a moment ago. You lied to me at the gala,” I reply.
Her eyes search mine, then a look of realization and embarrassment enters her eyes. I’m thrown when she places her forehead on my chest. I feel her body shake, and at first, I think I’ve made her cry.
My arms go around her on instinct, but that’s when I hear her laughter. I reach to pinch her chin between my fingers and lift her face to my view. Tears are spilling down her cheeks, but there’s mirth in her eyes.
“Please tell me that’s not the reason you’ve been so cold to me,” she laughs.
“I don’t find it funny. I have a serious problem with being lied to,” I say more roughly than I mean to.
She barks out more laughter. I hate the way my chest squeezes at the sound. Her face glows with the laughter that’s now shaking her soft body against mine.
“Oh, God, Nelson. You have no idea how terrible that night was for me,” I stiffen at her words. “I had a reaction to something I ate. Detra confirmed that the appetizers were indeed seafood.”
I feel the blood drain from my face. “You’re allergic to seafood,” I breathe out. Talina throws her head back with more laughter. I watch her, as my mind travels back to that night to confirm her words. “Wait, how do you know that,” she tilts her head at me.
“I offered you some of my curry shrimp. You told me you couldn’t stomach seafood. You react to it as if you have food poisoning,” I remember the conversation aloud.
“I was embarrassed. I just wanted to go home,” she says sheepishly.
I nod. Now understanding that night a little better. I stare into her eyes thinking. So much wasted time over a misunderstanding.
It isn’t until Talina releases a soft moan, that I realize that I’ve allowed my hands to roam down to her plump ass. Her breasts press into my chest, and I harden even more against her belly.
Her arms are now wrapped around my waist. I flex my fingers, drawing her into my body. Her eyes tell me of her desire for me.
“Nelson, can I ask you something?” she says softly.
“Yes,” I rumble.
“Why did you bid three million dollars for me?”
“Because I want you for myself. I wasn’t going to allow anyone to bid for what’s mine,” I answer without thinking.
Talina licks her lips and nods her head. “Interesting,” she replies, as her arms reach up to wrap around my neck. Her fingers go into my hair, tugging me down towards her.
My heart starts to pound in my chest. My eyes zone in on her full lips as they come closer and closer. I feel the heat that rushes my body the moment her pillow soft lips press to mine.
Something in me snaps. I lift my hands to cup her face and hold her to me, as I devour her face. I kiss her deeply, surveying her mouth for every detail and surface. She tastes of mint and chocolate.
The chocolates I had Ms. Cork place in her room. It’s a rich and decadent flavor. I groan as her scent fills my head, a combination of her essence and something citrusy. I move my hands back to her ass, lifting her onto my waist.
Her legs lock around me like she’d been waiting to do so for a lifetime. Clinging tightly to me. I can feel the heat from her core scorching my abs.
I move into the bedroom swiftly, not wanting my staff to see us in the hallway. I use my bare foot to close the door behind us. We don’t break the kiss, as I make my way to the bed.
I place Talina on the bed, moving over her. I press into her lightly, letting her feel me. When I finally broke the kiss, I lift to look down at her.
My hands move to part the fabric of her silk robe, I reach to run the backs of my fingers against her breast. Her skin feels just as soft as the robe. I watch her flesh goose bump beneath my touch.
“So fucking gorgeous,” I murmur. “I’ve dreamt of a million ways to fuck you. I want to hear my name come from your lips again, but this time I want to be the direct reason for your pleasure.”
“Nelson, please,” she whimpers, when I pinch her nipple.
“I like begging, Baby,” I respond.
“Please,” she breathes.
“Good girl,” I purr and dip my head.
Her sweetness bursts in my mouth, as I suck her tight bud into my mouth. I knead the mound that I’m worshiping with my mouth, dragging a divine sound from her lips.
“Nelson,” she gasps. It’s music to my ears. If I’m dreaming I don’t ever want to wake.
~B~
Talina
Can you have a heart attack by orgasm? I swear, it feels like he is going to suck my heart from my chest through my breast. I know I’m wetting the front of his jeans as I rock my hips against him.
I’m so wet. I need more, but I’m afraid to ask him to change routes. I don’t want to lose this feeling. I’m so close, my head is buzzing on overload. His strong hand grasps my waist, pinning me to the bed.
It’s just the right amount of pressure, not too rough, but not gentle at all. Nelson’s touch is possessive, as if meant to demonstrate his intention to own this body. Oh, and damn, is he owning my body with only a simple touch and his mouth.
I see stars as he presses his hips into me a little harder, and sucks just a bit stronger. I throw my head back, buck into him, and cry out. I’m keening so loudly I barely hear the sound of my phone ringing on the nightstand.
I ignore it, while I bask in the feel of Nelson’s hands on my body. He drags his lips to my other breast and begins the same assault all over again. I’m all for it. In fact, he could start it a little lower, or skip that all together and get naked.
Unfortunately, my bliss is broken when my phone rings again. My head clears a bit, as my sister comes to mind. It’s around three in the morning back home.
I groan, pushing up on my elbows. “Wait, that could be my sister,” I breath out.
Nelson groans, placing his head against the center of my chest. I reach over for my phone. Panic fills my chest, when I see it is indeed my sister calling. I pick up quickly.
“Mya, is everything okay,” I rush out.
“Oh, my God, Oh, my God, oh, my God,” Mya rushes into the phone.
“Mya, what is it? What’s wrong,” I call back.
“It’s three in the freaking morning. How was I supposed to know he was bringing his family back to the house?” Mya moans into the phone.
“Mya, what’s going on?”
“I’ll never be able to look them in the face ever again. Jin said they were going to a hotel. I…I…shit, Talina. What am I going to do?” My sister panics.
“First, you need to calm down. Then, I need you to tell me what the heck is going on,” I say firmly.
“Jin’s parents missed their original flight. He went to pick them up after they caught a red eye. They were supposed to be staying at a hotel. I had planned all of this before they missed the flight. I didn’t know,” Mya nearly sobs.
“Didn’t know what? Planned what?” I say, getting frustrated with my sister.
“I didn’t know they would be coming here. I thought Jin was just going to drop them at the hotel and come back home,” Mya explains, as if I’m dense.
“Okay, well, what the hell happened that has you freaking out,” I snap at her.
“I had planned to give Jin his Christmas present when he returned,” she whimpers.
“O…kay, still lost here,” I sigh.
“I was his Christmas present. I dressed in a pair of red heels, a red thong, and wrapped my damn boobs in a red ribbon. Our house is on gated private property.
“I thought I’d meet him in the driveway, when he pulled up. He was supposed to be the only freaking one in the car,” Mya whines.
“No, Mya…wait, it has to be brick ass there, you went out in the cold like that?” I bite back a laugh.
“I didn’t expect to be out there long and my man was going to warm me up. Oh, God, Talina. That’s not even the worse part,” Mya whines.
I couldn’t see everyone in the car because of the headlights. When Jin turned them off, I freaked the fuck out. I turned and hauled ass for the house, only to find out I locked my dumbass out of the house.
“There I was, ass out, with my boyfriend’s Asian family piled in the car. His mother, father, grandmother, and little brother. Oh, my God, Talina,” Mya cries out.
Sorry, not sorry. I burst into laughter and fall back on the bed. At this point, I’d forgotten all about Nelson, who rolled onto his back beside me.
I peek over at him and he’s watching me closely. I roll my lips in and try to stop laughing. Tears slide from my eyes. If you think crazy shit happens to me, my sister has cornered the market on this stuff.
“Mya, honey, you can’t stay locked in the bathroom forever,” I hear Jin’s voice say gently, through the phone.
“Mya, you’re locked in the bathroom,” I snort.
“You suck,” Mya hisses into the phone. “What am I going to do?”
“Girl, they know your ass is crazy. They also know you’re crazy about that man. Suck it up and get your ass out there.
“Make your guests feel at home and then put it on your man like you planned to,” I chuckle. “It will all blow over in the morning,” I shrug, as if she can see me.
“That’s easy for you to say. Your boyfriends mother doesn’t look at you like the world’s biggest thief,” Mya grumbles.
“You did steal that woman’s son,” I giggle.
“Why did I call you?” Mya sighs.
“Because I’m the best little sister in the world,” I chirp.
“Um, whatever, hey, maybe you should call Malcolm. He called me the other day. He didn’t sound right,” Mya changes the subject.
I can still hear Jin trying to coax her out of the bathroom. I press a hand to my forehead. I don’t for the life of me understand why Malcolm would be calling my sister. I also don’t know why she’s advocating for him. The two have always disliked each other.
I turn to look at Nelson, as the temperature in the room seems to drop. He shifts his body to the edge of the bed and stands. I want to tell him to wait, but I don’t want my sister in my business.
I cover the phone. “Nelson,” I whisper, but he doesn’t respond.
“Mya, I’ll call you later,” I say to my sister.
“Ta, I don’t like you two as a couple, but I just think you should call him. He’s always been your friend. Call him as a friend,” Mya says softly.
“Yeah, I got it,” I sigh, watching Nelson’s back, as he leaves my room.
Back to square one.