17. Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Matías Moreno

I t's been over a week since Cattleya gave me the shock of my life. The moment I saw her sitting at the cafe, I knew without even seeing her face it was her. I don't know how to explain it, but the pull she has over me is different. It's like she's the moon and I'm the tide, always moving to her accord. I've been thinking a lot about what she said. If I had known it was her on OfficialCherub, I would have run away from her so fast. At the end of the day, that isn't what either of us wanted or needed. So even though she shocked me, I'm glad we spoke. I've made peace with the fact that I was falling for the same girl. Twice.

This weekend, her team is playing Rosario, and they're local. I got a ticket as close as possible to the Golden Warriors' bench. I want to surprise her; we haven't spoken since I saw her at La Recoleta last week. I want her to know I'm here supporting her.

The teams go out to the pitch, and the stadium erupts in cheers. I stand up and whistle as hard as I can. When she lines up for the anthem and handshakes, she sees me. Her face goes from murderous to a puddle of goo. Oh mi ángel , that's exactly how you make me feel. Once she's in position, and the game is about to start, she looks at me and makes a heart shape with her hands. I mimic her gesture, and she chuckles. I can't wait for the game to be over so I can finally hold her in my arms.

It was a good and hard-fought game, but the Warriors won one-nil. Once the game is over, I head toward the family area to wait for her; I know I'm not on the list, but I can wait there until she's ready to go.

"Hey," she says as she comes to the rope that divides the family area from the locker room.

" Hola, mi ángel ," I say with a small smile forming on my lips. Though she has shown me time and time again that there's no need for me to be nervous, I am.

" Mi ángel? " she asks, mischief in her gaze.

"Yes, that's how I've called you in my head since the first time I saw you." I shrug, feeling more comfortable as time goes by.

"So I take it you made peace with everything that went down last week?" she asks, eyes wide, expectant of my answer.

"Definitely. I'd be a fool if I didn't take this chance life decided to give me to right my wrongs. "

She gives me a blinding smile, and I can tell she wants to hug me but refrains. "Can you wait for me? I need to change, and then I'm going to the presser."

"I'm not going anywhere," I say, meaning every single word.

"Actually, we're about to close this area so you'll have to move," the security guy says in a flat tone, and I sigh in frustration.

"It's okay, bae. You can wait for me in the parking lot."

I raise an eyebrow. "Bae?"

She grins at me. "Yeah, you're here. You came for me, that means you're my bae."

I shake my head, amused by her logic, even though she's not wrong. She nods her head at me and disappears into the locker room. I make my way to the parking lot to wait for her, but not without staring down the security dude. I bet he's jealous. I know I would be—my girl is fucking fire.

"Damn, who's that man, and where can I get one?" I hear the girl who's walking with Cattleya say, and I can't help the laugh that escapes me.

I try to cover it with a cough, but when Cattleya looks up and notices me, she starts walking fast toward me.

The girl shouts, "No way. He's here for you?"

A huge smile appears on my face, and when she's in close distance, she shouts, "Yeah. I'll see you Tuesday."

I straighten up from leaning against my bike. Although Cattleya is a tall woman, I still tower over her.

" Hola, mi ángel. (Hi, my angel.)" I greet her as her hands go over my shoulders—she's feeling me out, and I'm not one bit mad about it. I can't wait to get her naked and see her glorious body on full display for me.

"Hey, bae," she says, and I chuckle. I guess it'll take me a hot minute to get used to the nickname.

"So, I did my thinking, and I'm ready to talk things through and ask you to date me."

She jumps, wrapping her legs around me, and I immediately grab her ass. Fuck, I've never been an ass man, but this woman's ass has been sculpted by the gods. The cat calls from her teammates are the perfect soundtrack for the kiss between Cattleya and me. It's borderline obscene; a battle of tongues and teeth; it isn't romantic at all, but it's very us. I need this woman like I need the air I breathe. I need to get lost in her, stat.

"Fuck, mi ángel . Thank you for giving me a chance," peck, "For not forgetting about me, when I deserved it," peck, "For chatting with me even though I didn't know it was you," peck, "Because our story might have a rocky start with a long batch in between, but now that we're here, together, I'm going to give it my all." Peck.

She pulls my hair behind my neck, and I hiss. "I'm so damn happy you came, Mati. But if you don't get me naked in the next ten minutes, I'm going to explode."

A deep laugh escapes me, and she joins me—any anxiety I might have had about how this was going to go completely vanishes at her words. I should have known she's been waiting for this as much as I have.

"I might explode as well," I tell her as I put her back on the ground and give her another peck on the lips.

"Okay, good to hear we're on the same page. Do you mind if we go to my place? I don't want to leave Tinta alone tonight," she asks me with those beautiful amber eyes shining bright at me. As if I could deny her anything.

"That's right. We have to go take care of Furball. Here, why don't you plug your address into my phone?" I smile as I pass my phone to her, put on my helmet, and then grab the helmet I bought for her and put it on her head—she lets me adjust it until it's a snug fit.

"Hop on, babe," I say once I'm situated on the bike, and offer her my hand in support.

"Babe?" she asks me once she's sitting flush against me, wrapping her arms around my middle.

"Yeah, well you're my angel, and I think with a name as beautiful as Cattleya, you don't need a nickname. I just felt like calling you babe. Was it wrong?"

She hugs me harder as she says, "No, I like it. And I love that you love my name. Did you know you're the only person who calls me by my name, and it doesn't make me flinch at the sound?" Her admission makes my heart soar.

This beautiful, strong woman feels comfortable enough with me to appreciate when I call her Cattleya. My queen of orchids. I'm lost in thought when I feel her hands releasing my middle and going to my nether parts. I can't help the moan that escapes my lips as my dick jerks at the sudden attention.

"Careful, mi ángel . We don't need an accident, and we're almost at your place." She heaves a frustrated breath, and I chuckle.

Once we arrive at her place, I park in her garage, and after a quick elevator ride—where all I want to do is taste her, but I refrain just in case there are security cameras—I turn her around and pin her against the door. I've been with other women in these four years we've been apart, but no one has ever revved me up the way she does.

"Tell me, mi ángel . Are you going to be a good girl tonight?" Cattleya simply nods at me, probably just as overwhelmed by this moment as I am. I'm about to get lost in my girl when I feel something around my ankle. When I look down, Tinta is rubbing against my boots. Cattleya immediately removes herself from my hold and leans down to pick him up.

"Aww baby, hi. How was your day?" She coos at him, and I heave a deep breath to calm my dick down. The action will have to wait until we've taken care of this furball.

"Can I fix his food?" I ask, and Cattleya looks at me with a sweet smile.

"Thanks, bae, but it'd be faster if I fix it while you hold him." I nod at her while I open my palms, and Tinta jumps from her embrace to me. He's the softest kitty I've ever met. And with those bright, sweet eyes and the gorgeous swirl of black and orange fur, it's the cutest cat I've ever seen.

"I see you two are bonding well. That's good, Tinta, because Mati will become a regular at our place." Her words don't surprise me. Now that we're together, I want to spend as much time as possible with her. Letting Tinta eat, I make my way to where Cattleya is standing. The soft light from the kitchen gives her an ethereal glow; she's standing tall, chest puffed out. The curves of her breasts are perfectly highlighted by her shirt. Like the fucking warrior she is, ready for battle.

"Where were we?" she asks in almost a whisper. As soon as I'm within reach, I notice her eyes are like two goblets of fire.

"We were saying that you were going to be a good girl for me." I remind her as I nip at her lower lip. She moans as her posture relaxes and her body molds to mine. "Fuck, Cattleya, if you knew the amount of times I've jerked off to the memory of us by the beach. Your gorgeous tanned skin, kissed by the moonlight, this ass that drives me fucking wild," I say as I squeeze her perfect glutes, hard.

"Funny you say that because I named my vibrator after you." I raise my eyebrows in question, and she says, "Magic Mati." I chuckle at her nickname, but when I feel her squirming and look down, I see she's trying to rub her thighs together. I press her closer to me, so she can feel all that's waiting for her if she's patient enough.

"You feel that, mi ángel ?"

Cattleya gives me a wicked smile. "Yeah, bae. I can't wait," she says, and I tsk.

"Nuh, uh. Patience, babe. Patience." She releases a frustrated sigh, and I chuckle. "I've been fantasizing about you, about us for four years. I'm going to take my damn time now that we're finally together. We have to make up for the lost time. I need to taste you, tease you, get lost in you, before you can come, Cattleya Milena Cardona." I whisper her full name in her ear as I lick the back of her neck, her scent is a mix of flowers and frutilla (strawberries)... and mine. I place my hands under her shirt and very slowly lift it up, throwing it to the ground. She tries to follow my lead, but when she reaches for my jacket, I gently spank her hands.

"You need to be a good girl and wait for your turn if you want to come at all tonight, babe." She harrumps, and I can't help the laugh that forms in my throat. She smacks my chest, and I grab her hand. I press a trail of kisses all over it, effectively calming her down. "Let me enjoy you, please. I promise you it'll be worth it." She simply nods at me, and I continue exploring her body with my lips: up her toned arm and strong shoulder to her neck, where I linger, nibbling at her erratic pulse. Fuck, it drives me crazy to know she's as aroused as I am about being together after four years. When I make my way down to her breasts, I take a pause, reverently admiring them, and very slowly—very gently— I remove her bra.

I heave a sigh. "You're perfection, my queen of orchids." She chuckles, but the moment I take one of her nipples in my mouth, the chuckle turns into a moan, and my dick jerks inside my pants. Her knees go weak, and I hold her bridal style before she can fall.

"Where are my manners? I'm sorry, mi ángel . You must be exhausted from the game. Let me take care of you." I place her on the couch. She smirks and spreads her legs for me.

"Thank you, kind sir. I almost fainted back there. The hottest man I've seen in my life was teasing me mercilessly."

I shake my head at her antics and, removing my jacket, I kneel in front of her and take off her shoes and sweatpants. Her legs are so long and packed with muscle. I've never seen anything more attractive in my life. No wait, I'm lying. Her ass. Her ass is perfect, too.

I run my hands up her legs and make my way back to her chest. Her nipples are two tight peaks that I can't wait to play with. This woman is my playground, and I can only pray in thanks to whoever is up there watching over me for giving me one more shot with my angel.

I take one nipple in my mouth and suck as hard as I can, her hissing only makes me want to do it more. After a couple more times, I exhale gently on top of the wet nipple, and goosebumps cover her entire breast.

"Mati, I need more. This is torture," she says in a breathy tone, and I can't help but roar inside. She's trusting me with her body and soul .

"Alright, let's see how wet you are for me." Removing her panties, I see her release has them soaked already. I can't help it, I lick them clean. Cattleya lifts herself from the couch and attacks my mouth. I let her taste herself, and I can feel my dick weeping. But I want to enjoy every single second with this woman before I claim her.

"Fucking soaked, mi ángel ." I gently push her back, and she relaxes on the couch. I can't wait to lick that sweet pussy of hers, so that's what I do. I open her lips, admiring how gorgeous her pussy is, and lick from her entrance to her bundle of nerves. She tastes sweet and salty; the perfect combination. Cattleya squirms, trying to grab my hair, but I raise my head to meet her eyes.

"You cannot touch me or yourself until I say so. Understand?"

She nods, but I can tell she's frustrated. My warrior isn't used to being a follower, but I'm glad she's willing to be one here with me. I go back to her pussy, and this time I tease her entrance with my fingers. She doesn't try to touch me anymore, but she moans, and that's all the fuel I need to penetrate her fully. Once I feel her G-spot, I apply pressure, and her breathing increases. I remove my fingers before she can come, and she turns her head, quickly finding my eyes.

"What?" I ask, even though I know what's going on.

"Are you trying to kill me?"

I smirk. "No, I'm simply pleasuring you. Trust me, babe. Edging is hot."

Cattleya relaxes again, and I go back to my sweet torture: taking her to the edge and stopping before she can jump off the proverbial cliff. Once I feel her legs start to shake, I decide to let her come. I combine my fingers and push into her again while I lick and nibble at her clit. Her arousal drips down my chin, and I try to get as much as I can in my mouth; she tastes so fucking good. When the tremble in her legs escalates, it's my cue that she's getting closer and closer.

"Come, mi ángel . Come for me."

And she does. Cattleya roars in ecstasy and fuck, she's so sexy. Once her trembles stop, she gives me a lopsided smile. Her face is the perfect picture of post-fuck bliss.

"Edging is fucking hot." I say while kissing her, and as soon as I'm on top of her, she goes for the zipper of my jeans. "Take me to bed, I want your dick inside me. Now."

I chuckle at her, she's so fucking cute. "Why would we need a bed when I have these legs to support you, and you have those arms to hold on for dear life?" Her eyes light up with heat and curiosity. "Yeah, that's what I thought," I say as I help her get on her feet. I take off my jeans and boxers in one swift move. I'm picking up my jacket to get a condom when a burst of pain makes me jerk up.

"Did you just spank me?" I ask her as she darts off, thinking she can outrun me. I'm hot on her heels, and when I grab her, she laughs. She doesn't even fight me.

"I'm sorry, I've just wanted to do that since the very first time I saw you."

I nibble at the back of her neck. "Well, I'm glad you finally got the chance to do it."

I drop a quick kiss in the same spot and release her so I can put the condom on. When the rubber touches the tip of my dick, I hiss. I need to calm down before I get inside Cattleya if I want to last.

"Is everything okay?" my sweet angel asks, concern evident in her voice.

Giving her a reassuring smile, I tell her, "Yes, I'm okay. Just way too ready to feel you again. "

Her face goes from concern to humor. "Oh well. That's what happens when you make me wait so long."

I bark out a laugh. This woman, she'll never let me win without a fight. And that's one of the things I love about her; how goal-driven she is. "Okay, smartmouth. Come here." After a second, she comes closer to me. I turn her back to my chest, lift her by her ass, and enter her slowly. She's so slick, I'm able to go all the way in, and we both moan at the sensation. She feels so good, so tight. Exactly as I remember.

I need a couple of seconds before I can start moving, otherwise, I'm going to blow my load before we really get started. She puts her hand behind my neck, holding herself in place. I shift my hold from her ass to her thighs, and I finally feel like I can start moving. I pump my hips up and down, and Cattleya's ass smacks my balls every time I thrust up.

"Mati, bae. You're a fucking stud for holding me like this but I want more."

"So vocal, I love that you know what you want." I pick up my pace, and Cattleya moans in appreciation. "You're such a good girl. Taking my cock so well." Another moan escapes her lush lips, and she holds on tighter to me. "That's it, mi ángel . Hold on tight, and take me like the good girl you are."

I open my eyes, and I see our reflection in the full-length mirror she has by her room door. My heart skips a beat at the sight. Cattleya's eyes are closed, lips parted forming a perfect O—a face of pure contentment. Her tits bounce up and down as my dick pushes in and out of her pussy. I slowly move one of my hands from her tit to her clit, and I feel her walls pulsing .

"Let's come together, mi ángel ," I say as I pump into her faster and pinch her bundle of nerves. I come so hard, I see white flashes as Cattleya chants my name over and over again.

"Mati, Mati, Mati."

Once I've filled the condom with my cum, and our breaths have slowed down, I help her get on her feet. She turns around and kisses me. This kiss isn't rushed or hard. She's taking her time exploring, tasting me, and getting lost in me. I love the gentleness of her touch, and the care she takes in her exploration. Like she's memorizing every cove and ridge of my mouth. I lift her from the floor without breaking the kiss and walk us to her bathroom. Placing her on top of the counter, I discard the condom, turn on the faucet, and prepare a bath.

"Thank you for taking such good care of me," she says as I go back to her while we wait for the tub to fill up.

"You're welcome, mi ángel . I'll always be here for you," I say, giving her a peck on her lips before carrying her to the tub. "Why don't you relax here while I go check on Tinta? I'm afraid we might have scarred the little furball."

Her face turns serious. "What happened? Is everything okay?" I ask, needing to know what she is thinking.

Shaking her head, she gives me a smile, but it doesn't reach her eyes.

"Tell me. We need to be honest with each other. Did I say something wrong?" I press. I don't want to start this relationship with secrets between us.

Releasing a deep breath, she looks at me in the eyes. "It's just the moment you said you were leaving, I had a flash to that time in Playa Blanca when I thought we were okay but you never spoke to me again." Her voice is small as she shares with me her fears and, fuck, if I don't feel like an ass for making this strong woman doubt my intentions toward her.

"Cattleya, I know my words don't have much weight, but I promise you that with my actions, I'll show you I won't ever leave you like that again. Ever." I keep my tone even as I try to convey my feelings. I hope she believes me.

"Thank you for saying that. I really needed to hear it." She reaches for my hand, and I lean down to kiss her before going to check on Tinta.

"Don't take too long. I might fall asleep here without you," she muses as she gets comfortable in the bathtub. Nodding my head, I head out of the bathroom and into the living room. Tinta is in the same spot I saw him last, on a chair with a fluffy blanket cocooning him. I make my way to him and cover him with the blanket a little bit more.

I go back to Cattleya. When she sees me, a gorgeous smile spreads on her face, her eyes starting to close. She's a trooper, but I know she must be tired after ninety minutes of running on the pitch, and then keeping up with me; she met me thrust for thrust. She moves forward so I can sit behind her, and I quickly go for her shampoo bottle. When she notices I'm washing her hair, she relaxes and heaves a deep breath.

"Best boyfriend ever," she says, and even though it's not my business, I have to know.

"Have you had many boyfriends in the last four years?" I ask, a mix of curiosity and jealousy invading me at the thought of other assholes spending time with my angel when I was too scared of my own thoughts .

"Oh yeah, lots. About one or two a month," she says with a wink, and I laugh, relief washing over me. "Why? Jealous?" she asks in a teasing tone.

"I know I have no right to be but yeah, I'm jealous of all the men who had a chance with you when I was being a complete idiot."

"Is it okay if I ask why you never tried to reach out? I mean, I can see you felt guilty at Playa Blanca, but it's been four years. You could have reached out and tested the waters. You know?"

Cattleya asks me in earnest, no judgment, just curiosity in her eyes. I think about how to answer this because I want to be honest, but I don't want her to think I'm a weak asshole. Even though that's exactly who I am. I was. "Well, I just never thought I was good enough to get a chance with you. I know it sounds ridiculous, and I should have more self-esteem. After the time we spent together, I should have just shot my shot and reached out, but I let my fear and anxiety take over. Every time you came up in conversation with the boys, I simply tuned out. It was painful to hear about you reaching your goals, and becoming this amazing woman you were meant to be. And I haven't been there by your side. I'm opening my heart to you, mi ángel . I truly hope you don't think less of me for being an idiot who should have reached out to you the moment I got back to Argentina."

Cattleya turns to face me fully and gently cradles my face in her hands. "I'm not going to lie, it upsets me to hear it was your fears and your anxiety that kept you away from me, but at the same time, we all carry our own insecurities and demons. I cannot stay in the past when I have you here next to me right now."

I place my hands on top of hers, relishing her touch, her warmth. "There's nothing I can do to change the past, but I'm working on myself, and I promise you I'll continue to work on better handling my emotions. Thank you for giving me a chance."

She simply smiles at me, and then says, "Even when I tried to go out on dates, I could never get physical with any other men. You utterly and hopelessly ruined me for any other man on this Earth. You're my first and only, Matías. My body only fires up when you're the one touching me. The one commanding me."

I tremble at her words; I'm taken aback by the sincerity in her tone. This woman owns me in every way possible, and I don't think she realizes it yet.

"I never tried to be in a relationship because I knew they weren't you, and even though I had sex with other women, no one has made me feel the way you do," I tell her, hoping she understands me. "They never stood a chance," I say, and she wraps her arms around her middle, using her hands to pull me flush against her since I'm standing behind her. I sigh in relief at her silent acceptance. The past is in the past, and all that matters is right here, right now.

"You know, I wouldn't be mad if you make me come one more time before we go to bed," she says as she places my hands on top of her breasts, and my dick twitches.

"Oh yeah?" I ask against her ear, and she hums her response, opening her legs wide for me. I make her come one more time with my fingers before we rinse off. Once we're done, I make sure to towel her off and carry her to bed.

"Good night, mi ángel ," I say quietly, and she surprises me when she reaches for my cock.

"Good night, bae. One day you'll have to tell me the story behind this Jacob's ladder." I start hardening immediately as she continues to play with my dick .

"I tried to feel with other women what I felt with you that night, but no one ever compared. So I thought that by getting the barbells I could give them a better experience and increase my pleasure as well, but it really didn't work," I tell her honestly, even though I'm panicking that she might think I'm an asshole.

"Oh bae, it's so good to hear you longed for me as much as I longed for you." I breathe a sigh of relief.

"And thank you for getting these on before we got together; they're definitely a game changer," Cattleya says as she guides my cock inside her. I make her come again as I trail kisses all over her neck and shoulders. I'll never tire of treating her like the queen she is. And that's how we fall asleep, connected and at peace.