“Time to wake up Books.” She roots deeper under the covers when I sit down next to her. Rolling against my thigh from the dip in the mattress. I hold the steaming cup closer to her nose, inciting her caffeine addiction to revive her. Being fucked three times in one night wears my girl out. “You’ve only got an hour.”
“I need coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.”
Sleep wobbles in her voice. Contentedness too. “I’ve got you.”
That assertion makes her smile. So fucking stunning despite her wild hair, bare face, and wrinkled top. Needs to sleep naked like me.
“I know.” She pushes herself up and leans against the leather headboard. Greedy fingers accepting the warm mug and bringing the rim to her swollen lips. A sexy moan after a small sip. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. But, only one. Then the rest have to be de-caf. Just in case.”
Her head tilts in amused disbelief. Once again accusing me of insanity without any words. That’s fine. I’ve been called way fucking worse. From her and everyone else. I give absolutely zero fucks. “Doctor’s orders. Pregnant women are allowed one cup of regular coffee per day.”
“How in the world do you know that?”
“I was studying all day yesterday too.” God, I really am a pussy ass bitch. “I want to do this right.”
Wayward curls bounce from her firm nod while her free hand cups my cheek. Leaning in to kiss me softly while balancing her glass in an awkward hug. “You are adorable.”
Well, that’s something I know for damn sure I’ve never been called before.
“You’re going to make a great father someday too. I have no doubt about that.”
Fucking shit. She guts me with her confirmation. Hopefully she has enough confidence for both of us. “Tucker and I have a meeting this morning, but Sharp and Paxton are going to go with you.”
Her gorgeous grin fades from the reminder of what being with me means. Restraining her freedom and privacy. But I can’t help reality. I refuse to let anything happen to her.
“Okay, Gio.”
Thank fuck she doesn’t argue with me. We’ve got so many other things we disagree about I don’t want my protection of her to be another one. “When you get back we’ll celebrate you being finished. But only a few sips of champagne because–”
“I know. I know. Just in case.” She rolls her gorgeous eyes with feigned irritation but her carefree giggle reveals her true heart. She wants this life as much as I do. “You’re so bossy.”
“Yeah, you didn’t seem to be complaining last night when you were on your knees and elbows.”
I hop up before her smack catches my forearm. Her magnificent smile the last thing I see as I walk backward out of the room.
Tuck stands in the foyer as I jog down the stairs. Greeting me with a self-satisfied smile. Arrogant prick. Well aware of exactly who’s in my bed and why I’m so cheerful. Well, at least for me. “Don’t make me beat that smirk off of your face.”
He coughs a laugh and falls in next to me as I stride past him. “Tilly called. Murch’s already waiting.”
That stupid fucker’s ruining my morning. “What the fuck is his hurry? I said fucking eight.”
His shoulders lift with nonchalance. Knows the guy is a dumb ass too. “Anxious to make the deal. He knows he fucked up and needs your protection.”
That admission boosts my mood again. I love it when I’ve already won and we haven’t even negotiated the conditions yet. I can torture his stupid ass for a bit and then return home to enjoy the rest of the day with Books.
My normal fifty-minute commute drags into more than an hour since we left so late. But I had to see my beautiful girl before I left. Making the best of the time, we review the particulars for Murch, and Tuck updates me on the situation with the breech to my southern-most territory line. Some punk ass thinks I won’t notice when he sends one of his dealers into my least profitable neighborhood. What he fails to realize is that it may be an almost worthless area, but it’s still fucking mine. “Make an example of Nalley. I don’t want anyone else thinking that following in his footsteps will serve them well.”
Tuck nods. All business. Never minds starting off the week with a good ass kicking. “You got it.”
Once we reach my office, Tilly gives me an optimistic smile. Searching behind Tuck and me when we stride inside. Hoping that Books is with us. That she’ll return again. Soon. Always.
I wink at my secretary. Which must only confuse her with the deep dip growing between her eyebrows. I like Tilly and shouldn’t fuck with her. Maybe I’ll bring Chryseis by later to surprise her. Then she can be as happy as we are. Her Christmas gift a few days early along with the week at the spa she’s receiving from me. Well deserved to put up with all my bullshit every day.
Sutton’s digits pop up on my screen, and I motion for Tuck to go ahead and start with Murch. “Gio here.”
“She received another message, and you’re not going to like it boss.”
Normally I would be fucking pissed as hell for him to tell me what I like and don’t like. No one should have the audacity to think they can make that call about my judgment. But I have a bad feeling he’s going to be right. “Fucking send it.”
“On its way.”
My hand shakes harder than my buzzing phone to see Leighton's motherfucking name on the screen shot.
Can we talk? Meet at Starbucks at 10?
I can’t. Getting ready to take my final.
At least she says no. Even if the reason isn’t because of me.
I’ll wait. I really want to see you.
Of course you do you stupid bastard. Because she’s fucking amazing, and you’re a fucking moron. Better figure out fast you’ll never see her again.
Okay, be there as soon as I can.
Okay? She told him fucking okay? This woman must really want this cocksucker dead. My office is a fucking blur as I storm out. Punching Paxton’s number as I race blindly through the corridor.
“Hey boss.”
“Is she still taking her test?”
“Yeah, I think so. I–”
Torture shoots through my jaw from clenching my teeth so tight. This stupid bastard is going to get his ass handed to him once this situation is figured out. “What the fuck do you mean ‘you think so.’? How do you not fucking know?”
“Stupid fucking campus security. We couldn’t go inside with her. Only students taking their finals are admitted. We’re waiting by the door. She hasn’t come out yet.”
“I’m on my way. Don’t take her anywhere until I get there.”
“Yes sir.”
Somehow I manage to exit the parking lot without killing anyone or breaking any laws. Well not too many of them. Chryseis would be pissed. Chastising me for being so reckless. Just like she is now. What in the actual fuck? Why did she say yes?
I’ve never been insecure. Ever. Fucking incredible how this tiny woman controls me so much. Making me immature. Jealous. Unsure. I just cannot understand how she can tell him yes after telling me the same damn thing. She’s not a cheater. So why the fuck did she agree?
My guys are on full alert as I race up the circular drive to the three-story limestone building and slam on the brakes in the no-parking zone. Another infraction I don’t give a damn about. All I fucking care about is finding her and stopping her. “Where the fuck is she?”
Sharp points to the building like a fucking moron. “She still hasn’t come out.”
Other students wander down the steps. A few glued to their phones. Most talking and laughing, seemingly celebrating with relief that school’s done for the semester and the party has started. But none of them are Books.
“Track her fucking phone.”
I do not pay them over two hundred grand a year to have to fucking tell them how to do their god damn fucking jobs.
This time Paxton responds and jerks out his cell. Tapping furiously on the screen like the scared motherfucker he should be. “1385 Haynes Lane. About two blocks north.”
She is not here. Chryseis is not fucking here, and these two motherfuckers had no idea. If we weren’t in the middle of campus, I’d fucking kill their stupid asses right now. Tucker can take care of them later. Right now I have only one mission.
Fuck battling traffic. I run. Like I’m on fucking fire. Which I am. Garnering more attention than I like. I’m sure I look like a fucking crazy bastard hauling ass in a five thousand dollar suit and cashmere coat. But I cannot wait a second more to find her. Better not be fucking them.
I slow when I reach the road. Scanning the black shingled signs advertising the street numbers of the specialty shops lining the cobblestone street that Books loves. Gourmet cupcake bakery, art studio, and hair salon. I catch sight of her through the huge window.
She’s getting her fucking hair cut.
An orange cape with silver and gold swirls covers her body while she smiles up at an older woman running her fingers through Chryseis's long, wavy stands.
All of the rage bottled up in my chest melts to a slow burn. I slam open the white and black checked door matching the 1920’s checker board floor with accents of red popping throughout the retro space. My girl’s huge eyes meet mine. Surprise shooting to fear from the fury that must be straining my face as much as my cheek hurts from the muscles ticking. “Everyone out.”
Boisterous chattering and hair washing and highlight color selecting all cease from my order. The lady behind Books twists around to face me head on. Recognition lifting her eyebrows and parting her lips. A trembling hand sweeps across the busy salon. “Mr. Trivoli, please. We’re in the middle of–“
It takes everything I have to keep my voice level. Barely able to keep calm. Not when I found her. Safe and sound. And, not with that motherfucker. “I don’t give a fuck. Everyone out.”
Her terse nod commands the attention of the other stylists and customers. Grabbing purses and towels and palettes before scurrying into the back storage room. I'm silent until the door slides shut.
She shrinks back into the seat when I stride toward her. Grasping the arms of her chair. Trapping her in place under the heavy fabric circling her neck. Only her suede boots tapping against the metal foot rest are visible. "Why in the fuck aren't you with your bodyguards?"
“Security…” She swallows hard. The little pulse in her delicate throat races under her smooth ivory skin. “Security wouldn’t let them in. I-I came out and didn't see them. I thought they left. So I just went ahead–”
“I didn’t have eyes on you for almost two fucking hours. Do you know what the fuck went through my head when I didn't know where you were?”
Her head slowly shakes. Plump lips open but close again just as quickly.
“I thought you were fucking that bastard.”
A frown lines her forehead as anger replaces the anxiety in her expression. “I would never do that.”
“That's right.” I release her from the prison I created and stand up to my full height, grasping my belt buckle. “Because you’re only going to fuck me.”
She jerks up too. Panic convulsing through her petite body as she fumbles to rip off her cape. Quivering fingers grab my forearm, shaking my sleeve with her hysteria. “Not here Gio. Please.”
Fuck if I don't love the sound of her begging. Only better when she's naked and we're alone. But she doesn't need to know that. “You ran Books, and you know the punishment.”
Desire flames in her eyes and she nods. Licking her sweet pink lips. “Yes, but I...”
I step closer and slide my hand behind her head. Fisting her hair around my fingers and yanking down hard to force her head up to meet mine. Our faces only inches apart as I hulk over her. "You don't want all these women to hear you scream my name while I've got my rock hard cock buried deep inside your dripping pussy?"
Shuddering hard enough her body brushes mine. Nipples so hard I can feel them through my jacket. "No."
"You don't want them to listen to the glorious sounds you make when I work your beautiful clit and you come all over my fingers?"
She pants against my mouth. I swear I can feel her pounding heart from here. "N-no."
"Then what do you want?"
"Just you and me."
“You and me what?”
“Fucking.”
Even with the embarrassment seeping through her whisper, her eyes lock with mine. No blinking or flinching or misgiving. God fucking damn. She is the hottest fucking woman I've ever seen. “You've got one hour. Then I’ll see you at home.”
I emphasize the last word, and she shivers again. My lips brush her warm cheek and I let her loose. Confirming she's stable on her feet before I untangle from her curls. “I love you Chryseis.”
I slide out my wallet and rifle through the contents, holding up my black card. Nodding to the owner who thinks I don’t realize she snuck in. “Anything she wants. Double it for your tip.”
“Y-yes, sir, Mr. Trivoli. Thank you sir.”
I don't say a word when I step outside of Joy's shop. Sharp and Paxton look even more apprehensive than her after standing outside in the cold for the past forty-five minutes. Awkward encounters with other customers eyeing them with suspicion as they enter the salon. Curious to know which celebrity's in the shop. Only to find me. I'd forgotten how intrusive the bodyguards can be. Even worse I'd forgotten how I'm not supposed to go anywhere without them.
My mind occupied with my final. And Gio, who’s more and more chiseling away at my supposition that we’re nothing more than a fleeting dalliance. Easily dissolved once again if he gets spooked. And revolving guilt from Leighton's message. From defying rational logic and choosing a fragile commitment from the man I love rather than the man I should be grateful to settle down with. Leighton's sweet and stable and steady. All the qualities a woman wants in a man. Unfortunately, he’s just not who I love. I can't be unfair. Even if Gio never came back into my life, Leighton would always be second and he deserves better.
Smiling and offering my thanks to Sharp opening my door garners only a curt head bob, so I scramble quickly into the back seat. Needing to be as unobtrusive as possible. I slide out my phone and tap Leighton’s name. I'm sorry I can't meet you. I just wanted to make sure you please tell your mom thank you and I appreciate the invitation. It was very sweet of her to include me for Christmas.
Well, at least I can be polite and have good manners with Patti despite the ruined relationship with her son. She's a kind woman who always made me feel welcome in her home. Although I could tell she wants Leighton and me to be much more than good friends. Dropping not so subtle hints about being eager to have a daughter-in-law and that she would just love to be a young grandmother. Definitely more impatient than even Leighton for me to chose him. My cell vibrates with his response.
She still wants you to come. So do I.
He may have changed his mind but so have I. To follow what my heart already knows. Thank you. But I don't think it's a good idea. Things are best the way they are.
I don't think that anymore. I want to be with you.
Shame swirls in my stomach from his earnestness. We can still be friends.
I can't believe you said that. We can't be that lame. ;) ;) ;)
A giggle bubbles in my throat from the sad accuracy of his comment. The cliché is lame but true. I'm serious. We can be friends. I care about you and want you to be happy.
I'm happy with you.
I force myself not to type ‘I’m happy with Gio.’ The comment would be cruel and only instigate more of an argument since I know how he feels about Gio. Just like he knows how I feel about Gio after he’s waited so long for me to get over him. I’m sorry. I don’t mean to hurt you.
Make it up to me by meeting with me. Please?
I hate that I’m so terrible at this. Not normally such an indecisive personality. I’m purposeful when I have to make decisions for work and school and life. But with men, these two men, I’m too ambivalent. For better or worse, I’ve made up my mind with Gio. I need to convey the same conviction with Leighton so he accepts my decision. No, I
My words disappear as the screen fades to black. I tap furiously with no response. Completely dead and won’t turn back on. I stare at the phone dumbly as if that will make the power restore. Strange how the battery died without any warning.
“We’re here Miss Anderson.”
“Thank you.”
After shoving my cell into my bag, I hop out almost as quickly as I climbed in. Butterflies soar in my tummy. A goofball smile stares back at me in the elevator. Unable to hide my giddiness. I’m home, and Gio’s waiting for me.
I shoot through the doors as soon as they part and race toward the stairs. Not because I’m scared. But because I’m not. Not anymore. I understand the panic he felt. For him to think I was cheating on him after I experienced the same fear over him and those two girls. So deliriously happy we were both wrong.
“Books?”
Goosebumps raise on my flushed skin, and I spin around from his husky voice. I didn’t think it was possible to be any more eager for him but I was so utterly wrong.
He’s gorgeous. Barefoot in his crisp jeans, with a smirk on his face and a tumbler of whiskey in his hand. I fight every urge to trail my fingers down his smooth skin peeking through his open dress shirt to his already unbuckled belt. Ready for the clothes and the leather and the drink to be gone. Ready for him to be with me. “I’m sorry.”
“I know.”
Her heels clicking across the marble in the foyer is hotter than fuck. Hurrying because she wants to fuck me. As much as I want to fuck her. “Turn around and grab the rails, Books.”
The strap of her bag slips out of her hand and the tote drops to the floor. Both of us ignoring her brush and lipstick tumbling out. The only sound echoing across the stone floor except for the squeak of her heel as she twists to face the stairway. My gorgeous obedient girl. Delicate fingers curve around the spindles before she looks back at me in anticipation. Watching as I set down my glass and slowly walk toward her. Taking in her succulent behind wiggling with eagerness.
“Do I need a safe word?”
She thinks she’s funny. Teasing me when I’m barely hanging on. I sheath her back and cup her throat, tilting her head back to give me complete access to her small ear. “No, because you’re never escaping my punishment regardless of what you say.”
I slide my other hand up her quivering thigh and welcome her shudder when I breach the waistband of her tiny panties. I like my fingers buried in her luscious pussy when I swat her ass. Just to make sure I don’t get too carried away with her petite form. And relish the feeling when she comes all over my hand.
Fuck me if I don’t brush against a chain around her waist. I’m so fucking hard I can’t think straight. I tug on the metal. “What the fuck is this?”
“A belly necklace.” My cock twitches from her breathless whisper. “I bought it with your card. You said anything I want. And what I want is to make you happy.”
Fuck this spanking game. I spin her around and tug up the white hem of her dress. Yanking the heavy black fabric over her head. Leaving her only in lingerie, thigh high boots, and my gift. God. Fucking. Damn. She’s absolutely stunning.
“Fuck angel you look like a–“
“Whore?”
A shy smile I fucking love curls across her flushed face. Fuck me hard. I grab her hips and tug her closer, brushing my lips against her shoulder. “I was going to say goddess, but I like you being my naughty little whore. You’re fucking incredible.”
Her body arches from my praise. “Only for you Giovanni.”
“Fuck yes Books. Only for me.”
I drop down to my knees and shove her thighs apart, biting the drenched sliver of silk covering her pussy. Jesus she’s beautiful. Her gorgeous laugh bounces off the marble when I rip away her panties. Unwilling to wait for her to slide them off. Because I need to fuck her. Right now. In those boots. With nothing but her present between us.
Cupping her ass cheeks, I lift her higher up the wall. Her heaven level with my mouth. The only thing holding her up is me. The only thing she needs is me. The only man she fucking knows is me. With the first lick, her fingers drive through my hair. Nails scrapping my scalp. Moans burning my ears. Honey coating my tongue.
Mine.
I growl against her clit. How I ever thought I could live without her – without this – I have no fucking clue. But neither of us will ever know that feeling again.
No matter how much I fucking love her riding my face, I need her. Somehow I manage to get to my feet still holding her without falling on my ass. Her gaze meets mine while I suck her arousal off my bottom lip. Pinning her against the staircase while her hands furiously battle with my zipper. This time I involuntarily arch toward her, anticipating her delicate fingers dipping into my boxer briefs and releasing my engorged cock.
Almost coming in her hand when I’m free and she guides me to her. With one long push, I’m inside her. Welcoming her gasp when I’m seated as far as I can go. Her small body accepting all she can while her pussy walls milk me trying to suck me in deeper.
Over and over, I pull out and slide back in. Both of us watching. The only cock she’ll ever know gliding between her soft, drenched lips. “That’s us angel. Just like you wanted. Me and you fucking.”
“Yes.”
Emotion breaks her voice. Knowing how much this means to both of us. All the doubt finally gone. “That’s me inside you. My dick and your sweet pussy fucking perfect together.”
Guess she doesn’t want to watch anymore as her hands unclench from my shirt and her slender arms tendril around my neck. Hugging me with her fragile body pressed to mine. Shifting us from fucking to making love. This time happy tears dampen my neck as she snuggles in while I pound into her. Because as much as I need to be gentle I can’t hold back. With her trapped between the railing and my chest, I am a fucking happy bastard.
And I’m getting ready to fucking explode. I need her there too, and twist her clit on my stomach muscle. Back and forth. Again and again. Until her head flies back with her cries. She lets loose and so does my dick. My release screaming unconfined as I convulse, emptying myself deep within her. “Fuck Books.”
I try to keep my fucking knees from buckling while I rock into her. Enjoying her sweet kisses on the side of my throat while I fly.
A soft giggle tickles my blazing skin. “I didn’t even get to take my bra off.”
I swear to fucking god my spent cock twitches from the mention of her magnificent tits. My eyes flick open. Taking in her gorgeous sated expression. Wild temptation challenging me. “And I still owe you a pink ass.”
Her squeal surrounds us as I step around her shit scattered on the floor and carry her up the stairs. Still buried deep in my girl’s pussy where I belong. We really are home.