Madison

Bryce excuses himself and tells me to make myself comfortable. I watch him walk out of the living room and up the stairs. His cell phone is plastered to the side of his head, and the conversation sounds intense. Before he disappears, I hear him sternly tell the person on the other line not tonight. I’m sure it’s work related.

Two wine glasses sit on the counter with a 2012 cabernet sauvignon bottle, so I help myself to a healthy glass. I’m going to need liquid courage to get through tonight because I’m not sure what to expect. Is there something to expect?

I walk around his penthouse and find the view breathtaking. There’s something about downtown Chicago that draws me in. I wish I could live in the city rather than where I am now. Hopefully one day. With my wine glass in hand, I admire the wall art and study some pictures he has. In one, he’s standing with a woman, and they look alike, so I’m assuming it’s his sister. Bryce looks happy.

Carefree.

I like that version of him.

Curiosity is getting the best of me. I take the stairs, one at a time, and when I reach the top, I veer to the right and walk down the hallway. There are more paintings on the wall and decorative pieces. Seriously, this man’s penthouse looks like a museum. I’d better not touch anything or else; knowing how clumsy I am, I’ll end up breaking the expensive pieces. Last time I was here, I didn’t get a chance to look around and get a full tour of his penthouse.

A door is slightly open, and of course, one voice is telling me to walk away and the other voice is telling me to walk in. I choose the latter and carefully open the door.

His bedroom.

I walk in and take in my surroundings. The room is incredible, and my eyes lock on the massive king-size bed. A huge abstract painting gets my attention. It’s breathtakingly beautiful. The use of colors, intertwining with one another, is lovely. By the time I’m done admiring the painting, I’m done with my wine and feel it already. Damn.

The wine hits me like no other. I place the empty wine glass on his dresser, telling myself I’ll be fine with one glass. Tonight I won’t let copious amounts of alcohol speak for me.

I turn back to the bed. It’s lavish with satin linen in deep blue and gray. It’s neatly made with throw pillows on top. I’m sure Bryce doesn’t make his bed every morning. The man seems to have someone on hand at all times. Turning around to leave, I’m frozen in place and staring at Bryce.

“Oh! You scared me. I’m so sorry to be snooping around.” I half laugh and wait for a response. Since one isn’t coming, I tempt myself to move. The space between us is closing, and I can feel my breathing escalate. Before me is the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. This man, who opened up to me a few minutes ago, wants me to give this a chance. And if I’m being honest, I want to do that. I want to forget the hurt of my past and move on. Bryce’s status shouldn’t scare me, and Tiffany’s unwelcome warning shouldn’t push me away. If Bryce said nothing’s going on between the two, then I’m going to believe him. He’s not done anything to make me question his honesty.

“You look good standing in my bedroom. Do you like what you see?” His voice is low and tense. The way his eyes are taking me in causes me to feel drunker. Between my thighs, I feel an ache. An ache I know Bryce can remedy with one touch. One kiss. One … just one.

Bryce closes the space between us, and his lips descend on mine. I wrap my arms around his neck and feel the possessive hold he has around me. His tongue plunges into my mouth, and I moan from the way he’s taking control. I can feel his erection hard against my belly. I give myself over to the kiss ... to him.

He pulls back, leaving my lips craving for more, and the ache for him to fill me nearly explodes. I’m rendered speechless because the vision before me is perfect. I’m drinking in this beautiful man. I watch his hands move from his sides and to the hem of his form-fitting shirt. He’s taking it off. Holy moly, he’s taking off his shirt.

I watch him, mesmerized by the confidence he’s exuding as he’s taking off his shirt. During our first night together, I didn’t get a chance to appreciate this man due to my drunken state. Then when I came over the last time, I didn’t allow myself the opportunity to really look at him. For sure, now, I’m giving myself the chance to ogle him.

This man works out. His body is on point. Zero percent body fat. Washboard abs. A six pack. And … no. No. He has the V. The. V. You know, those sexy as sin lines that form on each side of a man’s hips and run down. The lines are so defined. So mouthwatering. This glorious man exceeds my highest expectations.

“Breathe, Madison.” His low whisper makes my eyes flutter closed. Then his fingers softly run along my bottom lip and an involuntary moan slips from my lips. My lips quiver from his simple touch. I’m panting, aching for more … so much more. I open my eyes to find his piercing gaze directed at me. I can see the rise and fall of his massive chest. It’s not too bulky. It’s perfect … sheer perfection. He’s staring at me through his long lashes, and all I need is for him to make the first move.

“Turn around,” he orders gently.

I do as he says without question. Slowly turning away from him, I open my eyes and clear my mind. I want to do whatever he tells me to do, though my body is tense with anticipation. No amount of internal calming can cool me down and relax my body. All the words I usually say to myself—don’t give in too easily or make him beg for more—dissolve into the air. Bryce’s presence is taking all cognizant thought and replacing it with control. Domination.

“Relax, Madison.” I feel his lips near my ear. His heavy breathing soothes me. I’m not the only one demanding more. Two firm warm hands touch my shoulders and run down my arms. I feel him shaking. Is he nervous like I am?

One hand remains on my wrist and the other hand collects my hair and pulls it to one side to expose my neck. He pulls me back against his chest, and my head hits below his chin. I love how tall he is.

“Bryce,” I whisper, hoping he’ll do something before I explode.

“What do you need, sweet girl?”

My thoughts freeze. The only thing I can focus on is the soon-to-come quivering pleasure I know he’ll give me. “I-I want you to turn me around, so we can kiss again. I want to feel your lips on mine.”

“Are you fully surrendering yourself to me?” The vibrations of his voice propel tingles of shock and lust through my body. This is out of my control. I have no more control over how I’m reacting.

I let out a sigh. “Yes. Yes, I am.”

His hands move to my hips, pulling me back to feel how much he wants me. The pressure between my thighs increases, and I’m soaking it all in. This feels right. So right.

“Let me in. All the way in,” he whispers against my neck. The warmth of his voice makes me shiver with tremendous need and savage craving. Bryce can easily become an addiction. The sweetest kind.

My nod of agreement is subtle. I think I moved my head. Maybe. My voice finds its courage to speak, and I let him know how I’m feeling. “I will let you in. I won’t stop you.”

The sound of my zipper is the only sound in the room. I feel my skirt pool at my feet.

“You’re so beautiful,” he declares, skimming his finger down my back. “Don’t move, sweetheart.” His strong hands come around me, and he slowly unbuttons my blouse and pulls it open, letting it fall off my body to join my skirt on the bedroom floor. “I’ve been waiting for this for so long, and now that I have you, I’m going to cherish your body. Worship you. There’s nothing I want more than to have you in my bed, hold you in my arms after making love to you, and wake up in the morning to see your face. It’ll give me great pleasure to have you by my side. In my life.”

His spoken words are full of conviction, and I don’t need him to say anything more.

“I’m yours, Bryce.” I lean firmly against his chest, and his growing erection presses against me.

In one swoop, I’m in his arms, wrapping my arms around his neck. Our eyes are connected. It’s like he can see into my soul and pull the desire I have for him. I’m completely his. Completely willing to do whatever he wants. The sheer ache is growing, and making me wet with need. The throbbing in my core is screaming for Bryce to act faster.

He lays me down on his bed and stands above me, staring into my eyes and slowly taking me in. The way he’s admiring me isn’t making me feel nervous or unwanted. It’s not bothering me that he’s leading this. He can greedily take what he wants, and I’ll give it to him eagerly. Right now, I’m ready to feel him inside me, feel our bodies mold together.

“You’ve matched your bra and thong.”

I nod. “I did.”

“Mmm. Lace looks good on you. Sexy. Classy. Breathtaking. You should always wear lace underneath your clothes. No one will ever see it. Only me. What you wear is for my eyes only. My lace. My Madison.”

“Yes. Yes, to it all.” I’m breathless and writhing with intense need. This is immensely erotic.

His moves are calculated and slow. I watch him bend down and place his hands on my hips. Without effort, he lifts me up and tugs my thong down with his fingers. A rush of desire unlike anything I’ve ever felt before courses through me. His slow pace is driving me wild.

I want to scream at him.

Make him go faster.

My thong disappears into his pocket, and I’m pretty sure I’ll never see it again.

“I’m keeping these,” he says possessively. “Since I didn’t get a chance to keep the pair from our first night together, I’m going to indulge myself with this one.”

A humiliating squeak leaves my lips. He’s keeping my thong. The wave of desire leaves my body, begging for more.

Bryce’s lips start at my toes. He kisses each one and moves seductively up my leg to my inner thigh, trailing a path of fire with each touch. Pleasure spikes through me, and his eyes never leave mine. I can’t help but push myself to him, imploring for more.

More of this sensation.

More of this pleasure.

My nipples pucker, and my arousal multiplies, causing goose bumps along every inch of my skin. I’m submitting to him, allowing him to control whatever happens between us. The pleasure I know he’ll bring is worth it. The pace of my breathing is through the roof.

I’m panting ...

Shivering with anticipation.

He does the same to my other leg. It’s too much. So much buildup.

“Look at me while I devour your pussy. If you take your eyes off me, then I’ll stop and wait until you can follow simple directions.”

“Okay. I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” I think I would agree to anything right now. He’s driving me wild.

This makes him smirk, and I love it. “Good. Very good. And you’re not going to come until I give you permission. I’m going to take my time enjoying you. Punish you for making me wait to taste you again.”

His dirty words are making my head spin. The explosive satisfaction dashes to my core. I’m doing as he says and watching him breathe in my essence. Holy shit. No one has ever done that before.

“You smell delicious. Your pussy is my favorite scent and my favorite taste.” His fingertip swirls around my opening, teasing me, creating a whirlwind of greed and want.

I’m completely rapt by this man, and without thinking, I spread my thighs wider. He brings his lips to my core and sticks out his tongue, licking me, drinking me. I don’t take my eyes off him, and he keeps his on me. No man has ever stared at me with so much passion and need. I’m not even sure if either of us is blinking. The feel of his warm tongue on me forces a loud moan to slip past my lips.

He moves faster, picking up speed. “Bryce.” His name leaves my lips in a throaty whisper. His ministrations are driving me over the edge.

The grip he has on my hips tightens, and I’m pretty sure he’s going to bruise me.

A loud bang gets our attention. I don’t move and watch his eyes go wide with panic. There’s a knock on the door. Bryce whips his attention toward it, and then turns back to me, resting his forehead on mine.

“Fuck,” he mutters and stays in his position. I don’t know what’s going on or why he isn’t moving. “Whatever happens, you need to believe what I tell you. It’s. Only. You. Just. You. And. Me.”

“Bryce?” I hesitate.

“Promise me, Madison,” he begs with a shaking breath. “Promise you won’t leave here without hearing my explanation.” His hold on me intensifies. His brows kink together, and his eyes droop down.

“You’re losing me. I have no idea what’s …”

Then the voice of the one woman I can’t tolerate is heard. “Bryce. What the hell are you doing?”

“Tiffany,” Peter’s voice is low and demanding. “You need to leave. He’s not to be disturbed. I need the key back as well.”

“Take your hand off me, Peter!”

The argument between the two gets loud, and Tiffany’s shrieks hit my ears sharply before it fades away.

My eyes shut, and I turn my head away. My body stills as I’m replaying everything in my head—from our first night together, the chase, the submission, and now. Bryce is a powerful and rich man, but his words, his actions ... there’s no way he lied to me. My anger is raging. Sweat forms on my hands and over my neck. My heart races as it bashes against my chest and leaves me breathless and bursting from the confusion and pleading for answers. My throat compresses, slowing the oxygen flow, and nearly making me faint from being lightheaded. Slowly, I count to five in my head, take in a breath and let it out, forcing myself to control my anger. Reacting without an explanation will only create more issues.

“Bryce!”

I wince at her tone and push him away so I can get up from his bed. He falls on his ass and quickly regains his stance. My clothes are scattered across the bedroom floor, but I don’t move to pick them up and get dressed.

“You promised, Madison,” he pleads, hurrying to me and placing his hands on my cheeks. His gaze is burning his desire for me to listen into me.

“Did you lie to me? Is she your girlfriend, and I’m the plaything?” I softly ask him, afraid of the answer he’ll give me.

“No. Everything I’ve told you is the truth. Tiffany means nothing to me.” He pauses for a beat before continuing, “Baby, you need to believe me. I don’t know why she’s here. I never lied to you. I told you we had a past, and she’s doing everything to ruin what we have. Don’t let her ruin this, Madison. Believe me and trust me.”

“I want to so badly. She’s told me to leave you alone, and you’ll hurt me. I don’t know how much drama I can handle, Bryce.” My hand presses on his bare chest. I’m moving closer to him so our naked bodies touch, sending an electric surge down to my belly. “I’m not going anywhere, but I am leaving.” I lean up on my tippy toes and kiss his addicting lips. “Figure this all out. Cut out the drama, then come find me again.”

He brings up one hand, gripping my jaw, tilting my head to face him. His frown line is clear, and I can see the devastation in his eyes.

“I’ll find you,” he utters, “and once I do, I’m never letting you go.”

Quickly, I dress and kiss his lips again before opening the door and walking out. I lift my chin high and ready myself for battle with Tiffany. As my feet step down from the last step, walking toward the door, she comes around the corner and eyes me. Peter starts to walk toward me. I give him a look to stay back and not interfere.

“I hope you got what you came here for because I promise you this will be the last time you’ll see Bryce. I warned you to stay away.” I look at Tiffany with disdain and narrow my eyes at her for interrupting us and having me leave when I was on the brink of an orgasm.

Freaking bitch.

She’s holding a wine glass and is wearing a form-fitting black dress. Her perfect legs are long as she walks to me. “I am not a woman to cross, Madison. Now go.” She snarls as if it’s going to scare me away.

I smile, stepping closer to her so we’re at eye level and she’ll be able to hear everything I’m about to say. “You’re a crazy bitch. I believe Bryce. Your little game of trying to scare me won’t work, and frankly, it’s sad you have to stoop to this level of bitch. Your obsession with him is laughable. I did enjoy my time with him, and I will continue to enjoy my time with him. There’s nothing you can say or do to run me off.” I put my things down. There’s no way I’m leaving her with him. “You need to go. Bryce never invited you over.”

“Who the hell do you think …?”

“Leave, Tiffany.” Bryce’s booming voice is loud and angry. “Now. Whatever you need can be discussed tomorrow in the office.”

“Bryce, are you serious?”

“Yes.” I feel him stand next to me, placing an arm around my waist. “Leave. Now.”

Tiffany stares at both of us with venom in her eyes before she picks up things and leaves.

“Peter.”

“Sir?” Peter walks over to us and waits for Bryce’s instruction.

“Have the security codes and locks changed. I don’t want her here. Ever.”

“On it.”

When we’re alone, the air is thick, and I want to continue where we left off. The dark lust in his eyes makes my stomach flip flop and heart race.

“Get upstairs and be naked by the time I’m there.”

I rush upstairs, unbuttoning my blouse while taking the stairs. Excitement thrills me. Being with Bryce feels right.